1. Feel a Spark From the State at the Wisconsin Artists Biennial at MOWA
EVAN MUSIL, ARTS AND CULTURE EDITOR
It’s easy to get sequestered in our own minds these days. It feels like the world, or social media at least, is built for it – infinite scrolling showing us what we want to see. By contrast, viewing the 2026 Wisconsin Artists Biennial at the Museum of Wisconsin Art made me feel refreshed and recharged.
Every two years, a jury selects 50 artists across the states to measure the pulse of our state’s art scene. In just one exhibition, you get a multitude of perspectives manifesting in wildly unique ways, all from artists living in Wisconsin and creating in our present moment. I was struck by the uncertain weight of words in Nina Ghanbarzadeh’s first-place-winning “The Love That We Need,” a towering sculpture spelling “love” in Farsi that looks indestructible but is actually made of insulation foam. Other standouts for me included Jennifer Bastian’s “I Reject,” a quilt of pillowcases harnessing domesticity as powerful protest, and both of Willow Bayer’s riveting paper-collage scenes. I encourage you to visit the show with a friend or family member, see what captures your imagination, and try to put it into words. There’s a joy in being surprised, and that effect is amplified here. You have one more week to catch it – the biennial ends April 19.
2. Grab Some BBQ at Sweet Smoke
ANN CHRISTENSON, DINING EDITOR
Of all the promos for 414 Day (Tuesday, April 14), the one that stands out to me is for Sweet Smoke BBQ, a great food truck that often operates inside Hawthorne Coffee Roasters on South Howell. For Milwaukee Day, Sweet Smoke will be parked outside Busby’s (3475 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.) from 5-8 p.m. Of course, they’re offering a promotion – a pulled pork sandwich for $4.14 (one per person). I assume they will be busy!
Tell us who you’d pick to be a Betty this year!
3. Indulge in a Brownie at Poppy Bakery
AMRITA THAKKAR, DIGITAL EDITOR
Word to the wise – if you live within walking distance of Poppy Bakery, prepare your wallet, because you will be coming back again, and again, and again. All their baked goods are delicious, but the brownie stands out as one of the best I’ve ever had – just the right amount of dense fudginess and deep chocolate flavor, topped off with perfectly bitter cocoa nibs and flaky sea salt. I should thank my lucky stars they’re not open every day of the week, honestly.
4. Sip Black Coffee at Ma Fischer’s
ARCHER PARQUETTE, MANAGING EDITOR
I’m going to be spending a lot more time than usual around the Oriental Theatre the next two weeks, since the Milwaukee Film Festival kicks off on Thursday. Per usual, I’m writing weekly agendas for the fest and will likely crank out as many movie reviews as the jam-packed schedule of an extremely important and influential fellow such as myself will allow. (Going to the dentist, trying to sew up the hole in my khakis, feeding the possum that lives in my backyard – busy, busy, busy, let me tell ya.)
Now one of the great joys of spending so much time at the Oriental, for me, is spending more time at a spot just down the block – Ma Fischer’s. This simple, unpretentious, open-late diner is very much my kind of restaurant. Black coffee in big mugs, hearty proportions of breakfast served all day, and even small tables suitable for the oft-neglected lone diner like me. I plan to post up with a mug many, many times over the next 15 or so days.
5. Believe the Hype on the Crave Burger
CHRIS DROSNER, EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Michelin inspectors, take note: I checked out the Crave Burger at Crave Cafe this weekend, and I’m delighted to confirm that it’s as good as Ann Christenson says it is. It’s an umami bomb, with a thick, super-juicy patty adorned with Swiss cheese, caramelized onions and truffle aioli. But that bun … it’s so gorgeous, as pillowy and chewy and buttery as it looks in the gorgeous picture above. That you get all of that and a shareable helping of perfectly crisp, McDonald’s-style fries for under $15 is a coup for a don’t-wanna-cook night. (And takeout is probably your best option; I was surprised at how minimalist this little counter was when I arrived with a sit-down meal in mind.) 3596 N. Oakland Ave., Shorewood
