1. See China Lights at Boerner Botanical Gardens
ARCHER PARQUETTE, MANAGING EDITOR
One of my first-ever assignments for Milwaukee Magazine, when I was but a lowly intern, was to write about China Lights coming to Boerner Botanical Gardens. I went to a press conference to hear from the organizers, ignored the odd looks from media professionals who clearly thought a stray child had wandered into their big-boy press event, and wrote a preview. And man, I was proud of it – a real byline for Milwaukee Magazine with quotes and everything! And for this reason I harbor a particular fondness for the annual event, which is returning to Boerner for its eighth year on Friday. Until Nov. 2, you can check out the bright, elaborate displays that take over the space. If you happen to see an odd little man weeping quietly over his lost days of wide-eyed youthful excitement, feel free to say hi.
2. Score a Touchdown Herring “Shot” at Perspective Brewing
CHRIS DROSNER, EXECUTIVE EDITOR
As long as I haven’t had too full of a weekend, I’m a big fan of watching Packers games in a bar. It’s one of those opportunities to share an experience and a passion with strangers that I just think makes life – or at least my life – better, or at least more interesting. One of the many little side benefits of this experience is the touchdown reward. This is usually a Jello shot or a steep discount on a food or drink item, but some places get creative with their touchdown rituals. Perspective Brewing in West Allis – a small, very easy-to-like neighborhood spot – serves up pickled herring on a saltine when the Pack find the end zone. Preserved fish is not at all my cup of tea, but I love the pure Wisconsinness of choking down a little herring slider to celebrate a Packers score. Just forgive me if I only do it for the first touchdown. This week’s game is a Thursday nighter against the Washington Commanders. Hopefully Perspective’s first herring shots are flying not long after the 7:20 p.m. kickoff. 7508 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
3. Watch Nonnas
ANN CHRISTENSON, DINING EDITOR
Nonnas (streaming on Netflix) is a food movie, a dramedy and a call to action. (I’ll explain later.) It stars Vince Vaughn as Brooklyn’s Joe Scaravella, who, after the loss of his mother, opens a restaurant on Staten Island honoring her (and his grandma’s) home-style Italian cooking. The hook to this spot, called Enoteca Maria, is that the food is made by Italian nonnas – the Italian word for grandmas. This part is not fiction. The real-life Scarapella opened Enoteca Maria in 2007. Though I wish the movie focused more on cooking, it got the Hollywood treatment. But the casting is good, specifically Lorraine Bracco, Brenda Vaccaro and Talia Shire as nonnas. I don’t know when I’ll be in New York City next, but I’ve got to get to Staten Island. The cooking nonnas at Enoteca Maria are not just Italian. The concept has evolved to honor grandmas from all over the world, celebrating rich culinary traditions and promoting cultural understanding and awareness. I ask you: Who can pass up a grandma’s cooking?
4. Listen to Double Infinity by Big Thief
EVAN MUSIL, ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR
After last week, I cut my losses and accepted that fall is just around the corner. (Although there may yet be hope: Saturday is going to be 81 degrees.) So I’m dusting off the albums I considered “fall music,” and the new album from Big Thief is a solid addition. Much like their other albums, Double Infinity sounds like a cathartic gathering of friends around the fire. But the songs are a little more psychedelic, meditative. At the arrival of a season of change, lead singer Adrianne Lenker’s lyrics are a comforting reminder of one constant: love.
