What to Read Now
Ann Christenson’s comprehensive “What to Eat Now” (page 38) rounds up a tempting array of all the deliciousness our city has to offer. I dine out quite a bit, but I have not tried the vast majority of dishes and drinks in the feature. Eating my way through this list is a project that can carry me all the way until daylight saving time resumes in March.
Some stories are months in the making. “The Longest Race” (page 50) is one of them. Back in January, writer Alyssa Choiniere pitched a piece about a musher from northern Wisconsin with plans to tackle the Iditarod. No one could have predicted how dramatic Quince Mountain’s journey would turn out to be. Choiniere captures every high and low with vivid detail – you’ll feel like you’re right there, on the trail in Alaska.
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Going to see The Commercialists perform the soundtrack from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at The Estate has become a holiday staple for me and my friends. The music is nostalgic and evocative, and the venue’s dim, retro vibe makes it even more magical. I loved learning more about this tradition in this article (page 18).
And that’s just the start. This issue also features a fascinating conversation with Archbishop Jeffrey Grob, a peek at handcrafted treasures at Hover Craft, and a fresh spin on the Wisconsin supper club classic – the relish tray.
Giving is at the heart of the holidays. Since 2020, our December issue has included a Give Back section to spotlight nonprofits doing vital work in our region (page 58). With federal funding cuts hitting hard, these organizations need your support more than ever.
Finally, if you love receiving Milwaukee Magazine in your mailbox, consider gifting a subscription or two. It’s an affordable way to share a little joy – month after month.
Happy reading, and happy holidays!
— Carole Nicksin, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher
carole@milwaukeemag.com | @CaroleNicksin
Architects, interior designers, renovators and landscapers: Submit your best work for consideration!
In This Issue:
Features
- What to Eat Now: You know when you look at a great menu and want to order everything? Well, this is that, to the max: 51 of the best of anything, all across the city.
- The Longest Race: A Wisconsin musher knew he’d have to endure bitter cold and isolation to finish the Iditarod. But he never could have prepared for his greatest trial on the trail.
- Doing Good to Feel Good: When you give your time, you get something back, too – a boost to your health, happiness and sense of purpose.
Your 414
- Show: Milwaukee Ballet’s newest Nutcracker star is a former student.
- People Places Things: What happened to BMO’s holiday display? Plus, a local band playing “landlocked surf rock,” Wisconsin’s largest Hanukkah festival and more.
- Shop Local: Going to Hover Craft holiday market? These unique handmade gifts caught our eye.
- Preview: It’s always “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at this jazz trio’s buzzy shows.
- Arts Funding: Generous donors largely keep local arts afloat, but for how much longer?
The Dish
- Entertain: A very Wisconsin relish tray, if we do say so ourselves.
- Tidbits: How Ray’s Mequon is distinguishing itself from its Wauwatosa brother. And hey, we’ve got a Polish restaurant again!
- Bakeries: Three shops to feed body and soul.
Insider
- Politics: The (admittedly slim) chance for a rare all-metro-Milwaukee governor’s race.
- Parks: The amenities Lakeshore State Park deserves.
- Tech: What’s stopping driverless cars from running Wisconsin’s roads?
- Health Care: How the Medical College of Wisconsin is trying to make hospitals more sustainable.
Explore
- Visit: House on the Rock’s strangely marvelous carousel room.
- Hikes: Easy routes to get your body moving, followed by an especially tasty winter warmup.
- Festive: All of jolly reasons to visit downtown Cedarburg this month.
