1. Sip Wine at Charles E. Fromage
EVAN MUSIL, ARTS AND CULTURE EDITOR
Sometimes when trying a new spot, you’re already thinking about when you’ll be back. That was the feeling I had at Charles E. Fromage, a wine bar and bistro in Washington Heights. Yes, that’s a reference to a certain anthropomorphic mouse and his pizza arcade chain. But cuter than the name is the space. It’s nice and intimate, with a small square-footage, warm lighting and French decor. It’s quieter than a dive, but it’s high-spirited like any good neighborhood bar. And I won’t pretend to know anything about wine, but my house white was delicious. Thank you, Charles.
2. Visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s Wingspread
ARCHER PARQUETTE, MANAGING EDITOR
Last week, I had the opportunity to visit Wingspread, a home/compound in Wind Point, south of Milwaukee, that Frank Lloyd Wright designed for the Johnson family (of S.C. Johnson fame). I’ve lived in southeastern Wisconsin almost my entire life, and somehow I never took the time to visit this place – another classic blunder in my long history of foolishness. Wingspread, which has now been converted to a conference center open to the public for tours, is such a cool, odd, unique place. The hallways are barely wide enough for one person to fit because Wright didn’t want anyone to linger in them – he wanted the Johnsons and their guests hustling to his larger, grander rooms. The building is shaped like a propeller with four wings, and at the center’s rooftop there’s a “crow’s nest,” accessible by a tiny, somewhat frightening staircase, that overlooks the entire property. Also, there’s a wildly impractical “vertical fireplace” that, according to my tour guide, was only used once and nearly resulted in the burning down of Wingspread. If you have any interest in architecture, or just enjoy wandering around weird places learning cool things, the tour is worth the drive.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
3. Throw Axes at NorthSouth Club
BRIANNA SCHUBERT, ASSOCIATE DIGITAL EDITOR
I like throwing axes, okay? I tried it for the first time several years ago at a different establishment and realized it makes me feel like a warrior princess. Well, I had the opportunity to throw again this weekend because my fiancé booked a lane at NorthSouth Club. My goodness, was it fun! At first I was pretty terrible but by the end of the night I was hitting bullseyes every six throws, so basically I’m a pro now. Reserve a lane here to feel the power of the axe.
4. Cook Up Some Delicata Squash
ANN CHRISTENSON, DINING EDITOR
I’m not sure when I started seeing delicata squash on restaurant menus. The oblong green-striped fruit (it’s technically, botanically that) has a delicate skin that’s completely edible. And that’s not like you can eat the skin and it’s just not objectionable. No, the skin adds to the texture in a really pleasing way. I’ve been buying and cooking this squash religiously the last few fall/winters and I love it. It’s really easy to prepare for roasting – just rinse well, cut it in half down the long way, scoop out the seeds (and the pulpy, stringy stuff), and cut each half into one-inch slices. You can toss them in olive oil or melted butter (either is great) and salt and pepper, and spread them out on a cookie sheet. Don’t pile them in a mound. Give the slices some space so they caramelize. The slices will cook quickly at high heat (425 degrees is just right). Keep an eye on them. When they’re sizzling and beginning to look soft and crusty, flip them with tongs so each side gets browned. I eat the squash as a side with anything – chicken, fish, pasta. Last year, I made a delicata squash salad (with feta, pomegranate seeds, pepitas and arugula) for Thanksgiving. That was a winner! Here’s a good primer on roasting this fabulous squash.
5. See Almost Maine at Next Act Theatre
In Next Act Theatre’s Almost Maine, four actors juggle nine love stories, playing 19 different characters. The tales come together to paint a portrait of love in an icy, remote town. “One of the joys is seeing how the actors transform from scene to scene,” says Next Act’s A.J. Magoon. The Play runs Nov. 20-Dec. 15.
– Evan Musil in the November issue
