1. Order Takeout From Mekong Cafe
BRIANNA SCHUBERT, DIGITAL EDITOR
My fiancé and I were going to go out for date night last week, but in a game-time decision, we opted to stay in, order takeout and get caught up on “Severance.” We tried somewhere new-to-us, Mekong Cafe (5930 W. North Ave). I ordered the red curry, and it was fabulous. I loved the creamy broth, peppers and chicken. It was so flavorful and just the right amount of spicy. I admittedly don’t recall the name of what my fiancé ordered, but it tasted great, and that’s what really matters. (If I had to make an educated guess, I think it was the Vietnamese noodles.) If you need a quick bite to eat for a cozy night in, this is a great choice.
2. Scarf Down Some Butter Chicken From India Garden
ARCHER PARQUETTE, MANAGING EDITOR
Sometimes life takes on a sickly gray pallor, and to rise from bed feels like emerging from under the weight of one thousand stones. The days tire on, and the years that await you laugh in the dark. During those lowly times, I like to eat. Because food feels good. Recently, in the midst of life’s woes, I ate some butter chicken from India Garden over in Wauwatosa, and I enjoyed that meal quite a bit. It had butter. It had chicken. It had sauce. It had flavor. Delicious. The sun shone on my stomach that day. And of course, I had a side of naan bread, which was also lovely. If you’re in the market for a succulent Indian meal, give this Tosa spot a try.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
3. Decorate Locally (Like Wall Art from Persika Design Co.)
EVAN MUSIL, ARTS AND CULTURE EDITOR
A home is never finished – at least, that’s my justification putting off decorating for months. But a perfect wooden frame finally fell in our laps, and my partner and I took the opportunity to get this many-hued loon print from Milwaukee-based Persika Design Co. that’s been on our wish list for a while. (We’re big bird people.) It’s already made our home that much homier – thanks to its dazzling colors, for sure, but also because it’s local. There’s just something about having a touch of where you live. Consider adding some local artwork to your walls.
4. Plan Ahead for the Crazy-Good Third Coast Provisions Burger
CHRIS DROSNER, EXECUTIVE EDITOR
On Friday I ate my second favorite-burger-ever in as many months. I know I just offered a breathless review of Dairyland’s burger four weeks ago, but hey, the beef gods giveth. Newly in the pole position is the burger au poivre at Third Coast Provisions. If a burger seems odd at this swanky, seafood-forward restaurant, it may make more sense that it’s a happy hour-only offering (4-6 p.m. Monday-Friday). And if you’ve ever been to Third Coast, it’ll make sense that it’s also fantastic. The peppercorn sauce is a gorgeous accoutrement to a delicious, more-cowbell burger, and the cherry on top in this case is an onion ring with a perfectly crispy breading that holds up to all the juiciness therein. (Shout out to that magic bun, too.) The kicker: This thing is just $6, one of the best values in all of Milwaukee dining; add a side of the garlicky fries for another $6) and you can still splurge on one of the inventive, adventurous cocktails. Another thing I loved about my experience: You can tell the friendly bar staff loves that Third Coast offers this special and that it brings in folks who wouldn’t otherwise come in for a $48 plate of scallops.
5. Watch March Madness at Fiserv Forum
College hoops fans rejoice! March Madness hits the courts of Fiserv Forum again for the first- and second-round games on March 21 and 23. Expect bracket-busting action and a big crowd – there were an estimated 25,000 attendees the last time the men’s tournament played in Milwaukee in 2022.
– Evan Musil, from March issue
