1. Hike Through the Foliage at the Forest Exploration Center
CHRIS DROSNER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
It seems like this year is shaping up to be a bit of a dud for fall colors in Southeastern Wisconsin, but it seems like we’ll be in peak this week – just in time for the sweater-iest weather of autumn thus far. In between the wind and rain this week, a great spot to leaf-peep on foot is the Forest Exploration Center in Wauwatosa. This adjunct of County Grounds Park off of Swan Road near I-41 boasts a lovely woods packed with maples and other hardwoods that explode in brilliant yellows and oranges – most years, at least. The loop trail includes interpretive materials on ecology, wildlife and the like. It may not be as good as other years, but you gotta get your leaf fix. 1800 Forest Exploration Drive, Wauwatosa
2. Watch the Bucks’ Season Opener
EVAN MUSIL, ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR
How’s it already time for Bucks basketball? Look, I understand Wednesday’s season opener gives little time to grieve the sputtering end of a magical Brewers season. But maybe this is just what we need to move on: Giannis back on the court, a new-look team, the sounds of dribbles and sneakers squeaking on hardwood serenading us. And hopefully a layup win against the Washington Wizards. I’ll be watching from home, but the game’s at Fiserv Forum if you need a more direct dose of hope and optimism.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
3. Bake Elegant Little French Cakes
ANN CHRISTENSON, DINING EDITOR
Something got me thinking about financiers – tiny French almond cakes that mean business, despite their size. The first time I made them was during the pandemic, and I know I didn’t use this recipe from the New York Times that ran in 1999. This recipe is from a fancy French pastry chef, and it’s a good one – both the recipe and the French chef. The only thing that could be seen as fussy is browning the butter. But it’s a non-negotiable; the rich, nutty flavor is like a bold scarf paired with a simple black dress. Here’s where I could also wax poetic about almond-flavored things, but I won’t bore you. I made my financiers in a mini muffin pan. Traditionally they were baked in a rectangular mold that resembles a bar of gold. The financier also goes by another name – visitandine. The Visitandine order of Catholic nuns are believed to have created this cake in the 17th century.
4. Grab a Drink at the New Your Office
ARCHER PARQUETTE, MANAGING EDITOR
The name of this Downtown bar is just prime for some Abbott and Costello-style back and forth. “My office?” “No, Your Office!” “That’s what I said!”
In the home of former beloved Downtown dive bar, My Office, this new “elevated dive bar” is aiming to keep the neighborhood bar’s unpretentious style alive while also spicing it up with a major renovation, new menu items and more. I had a chance to visit on Monday, sample some food and drink, and check out the new decor – that’s extensively documented in the story linked here. The bar’s soft opening is on Wednesday, Oct. 22, so you can check it out this week if you’re so inclined. The big grand opening weekend is Nov. 14-16.
