Raise a... Cocktail or Tea Cup

After 54 years, Ron and Shirley Mae Zeller did the deed, selling Bay View’s At Random to cocktail kingpin John Dye (of Bryant’s and Jazz Estate fame). In early fall, although “knee deep in cleaning and polishing,” Dye stopped to talk imbibing and promised to keep most of the classic tiki and ice cream drinks and operate with “less random” hours. And look for more liquid diversity, like boozy NYC-style egg creams, nondairy “cream” vegan drinks, and classic Manhattans, martinis and old fashioneds that “walk the line between playful and sweet and serious and boozy.” (2501 S. Delaware St., 414-481-8030) “Do you know where the tradition of putting up a Christmas tree comes from?” Laura Sue Mosier asks, injecting doubt in the questionee. Be prepared to learn at High Tea at the

Schuster Mansion, the stately bed-andbreakfast Mosier owns with husband Rick. They offer tea service year-round at this 1891 beauty built for tobacco magnate George J. Schuster. Of the service styles offered, go big with Mollie’s Tea, featuring a tea “buffet”; savories, sweets and scones; and lessons in Xmas lore from the Mosiers. Thurs, Sat and Sun at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Cost: $48 per person. (3209 W. Wells St., 414-342-3210)