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