Lakeland grads reconnect to offer a holiday treat
Lakeland truly is a family, and students often form friendships during their time in school that last well beyond graduation. Three Lakeland graduates are using their celebrated Southeast Wisconsin businesses to rekindle their friendship and offer foodies an exquisite Nepali Asian fusion Valentine’s Night dinner and wine pairing.
Maxwell Mansion, based in Lake Geneva, Wis., and the cheel, based in Thiensville, Wis., are collaborating to offer the event at the historic Maxwell Mansion on February 12.
The Maxwell Mansion was recently purchased by Lakeland grads Luke and Monica (Hetzel) Pfeifer ’03 ’06. The cheel is owned by 2007 Lakeland grad Barkha (Limbu) Daily and her husband, Jesse.
Daily and the Pfeifers fondly recall their Lakeland days and have remained connected to their alma mater over the years, often serving in leadership roles. Barkha and Monica attended many courses and social events together as classmates.
As the Pfeifers were in the process of acquiring Maxwell Mansion, a tragic fire destroyed the cheel in Thiensville.
"We were heartbroken when we saw the news of the cheel, and we immediately began to think of how we could help Barkha and her team at the cheel continue to find ways to keep their menus and style alive during this rebuilding time," said Monica Pfeifer. "We couldn't be more excited and honored to be partnering with Barkha and her team at the cheel for this romantic evening."
Barkha Daily said the amount of support the cheel has received has been overwhelming and appreciated.
“When Monica reached out to me about this event, it was nostalgic and invigorating at the same time," Daily said. "I thought what a perfect opportunity to work with this amazing duo I have known since college and showcase the cheel along with celebrating the new ownership for Maxwell Mansion."
The evening will begin with a welcome reception at 6 followed by dinner at 6:30. All dinner guests will receive a complimentary welcome drink. The first two courses will feature a Nepalese-inspired appetizer and salad. The feature of the night and entrée is a New Zealand rack of lamb. The evening wouldn't be complete without dessert, a flourless chili chocolate cake. Each of these mouthwatering courses will be paired with wine provided by Vie de Vin.
To book a reservation, visit maxwellmansion1856.com/valentines. Reservations are extremely limited, and tables are set with couples in mind, allowing distancing between other tables.
The award-winning cheel, a Nepali Asian fusion restaurant, was voted as the TOP 5 Best New Restaurant in Milwaukee. The Dailys plan to rebuild the restaurant after it was razed following the November fire.
The Pfeifers took over the Maxwell Mansion in December. It was established in the summer of 1856 as a summer home for a prominent Chicago surgeon, Dr. Philip Maxwell. Today there are 28 suites total across the original home and adjacent Carriage House and Stables, a ballroom, a Speakeasy and an Apothecary cocktail bar. The property is surrounded by three acres of gardens graced with outdoor fireplaces, a heated saltwater pool and a bocce ball court.
