1. Pay Homage to the Bronze Fonz, For the Winkler Is 80 Now
ARCHER PARQUETTE, MANAGING EDITOR
If you missed it last week, Visit Milwaukee threw Henry Winkler an 80th birthday party at the Bronze Fonz. I wrote a silly little story about the occasion, and it reminded me that I should enjoy Milwaukee’s RiverWalk more often than I do – it’s quite lovely – and of course, one must always pay homage to Arthur Fonzarelli and his bronze likeness.
2. See Switzerland
CAROLE NICKSIN, EDITOR AND PUBLISHER
It’s the last week to see Switzerland, Renaissance Theaterwork’s production of a two-person play about the author Patricia Highsmith. Trust me, this is one you don’t want to miss. The acting is outstanding, and the script is both intelligent and entertaining.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
3. Have a Spicy Fox Breakfast Sandwich at Matilda Bakehouse
CHRIS DROSNER, EXECUTIVE EDITOR
I’m not really a bakery guy. I live a short walk from one of the city’s best, Rocket Baby in Wauwatosa, but … it mostly just doesn’t occur to me. I’m just not into the bread family of foodstuffs. But last weekend I found myself in Matilda Bakehouse in Fox Point around breakfast time and thought, Hmm, egg, bacon, gouda and honey sriracha on a croissant sounds pretty good. I was wrong; the Spicy Fox was not pretty good; it was a little puck from heaven. This is largely owing to to the croissant, a delicate, flaky sandwich chassis that unexpectedly became one of the best bread-family things I’ve ever eaten. I can only imagine how someone who actually likes bread would love it. 6874 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Fox Point
4. See Ryan Davis & the Roadhouse Band at Falcon Hall
EVAN MUSIL, ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR
Falcon Hall, the newish concert venue inside Riverwest’s Falcon Bowl, has been quietly staging some solid shows. Psychedelic synth wizards Bitchin Bajas hit the hall last month, and strolling in this Friday is Ryan Davis & the Roadhouse Band. Davis plays a style of country-tinged indie rock that’s in vogue right now, but he’s the real deal, not a trend chaser. He’s a clever songwriter and a consummate rambler, dropping witty aphorisms and humorous couplets across many minutes. Yet there’s a quiet despair at the heart of his lyrics that bring gravitas to his songs. I saw the band live last year, and trust me, they translate on stage. Davis’ new album, New Threats From the Soul, should be a delight in such an intimate venue.
5. Sip Arrivederci Roma at Gathering Place
ARCHER PARQUETTE, MANAGING EDITOR
Many moons pass in the darkest nights. I have no idea what that sentence means, but I was trying to figure out a way to start this ed pick for like 20 minutes, and that just popped into my head. So there it is. Anyway, I have beer to recommend. Last week, I tried Gathering Place’s Arrivederci Roma (in honor of my Uncle Vincenzo) at the brewery’s Wauwatosa taproom. I’m no expert, but the Italian pilsner was quite enjoyable, and I also appreciated the taproom’s laid-back atmosphere and friendly bartenders. If you’re looking for a Tosa spot for a quick beer, give Gathering Place a shot.
