Oven-warm cookies delivered to your door. That’s the munchies dream, dude. (Photo via Facebook)
Insomnia Cookies Is Now Open On Water St.
Late-night bakery chain Insomnia Cookies announced Eau Claire as one of its soon-to-open locations this fall, and after signage went up at the former Erbert & Gerbert’s location on Water St., we’ve awaited the glow of an ‘open’ sign. Well, that sign lit up this past weekend, as Insomnia Cookies officially opened on Jan. 2.
After making it big delivering warm, fresh-made cookies to college kids, Insomnia Cookies’ menu now boasts all kinds of cookie varieties – Fruity Cereal ’N Milk, PB&J, sugar, vegan double chocolate chunk and more – available in 6-, 9- and 12-pack boxes or as singles. Cookie cakes, ice cream and cookie sandwiches are some of the other sweets up for grabs.
The new-to-us bakery biz is open from 11am-1am, Monday-Wednesday; 11am-3am, Thursday-Friday; 12pm-3am on Saturday; 12pm-1am on Sunday. Talk about starting the new year off sweet, eh?
409 Water St., Eau Claire • insomniacookies.com
Oakwood Mall Welcomes Corazon Mexicano To Food Court
Birria tacos. (Photo via Facebook)
I may not have every area business organized alphabetically in my brain, but I do spend an above-average amount of time researching and writing about Chippewa Valley businesses. It doesn’t take a trench coat-wearing, magnifying-glass wielding detective to see quite a few of them have been struggling lately.
I think folks across the whole Chippewa Valley may see that, too, even if they’re not talking about it.
4800 Golf Rd., Eau Claire • Facebook
Italian Restaurant To Open In Lake Wissota Area This Year
Chippewa Falls will be getting its own Italian bistro and restaurant this year thanks to a local family. Josephine’s Pastaria will be a scratch-made, counter-service Italian restaurant with allergy-friendly options, according to its Facebook page.
For all you gluten- and dairy-free eaters, you’re in luck. The eatery plans to offer extensive gluten-free options, including pasta, focaccia bread, sweets like scotcharoos, pizza crust, salads, bruschetta and more. Josephine’s Pastaria will not be using seed oils and plans to offer vegan options as well.
You had me at “Italian,” folks. While an address has not yet been shared, keep an eye on Josephine’s Pastaria online for updates.
Kick-Off Party For “High Shore Shandy” To Be Held At Leinie Lodge
The new brew in a new can style. (Photo via Facebook)
The Leinie Lodge is helping folks escape the wintry weather for at least a few hours at the end of the month for its annual Summer Shandy Party. This year, a new brew will be joining the party: High Shore Shandy.
According to a social media announcement, the new High Shore Shandy brew is a “bigger, bolder, imperial twist on the Shandy you know and love” with an 8% ABV. Expect Leinenkugel’s signature lemonade Shandy flavor paired with a strong malt backbone.
The new brew will hit the shelves in February, so locals will get the first taste of it at the release party on Friday, Jan. 30. Folks are encouraged to bust out their sandals and shades for the Summer Shandy shindig featuring live music, prizes and giveaways.
The $20 entry ticket also accounts for three pints of beer and an entry into prize drawings.
Leinie Lodge (124 E. Elm St., Chippewa Falls)
Ay Wey Tequila Y Café Opens At Former Red Mixer Location
Eau Claire has welcomed its first tequila bar and café, Ay Wey Tequila Y Café, a space inspired by Mexican nightlife. Now open at the former Red Mixer off of Golf Rd., folks can expect tequila and mezcal, bold cocktails, DJs, live music and dancing and more, according to its Facebook page.
Signage officially went up on Dec. 20, a cheeky angel-and-devil-themed logo now adorning the storefront.
It’s not yet clear when the location will be open as a café (I’ve reached out a few times but haven’t heard back yet), though its business plans noted pastries and Mexican-style coffee would be available during daytime hours. A grand opening hasn’t been announced; those who popped by during the holidays will have gotten the first look of the space.
2526 Golf Rd., Eau Claire • Facebook
Dining and Cooking