1. Grab a Slice at Balistreri’s
EVAN MUSIL, INTERIM EDITOR
I must admit – before moving to Wisconsin, I did not know Milwaukee-style pizza was a thing. And apparently, some people might argue that it’s not. Regardless of the debate over its existence, I had to snag a slice for myself. My partner and I went to Balisteri’s for our anniversary dinner, and we ordered a small pizza with pepperoni and sausage. The cracker-thin crust was a delight. I had no complaints about the sauce-to-cheese ratio, and the square cut made it easy to eat piece after piece. Beyond the pie, the tight space was charming, cozy and familial. I’m looking forward to going back, although maybe after trying Zaffiro’s.
2. Shoot Pool at Romine’s
ARCHER PARQUETTE, MANAGING EDITOR
A few weeks ago, I headed to Greendale with Sophie Yufa, one of our designers. In what has to go down as one of the worst visual decisions this magazine has ever made, our art team had decided that I should be part of a photo shoot. I wasn’t there for that discussion, but I imagine it went something like this: “We need someone to photograph playing pool for this story. Why don’t we send the oddest-looking, palest staff member we have to really repulse our readers?” Well, I did end up looking like an absolute weirdo in the photos, but the shoot wasn’t a total loss – I got to spend an afternoon at Romine’s, a pool hall that I’d never visited before. The place is gigantic, with tons of pool tables, a bunch of space and dozens of people playing, all centralized, as you might imagine, around a bar. It’s got that pool hall atmosphere down, and I had a great time. I’m looking forward to a return visit.
Experience an unforgettable evening celebrating great design!
3. Grab a New Glarus Scotch Ale
CHRIS DROSNER, EXECUTIVE EDITOR
I tend to resist seasonal forces on my beer selections, but the last couple of weeks have had me immersed in big, malty, dark beers. The highlight of these has been New Glarus Brewing’s latest seasonal release, simply called Scotch Ale. This is a big take on the classic, malt-forward style (often called a wee heavy when it’s hitting this heavily – New Glarus’ is nearly 10% ABV) with toffee-caramel and dried fruit character. My two bottles – disclosure: samples provided by the brewery – went down quickly, and I’ll be re-upping with a four-pack soon.
4. Head to Boswell Books for Juneau Black’s Newest Book Release
BRIANNA SCHUBERT, ASSOCIATE DIGITAL EDITOR
Juneau Black is the pen name that local authors Sharon Nagel and Jocelyn Koehler wrote the Shady Hollow mystery series under. I’ve written about the books before for the mag, so I’m super excited to go to the release event for the newest installment, Twilight Falls. The series follows a fox (yes, the woodland creature), who is also a journalist, as she uncovers the mysteries and murders in Shady Hollow, the little town in which she resides. If you like cozy mystery vibes, these books are definitely for you. The book release, which is free to attend, is at Boswell Books on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at 6:30 p.m. The authors will be in conversation with Daniel Goldin and signing books.
5. Listen to SAVED! by Reverend Kristin Michael Hayter
ARCHER PARQUETTE, MANAGING EDITOR
Ok, so this album might not be for everyone. I’m going to say that upfront here. But it is most certainly for me. I listened to this new release for the first time on Friday on the drive to work, and that was both the best and worst decision ever. The best because the album is amazing. The worst because it left me in a state somewhere between ecstasy, dread, numinous exaltation and terrified trembling, which made work super weird. I kept breaking out into frantic sobs and weeping to the heavens, which is pretty normal for me, but I was also slamming my head against my desk, which I think freaked people out. Anyway … Kristin Hayter (who formerly performed under the moniker Lingua Ignota) turns away from her louder, more confrontational past albums with this arguably even more challenging, yet softer collection. It draws inspiration from the charismatic Christianity of the American south, and uses that theme to explore healing, abuse, guilt and much more, with Hayter singing a series of hymns – some of which are her own composition, and some of which are covers of classics. The tracks are all distorted and full of crackle, as though the tapes were unearthed from the burnt remains of a tent revival. It’s a beautiful and scary and wild album. My favorite song is the closer “How Can I Keep From Singing,” which is one of the most emotionally affecting songs I’ve heard in a long time – in just the weirdest possible way.
