1. Confirm That Kopp’s Is Still Awesome
CHRIS DROSNER, EXECUTIVE EDITOR
The debate about the best custard in Milwaukee is intense and never-ending. This weekend I stopped into Kopp’s to ensure that my preferred stand was still my preferred stand. Folks, it’s so good. One of the flavors Saturday was caramel cashew – a classic flavor that’s not anywhere near my favorites, but the salty-sweet goodness is just perfect on Kopp’s decadently rich and creamy custard. This stuff is so good if you haven’t had it in awhile, especially if you’ve been slumming with those fluffy, airy grocery store ice creams in the interim. I had a typically great burger, too – not even needed to confirm my MKE No. 1 for another, oooh … three weeks?
2. Eat at Wy’east Pizza
EVAN MUSIL, ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR
The cozy, foggy windows of this Vliet Street pizza spot have been beckoning me for months. Last Saturday, I finally entered, and the waft of fresh dough felt like a warm hug. I picked up the Hot Marmot, a pie with pepperoni, garlic and sweet pickled peppers. The dough is sublime, with a soft, thin middle that becomes thicker and satisfyingly chewier as you work your way toward the crust. And the flavorful tomato sauce stole my heart. When I return, I’ll reserve a table to ensure I enjoy my pie enveloped in Wy’east Pizza’s aromatic ambiance.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
3. Get a Drink – and a Treat – at Discourse Coffee’s New Location
BRIANNA SCHUBERT, ASSOCIATE DIGITAL EDITOR
In case you missed it, Discourse Coffee Workshop opened its new location at Radio Milwaukee (158 S. Barclay St.) on Friday. Naturally, I had to check it out that very day, and it did not disappoint! The sunny cafe was buzzing, and the Moonwater craft coffee and croissant I ordered were delicious, making for a lovely little morning.
4. See Dune: Part 2 in a Big Theater
ARCHER PARQUETTE, MANAGING EDITOR
Last Friday, I had the pleasure of watching Dune: Part 2 at the Oriental Theatre, where they screened it in 70 mm. I’m not the biggest Dune fan around – mostly because of all the funny made-up words make me giggle like the four-year-old I remain at heart. “We must stop the Kwookie Bookie before he uses the Power of Soup to steal the Ducal Ding Dong and becomes the Spicy Moob Man!” But despite that, I have to say the new movie is breathtaking. From start to finish, Denis Villeneuve does not let up – the shots are just spectacular, particularly the terrifying middle sequence highlighting Austin Butler’s villanous Feyd-Rautha. This is a movie you’re going to want to see in theaters.
5. Get Creative With Fish Sauce
ANN CHRISTENSON, DINING EDITOR
For a while I had a bottle of fish sauce – used in cuisines throughout Southeast Asia – sitting in my fridge, pulling it out only sporadically, to make pad thai. When looking to impart umami to a dish, I resorted to soy sauce or miso. Now I’m finding so many applications for fish sauce – a very aromatic condiment made from fermented fish – that I make sure I’ve got a bottle at the ready. Making a cream-based soup? Fish sauce. A salad vinaigrette? FISH SAUCE. Marinades? Get some fish sauce in there! Try a teaspoon, in place of salt. You may never turn back. A couple of brands I like are Red Boat and Three Crabs.
