1. Fuel Up at Vennture Brew Co.
EVAN MUSIL, ARTS AND CULTURE EDITOR
Coffee and beer are my two favorite beverages. (Besides water, of course, but there’s plenty of that in both of those.) So I’m not sure why it took so long for me to go to Vennture Brew Co. in Washington Heights, but I finally did it Saturday afternoon. I went coffee instead of beer with a Cuban cortado – sweeter than the average cortado with sea salt giving way to brown sugar. It was restorative on a sunny (and freezing cold) day. Adding it to my list of places to linger around.
2. Go Hug Your Favorite Brewery
CHRIS DROSNER, EXECUTIVE EDITOR
It was quite a couple of weeks in Milwaukee brewery news, nearly all of it tinged with loss. These breweries closed so suddenly – clustered around Jan. 1 – for two reasons: because that’s how banks think, and because the first quarter of every year is really difficult for breweries (and other businesses that count on butts coming in the door to spend money). It’s cold and/or snowy, we’re tapped out of cash from the holidays, we’re ready to cocoon, we’re doing Dry January, etc. Any hospitality business that’s underwater is going to have a tough time recovering during this period, hence the end of multiple lines. I’ve said this before, but for those of us who live by the “drink local” mantra, this is the time to put our money where our mouth is and support the businesses – breweries, sure, but bars and restaurants, too – we want to see continue. Hit your favorite brewery and settle in for a couple of pints. (Or a cocktail! They can do that now, too.) Or a nonalcoholic beverage – many offer NA beers alongside their house-made brews. Grab a six- or four-pack or two to take home. Buy a mug club membership, or a shirt or a hat. This time of year, every little bit helps.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
3. Browse at Renaissance Books (at the airport)
ARCHER PARQUETTE, MANAGING EDITOR
I will gladly, gladly drive out to the airport and pay for parking to shop at this bookstore. (Also airport parking is free up to 30 minutes, FYI.) That’s how much I love Renaissance Books. The little shop in the main terminal before security is absolutely delightful. It’s the kind of used bookstore you would normally expect to find on a little side street in a quaint town, and yet … it’s in the middle of an airport. The shelves are jam-packed with books both old and new; the selection is widespread; and I’ve never failed to find a gem on my every visit. I’m particularly fond of the dog-eared old copies of classic novels at cheap prices. This place is an absolute must when I’m traveling, but increasingly has become a stop even when I’m not.
4. Kick Off the New Year With Some Crafts
BRIANNA SCHUBERT, DIGITAL EDITOR
I don’t know why, but the new year and cold weather makes me want to snuggle in and do crafts. I’ve been doing a lot of collaging and a bit of drawing at home, but I’m going to a few community craft events and workshops in the coming weeks! And while most of them are sold out, I wanted to find a couple here for you because there are such a great way to get out of the house and meet folks while still staying cozy. This ceramic pet portraits workshop at Tooth and Nail Studio looks adorable; I honestly might have to sign up. And how cute are the metal flower vessels you can make with Fruity Studio at 414Floral in this workshop? So fun! And if you don’t feel like leaving your house, well, take this as a bit of inspiration to make something while cuddle up on the couch.
5. Eat at Odd Duck
ANN CHRISTENSON, DINING EDITOR
Agnolotti is a word you should commit to memory. It refers to a small, filled, folded pasta from the Piedmont region in Italy. Odd Duck (939 S. Second St.) currently serves it in a very comforting way – stuffed with duck confit and ricotta cheese, in a creamy sauce of butternut marsala and brown butter with a bit of fried sage, frico and shaved black truffle. If there was one drawback, it’s that this small plate was shared by two diners. No, no, no. You will want this all to yourself.
