1. Peruse Books at Downtown Books
BRIANNA SCHUBERT, DIGITAL EDITOR
After a morning of driving around Archer to try bloody marys on Sunday, we wandered into Downtown Books. I love this magical bookstore, filled with stacks and stacks of used books. We spent a good 45 minutes looking at every nook and cranny of the store (separately, we have very different tastes) and walked away with full bags and happy hearts. I bought Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn, Booth by Karen Joy Fowler and some book on the wives of Henry VIII that I cannot remember the name of for the life of me. It was such a fun time, and I highly recommend stopping by if you’ve never been!
2. Eat a Big McAllister
ARCHER PARQUETTE, MANAGING EDITOR
Last weekend was a rough one on my stomach. For journalism, I tried five different bloody marys around Milwaukee. Four of those were in a row. I would not recommend that much burning tomato mix in your gut at one time, I must say. But two good things came out of it – one was the story I wrote about it. The other was a chance to try Uncle Wolfie’s Big McAllister burger after the bloody mary excursion (600 N. Broadway). This burger is pretty amazing. It is a bit pricy, no doubt, at $20, but the double smash patties and buttery bun are worth it for a treat. (And the salty fries on the side are great, too.) I must say I think this is one of the city’s best patties.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
3. Enjoy Your Own Private Concert at Organ Piper Pizza Palace
EVAN MUSIL, ARTS AND CULTURE EDITOR
For my partner’s birthday, her coworker took her and me out for a surprise on a Wednesday night. I don’t know what I expected walking into that unassuming building on Greenfield Avenue, but it wasn’t an all-out rendition of “The Entertainer” on a powerful Wurlitzer organ, with flashing lights and zany instruments dotting the room. Marimbas on the ceiling! Chimes tucked in the high corner! Quacking ducks! I say this with complete seriousness: It reminded me of the power of live music. A slow, sentimental performance of “My Funny Valentine” particularly moved me. The retro, vaguely circus-themed decor – which hasn’t changed much since the ‘70s – charmed me, and the pizza was good! They take requests; our organist (the legendary Zach Frame) knows hundreds and hundreds of songs from jazz standards to current pop hits. And pro-tip: since we went on a weeknight, we pretty much had the whole house to ourselves.
4. Bake an Olive Oil Cake
ANN CHRISTENSON, DINING EDITOR
Olive oil cakes are trendy. That is not why I’ve developed an affinity for them. It’s what the olive oil imparts that I like – the richness, the very moist texture and the delicate flavor. But it depends on the olive oil you buy. A delicate extra-virgin oil made from Arbequina olives (which are picked early in the harvest and make a smooth, fruity oil) is what I go for. This week, I’m making this cake from the King Authur baking website – it’s called an “everyday olive oil cake.” It’s got some citrus in it, which I think works really well in an olive oil cake.
