1. Watch “Somebody, Somewhere”
EVAN MUSIL, ARTS AND CULTURE EDITOR
My favorite TV discovery this year was HBO’s “Somebody, Somewhere,” a humble comedy/drama following two best friends in Manhattan, Kansas, as they navigate loss, religion, passion and love. It’s touchingly sweet with zero schmaltz. The characters have their faults and strifes, but they work through them with care and vulnerability. And they’re deeply funny – I could listen to Sam and Joel make their silly, foul-mouthed remarks for hours. It’s a quick watch with only 21 half-hour episodes, but every minute is packed with warmth – making it a perfect holiday binge.
2. Finish Your Holiday Shopping
BRIANNA SCHUBERT, ASSOCIATE DIGITAL EDITOR
ICYMI, I edited the ultimate guide to shopping local for the December issue. In it, you’ll find everything you need to finish up your holiday shopping for the season, including over 50 local spots to shop, unique locally-sourced gift ideas and more. Surprisingly, I’m nearly done with my holiday shopping for the year (early, which if you know me, is shocking), but I will be stopping by a few of the shops from the feature for some last minute items this weekend.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
3. Invest in a Tablespoon Scoop for Cookie Baking
ANN CHRISTENSON, DINING EDITOR
Sometimes I dream about being a professional cookie baker. But then I quickly realize what I really want to be is a professional holiday cookie baker and I only want to do that from, say, Dec. 15-23. So just over a week of marathon baking. It’s in my blood (my mom and aunts were famous for this). That said, here is a recipe I am baking this year. I’ve made lace cookies before but they’re not on the regular rotation. I’m not sure why not: they’re easy, pretty – with delicate, crispy edges – and contrast nicely with other cookies on a tray. Pro tip: invest in a 1 tablespoon-size scoop. These cookies spread a lot – you don’t want a cookie the size of a pancake. The scoop will help you get the close to 35 cookies this recipe yields. Also, the browned butter gives these treats a deep, delicious toasty flavor.
4. Check Out the Pabst Mansion Christmas Decorations
ARCHER PARQUETTE, MANAGING EDITOR
Last week, I had the chance to spend an evening at the Pabst Mansion during what is likely the best time of year to visit the historic home. I know the Pabst always goes all-out for Christmas, but man, they still managed to blow me away with the decorations this year. Beautiful trees, elaborate displays, a hilarious bathtub surprise that I will not spoil – it was delightful even for a little Scrooge like myself. So if you’re looking to make the season bright, be sure to head over in the next week.
5. Listen to Latkes Con Salsa
What do traditional Hanukkah songs and Latin jazz have in common? Minor keys and similar vocal inflections to start, says Milwaukee musician Mitchell Shiner. The two musical worlds have intertwining roots, and Shiner combined Jewish melodies with Latin rhythms on his 2022 album Latkes Con Salsa. “The music and the cultures are always talking to each other,” Shiner says. Take “Rock of Ages,” which Shiner infuses with a Cuban-style Mozambique groove. For the third consecutive year, Shiner’s sextet is performing at Best Place from Dec. 20-22 – and the namesake potato pancakes will be served.
– Evan Musil in the December issue
