Brunch, Bloodies and Black n' Whites!

Up Nort' where Mark is from they have this thing called widows weekend.  It's the opening weekend of hunting season.  All the ladies band together and go out to do their girl things... including going to the Packer game.  I am thrilled to say that I WILL be participating in this years Widow Weekend again!  I'm going to the game with my future mother-in-law and sister-in-law.  BUT! before we can move on to this monumental occasion we need to talk about the best event happening in Milwaukee since beer!  Well maybe not quite that exciting... but it should be great!

Ever wish you took better photos?  Wish no longer!

Art Milwaukee along with INdustri Cafe have partnered to bring you "Brunch, Bloodies and Black n Whites"!  This will be a culinary and artistic journey like none you have experienced before.  Come on down for the BEST BLOODY MARY in town, a beautiful brunch sampling, then photography lessons and a tour through the Historic 5th Ward where we will test out those newly acquired photography skills!  Let's not forget another perk... this event is hosted by yours truly.  I hope to see you there!

Tickets are on sale for $50 dollars which is a steal ; the bloody mary alone has a $13 value!

Back in the Blogosphere! Saffron Yoga

I love yoga.  I love the stretching, the calming atmosphere, and the mental break from real life.  One of the  hard things about maintaining a regular yoga schedule is often the price.  I understand the need to charge fifteen dollars a class, I really do, I just can't personally afford it that often.

Saffron Yoga Center in Milwaukee is the answer to that problem.  Saffron is a pay what you can yoga center located in Bay View above Cafe Centraal on KK.  They ask for a donation of five to fifteen dollars  for their courses.  Their new space which is shared with Community Acupuncture is my type of yoga room.  They have pretty soft lighting, hardwood floors, quiet music, and blankets, mats and blocks to borrow.  I know some yogi's out there prefer their rooms carpeted with zero distractions but I appreciate the aesthetic qualities that Saffron's room brings to my practice.

The classes them selves vary but are taught my talented and compassionate yogis.  If you are on a tight budget and looking to try out yoga I suggest stopping in and checking this place out!

"In wine there is truth"

Back to posting about the Market: One of my favorite date nights is to go to Thief Wine Shop in the Public Market.  I love the noise and energy of everything going on around me.  They have excellent wine choices and a really friendly staff.  I think the bar itself is fantastic.  It's made of multiple different woods and quite spectacular.   One of the really cool things about visiting the wine bar in the market is the ability to order or bring food from other places in the market to enjoy with your wine purchase.  If you are looking for a casual place to grab a glass of wine I highly suggest Thief in the public Market.   Check out their specials and their wine tastings at their site.

Looking for something fun to do in Milwaukee this weekend?  Check out Alverno Presents: Global Union!

Global Union is a two day concert (12-5) in Humbolt Park.  It is completely free and features 6 awesome bands!

"Flowers always make people better, happier and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine to the soul."

One of the unique findings in the Milwaukee Public Market is Locker's Florist.  I have this romanticized idea of men in big cities showing up with flowers once a week because if there is a florist on every corner why wouldn't you?   While I realize this is no where near the norm nor would it be that exciting if you actually DID get flowers every week, flower stands in markets make me smile.  Locker's is great because they have unique bouquets, interesting terrariums and fun modern vases.  They have a wonderful mix for anyone looking for a gift.  I am a huge fan of their European hand-tied bouquets.  On Sundays, stop in for two for one roses!

"To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art."

I am going to do a few days of posting about the Milwaukee Public Market. 

As a whole the Public Market is one of my favorite places to take Milwaukee visitors.  While I realize there are markets like this in other states, as far as Wisconsin goes the Public Markets like this are unique to Milwaukee.

The sunny building located in the third ward is home to a vast selection of unique, high quality prepared foods, artisan and ethnic products, spices, wine, candy, flowers and coffee.  Over the next few days I will feature each of these vendors but today I am focusing on the market as a whole

On the second floor of the market is the "Palm Garden" where you can take you purchases and eat in the warmth from the sunny windows.  Also found on the second floor is a kitchen where the market hosts cooking classes.

The market is the perfect place to stop for a bite, do a little work upstairs with a coffee, go out for a date or to bring out of town guests.

Read for the Record!

Hello Milwaukee!

What are you doing on October 6? How does breaking a world reading record while raising awareness about America’s achievement gap sound?

Join us as we participate in Jumpstart’s Read for the Record® presented in partnership with Pearson Foundation. Its a national campaign that mobilizes adults and children to close the early education achievement gap by setting a reading world record.

This annual campaign allows Americans to demand that all children receive the quality early education they deserve. On October 6, 2011, more than 2 million voices will call for an end to America’s early education achievement gap by readingLlama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney – setting a world record in the process!

We here in Milwaukee know how much this problem affects our youth... lets get out and read for them!

Get involved at www.readfortherecord.org to help Jumpstart close the early education achievement gap:

1. Pledge to Read: Submit your official pledge and help us reach more than 2.1 MILLION children.
2. Spread the Word: Use our simple tools to educate your friends and family about America’s early education achievement gap and invite them to read.

For more information visit www.readfortherecord.org

"Believe it or not, American’s eat 75 acres of pizza a day!"

and I am willing to bet at least an acre of that is Classic Slice in Milwaukee.   While I realize that pizza preferences are very personal, I think it would be hard to find someone who didn't think that Classic Slice pizza would classify as at least "good".  In my book it's FANTASTIC.   Recent yelp reviews have shown that a lot of people agree with me!

I remember the first time I ate a slice.   I kept telling Mark, "Oh my goodness.... this is the best pizza, omg it's so good.  Seriously, wow, this pizza is amazing."  He got a little tired of me after a while and said, "Why don't you write about it."  So my dear boy, here I go, approximately... 6 months later.

Classic Slice Pizza is now conveniently located in TWO Milwaukee neighborhoods, Bay View and North Ave.  As the name suggests they sell pizza by the slice and whole pies.  They also feature vegan pizza for those of you who like to avoid animal products.  My personal favorite is the Satyricon Sausage with features feta, sausage, mushrooms and peppers.

What makes Classic Slice is a success in Milwaukee is the "everyone is welcome, feel at home' vibe it sets off.  I think this might be an important part of their success because in my pizza loving experience I have noticed other by-the-slice places tend to cater to the bar crowd rather than the neighborhood folks.  This is not the case at Classic Slice.

The fact that this is the most authentic New York style pizza it town probably helps a ton too.  It has a sweeter more tomato-y sauce than your average pizza chain and their ingredients always seem to be the freshest of fresh.  The owner wanted you to be able to fold your slice in half, and boy can you ever!

My photographs don't do me justice - they just look like me.

If you are anything like me then you would agree that there is nothing that makes a party more fun than a photobooth. 

Well the ladies of The Living Photo booth have taken this practice to the next step.  Their business is like a blend of those "old time" photo places that dress you up all cheesy and part modern wedding photo booth... but cooler!  The ladies started the company in 2010 with a model that keeps people interacting with each other.  

What really sets this photo booth apart from others I've seen is they bring the props and unique backdrops.  They have a large collections of eye-glasses, mustaches, hats and boas, the usual suspects, but they also have large frames, paint brushes, cameras and other exciting add ons to make the snapshot more unique.  The clincher is that they create a custom backdrop for every event they go to.  For a book swap it is a backdrop that has words on it.  For a watercolor event it's a watercolor backdrop.  They tell people, "Give us a theme and we will bring the backdrop and the costumes." The photos cost $5 for a print copy, but they have digital copies too!

Bottom line, these ladies  and their Living Photo Booth rock.  I highly suggest booking them if you are planning and event.  Even if you aren't, I would "like" them on facebook to see where their next party is so you can join in the fun!

 

Cinderella is proof that a pair of shoes can change your life

This weekend while the 'rents were visiting we went to look for new shoes.  Recently, I have decided that there are two types of shoes I buy, the cheap shoe for when I know I will only wear them a few times and the expensive shoe for when I know I will wear them all the time and I want my feet to feel "happy".   Shoo, in the Third Ward falls into a shop for the later of the two.

What I like about Shoo is that outside of selling TOM's everything they sell is extremely unique.  You can count on few people having the same shoes as you if you purchase from Shoo.  Secondly, even though their shoes are incredibly trendy they are also very comfy.  Being a person with wide feet I find this store to be a miracle because I can NEVER find cute feminine shoes that also feel good.  Finally, I'll be honest, I bought into the TOM's trend.  I got a pair and I was thankful that a store in Milwaukee had many colors!  

Bottom line, if you are looking for well made, comfortable shoes in a sunny little boutique, head to Shoo. While you are there it doesn't hurt to check out their cute purses/bags and jewelry too!

Back to the real life!

Over the last three weeks I have been pretty non-existent in the blogosphere and there is a reason... or maybe I should say an excuse.  In the last month, along with working, I babysat my beautiful one year old godchild for four days, and I refinished my entire dining room and during that time, I will be honest, I didn't experience enough of Milwaukee to tell you about it!

I put the tutu on... couldn't help it!

I am so thankful for the wonderful five days I got to spend with my goddaughter who is an energetic one year old full of life and curiosity!  Watching a child discovering new things is so entertaining; I love watching how her brain is working at this age.  During the time I was with her she was making great strides towards walking starting out walking between her parents and I and moving up to scurrying from one piece of furniture to the next.   This is an important time for me to make sure she knows who I am and recognizes me when I come back.  I hope that is true, because by the time I left, I had a godchild who now knew me well enough to greet me with Eskimo kisses or a smile.  I just can't get enough of that!

Dining room "Before"

Dining room "After"

While refinishing wood was significantly more stressful and daunting than partying it up with the babe, I feel like I emerged from the month victorious!  I can't tell you how badly I yearned for a way strip varnish faster and cleaner but at the end of the month I have a brand-new dining room.  I could not have finished this project alone, well maybe I could, but I know I wouldn't have my wits about me!  My parents and my "fairy grandmother" were loads of help.  Grandma spent four whole days helping me strip, clean and sand 90-year-old varnished woodwork, while Mom and Dad primed, painted, cleaned and decorated the room with me.   This is definitely one of those projects where when it's all said and done you feel the greatest sense of accomplishment.  Since this is technically a blog about Milwaukee and not about me and my crazy life, I will say this, I now have a very close relationship with just about everyone that works at the Home Depot on Holt Ave.  They provide amazing customer service and are very helpful when you are in need.  This particular location is found conveniently less than a mile from my home.  I have been there 17 times in 14 days.  I am sure I don't need to help Home Depot advertise because they are a common household name, but I will say this particular location has a lot of helpful people.  If you have questions, they have answers.

So that is about it.  I'm back to my normal life just like the students that are back to school for the first time this morning.  I look forward to sharing my adventures in Milwaukee with you once again!

Wow! It's been a while...

Today I want to talk about an event you should NOT miss this Thursday!


ART Milwaukee is hosting Watercolors on the Water at the new 106Seebooth lounge.  106Seebooth is located along the Milwaukee River and have a beautiful and massive patio.  There is no cover, this is a FREE event, so grab a friend and come along!  

The Entertainment will include, 10 watercolor galleries, live watercolor painting, jazz music, swing lessons, mimes and theatre performances, the living photo booth project, and last but not least small plates and cheese plates created in the open concept kitchen.  

This is the perfect time of year to get outside and experience something new.  Be one of the first to see the new 106Seebooth!  Hope to see you all there!

Love Milwaukee?

If you love Milwaukee like I do, make sure you vote in the Shepard Express "Best of Milwaukee 2011."

http://survey-expressmilwaukee.wehaaserver.com/

Fuel Cafe

I visited Fuel Cafe for the first time today.  I felt it was unfair to write about the coffee shops of Milwaukee without discussing Riverwest's pride and joy.

I will start off with saying that this place isn't the coffee shop to bring your grandma too, unless your grandma is super hipster and doesn't mind alternative music.  That being said, Fuel has a definite vibe that you have to love about a business because it's so distinctly their own.  The walls are covered with lots of colors and photos of dirt bikes and motorcycles.  The coffee is good, the food selection is great, and the service is spot on.  I have heard rumors this is the place to take your vegan friends.  My date had a peanut butter coffee drink that would make a reeses-lover melt.  I stuck with normal coffee and we split a sandwich.  I love that all the chips (El Rey) and drinks (Alterra, Lakefront, etc)are local as well.

This is a come as you are, no pretense coffee shop.  You won't find comfy couches, or "the coffee shop" on sirius radio.  You will find people sitting out front smoking and chatting, lots of facial hair and piercings, but also a business man, a mom and your average nerd.  You know it makes an impression because when traveling across the US you will find Fuel Cafe Bumper Stickers on cars everywhere from California (saw it- I swear) to New York.

Roast Coffee Company

Any time I am over in the UW-Milwaukee area of town I stop by Roast.  I remember that feeling when I found "my" coffee shop back in college, and if I had been at UWM I know that Roast would be my hangout.  It has that feel about it... the "I'm just an average college kid who is here to study because the library is too geeky, the union is too loud and the everywhere else is too expensive" vibe.  It has the perfect amount of sun and the decor is bright against the wood and brick building.  There is something about places like this that make me feel like the coffee shop is powering me with all knowledge of those who sat and sipped a cup of jo before me.   I don't know, I'm a coffee shop freak, so maybe you don't get that weird geeky "I belong in a romance movie about a famous writer" feeling like I do when I'm in places like Roast.

To piggyback on yesterday's posting Roast brews Anodyne coffee (yum!) and Rishi tea.  They have a pretty awesome selection of sandwiches and salads too.  Their menus features different items that are named after bands which I find quirky and fun.  Last but not least they have the friendliest staff and a ton of outlets.  If you are looking for a place with a good ambiance to plug in and chill out Roast is your place!

A Valuable Remedy: Anodyne Coffee Roasting

The first time I bought Anodyne Coffee is because I loved the logo, the bright red "A" and the font choice caught me and I was hooked.  The second time I got Anodyne Coffee was because it is so delicious I had to come back for more. 


Anodyne is what coffee-afficionados call a micro-roaster.   A micro-roaster roasts it's coffee in small batches allowing them to roast to more precise specifications.  To be dubbed a micro roaster you must make your coffee in less can 150 pounds unlike in commercial factories where they are pumped out by the hundreds.  Anodyne takes this measure down even small and roasts in 18 pound batches. 


Anodyne coffee is roasted in its Bay View cafe found at 2920 S Kinnickinnic Ave.  The cafe is large enough to find a table but small enough to feel comfy.  They also have a small area for kids to play which I am sure keeps the neighborhood moms happy.   The bottom line is that they simply have the best beans in town.  Also, if you are like me and think their logo rocks, you can stop on by and get some sweet merch as well. 

Coffee Week: Stone Creek Coffee

Everyone knows what keeps a busy girl  like me running is good strong coffee.  I have decided this week will be devoted to all the wonderful coffee shops and roasters that can be found in Milwaukee.  Milwaukee has more coffee roasters than any other city I know in the mid-west... and the best part is they are all great. 

In 1993 Eric Resch shipped a coffee roaster from Nevada to Milwaukee and 12 minutes after the roaster arrived and Eric almost burnt down his house (read more on their website) and the first batch of Stone Creek Coffee was made.  Now 17 years later there are 8 stores in Milwaukee and many retailers around the USA pouring a cup of Stone Creek Coffee daily!

My favorite Stone Creek Coffee location is in Bay View, because it is walking distance from my house and has a really great outdoor seating area but no matter where I go I know the staff is always friendly and the coffee is always hot. I really enjoy their coffee list because they have unique coffee drinks that feature spices like cardamom and chile.

One of the reasons Stone Creek is a favorite of mine is their socially concious model.  Their buyer travels south to the farms and creates relationships with the families that farm their coffee and the workers they hire.  Sometimes they even bring the growers to Milwaukee to help with demonstrations or presentations about their coffee.  Another reason I support this local business is they are environmentally concious.  Their cups are compostable and they also compos their grounds. 

The final thing that makes the Stone Creek experience unique is their 7 essential values which I believe are evident every time I walk in the door.  They are:

The Stone Creek Seven
  1.  We are accountable for our actions and to each other.
  2.  We expect our work to have meaning and be fun.
  3.  We believe people are our greatest asset.
  4.  We invest in our coffee education in order to provide superior service.
  5.  We will sell a high quality product.
  6.  We strive to respect our customers, coworkers, suppliers and our local communities.
  7.  We will push the pounds of coffee retailing and branding while creating innovative and dynamic environments and products.

If you haven't tried it yet I encourage you to stop in an grab a cup o jo!

Stay tuned tomorrow for another highly caffienated update!

Five foods, Five wines, Five Dollars

I know it's a little late warning for today's event but one of the things Mark and I really enjoy on a Friday evening is Whole Foods "Friday at Five".  

Friday at Five allows guests to mosey around Whole Foods Market and try five different food and wine pairings.  Typically they are presented in a way to create a meal so it includes a mini appetizer, salad, side and entree tastes and finishes with a small dessert.   To participate you can buy a punch card at the customer service desk.  5 Foods, 5 Wines, 5 Dollars - What a deal!

A few things you might want to keep in mind before going, don't expect this to be dinner, it's a 5 dollar tasting, chances are you will still want to supplement the tasting with some more food.  Slow down, the first time I did this I got overwhelmed with being in a grocery store and not knowing what to do with myself and I felt like I rushed it.  I have since noticed that the employees doing the wine pours and sampling are happy to chat and probably relieved to not be standing there silent.  Finally, take the promotional info with you.  I forgot mine and really wished I had the name of a few of the wines to buy them again.  

Beautiful Summer Breeze

Today I am hosting guests and haven't had the time to REALLY give this entry as much thought as normally would BUT can we take a minute and appreciate this beautiful breeze?

One of the fabulous things you will find in Milwaukee that you won't find in other Wisconsin cities is the beautiful summer breeze we get off Lake Michigan.  Today is one of those days where I just love to sit outside and breathe it in.   I promise you, travel around... nothing beats it.  Make sure you get outside and appreciate these days... as any good Wisconsinite knows... they won't last for long!

First Foodie Post

I decided its high time to write about some of the awesome restaurants that Milwaukee has to offer.  One place that is uniquely "Milwaukee" is the Comet Cafe.  The Comet Cafe is popular among locals, but gained increased fame after it was  featured on "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" by Guy Fierie.  You can watch the show online here.

I personally enjoy Comet Cafe because of the awesome bacon garnished Bloody Mary which is served with Miller Highlife grenades (mini beer bottles).  They are also the home to the beermosa, the booze-a-latte and the 'sconnie-mosa but what The Comet is known for is its scratch comfort food and its 150 craft beers.  It also offers an amazing brunch menu!  I think it's important to note that Comet has something for everyone -- the vegan, the gluten-free eater, the dieter and the junk food junkie.  Everyone can walk away happy.  The menu is perfect for that rainy day, snowy Saturday or from what I have heard, an extremely hungover Sunday.  They are part of a local business alliance called "Our Milwaukee" and their goal is to create a unique Milwaukee experience while supporting local growers as much as possible.

The diner remains traditional with a low diner-style bar and booths around the room and there is almost always a wait so be prepared and sign in with the hostess!  This is scratch food folks, so don't expect this to be a fast dining experience... as the menu warns they are a "little cafe with a little kitchen."

That puts a whole new SPiN on it!

In Milwaukee there is a new type of fitness making a come back - Ping Pong!  While some of us thought that the Ping Pong table would never again see the likes of a paddle after the invention of Beer Pong, we were wrong.  In Milwaukee there are a few places to play but I am going to talk about the hottest and newest Table Tennis club in town, SPiN. 


SPiN was created by its owners Franck Raharinosy, Andrew Gordon, Jonathan Bricklin and most notably the Academy Award-winning actress Susan Sarandon.   Its owner Todd Oldham was also the designer.  To me this place feels part bar, part hot new club, part gym.  It's really like no other experience I have ever had.  


There are many reasons that SPiN is so alluring.  
1. Susan Sarandon owns the place.  
2.  The place is brand new with top of the line equipment.  
3.  They give you a giant bucket of balls (so you don't have to chase)
4.  The floor is squishy (for those who are super athletes or super clumsy) 
5.  They have people walking around picking up the dropped or lost balls. 


This place is great for all ages and talents.  Granted if I was bringing a child there I would go closer to dinner hour as the night hours are more "bar-like".  In the center of the room they have what I like to call the "Spot Light Round".  This is a table that is well lit with a scorekeeper and it is surrounded by bleachers to watch.  I'm not sure how you get to play there, but I can tell you this:  I know in my own life time, no amount of practice could make me that good.   Also, it does seem that there is a dress code for the "Spot Light Round" and it includes a well matched track suit.


As for the food and drinks, I'll be honest,  I haven't eaten there yet, but I have had their food at a catered party and that was pretty darn good.  It has also gotten good reviews online.  The drinks were good and I hear they have a fantastic mixed drink menu that is always changing.   The staff was especially friendly and timely too.  All around, this is a really interesting way to spend some time downtown Milwaukee. 

Sunday Shopping

I don't know about everyone else but at our house Sunday is grocery shopping day.  One of the best places to do that in Milwaukee is Groppi's Market.  Groppi's Market opened in 1913 and is a small, but well-stocked specialty foods market and grocery.  They have a deli counter, a sit-down wine bar, and a meat counter with more choices than anywhere else I have seen in the area.  Their beer and wine selection is also quite impressive.  I stop here to get bread frequently and there is always a good variety of fresh breads.  The building is small and the aisles are tight but it's full of charm and friendly employees.  I highly suggest stopping in.

Saturday Night Date Night!

If you and your honey are in the mood for a classy night out Blu might be your pick.  I have to admit, I was a skeptic, I have been to the top of the John Hancock in Chicago, the Bonaventure Hotel in LA for cocktails before.  I thought to myself... "Why would an overpriced bar the 23rd floor of a the Pfister be that cool?"

Turns out Blu is pretty awesome.  Are the drinks expensive?  Yes, but the view is fantastic and the atmosphere is lounge-y and classy without being pretentious.  One time I wore jeans and a nice top another a cocktail dress and both times I felt comfortable with my choice.  They often have live jazz which really sets the scene.  The have really comfortable lounge chairs facing out and also a traditional bar to sit at if you prefer that.  I highly suggest checking it out on a day when the weather is clear so you can appreciate the views.   Someday, I want to get up there for the US Bank fireworks, that would be SO cool. 

Have a great Saturday!  Cheers!


(p.s. I did it again and forgot to hit post... darn!)

Totally Fabulous but not so Free Friday!

So since I did Free Thursday this week I am not doing a Free Friday post.  Today, I want to talk about Sweet Water Organics.  Sweet Water Organics is an urban farm found in a re-purposed and unused warehouse in Bay View.  The farm uses aquaponics to farm local and fresh produce which is sold in the local market to families and restaurants.  The farm works in a cirulating and layered system.  The fish waste acts as fertilizer for the plants while the plants act as a water filter. The store currently offers, basil, watercress,  spinach, tomatoes, peppers, swiss chard, lettuce and fish (tilapia and perch).  Among their many goals, the primary is to have a business that creates local jobs in a pre-existing urban space.  

They offer tours of the farm every Wednesday and Friday at 6pm and Sundays at noon.  The cost is $10; children under ten get in free.  The retail store is open 4-7pm on Wednesday and Friday.  You can also find some of their products in local stores.

If you would like to get involved with their mission, I know they are always looking for volunteers.  You can sign up on their website.

Best Free Party in Town TONIGHT!

I want to first say SORRY!  This was supposed to post this morning at 2am.  I hope anyone reading can make it to this awesome event!

Tonight, ART Milwaukee along with NEWaukee is hosting an Urban Island Party on Lakeshore State Park.  There will be music, hula dancing, art, kayaking and a pig roast.  This is a MUST ATTEND EVENT.  These two Milwaukee based organizations sure know how to have a good time their soirees often exceed 2000 attendants.  The event is free but bring cash for food and beverage!!  Check out all the details at http://www.urbanislandparty.com/.

Movies are like an expensive form of therapy for me. - Tim Burton

Greetings fair readers!  While Maria is enjoying ocean views and listening to motivational speeches (aka drinking the company kool-aid) I will be your guest writer for the day.  I hope to live up to her high standard of blogging.

I hate to sound old fashioned, but remember when you could actually afford to go out to the movies?  Whenever we wanted to go see a movie, inevitably we end up going to a Redbox, downloading a film, or falling asleep on the couch without being entertained.  Milwaukee’s Rosebud Cinema is the answer to the high priced chain theaters and their absurd previews, snarky teenage ushers, and bland food choices.

Rosebud Cinema is located in the Washington Heights neighborhood and is a throwback to an old fashioned movie theater.  Rosebud only screens one movie at a time, usually running for a week or two.  It is not a multi screened behemoth, but the selection of films offers something for everyone.  Rosebud is currently showing  the brand new “Captain America”, but is scheduled to show the children’s movie “Winnie the Pooh”, classic “Back to the Future Three”, Alfred Hitchcock’s creepy “The Birds” and the cult classic “Gremlins”. 

The things that make this cinema so memorable are the seating and the food selections.  While a standard movie theater offers popcorn, candy and other mass produced corn syrup based products; Rosebud offers a full menu of deliciousness.  Pizza, hot dogs, sandwiches, subs, almonds, and other junk foods are readily available.  I also have to mention the FULL BAR for the of age adults in the audience.  There are many local beers on tap, and a full selection of hard alcohol for anyone who wants to enjoy a stronger drink.  

The theater itself uses full size couches and love seats for all, which leads to a more comfortable viewing experience.  It’s so much more enjoyable to actually relax in your seat, than elbow fight with the stranger on
your left. So fellow readers, Rosebud Theater is a great Milwaukee place to grab a great bite to eat, cuddle up, stretch out, and enjoy a great movie!

Chill on the Hill

One of my favorite summer events in Milwaukee is Chill on the Hill.  Chill on the Hill  is a free outdoor concert series that takes place in Humboldt Park which is located in the Bay View neighborhood.

If you want a place to bring your kids, your friends or even your dog for a picnic and some free tunes on a Tuesday night, Chill is the place to do it.  The line up is varies with everything from big band to reggae.  You can carry in your own picnic and beverages or you can buy from vendors on the hill.  The vendors include a taco stand, a Vietnamese restaurant, a pizza place an ice cream shop and a county parks stand that sells traditional American fare.  The vendors are all great but I can't afford to purchase a meal every week.  My friends and neighbors frequently bring bottles of wine, some beer and some snacks.  Since the concerts are free, it makes for a lovely affordable evening.

The recently added amenities that make this event more comfortable are real bathrooms (not just porta potties), a bicycle corral, recycling bins and compost stations, and a dog watering station.  As a shorter person, I also appreciate the hill itself which slopes down to the stage so that everyone has a good view.  I like that there are people playing card games, chatting with friends, children running around and yet others just watching the musicians intently.  There are no rules about how to "chill", you do it your own way.

If you would like to check out the line up for this year it can be found on the Bay View Neighborhood Association page.

Whoops! Temporary Hiatus

I can't believe I forgot to write yesterday!  My little brother is getting married and we had a long, fun, bachelorette/bachelor weekend in another awesome Wisconsin town - Menomonie!  Tubing, karaoking, dancing and bar hopping good times were had by all!  Today, I am writing from the tropical paradise of Fort Lauderdale and I slept 4 hours last night, so my brain is fried.  Tomorrow, I have committed to picking up the pace of daily posting again.  Until then...

View from my hotel room

Saturday = Market Day

Anyone who has lived in Madison knows that Saturday morning is all about the Farmer's Market.  Naturally, when I moved from Madison to Milwaukee, one of the first things I researched was the local farmer's markets.  While none of the Milwaukee County farmer's markets are as big as the Dane County Market around the Capital Square, they are still pretty fantastic.

Since I already was in the habit of going to the farmer's market on Saturday mornings, I was thrilled to find out that the South Shore Farmers Market is on Saturday morning.  One of the things I like best about this market is the park itself.  South Shore Park is nestled up by the lake, in the Bay View neighborhood.  On the way to the market and back I always appreciate the stroll along the lake. The market runs every Saturday from June 19 to October 16, 2011.   The market is open from 8 a.m. until 12:00 noon. 

The market itself is small and hosts about 20-30 vendors.  However, it has such a variety that you can get your complete list of needs at one time.   There is a stand for veggies, plants, cheese, coffee, meat, eggs, baked goods, soup, and more.  There is also always live music, which along with the lakefront views sets the tone for a beautiful morning. 

Fabulous Fun Free Friday!

Happy Friday everyone!  I hope everybody had a good week and is ready to let loose.  Today's free fun is the Great Lakes Distillery tour!  


Great Lakes Distillery is a local micro distillery found at 616 West Virginia Street in the 5th Ward. They are a small producer of hand-craft distilled spirits. The distillery uses traditional methods to make their spirits as pure as possible.  You may have had their Rehorst Vodka or Gin in the past, or perhaps their Roaring Dan's Rum.  


The folks at Great Lake take pride in their small business and try to educate you about the world of spirits. I could go on and on about how wonderful this place is but then I would be ruining the tour.  The tours run Monday through Thursday at 2 and 4pm, Friday at 2, 4 and 6pm and Saturday 1, 2, 3, and 4 pm.  The tour is free and there is a spirits tasting for 3 dollars.  When I was there, I tasted two vodkas, two types of absinthe, a gin and a rum.  There is also a bar where you can order traditional drinks.  Make sure to try the Lemon Drop martini in the bar, FANTASTIC!


Stopping in at Great Lakes is a "must do" in Milwaukee.  It is a unique learning experience and a great way to support local business.  I never used to be a vodka girl, but I am a Rehorst vodka girl now!

Take me out to the Chinese-American Sports Bar!

Tonight is the last of the Brewers/Cubs three game series and tomorrow marks the start of the Brewers/Astros three game series.  Because Brewer's games are the most widely covered subject in writing about Milwaukee, I am not going to talk about the game itself other than to say get the expensive tickets.  I had gone to 4 games and wasn't that enthused about baseball at all until I discovered the power of the 100 and 200 level seats.  For me this is a game changer - I have vowed never to sit in the 400 level again. But enough about baseball, lets talk pre-gaming.

Being the Wisconsin Badger that I am,  I consider going to a game without pre-gaming to be somewhat sacrilegious.  When it was suggested that we pre-game at a place called "Long Wongs" I was skeptical.  "Why not Kelly's Bleachers,  Rounding Third, or something appropriate for baseball?" I asked.  But my doubts melted away when I walked into Long Wongs, Milwaukee's ONLY Chinese-American Sports Bar (at least that is what their sign says).

Long Wongs is located in Story Hill across from Miller park.  It features chinese-american food, a bowling alley, table tennis and an extensive beer list.  What makes this an ideal pre-gaming spot is that they have a free shuttle to  and from the Brewer and, most importantly, games, $1 eggrolls.  Piping hot, freshly made dollar eggrolls are offered before every home game.  The service here is also stellar, and the staff always have smiles on their faces and are quick on their feet.   I don't know what else to say about this place other than to check it out yourself.  It's one of those places you can't describe to other people but when you discuss with anyone who has been there they say, "Oh yeah I LOVE that place!"

New Mural in Town

If you are driving down Pittsburgh Avenue in Milwaukee, you might notice the neighborhood is getting a bit more colorful.  The Couto brothers, a dynamic painting duo, along with their creative partner, Owen McGonegle, are giving back in Milwaukee, a city they say has inspired their work.  For the last week or so, the brothers and some helpful volunteers have been working to prime, paint a base coat, and now paint the mural that is changing the face of 1st and Pittsburgh.  The project is being funded completely out of their own pockets and from donations.   While the mural isn't done yet, it's worth a drive, stroll, or bike past to check out their awesome work.  I can't wait to see the finished product. 

"This is not 'Nam. This is bowling. There are rules."

One of my favorite things to do with my out of town guests is to take them to Koz's Mini Bowl.  To borrow from a Yelp review Koz's Mini Bowl is "pure awesomeness".   Located at 2078 S. 7th St. Milwaukee, Wi this south side pub is not your typical bowling alley.  


At Koz's everything is mini.  There are four 16-foot lanes, grapefruit-size bowling balls, and smaller than usual pins.  For a bowling novice like myself, who prefers Wii-Bowling to the real thing, this place is paradise.  What really sets Koz's apart, is the pinsetters.  At the back of each lane, above the pins, sit the brave pinsetters who dodge flying pins and rogue balls.  My favorite pinsetter is a guy named, "Peanuts," who almost lost his nose when my under-leg move failed miserably and I sent my ball up the ball return ramp.  This is a dangerous job folks, so when you go, don't forget to tip your pinsetter!

Why else does it earn that "pure awesome" title?  Where there is a door painted to look like "Mr. Ed" is in the bathroom, they decorate with antlers, the drinks are reasonable, PBR is on tap, and the bartenders are friendly.  There is also a well stocked jukebox.  I recommend bringing cash because nothing gets your bowling groove on like a 1990's power ballad.  


I was told that you should take the game seriously when you are there because if you end up on their 300 club wall you get a nifty prize.  I have never came close to that score, so I can't advise on that, but I would love hear what it is if any of you "strike" success.


Bottom line, Koz's Mini Bowl is a perfect mix of small dive bar, bowling alley bar and your grandparent's basement all mixed together to make one fun night out.  I highly suggest calling and making a reservation because they book up fast and I don't want you to miss out on the fun!


     
For those of you who are questioning the title of today's post, it's from the movie The Big Lebowski.  If you haven't seen it you should, if you have seen it you should probably see it again.  "The Dude abides"

Get Moving Monday!

Happy Monday to you all!  After a fun filled weekend it is back to the grind... and back to the workout plan, but working out in Milwaukee doesn't have to be a drag!  One of Milwaukee County's greatest treasures is the Oak Leaf Trail.

The Oak Leaf trail is over 100 miles of multi-use trails that weave through all the major parks in the Milwaukee County Park system.  One of the great things about this trail is that, unlike other trails in Wisconsin, this one is open to all forms of activity.  Feel free to bike, skate, run or walk on these trails.  The trail is made up of for the most part, off-road paved trails and park drives.  Municipal streets are used when necessary to keep the route continual.

This trail is especially beautiful as you head south from the Bay View-South Shore Park area and down along the lake.  On a hot day, this is where I escape to get both my workout and my tan on.  Being this close to the lake, the breeze cools you and the view keeps you motivated to keep pedaling or treading on.  Next time you are lacking motivation to get in motion head out on the trail and enjoy the sites.

Why is it the Cream City?

Today I am taking a break from Milwaukee activities to explain the tag line in my blog title.  Inquiring minds were wondering why they call Milwaukee the Cream City. 

Some might assume that the cream has to do with Wisconsin being the dairy state or even that creamy froth found on top of the state's favorite beverage, beer.   In all actuality, the name comes from the cream-colored bricks that many of the cities buildings were made from.

Along the shore of Lake Michigan, there is a type of weather resistant clay called red lacustrine.  After this clay is fired into bricks it turns a creamy yellow color.  The bricks became popular quickly due to their weather resistance and color-fastness.  This started a brick-building boom.  This local building material has been used in Milwaukee since the late 1830s.  By the 80s, Burnham Brickyard employed 200 men and kicked out a whopping 15 million bricks a year making it the largest brickyard in the world.  

By the end of the 1870s so many buildings in Milwaukee were built using the bricks that it was hard NOT to notice the overwhelmingly cream colored cityscape.  This is where the "Cream City" got her name.

Hey Mambo! Mambo Italiano!

This weekend has always been one of my favorite weekends in Milwaukee because it's Festa Italiana.   To me, Festa Italiana means one thing.  Four nights of FIREWORKS!!  Fireworks are a pretty big deal for me, so obviously I am a happy camper.

The fest itself costs $13.00 for entrance, a fee I find to be slightly high, but I am willing to pay.  Once inside the Summerfest grounds, you are greeted by a large replica of the Statue of David and surrounded by every other cliche Italo-Americano thing you can think of.  Cannoli, Gelato, Lambrusco,  you name it, this fest has it.

A popular thing to eat at Festa is an arrancini.  Arrancini are rice balls with meat and cheese in the center.  They are served with sauce.  In the words of Joey Tribbiani - rice, good; meat, good; cheese, GOOOOOD. Prior to attending Festa, I have rarely seen these delicious treats in the US.  They are EVERYWHERE at Festa.

The line-up for musical entertainment at Festa Italiana can be hit or miss depending on what you like.  This year they had the Monkees (yes! the hit band from the 80's), a Fleetwood Mac cover band, many Rat Pack types, and Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.  They also have stages with fashion shows, cannoli eating contests, and cooking shows.  I was unable to see the cooking shows this year but they looked pretty cool, so I hope to go next year.  Festa Italiana also features a large carnival ride section so for those who are brave can dare the zipper or the tilt-a-whirl.

What I like best about Festa Italiana is two things.  Number one the people.  The volunteers and coordinators for this festival are so gracious and happy to share their culture with you.  Second, is the cultural aspect.  There are italian dancers, and tents with all kinds of educational and cultural material.  I believe they really want this festival to be about learning.

Finally, I have to touch on the fireworks again.  Are they as awesome as the Big Bang on July 3rd... no, but they are pretty fantastic and they are EVERY NIGHT.  Thursday through Sunday there are fireworks at 10:15.

This year, I learned that there is a gondola on the lake, that you can ride in during the festival.  You can specifically rent it so you will be on the gondola during the fireworks.  How romantic.  How awesome... sign me up next year for sure!

Discovery World

Discovery World, a set by .michael.newman. on Flickr.

Here are the photos I was talking about of the park! Thanks Michael for sharing!