Morning Glory

True confession: My favorite breakfast is coffee and a doughnut. I do not allow myself this indulgence very often (got to watch my carb intake!). But on those mornings when I wake up and remember that there is a small waxed-paper bag in the kitchen containing an iced cake doughnut with sprinkles, it is no exaggeration to say that I jump out of bed, eager to get the coffee going. What other meal literally puts a spring in my step? None! 

Ann Christenson’s feature, “Rise and Dine” (page 66), covers the first meal of the day from all angles, from cooking at home to a variety of restaurant options. There are even the results of a bacon taste-test we conducted right here in our office. The team took their roles as judges very seriously, considering the merits of each brand before drawing conclusions. You’ll find the results on page 73. 

If you’re ever fortunate enough to receive a hug from Venice Williams, the visionary community-builder whose work includes a community garden and ministry, you won’t soon forget it. It’s a powerful embrace that nourishes your soul and makes you want to linger in its warmth. You’ll walk away feeling a little more courageous and inspired to do better.

Tea Krulos’ profile of Williams (page 86) does a fantastic job of bringing her spirit to life.  “A community mother” is how one source in the article describes her, which is apt. I think of her as one of the shining lights of our city. Reading this story will give you a taste of all that her hug conveys, but, really, it’s something you need to experience for yourself. 

There is lots more in this issue, including a Paddle Tavern where a dog plays the starring role (page 133) and a consideration of what makes the tiki bar jutting out from the eastern side of the Public Market so popular (page 26). So sit back and let us take you on an exploration of what’s happening in and around our city this month. Enjoy!

– Carole Nicksin, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher
carole@milwaukeemag.com, @CaroleNicksin

In the Magazine:

Features:

• Rise and Dine: Everyone can be a morning person with our guide to the best ways to breakfast, from a fabulous DIY egg sandwich to the most extravagant boozy brunch. 
• Mostly Sunny: TV meteorologists remind us to bring a jacket, recommend a day for a great fall walk, keep us safe when tornadoes threaten. And they do it with a smile. So why do some of us treat them like punching bags?  
• A Seat at the Table: Venice Williams is one of Milwaukee’s most beloved community builders – and the bridges she’s constructing extend well beyond the North Side garden where she got started. 
• The Big Story: Milwaukee’s Downtown Plan is full of big ideas. How likely are they to come to fruition?   

Your 414:

• Skate: Red Arrow Park’s lively new summer roller skating parties 
• People Places Things: Behind the scenes at the Milwaukee Black Theatre Festival, three new things coming to Milwaukee this month and more 
• State Fair: A newbie shares his first impressions, why you should stick around after sunset, and four shows to catch 
• MKE@Home: Planting tips from a local urban gardener
• Baseball: A teenager reaches for his dreams with a big-league tryout. 

The Dish: 

• Grow: What makes Hundred Acre Farm’s salad greens special 
• Tidbits: A Victor’s nightclub update, the tinned seafood movement, plus buzzy industry news 
• I Tried It: Our managing editor puts on his tiki game face to conquer one of the Third Ward’s most popular bars.

Insider:

• Roads: A shot in the arm for Wisconsin’s “dairy highways” 
• Parks: Crying foul on a name game  
• Q&A: Planned Parenthood on what’s next post-Dobbs

In Every Issue:

• Editor’s Letter
• The Guide
• John Gurda’s
• Historic Milwaukee