1. Stuff Your Face with a Sconnie Cheese at Explorium
ARCHER PARQUETTE, MANAGING EDITOR
I’ve always enjoyed the beer at Explorium Brewpub, but I’ve never tried the food. That changed this weekend, when I got lunch at the Third Ward location. I ordered the Sconnie Cheese sandwich: sourdough bread grilled with a parmesan cheese crust, cheddar and provolone, bacon and tomato. I went in with few expectations – your boy AP Funk was mostly just looking for sustenance to fuel his broken soul – but that sandwich was delicious. It was kind of like a BLT, except screw the lettuce and replace it with a bunch of cheese. Highly recommend – and while you’re there, try the New York Cheesecake sour, too.
2. Get a Coffee at Discourse
ANN CHRISTENSON, DINING EDITOR
My taste buds were captivated by the subtle reverb of allspice, floral-spicy Jamaican bitters and roasted squash in my espresso drink. Across from me, my friend waited for her garnish of burning rosemary on her coffee drink to slowly go out before taking a sip. We were not at your average, pedestrian cafe. This was the unusual, thought-provoking and delicious Discourse Coffee (1020 N. Broadway). My drink – which also included oatmilk, two shots of espresso, fresh turmeric and atomized fernet – was creamy and mildly sweet. Plus, the near-MSOE space that Discourse occupies is cozy and sort of hidden, although not under the radar. It can get pretty crowded, and drinks like these shouldn’t get lost in the hustle and bustle of daily life. Plan a visit when you can take the time for an experience – this truly is one.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
3. Go Just Slightly Overboard at Harbor House
ARCHER PARQUETTE, MANAGING EDITOR
This weekend, I met up with a couple pals who were in town. I expected the evening to consist of half-off pitchers of High Life and stacks of Choco Choco Chip Pancakes from IHOP, as is our way, but when they arrived, they told me that they’d made us a reservation at Harbor House. “You know what I do for a living, right? I can’t afford Harbor House,” I said, but they insisted. Apparently, you hit your late twenties and all of a sudden filthy plastic pitchers full of warm beer, urine-stinking bar bathrooms, and Choco Choco Chip just aren’t good enough for you anymore. So anyway, we went to Harbor House and kind of went nuts. I’m talking hella appetizers, fancy cocktails, no expense spared kind of nuts. For my entrée, I ordered the lobster ciopinno. I know I’m just a tasteless cretin who gets most of his culinary kicks off the dollar menu, but allow me to say – holy hell, that was good food. My lord. It was unbelievable. And the service! I’m used to surly, hostile bartenders sullenly pouring beer like your existence is an affront to them. But the Harbor House folks were on top of everything, and so pleasant and considerate. Also, one of them had the coolest moustache ever – it curled up at the ends. I kind of want him to be my villainous sidekick. Oh, and of course, the view of the harbor was amazing. What I’m saying here is that I had one of my best dining experiences in Milwaukee ever. And ok, I will admit that when the bill came, there may have been some wailing and gnashing of teeth, and I’m still kind of in denial about the paycheck I blew – but besides that, it was awesome!
4. Listen to Next Door by Leo Takami
EVAN MUSIL, ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR
Like a bright morning sun sparkling on fresh snow, this album warmed me up as I flew to see my family last weekend. Japanese jazz guitarist and pianist Leo Takami runs through adventurous lines that are rich and exuberant. The wandering melodies never feel without purpose, with each detour yielding glimmers of joy or pensive reflection. I found that it’s great music for flying and walking through the airport – helping you feel grounded, even when you’re in the air, and appreciative of the little things in life.
5. Get Higher at Component Brewing’s Merry Creeds-mas Party
CHRIS DROSNER, EXECUTIVE EDITOR
It’s not really my hill to die on, but I think Creed has some pretty great songs. You cannot listen to “Higher” and tell me those riffs and vocals aren’t … good. Objectively good, even if they’re also so dumb. Sports fans (among others) know this band is having a semi-bizarre revival right now, and Component Brewing in Bay View (a place with golden streets) is leaning into it with a Merry Creeds-mas Party this Friday. They’ll be playing the usual holiday classics throughout the evening and night – but with a few Creed songs sprinkled in. The kicker: Scott Stapp’s dulcet, dullard tones trigger beer specials, meaning the diabolical designers of this event have figured out a way for regular people to enjoy, or at least anticipate, hearing Creed. Twisted! So let’s go there. We’ll make our escape that night. Friday, 4-10 p.m., 2018 S. First St. (Lincoln Warehouse, Component is at street level facing Becher Street)
