1. Order Aloo Gobi at Turmeric
ANN CHRISTENSON, DINING EDITOR
One of my favorite vegetable-based Indian dishes is aloo gobi, which is a combo of potatoes (aloo) and cauliflower (gobi) cooked with tomatoes and spices. Sometimes it also has peas. It’s more dry than saucy, and a lot of times the vegetables get so soft, they’re mushy. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. To me, the seasonings make the dish; turmeric colors it yellow and the cumin and garam masala take the lead. I just ordered it at a new place called Turmeric (1014 N. Van Buren St.). It comes with steamed basmati rice. I also like it with naan. This time I ordered a side of Malabar paratha, which is more of a pastry than a flatbread, with flaky, oily layers. Next ed pick… maybe: Indian flatbreads. I just love them.
2. Catch a Show at Ope Brewing
CHRIS DROSNER, EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Every time I go to Ope Brewing (6751 W. National Ave., West Allis), I find something new to like. On my most recent visit to the West Allis hotspot, I stumbled into its excellence as a music venue. It’s a great taproom – spacious and comfortable, welcoming and charming, dogs all over the place. It has good vibes at pretty much anytime, but it came even more alive as the band took the stage. The brewery hosts musicians and comedy acts several nights a month; I’m particularly looking forward to Well + Good this Friday night. Some of them have cover chargers, but not all.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
3. Listen to MJ Lenderman
EVAN MUSIL, ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR
Do you ever wonder what’s the big deal about a hyped-up artist, and then one day, it just clicks? It happened to me last week with Asheville, North Carolina singer-songwriter MJ Lenderman. His songs on ambitions and shortcomings range from tight, country-tinged rock to slowcore, with twangy pedal steel guitar pulling bittersweet emotion from walls of fuzz and distortion. His live album, And the Wind (Live and Loose!), came out last November, which features Lenderman at his most electric.
4. Get the Beef Chow Fun at DanDan
BRIANNA SCHUBERT, ASSOCIATE DIGITAL EDITOR
DanDan is great. We’ve written about the Third Ward Restaurant before – many times – and I had the pleasure of going back last week with some friends. I ordered the beef chow fun, and it was delicious. So delicious that I don’t even have a picture to share with you. But the thick noodles, sweet umami sauce, beef and broccoli were delectable, and I already can’t wait to go back.
5. Mull, Marvel and Mule at Zócalo Food Park’s Bar
ARCHER PARQUETTE, MANAGING EDITOR
Over the past year, I’ve developed an affection for mules. Not … like actual mules. Just to, uh, be clear there. I’m talking about alcohol. Moscow Mules. They’re delicious and refreshing and add some variety to the sad single man monotony of beer and old fashioneds that makes up my usual drinking. Last week, I hit one of my favorite spots in Milwaukee, Zocalo Food Park, which has a super cozy, colorful bar that’s a welcome escape in this dreary season. For the first time, I tried their mule. It didn’t come in a copper mug, which saddened me, but otherwise, I thought it was awesome. A bright bite belying brutal bitter winter.
