1. Check out Sze Chuan, one of Milwaukee’s 25 best restaurants
CHRIS DROSNER, EXECUTIVE EDITOR
I had the joy of editing my colleague Ann Christenson’s recently posted Best Restaurants story, and yeah, that job is as mouth-watering as you might imagine. One restaurant that stood out among these leaders of fine dining was Sze Chuan (11102 W. National Ave, West Allis), the strip mall Chinese-American place in West Allis. But I urge you to go, share multiple entrees to get a sense of the restaurant’s range, and report back on whether it belongs in this heady company. I argue it absolutely does. Szechuan delivers everything you like in this extremely popular but generally lowbrow cuisine – intensely flavorful dishes, big portions at a value price – with all its usual problems fixed. Here, the meat is high-quality, the vegetables fresh, everything perfectly cooked and pleasant in texture. Even the rice is perfect – light and fluffy, but still somehow sticky enough to grab a wad of it with your chopsticks. Thank me – or, really, Ann – later.
2. Make a Coffeecake
ANN CHRISTENSON, SENIOR DINING EDITOR
When I think of coffeecake – really good coffeecake – it’s a tender, not-too-sweet cake with a nutty, cinnamon-laced crumb topping that also ripples through the center of the cake. At its core, it’s pretty simple. And I like it warm from the oven, although there’s certainly nothing wrong with a room temperature coffeecake. I found a good one in Beth Hensperger’s The Art of Quick Breads, a book I’ve had for decades but haven’t cracked open in years. Her simple pecan coffeecake is not too much, too rich or too heavy. It makes a 9-inch cake that is perfect for sharing – or not.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
3. Pasta it Up at Egg & Flour
ARCHER PARQUETTE, MANAGING EDITOR
Last Thursday night, I was in the streets, hustling, making moves, maintaining my position as a noted Cool Guy, when the ol’ tum-tum started to rumble. “I hunger,” I whispered, and the fellow walking in front of me started to really pick up his pace. Searching for a meal, I found Crossroads Collective on the corner of Farwell and North. For years, I’d heard good things about the food hall, but had never been. Well, it was about time that changed. I stopped in and made for the Egg & Flour pasta bar counter, where I ordered some Pappardelle. “Madone,” I said, as I tucked in. “Just like Auntie Benedetta used to make.” I was planning to head back for a second bowl, but the first was so filling it almost threatened my girlish figure, so I had to stop myself. I’ll definitely be back soon, and if you’re looking for a delicious bowl of handcrafted pasta on the East Side, I’d recommend giving Egg & Flour a try.
4. Visit the New MIAD Gallery at The Ave
BRIANNA SCHUBERT, ASSOCIATE DIGITAL EDITOR
Last week, I had the pleasure of checking out the new MIAD Gallery at The Ave and its inaugural exhibition, From This Point Forward, which featured works from 20 Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design alumni across nearly five decades. The gallery showcases (and sells!) fine art, craft goods and everything in between. The featured work was diverse, interesting to look at and tempting to buy. The gallery is right next to the Third Street Market Hall, so next time you’re Downtown, I recommend stopping by after grabbing a bite to eat.
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5. Go to Tennis’ Concert
ALLI WATTERS, DIGITAL & CULTURE EDITOR
It was an icky, gray spring day the last time I saw Tennis, an ethereal indie-pop duo, live in concert. But as soon as the married couple started playing, it felt like a breezy summer afternoon. That sunny sound is part of the pair’s origin story. After meeting in college, Alaina Moore and Patrick Riley went on an eight-month sailing trip and came back as a band. Together they have a retro, beachy sound that’s great for dancing and ushering in warmer weather. Tennis’ concert at Turner Hall Ballroom on April 10 (pabsttheatergroup.com) comes fresh off the release of the duo’s vibey new album Pollen, which dropped in February.
