East Tosa restaurants shine at TETNA dinner event

Dozens of people made it out to TETNA's annual Taste of East Tosa event on Nov. 17 to sample some of the wonderful cuisine available to us in our neighborhood, another reminder that we're lucky to live with such great flavors so close by.This year's feast featured food from a mouth-watering 13 kitchens: Café Blue, Tosa Bowl and Bun, BelAir Cantina, Hue Vietnamese, North Ave. Grill, Harwood Place/Lutheran Home, Tall Guy and a Grill,Red Dot, Cranky Als, Rocket Baby Bakery, Juniper61, Ted's Restaurant and Irie Zulu.Taste of East Tosa was again held at the Wauwatosa Historical Society's Kneeland-Walker House, which had been beautifully decorated for Christmas.. Attendees were able to take a tour of the historical mansion and learn more about its history.We capped the night with a fun TETNA tradition, our board members dessert bakeoff. By vote of attendees, this year's bragging rights went to board newcomer Laura Kirklewski for her Pumkin Bars. We can’t wait for next year to see the great tastes that will be available in our neighborhood.

Thanks to our participating kitchens:

Recipe: Laura’s Pumpkin Bars

4 eggs1 2/3 cups granulated sugar1 cup oil (vegetable)1 15oz can pumpkin2 cups flour2 teaspoons baking powder1 teaspoon baking soda1 teaspoon salt2 teaspoons cinnamonBeat eggs, sugar, oil and pumpkin together.  Add remainder (dry) ingredients.  Mix until thoroughly combined.  Spread batter in a greased 10x13 in baking pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.  Let cool.While bars are cooling, make frosting.1 8oz block of cream cheese, softened1 stick of butter, softened2 cups powdered sugar1 teaspoon vanillaBeat cream cheese and butter together.  Slowly add sugar until well combined.  Add vanilla.  Spread over cooled bars.  Cut and enjoy!