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FEATURES
Best of Milwaukee 2016
Milwaukee Magazine’s guide to some of the most outstanding retailers, restaurants, services and you-name-it in town.
By Milwaukee Magazine Staff
Lady Leah
Leah Vukmir, a soft-spoken former nurse, has emerged as one of the heaviest hitters in the Wisconsin Legislature, all by doing it her way.
By Matt Hrodey
Readers’ Choice Dining Awards 2016
The results of our food and drink survey have poured in. We nudged into your consciousness – and bellies! – to find your favorites on the dining scene. Here’s what you picked as the top restaurants in town.
By Ann Christenson
Best of Times, Worst of Times
Editor-in-chief Carole Nicksin’s monthly letter to our readers.
By Carole Nicksin
INSIDER
To the Birds
The dramatic plan that turned a North Shore golf course into a birders’ paradise.
By Larry Sussman
On the Rise
Northwestern Mutual’s 34-story mixed use tower being built on Van Buren St. will include penthouse units, a rooftop pool and more.
By Matt Hrodey
After School
How Marcus Duke turned an impromptu kids’ program into an instatution.
By Zach Brooke
Summers of Strife
Although they occurred for different reasons, Milwaukee’s riots of the past and present have sparked similar tensions. Find out how they compare.
By Matt Hrodey and Tom Tolan
For Your Health
Why the local handling of public health is fractured and expensive.
By Matt Hrodey
Hail Mary
Waukesha is close to accomplishing what once seemed nigh-on impossible: diverting water from mighty Lake Michigan. Getting this far wasn’t easy.
By Erik Gunn
CULTURE
Carving a Niche
Jesse Damrow is setting up a new shop for his mid-century modern furniture designs.
By Claire Hanan
What the Chuck?
Union Grove’s Great Pumpkin Chuckin’ Fest has more on its plate than flying produce.
By Adam Rogan
Mega-Thon
Twenty minutes with Thon Maker, the Milwaukee Bucks’ new 7’1″ center.
By Tom Conroy
First Dance
This month’s Hunting Moon Pow Wow is much more than fry bread.
By Adam Rogan
Starting Anew
This month, William Boggs will answer the question: How do you conduct an opera when you’ve never heard it?
By Paul Kosidowski
Book Review: Roughneck Grace
Michael Perry’s Roughneck Grace features a collection of essays that culls from his life on a Fall Creek farmstead.
By Kristine Hansen
Book Review: Shallow Grave
Gavin Schmitt’s Shallow Grave: The Unsolved Crime that Shook the Midwest digs into the true crime tale of Anthony Biernat, a vending machine supplier who went missing after becoming entagled with the wrong crowd.
By Zach Brooke
Agenda
October happenings for some capital “F” Fun!
By Claire Hanan
PERSPECTIVE
Stitched to Kill
A hideous dress bought second-hand for a Nerd Prom carries a macabre secret.
By Pamela Hill Nettleton
DINING
China Syndrome
Chefs Dan Jacobs and Dan Van Rite have pooled their skills and love of Asian food at the offbeat Asian restaurant Dandan.
By Ann Christenson
Little Squeaks
What is more Sconnie than cheese curds? Dig in to these five creations – from simple cheddar curds to braised beef poutine.
By Ann Christenson
FAMILY BUSINESS
George Watts & Son
Sam Watts, great-great-grandson of of founder George Watts, steers this Downtown china shop and tea room into the 21st century.
By Rich Rovito