Under the Moon

Lunar art installation moves Milwaukee

This past weekend in the Third Ward, Milwaukee welcomed a traveling art installation called Under the Moon. The main feature was a 23-foot-wide replica of the moon, lit internally day and night. It's made from NASA lunar images printed on hot air balloon-esque material that's stitched together for a gorgeous, glowing orb. Hoisted above Catalano Square by crane, the sight caused quite the stir.

Throughout the weekend, various performances took place beneath the moon: live music, poetry, talks by folks from our local planetarium. My friends and I were lucky enough to stumble upon a contemporary dance performance by Water Street Dance — a dreamy celebration of the mystery and majesty of the moon. 

The coolest thing about the entire experience was the sheer number of Milwaukeeans who came out just to sit and gaze in awe at what is, essentially, just a fancy balloon. The atmosphere was artful and open, and it was cool to feel that shared sense of wonder. I hope it was as successful an event in the coordinator's eyes as it was in mine. To have more such experiences bringing people together would be a giant leap for Milwaukee. 

Wisconsin State Fair 2019

Quick takes on fair food 

When you only have time for a weeknight trip to the fair, you have to choose your food wisely. How much can you pack in to your typical Tuesday night without instant regret? Here's what topped my list.

First up, the Buffalo Cheese Curd and Chicken Taco from Poncho Dogs. The textures are divine, the cheese melting into the chicken topped with blue cheese slaw and a drizzle of buffalo sauce, all in a chalupa-esque shell. Would get again and might not share.

My second-favorite pick is simple and delicious: Hot Wisconsin Cheese, from the booth plastered with the words "Hot Wisconsin Cheese." Melty and scrumptious as ever. Get the jalapeño ranch for dipping. 

Another crowd pleaser is the Deep Fried Italian Stallion at Water Street Brewery: thin slices of Italian beef, cheese, and giardiniera wrapped in a golden wonton. Ask for the au jus on the side.

We also went for the Dill Pickle Pizza from Rick's — a yummy-enough experiment, but we agreed it needs a drizzle of hot sauce. 

Don't bother with the Chicago Dog Nachos at Slim's PBR Park. 

For dessert, we went for the Brownie Waffle Stick from Waffle Chix. It was solid, but left me wondering if I should have gone for the deep-fried banana bread bites instead. Next year, maybe I'll move cream puffs onto my list of must-haves instead. Or deep-fried cookie dough, as I've never had it before. 

Don't forget to wash it all down with flavored milk! The peanut butter chocolate milk is pretty tasty — like the bottom of a bowl of Reese's Puffs. The mint, I'm told, is weak. At 50-cents a glass, it's worth trying them all just to say you did. 

I wonder: What tried-and-true deliciousness am I missing at the fair? Every year we collectively go for the novelties, while surely there are some simple pleasures flying under the radar. Take Hot Wisconsin Cheese — it's not making any lists, but it's firmly planted at the top of my list. So what other foods exist at the fair that don't need gimmicks to stay delicious? Please enlighten me in the comments.

Milwaukee's Skyline Music Series

Tuesday nights in Kadish Park

You know that bend on the east side of North Avenue where you can glimpse a gorgeous view of the Milwaukee skyline? Usually you're too busy driving to really appreciate it, but you know it's there and you know it's pretty great. Tuesday nights in summer are a chance to slow down, stop at Kadish Park for the Skyline Music Series, and take in this scenic spot with hundreds of your best buds from Riverwest. 

The lineup tends to be musically diverse, with styles this season including Afro-Caribbean, soulful reggae, alternative pop-rock, upbeat 80s covers, and Latin jazz. Hungry? The line is always longest at Pedro's South American Food, where saucy-scrumptious arepas, yummy empanadas, and creamy corn cups are all crave-worthy. 

Music starts at 5:30 and goes until about 8:30 each week. There's always a break in between sets, where the event organizer says a few words and invites some local youth talent to the stage to perform a song or two. It was during this little interlude that I learned how out-of-state musicians repeatedly ask to be part of the Skyline Series, but the organizers turn them down. It's all in an effort to keep things truly local. How cool is that? 

Some other live music to keep on your radar as summer winds down: Mondays and Wednesdays there's live music in Lake Park. Tuesdays are Bay View's Chill on the Hill. Washington Park Wednesdays happen, well, Wednesdays in Washington Park. Jazz in the Park happens in Cathedral Square on Thursdays, and the lakefront Colectivo hosts live music every Thursday and Friday. Am I missing your favorite spot? Share in the comments!

Milwaukee Ballet hosts African dance class for the community

Educating & engaging Milwaukeeans ahead of Lambarena

Dance is universal. That’s what the Milwaukee Ballet hopes to highlight with its upcoming performance of Lambarena, an innovative work that weaves classical ballet and African movement into one glorious celebration of dance. The piece by Val Caniparoli, which first premiered in 1995, was inspired by a musical composition that merges Bach with melodies from the Gabon region of West Africa. Consider these ears perked.

“The score is a marriage of these two kinds of music, and I wanted the choreography to be the same thing,” Caniparoli said. “I wanted to show that you can do either kind of movement to both kinds of music.” By joining forces with distinguished African dancers and choreographers Zakariya Sao Diouf and Naoi Geo Johnson-Washington, Caniparoli ensured that his choreography for Lambarena was authentic and crafted with the blessing of these experts in African dance.

In the days leading up to Lambarena, the Milwaukee Ballet has taken great care to educate its own dance company and the Milwaukee community in the art of African dance. Roxy Kess and Yaya Kambaye of local ensemble Xalaat Africa Drum and Dance for Life taught a class to the Company and Milwaukee Ballet II (MBII), as well as all Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy locations. Kess and Kambaye also attended two of the rehearsals for Lambarena to offer feedback. 

Last weekend, a free class was held for the public: ”No previous African dance experience is necessary,” claimed the Facebook event. Well sign me up!

The dance class took place at the Milwaukee Ballet headquarters on National Avenue, soon to be relocated to the Baumgartner Center for Dance in the fall of 2019. About 50 people from all corners of town poured into the rehearsal hall: eager little boys and girls, older gals in socks, tall and toned dancers, average joes like me, and gorgeous women in vibrant skirts for whom African dance is clearly already a passion.

For one hour, we learned by doing. There was hardly any verbal instruction, rather we simply followed Kess and her team of dancers. Dance itself was our communication, and we all grew a little that day in the ways we understand each other and move our own bodies. The class certainly served the Milwaukee Ballet well in its message surrounding Lambarena: that dance really is its own language.

“We hope people had a fun hour trying something new or connecting to something they already love, and being part of something communal,” says Alyson Chavez, Director of Community Engagement for the Milwaukee Ballet. “While we’re experts in ballet, we are always looking for new ways to connect people to our Company and our art form.”

I was so overjoyed (and sweaty) by the end of our one-hour session that I had to ask Chavez about their plans for other such experiences in the future. “The Baumgartner Center for Dance will have a Community Studio in it,” she explained. “While it will be the Milwaukee Ballet’s new home for the Company, MBII Program, and Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy, we also want the community at large to feel welcome. We will be celebrating the new space with community offerings — all of this planning is still in the works. Next season is also our 50th, so we hope to have people coming in to celebrate that as well!”  

In the meantime, the ballet will be back this summer with their third annual Ballet Beat, where the dancers literally take it to the streets in June and July. Per Chavez: “We’re hoping to pack that month with free workshops, pop-up performances, and mainstage shows featuring seven of our Company dancers and two of our MBIIs.” Stay tuned to the Milwaukee Ballet website and Facebook page for more information.

The reach of such initiatives is no small potatoes. Milwaukee Ballet’s Community Engagement programs serve more than 38,000 people each year. “There are still so many people who don’t know about ballet, who might think they have nothing in common with it, or just have no experience seeing it or being exposed to it,” Chavez says. “We want people to know that ballet is fun, athletic, relevant, and interesting! Our programs seek to break some of those barriers that surround ‘classical ballet’ and open a door to the arts.”

Come see what wonders arise from the barriers being broken in Lambarena, on stage April 4th–7th at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. Information and tickets at milwaukeeballet.org.

Photo credit: Milwaukee Ballet

Lux Domes at Café Benelux

Winter on top of the Ward

Step aside, Brooklyn. Who says Milwaukee can't do winter-chic? 

A metal igloo, zippered-up plastic, and a space heater are all that stand between you and the Benelux rooftop in December. But yes, I swear it's chic! I was lucky enough to be one of a handful of Lux Domes guinea pigs earlier this month, and boy did we have a blast. 

Reservations are $200 for a dome that seats eight, and that cost includes one drink package, also for eight. Eight is the magic number to maximize resources. Benelux doesn't encourage bopping between domes; that's how things get drafty and unpleasant. Trust that the folks in charge have thought this through, and embrace the experience they've crafted. Eight or fewer, no moving between domes. 

You can add additional drink and food packages on top of the $200 — things like a platter of local cheeses, meats, pickles, seafood, oysters, and dessert bites. For drinks, sip mulled wine, hot toddys, hot cocoa with Rumchata, or a bier sampler package. Yes, you must be over 21 to visit the Domes. No, you can't order things from the regular menu; bite-sizes noshables are where it's at. 

While imbibing, the domes lend a lovely, wintry, outdoor-yet-cozy vibe. The temperature inside hovers around 50–55 degrees; warm enough to cast off coats, cool enough that we were all glad to be in layers, hats, and scarves. So dress for the cold, knowing you can always lose a layer if the space heater-supplied weather permits. 

As a package deal, the Lux Domes really do deliver a super dreamy time. Sitting around with friends, enjoying delicious food and drinks, further warming the dome with laughter and conversation — it's a real treat. The problem is, reservations are selling like hotcakes. Time slots are limited, spaced out in 1.5-hour increments throughout the holiday season and beyond. Good luck getting one.

The Benelux folks are also, understandably, working through any hiccups, as this is their first year attempting a rooftop winter wonderland. How will the domes fare in high winds? A snowstorm? Bitter cold? Some of these questions are, as yet, unanswered, so hopefully Milwaukeeans will be understanding of that. I'd wager that this experience will only become more luxurious as time goes on. 

Check out luxdomes.com for details, and sign up for the Lowlands email newsletter to be the first to hear about any new reservation time slots. To all you fancy-pants people who already secured your spot in the domes: enjoy that winter-chicness!

Wisconsin State Fair

A few 2018 take-aways

If you're looking for a Wisconsin State Fair expert, I'll be the first to admit that you've come to the wrong place. Last Friday, however, I did spend a good six-ish hours eating my way through the fair with a couple of near-experts, so today I can speak from pretty solid experience. In brief: Hope you like fried cheese!





Top Specialty Eats 
Deep fried spinach lasagna from Albanese's Roadhouse. Deep fried French onion soup on a stick (yup) from Slim's PBR Park. The deep fried double stuffed s'mOreo sundae from Saz's Taste of Wisconsin. My cohorts also loved the cheese curd taco from Poncho Dog. I personally prefer my curds the old-fashioned way (read on!). 

Top Tried & True Eats 
Cheese curds from Hot Wisconsin Cheese. The pro tip? It has got to be the booth plastered with those glorious words: "Hot Wisconsin Cheese." And you gotta get the jalapeño ranch. These are hands down the meltiest cheese curds I've ever had the pleasure to binge. They actually outdid the specialty eats for me.

Feelin' Thirsty
Beer lovers, go to the craft beer garden at The Micro. The offerings are easily the best on the fair grounds. To the types of people who usually buy wine based on the label and sometimes choose beer based on the name, please note that the Milwaukee Brewing Company Cream Puff Ale is delicious and refreshing, but nothing like a cream puff. Kudos to the marketing team — you got me. The beer here is about $8. The everyman's beer elsewhere on the grounds is $6. You do you. 

Livin' for the Livestock 
Saw my first pig race! It's three super-fast rounds of adorableness, plus the inevitable pig puns. (Pigs with names like Ham-ah Montana and Notorious P.I.G.) If you're a real animal lover, take note of when certain livestock buildings close. The rabbits and chickens have a 4pm curfew, or at least they did last Friday. 

Flavored Milk: Meh 
Would it be a trip to the Wisconsin State Fair without some 50-cent flavored milk? Some people are all about it as a once-a-year must. I think that chocolate milk has survived the mainstream for a reason, and I don't feel any great loss by not having other flavors in my life. But it's probably one of the best deals at the fair, kiddos will love it, and it is a real Wisconsin novelty. So what da heck — if you're into it, get yourself some flavored milk der.

Washington Park Wednesdays

Where live music, killer eats & community vibes thrive

Spending an evening at Washington Park Wednesdays has earned a spot on my Milwaukee summer bucket list nearly every year for the past several, and 2018 was no exception. It all started with my dear friend and coworker at the time, Jane, who is one of the brilliant folks running the show at the Shell. Here she is — the people's queen! 

It's been fun to watch this once-small summer music series grow. While the turnout was rather sparse in its early days, the hill overlooking the Shell is now plenty hoppin' with a crowd that's beautifully diverse. The lineup of food offerings has also grown, boasting the likes of Pete's Pops, Pedro's South American Food, Press Waffles, and more. It's becoming a challenge to pick a delicious poison.

During my most recent spin at the Shell, I went for the pork arepas from Pedro's. Holy mackerel. Good luck tearing me away from Pedro's if this food truck is ever on the premises. 




Arepas for dummies (like yours truly): They're kinda like a corn cake patty stuffed with melted cheese, heaped with toppings and slathered in sauce. Get in mah belly! Did I save room for a Press waffle with Nutella? Why, yes. Yes I did. 

The music that night was latin, with a troupe of local samba dancers taking the stage between acts. Still coming up this season are the likes of No No Yeah Okay, Collections of Colonies of Bees, B-Free celebrating the music of Prince, the Extra Crispy Brass Band, and more. People start to gather in the park around 5pm, and music kicks off around 6:00. So put Washington Park Wednesdays on your summer bucket list, friends — it's earned a spot! 

Bastille Days

Diverse music & Francophile vibes 

I've written about my jaunts to Milwaukee's Bastille Days on more than one occasion. Last year I praised the addition of Press Waffles, a repeat vendor in 2018, and the classic beignets. In 2014 (mon dieu!), turns out I had the same sentiments as this year regarding the over-the-top crèpes. To quote yours truly circa 2014: "I just wish the Bastille Days crêpe people would practice 'less is more.' Keep your mousse and your cream; give me a Nutella-filled triangle."

I will say that my yearly beignets didn't disappoint, though — crazy lady coming through — I could have used a little more powdered sugar. A new favorite: the pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant) from Le Rêve. And one final food note: The served-hot baguette from Lake Park Bistro was cute at first, then a let down once it cooled off.

Not a let down? The music. For me, this year at Bastille Days turned out to be less about the eats and more about the tunes. I enjoyed more than one performance by festival favorite Robin Pluer, who has been gracing the 37-year-old Bastille Days with her presence for an unbelievable 20+ years. She brings a bit of Edith Piaf to the fête.

On Thursday night, I was transfixed by the electric magic of Ginkgoa, an electro-swing pop group that's half Paris, half New York. Their lead singer is a fierce New Yorker who rocks sequined showgirl shorts and killer shoes that occasionally break out the Charleston. Her Parisian counterpart and lead guitarist hyped up the crowd and got Milwaukee groovin'. Oh, and two words: clarinet solo! They're like 1920s hot club jazz with a French techno twist, and the crowd on Thursday night was on their feet in no time. 

On Friday night, it was Sweet Crude that entranced. Again we have a lead guy and gal heading up a talented ensemble — a guy who sings and fiddles, a gal whose insane vocals demand you stop and listen. And they do it all in both English and French! With a horn section! What little I caught of their set left me wanting more. 

Bottom line, if you're a fellow francophile, it's likely you'll also get into the kind of musical acts on display at Bastille Days. You might say it exhibits a bit more culture than some of our larger lakefront fests, and that's très cool.

Nomad Nacional

The World Pub invites Milwaukee to “Taste la fun!” 

I don’t consider myself a Nomad girl. Soccer’s not my thing, and the famous Brady Street Prix Fix doesn’t set my world on fire. But when the World Pub announced its pop-up bar, taking over the former La Fuente space on the south side, my ears perked up. 




Nomad Nacional exists thanks to the World Cup, which starts on June 14th. But it's shaping up to be so much more than a bunch of bros chugging PBR and shouting about futbol. For starters, there’s food. I made the delicious mistake of trying the Pork Nalu Bowl upon my first visit, and now I can't go back. Seared pineapple, charred corn, pickled cilantro, avocado, jalapeños, and cilantro-lime rice — outrageously cravable. FYI: Happy Hour is Monday–Friday with $5 margs, Good City’s Nomad Summer Ale, and all-you-can-eat taquitos. 




The space itself is sprawling. There’s a massive interior with high ceilings, an upstairs, and two spacious patios. While there hasn’t been an extensive remodel of the old La Fuente (the interior mural remains, as do the vaguely grimy tables), the folks at Nomad have freshened the place with bright coats of paint and festive décor, inside and out. Want massive murals by local artists? They’ve got that too — about 10 murals total to ogle. It’s an insanely fun vibe, and one that’s begging to be Milwaukee’s new summer go-to. 




Plus, during the month-long World Cup celebration, there’s daily live music and DJs, local vendors, and special events on tap at Nacional. On Friday June 15th, Milwaukee favorite De la Buena will be in the house. For Father’s Day, there’s a pig roast, rock climbing wall, and reps form the Milwaukee Wave to kick around with the kiddos. Yes, everything at Nacional is family-friendly! They’re even countering Father’s Day with a Soccer Mom Sunday on June 24th, with free manicures for moms and specials on mimosas and white wine.




Last but not least, the alley behind Nomad Nacional will host a Vendor Village on select dates throughout the World Cup. Newaukee is hosting a three-day Night Market the weekend of June 28th, too. Could there be any more reason to pop by this pop-up? There’s something for everyone! Oh, and soccer. There will also be soccer. Lots of soccer (in the Fanzone, as they're calling it). With all there is at Nacional to get excited about, they might even eke a cheer or two out of me.

For music lineup, vendor info, and match schedules, follow Nomad Nacional on Facebook or visit nomadfanzone.com. 

Derby Day at Maxie's

Hours of anticipation for 2 minutes of sports

People get really into Derby Day. They're so into it, I have a sneaking suspicion it's becoming just another excuse for the masses to get drunk and wear lavish headwear they normally wouldn't dare to don. Who am I kidding? That's more so a fact than a suspicion. But that doesn't mean my first-ever Derby party (don't knock it 'til you try it, amiright?) wasn't super fun — it was actually a blast.

This was Maxie's 11th year hosting their Derby party, which apparently grows a little bit bigger each year. Admission is $15, benefitting the Hunger Task Force. There's a big white tent in the lot beside the restaurant and a big brass band playing swing-y classics. Be sure to pop inside the restaurant for a quick shot of A.C. on a hot day. There you can also enter your raffle tickets ($1 each) for the prize(s) of your choosing. I went for a Good Kind gift card and cheese board paraphernalia, but left empty handed. 

In addition to raffles, picking which horse will win, place, or show is certainly a must. It makes the two-minute race itself worthwhile. As for outfits, there are prizes for the best hats and costumes. Colonel Sanders was an obvious pick for Best Costume this year, and a pair of adorable jockeys easily snagged Best-Dressed Couple.

Food & drink-wise, note: The cocktails are super sweet. I switched to beer after puckering my way through one mint julep. However, though overly doused in simple syrup, I will say it was also stacked with bourbon. Do with the info what you will — I'll be the one drinking beer next year, and making sure to hydrate. The food was standard Maxie's fare: mac 'n' cheese, chicken tenders, house-made chips, ribs, and more. Plenty tasty! 

But my favorite thing about Derby Day at Maxie's was the people watching. Sometimes folks just like an excuse to put on their Sunday best and be a little bit fabulous. Though I can't confirm firsthand, I've heard that other parties, like the one at the Iron Horse Hotel, can turn into a mess of day-drinkers who are one spiked sweet tea away from vomiting all over your dress shoes.

Maxie's Derby Day, on the other hand, was utterly welcoming to people of all ages. Watching grandmas get down to blaring trumpets while little ones practice their breakdancing — it's such fun! Shall we do it again? You can bet on it. See you next May!

Milwaukee Winter Farmers Market

Fresh produce, jarred goodies & tasty eats

It broke this week that Milwaukee's Winter Farmers Market will be changing locations next season. It's currently held at the Mitchell Park Conservatory (The Domes) in the Greenhouse Annex. It's a lovely, sunny experience, so it's a bummer that things are getting all shook up next winter. But there are still a few weekends left to pop into the greenhouse and bask in all the deliciousness on display. The Winter Farmer's Market runs through April 14th.




Though there's not a ton of fresh produce (at least, not by noon, which is when I arrived), there's plenty else to tempt your palate and pocketbook. Almost everything is up for a taste test: a dozen or more cheeses, honey, pickles, salsa, hot sauce, and more. I walked away with some cheese and a jar of "Smokin'" sauce for my dad's birthday. There are also some handcrafted goods, like soaps & dog chews.




To keep up your strength as you shop, you can sip on Valentine coffee and stop at one of the food stands. I opted for a Press waffle with Nutella, but then spied someone eating a scrumptious-looking noodle soup that gave me slight buyer's remorse. Next time! Because really, it was all too great for there not to be a next time. 




You could easily spend an hour or more drifting along from booth to booth, sampling as you go and rubbing elbows with local growers and makers. Whether or not you actually buy anything, the Winter Farmers Market a fun experience — one that I'm sure folks will follow to its new home next year, wherever that may be.

MAM: Free First Thursdays

The perfect time to visit the Milwaukee Art Museum

Thank you Meijer, you beautiful big box store, you! Thank you for sponsoring the Milwaukee Art Museum's Free First Thursday. That is to say, the first Thursday of every — yes, every! — month, admission to the Milwaukee Art Museum is free — yes, free! And as with all Thursdays, the museum is also open until 8pm. How nice is that?

If you take advantage of this September's Free First Thursday, it will be the last free night where you can see the highly-instagrammable works by Rashid Johnson in the exhibit Hail We Now Sing Joy.  

Per the Milwaukee Art Museum website: "Using his signature materials of white ceramic tile, red oak flooring, shea butter, black soap, and wax, Johnson examines themes of race, history, yearning, anxiety, and escape and investigates the relationship between art, society, and personal identity." Whew that's a lot. 

The motivation behind Johnson's work is certainly important. But even if you only have time to skate through this featured exhibition, it's entirely worthwhile. 

The star of the show is Antoine's Organ — the towering, show-stopping gridded sculpture, pulsing with hundreds of live plants, mounds of shea butter, audio-visual components, books, and a piano hidden within. At certain times, local musicians are scheduled to play said piano. It is, in a word, incredible. 

As is the fact that you can see this (until September 17th) and Milwaukee's entire stunning collection for free every first Thursday of the month. What are you waiting for? Mark your calendar! 

Sundays at Villa Terrace

Café Sopra Maré

What I'm about to tell you is one of the best-kept Milwaukee secrets. Key word: secret. While I want to spread this bit of magic to those near and dear to me (if you're reading this, thanks for making being near and dear!), the last thing we need is a swarm of hipsters taking over the Villa Terrace on Sunday mornings. So if you can keep a secret and aren't part of a hipster swarm, read on.

Sunday mornings in summer, Villa Terrace hosts Café Sopra Maré in the courtyard. From 10:00 to 12:30, the courtyard is open to the public, with live musical performances beginning at 10:30. The Villa invites folks to "listen to the music, read, visit with friends, or simply relax." How charming is that? 

When my friends and I bopped over around 11:00 last weekend, the courtyard was packed full of people — some chatting quietly, some reading their Sunday New York Times, and some drinking in the sunshine (parasols in hand) and live guitar and mandolin tunes. You can also drink coffee and tea from the Roast beverage table, or enjoy mimosas and bloody marys from the house bar. If you get there early enough, there are even fresh pastries available. 

Can you tour the museum and gardens during Café Sopra Maré? Yes, but it's not free. Tickets are $7. While we didn't have time to wander the museum on this first visit, I think it would be an entirely worthwhile experience on a beautiful summer day, when time allows. 

Live music continues at Villa Terrace every Sunday through the end of September, so finding a time to go back for more courtyard magic is indeed a must in my book. I hope those near and dear feel the same; like I said, it's one of Milwaukee's best-kept secrets. 

A boating bachelorette party in downtown Milwaukee

Cruisin' the Milwaukee River on a private pontoon

When my college girlfriends and I were in search of a unique Milwaukee activity for our bride Christina's mini bachelorette party, a private boat cruise down the Milwaukee River seemed like a solid plan. Now that our pontoon party has come and gone, I'm left with only one question: Why don't we do this more often? 

We rented the pontoon, which can fit up to 10 people, through Edelweiss — a choice we made because other companies only offer half- or full-day rentals on the weekends, and we sadly didn't have the time or money for such things. With Edelweiss, even on Saturdays and Sundays, you can rent for just two hours — and the price is certainly right when split between your captain and crew. 

I will say, however, that two hours flies by, and choosing a four-hour cruise would probably be worth it in the end. Still, this time we went for two hours, with Captain Lindsey at the helm. A bit about commandeering a pontoon boat: Edelweiss doesn't require any boating license, training, or previous experience — just a willing spirit. 

Lindsey said she hadn't driven a boat since she was a teenager, surely under the watchful eye of an adult. But after a one-minute lesson from an Edelweiss staffer, Linds drove our party down the river like a champ! I dare say if she can do it, anyone can — but staying sober is, of course, required. 

Speaking of sobriety, packing a picnic (complete with booze) for a pontoon boat ride is indeed a must! Our spread included a cheese plate, caprese skewers, quinoa salad, homemade bruschetta and guacamole, and lemon bars for dessert. Fritz made her signature margs and popped a bottle of champagne to toast the bride. 

We truly lucked out with perfect weather — not too hot, but not the slightest chill in the air. That said, I'd of course recommend that anyone cruising the river, especially if you brave Lake Michigan, pack layers. Better safe than sorry.

And here's a logistical note: Make sure to arrive 15 to 20 minutes prior to your boat reservation time. Our rental lasted from 5:30 to 7:30, but it took some time to check in and be escorted to out pontoon. Giving yourself some wiggle room allows you to really maximize time spent on the water. End lecture. 

Now here's one final shout-out: Congrats to Christina, our beautiful bride-to-be! Thank you for giving us a reason to gather, sip champagne, and buy grass skirts and tiny men to adorn our cups. Celebrating your happiness is an absolute joy. As you once said: Cheers to makin' memories!

Bastille Days

Milwaukee's French fête in Cathedral Square Park

If you ask me, Bastille Days is one of the best fests in Milwaukee. It's located in the heart of downtown, it's free, the music is great, the vendors are worth a peek, and there are fortune tellers, occasional parades, and delicious food. Yes there's also atrocious parking, but you can afford to avoid that — since the fest itself is free, coughing up $10 for a parking structure is a no-brainer. 

Today I want to call out some of the delicious food that was up for grabs at 2017's Bastille Days. Yes we all love greasy fair food, but I say that's what State Fair and Summerfest are for. If I'm going to an ethnic fest like Bastille Days, I'm going to do my darnedest to eat vaguely ethnic foods. While I didn't try all of these (I'd need multiple stomachs do accomplish that), I think the options below are worth noting for future reference. So let's get hungry! 

First, the two delicious goodies pictured above: A Nutella waffle from Press (who we found in an actual booth, not their signature trailer) and a beignet from Beignets Français. Both were a sheer, sweet, worth-every-calory delight. You might wonder why a waffle counts as French food, and I'll tell you: In the north, where France borders Belgium, you can get true Belgian waffles from street vendors — just like the ones at Press. Heaven — and authentic! 

Other French food purveyors worth a stop: North Shore Boulangerie for tarte flambée, fresh baguettes, and a charcuterie plate; Le Reve for a tomato, brie, and pesto sandwich or warm brie and honey crostini; Sciortino's Bakery for a ham and brie sandwich; and Bartolotta's Lake Park Bistro for a croque monsieur. Bon appétit!  

Washington Park Wednesdays

Live music at The Shell in Milwaukee's Washington Park

It's been a couple years since I last made it out to Wednesdays at the Shell — an event organized in part by a lovely former coworker of mine. Every Wednesday during a stretch of summer, live music takes the stage in Washington Park, located on the cusp of Milwaukee and Wauwatosa. This year, Washington Park Wednesdays will run through August 30th. Crowds start to gather around 5pm with music kicking off at 6:00 and lasting until 8:30. 

Hungry? There has certainly been an uptick in food trucks since I last enjoyed a Wednesday night in Washington Park. When I came out for the first Wednesday of this 2017 season, I spied a smattering of ethnic eats whose scrumptious scents filled the air and were plenty tempting. But I'd had Press Waffles on my summer bucket list, so when I saw their darling little trailer, that was it. 

I went for goat cheese and chutney toppings, while my partner in sinful waffle crime went for strawberry, quark cheese, and basil. These waffles are a thing of beauty and taste just like true Belgian waffles — the likes of which you can't easily find at your favorite breakfast joint, no matter what the menu says. 

After snagging our breakfast-for-dinner, we plopped down on the grass to enjoy music and conversation. The nice thing about Washington Park Wednesdays is that it's not over-crowded — rather, the crowd is just right. You don't have to fight for space or climb all over people to get to and from your spot. 

Another nice thing about The Shell is that there are benches up front for any avid music lovers, but the grassy hill is far enough away that, should you choose to sit there, you don't have to shout to be heard. There's also plenty of room to let kids be kids, as we saw many turning cartwheels, playing tag, and tossing beach balls between them. It's a cool, diverse scene, and one that's totally worth adding to your Milwaukee summer music list. 

Check out the full lineup of Washington Park Wednesdays on their Facebook page. See you at The Shell!