INSIDE: NEITHER JAMMIN' GEORGE NOR HIS COMEDY IS EASY TO DESCRIBE • PAGE 5
La Crosse's Free Press VOLUME 10, NO. 19 | MAY 20, 2010
The voters have spoken ... • PIZZA • CHINESE FOOD • SPORTS BAR • ANTIQUE SHOP • BURGER •
BLOODY MARY • COLLEGE BAR •
ANNUAL OR ONGOING EVENT NOT OKTOBERFEST • FINE DINING • GYM • ROCK BAND STEAK •
•
•
SPORTS TEAM • BOWLING ALLEY
• LIVE MUSIC VENUE • BOWLING ALLEY • JAM BAND • SONGWRITER • RADIO STATION • PERIODICAL •
JUKEBOX
COFFEE SHOP •
• GOLF COURSE • BOUTIQUE •
1 Best MUSIC STORE • TATTOO SHOP • PIZZA DELIVERY/PICKUP
• EMPLOYER • PLACE TO PEOPLE WATCH • CHEAP LUNCH •
DELI • WINGS • VIEW OF CITY • SOUP SELECTION • OUTDOORS/ RECREATION STORE • FAMILY RESTAURANT • BAKERY • BANK/
FINANCIAL INSTITUTION •
of
SALON/SPA • VINTAGE/THRIFT
La Crosse STORE • MEXICAN RESTAURANT • POOL HALL • BREAKFAST
MENU • CHEESE CURDS • FISH FRY •
CANDY SHOP
•
SANDWICH SELECTION • ETHNIC FOOD • COCKTAIL BAR • DANCE CLUB • DRAG QUEEN • KARAOKE NIGHT • BEER SELECTION •
NOVELTY/SPECIALTY STORE • THEATRE SEASON
Page 7
PLUS: SOCIAL NETWORKING • PAGE 2 | 'ROBIN HOOD' REVIEW • PAGE 6 | THE ADVICE GODDESS • PAGE 14
2// May 20, 2010
Second Supper
Social Networking NAME AND AGE: Steve Roob, 26 WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Good ol` LaCrosse CURRENT JOB: Jimmy Johns DREAM JOB: Own a brewery LAST THING YOU GOOGLED: Parthenogenesis
M AY 22, NOON -6:00 P. M .
Time for Peace
Bluegrass music by Fayme Rochelle & the Waxwings, good food, farm tours, and an invitation to explore peace within. Free event, donations welcomed.
www.echovalleyhope.org 608.337.4871
IF YOU COULD LIVE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD IT BE? Tokyo would be nice. WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WANT TO DO BEFORE YOU DIE? Go sky diving or base jumping; either or, I'm not picky. IF A GENIE GRANTED YOU ONE WISH, WHAT WOULD YOU ASK FOR? To let me live in 1969 just for the year. CELEBRITY CRUSH: Olivia Wilde FIRST CONCERT YOU WENT TO: Alan Jackson (I was 8 and went with my brother, OK!)
WHAT IS YOUR BEVERAGE OF CHOICE? Jameson Sour WHAT BOOK ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING? They still make those, huh. TELL US YOUR GUILTIEST PLEASURE: Sleeping until the sun goes away. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST PET PEEVE? People who tell you the same story over and over. I know, you told me yesterday! TELL US A JOKE: Why doesn't a chicken wear pants? Because his pecker is on his head! WHAT'S THE LAST THING YOU BOUGHT? A hair cut. WHAT'S IN YOUR POCKET RIGHT NOW?: Money, ID and phone. All the essentials. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF SECOND SUPPER? Gettin' Shuggy With It. Helps me open my world to new music. HOW DO YOU KNOW RYAN (LAST WEEK'S INTERVIEW)? He's my boss. — Compiled by Shuggypop Jackson, shuggypop.jackson@secondsupper.com
L'Editor
Dear Reader: Oh, hi. Good to see you. It’s been a while since I’ve hung out in this space, and it feels nice to rap at you again. Have you missed me? Not that I’ve been a stranger — I still have my fingerprints all over this rag — but these days I rarely get to take my L’Editor out of the stable. Sure, this column can be a little bit (OK, a lot) self-indulgent, but I come from the Second Supper old guard, and pointless navel-gazing is our stock in trade. But like many aspects of the newspaper industry — TV listings, police blotters, state government coverage — my L’Editor has been a casualty of the space crunch. Times are tight, and column inches are tighter, and some people think there is a better use for this space than for me to ramble off the top of my head for 289 words. Well, you know what I say to that? I’m not really sure, actually; I haven’t thought that far ahead. Oh, yeah! I should probably talk about this week’s newspaper. You may not realize it from reading the previous 187 words, but I’m actually really proud of this issue. It’s our firstannual Best of La Crosse awards — selected by you, the readers, and organized by us, the newspaper. So turn to page 7 to see the results from nearly 1,200 ballots cast for everything from best steak to best bank to best drag queen. So thank you for all your votes, and I can’t wait until we do it again next year. Bye!
Visit us online at www.secondsupper.com
— Adam Bissen
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ago ic h C , r e w o T ) s r a Willis (Se ber hn Hestekin, Altra mem
ted by Jo Winning Photo submit
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Second Supper
Things To Do See what's new from Trek
The Top
La Crosse strengths 1. Chicken-Qs 2. Beer 3. Pizza restaurants 4. Softball leagues 5. Guitar players 6. Cheese curds 7. Bloody Marys Reasons for a tea party 1. Entertaining stuffed animals 2. Are British 3. In Wonderland 4. Taxed without representation 5. Made crumpets 6. In India 7. Follow cable news
May 20, 2010 // 3
FIRST THINGS FIRST
Quick on the heels, or should we say fender, of Bike to Work Week comes a Trek Bikes Demo Day from 2 to 7 p.m. Monday, May 24, sponsored by The Human Powered Trails Inc. and hosted by Smith's Cycling & Fitness of La Crosse. For information, send e-mail to info@humanpoweredtrails.com or visit the Web site www.humanpoweredtrails.com. The event will be held at La Crosse Trails, off Bliss Road. Take State Road 33 east out of La Crosse for approximately two miles, turn left (north) on Highway F and follow it approximately 2.5 miles. Turn right (north) on Highway FA and go one mile to the "Big Blue" sign. Smiths will be the host of the demo, which features what's new from Trek, Gary Fisher and Bontrager for 2010. Demo is subject to change based on weather and trail conditions. The Human Powered Trails Inc. is a non-profit organization whose mission is to develop and maintain first-class trails for the La Crosse region.
1
Take a walk and learn about local history
How many of you knew May is Historic Preservation Month? If so, give yourself a pat on the back. If not, don't despair. The preservation efforts in La Crosse are ongoing, not limited to a single month, week or day. The Preservation Alliance of La Crosse, which has been spearheading local efforts since 1976, for example, offers various tours throughout the year. Architectural historian Barbara Kooiman will lead a one-hour walking tour of historic downtown La Crosse at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 22. Participants are asked to meet in front of the U.S. Bank building at the corner of 2nd and Main streets. The tour provides insights into the history of downtown as seen through the various architectural styles. For information, call (608) 784-1976.
2
Support rockers' efforts to battle cancer
Loose Cannon and Heavy Water will rock against cancer Saturday, May 22, at Howie's, 1128 La Crosse St. The event, Rock Out Cancer, benefits Walkin' for Wishes, on behalf of the La Crosse Jaycees, and the Chaseburg Run/Walk, which benefits the American Cancer Society. Heavy Water will take the stage at 8 p.m. Loose Cannon is scheduled to perform at 10:30 p.m. There will be a silent auction featuring donations from area businesses from 8 to 11 p.m. Door open at 7 p.m. There is a $5 cover charge. For information, contact Cody Wehling at cwdjweh@yahoo.com or (608) 7864635.
3
Enjoy the outdoors and live music
The Cruz-Inn, W5450 Keil Coulee Road, will host an outdoor music festival from 1 to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 22. Rockin' for Rachel benefits the Rachel M. Cody Scholarship Fund. Bands expected to perform include Junkyard Saints, Son of a Peach, Actual Size, Rolling Ground Band and many more. There also will be miniature golf, food — included a pig roast dinner (advance tickets available) — and spirits. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students; children younger than 10 get in free.
4
Yell Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi
The Australian rock and roll band Airbourne will perform at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 27, the Varsity Club, 1920 Ward Ave. Tickets are $12 in advance and $14 day of show. Tickets are available at The Varsity Club and Neuie’s North Star. The band is touring in support of its new album, "No Guts. No Glory," which was released in the U.S. in April. The band was touring Europe, returned to the States in May supporting Bullet For My Valentine and will take a one-night break from the tour to perform in La Crosse. The concert is general admission and open to those 21 and older. For information, call (608) 783-3132.
5
4// May 20, 2010
Second Supper
COMMENTARY
The WisPolitics.com Week in Review STOCK REPORT
RISING Home sales
CLASSIFIEDS FREE RENT: Campus Housing, 4 & 5 bedroom units, single bedrooms available. Contact (608)7823776 and ask about our “free rent” special! HELP WANTED: Second Supper needs a reliable independent contractor to deliver papers each Thursday. Pay averages about $10 per hour. You must provide your own transportation. Call Roger at (608) 782-7001. HELP WANTED: Second Supper seeks a part-time sales account representative. Must be outgoing, organized and able to meet weekly deadlines. Monday-Tuesday afternoon/evening hours required. Send application to advertising@secondsupper.com. To advertise, call (608) 782-7001
Prices remain steady. And the sale of existing homes in Wisconsin shot up 16.8 percent during the first quarter of the year, giving real estate experts hope the market is stabilizing. That percentage jump beats the nation, which saw an uptick of 11.4 percent for the period. The median sale price for the first three months of the year was $135,000, about 0.1 percent higher than a year before. The national media sale price was $166,100, down less than 1 percent. Real estate experts are keeping an eye on the final six months of this year, when the tax credits for some buyers are no longer part of sales and price calculations. That could present a truer picture of where the market stands, some say.
FALLING State tourism
The economy socked Wisconsin’s tourism industry last year as spending by vacation, convention and other visitors was down by more than $1 billion compared to 2008. Total spending of $12.1 billion was down 7.8 percent from 2008 after tourism spending rose more than 80 percent between 1996 and 2009. Things aren’t looking much better for 2010, when tourism officials expect just modest growth, and it could be two years before the state returns to the $13.1 billion that was spent on Wisconsin tourism in 2008. The drop was widespread, too. All 72 counties saw a decline in tourism spending with 13 reporting double-digit drops. Still, the overall drop was not as bad as the 9 percent decrease reported nationally.
MIXED Second Supper 614 Main St., La Crosse, WI 54601 Phone: (608) 782-7001 Online: secondsupper.com Publisher: Roger Bartel roger.bartel@secondsupper.com Editor in Chief: Adam Bissen adam.bissen@secondsupper.com Student Editor: Emily Faeth emily.faeth@secondsupper.com Sales: Mike Keith mike.keith@secondsupper.com Sales: Jenaveve Bell jenaveve.bell@secondsupper.com Sales: Ansel Ericksen ansel.ericksen@secondsupper.com Contributors: Amy Alkon, Erich Boldt, Nick Cabreza, Brett Emerson, Jake Groteuschen, Shuggypop Jackson, Matt Jones, Carolyn Ryan, Stephanie Schultz, Anna Soldner
Campaign cash limits
State regulators slap new reporting requirements on the money businesses, unions and others spend on Wisconsin elections. But even supporters say the requirements only go so far and believe the bulk of such spending on campaigns will continue to go unregulated and unreported. The GAB’s emergency rule was crafted in response to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down some restrictions on corporate spending in campaigns. In place until a more permanent rule can be crafted, it requires companies to create separate accounts to fund their political activities and to report transfers from their general treasuries, donations earmarked for political purposes and how the money is spent. Still, some say there are any number of ways to keep details of that money hidden from public inspection. But doing anything more would require legislative action, campaign reform advocates acknowledge.
THAT'S DEBATABLE
Editor's Note: WisOpinion.com has asked two veterans of Wisconsin policy and politics, Scot Ross of One Wisconsin Now and Brian Fraley of the John K. MacIver Institute for Public Policy, to engage in weekly exchanges on a topic of their choosing. In this installment of "That's Debatable," Fraley and Ross debate offshore drilling for oil. Brian Fraley: So, Scot, I see you and the selfproclaimed environmental activists ... are using the oil spill in the Gulf as an opportunity to bash business once again, and to push for a Luddite-inspired, pre-Industrial Revolution, horse-and-buggy/windmill economy. But in your bashing of all things oil you failed to mention the no-bid contract the Obama administration just gave Halliburton, or the fact tha Obama was the top recipient of BP PAC and individual money over the past 20 years. I could call it hypocrisy, but I'll be nice and refer to it as "selective outrage." Scot Ross: What happened in the Gulf of Mexico is exactly what happens when businesses are allowed, as they were under the GOP’s decades-long deregulation orgy, to provide their own watchdog over the operations. It is beyond obscene that a simple piece of equipment that would cost $500,000 and prevented this volcano of oil from destroying the already ravaged Gulf Coast was shunned by the profit motives of BP. Responsible energy policy isn’t in the solar system of Luddite; it’s the future, and it’s our only chance to stop man-made global climate change. Fraley: Personally, I support the "Drill, Baby,
Drill" and everything else plan. Let's build some damn nuke plants while we're at it. We should be pursuing all domestic sources we know exist; that includes the oil Gulf of Mexico, ANWR in Alaska and public lands in the Dakotas and elsewhere. And we should invest in creating new technologies and exploring new sources of energy that make economic sense. Scot, how is our national security improved if we fail to tap into the resources we have here and instead are beholden to foreign government cartels like OPEC? How is our economic security improved if we abandon oil and coal and instead rely totally on the more expensive, less reliable and less efficient solar and wind? ... The incident in the Gulf is a tragedy, but it shouldn't scare us away from the natural resource that is oil. Ross: The big oil companies and coal producers have used their political influence and vast wealthy to stymie development of alternative fuel sources basically since the creation of the internal combustion engine. As long as our national discourse relies on the talking points of Big Oil, arguments like destroying ANWR for at most several months worth of the American oil consumption are going to actually seem reasonable. Fortunately, younger Americans are absolutely committed to the cause of renewable and more sustainable ways of living. I will say you seem to be one of the few conservatives still willing to echo the GOP braintrust of Michael Steele and Sarah Palin’s “Drill, Baby, Drill.” Hats off to you for intellectual honesty.
POLITICAL NEWS IN BRIEF Doyle: Smoking ban strong despite shelter provision
Gov. Jim Doyle said the state's smoking ban has always included the possibility that bars would build outdoor smoking rooms. Doyle signed legislation to tweak the ban. But some anti-smoking advocates have raised concerns that the revised language still allows bars to build outdoor smoking rooms that can be enclosed. Doyle said bar owners can't get around the ban on smoking indoors, but he has no problem with them creating sheltered smoking rooms. "You’re not talking about an indoor area," Doyle said of the structures taverns could add. "We have a good, strong smoking ban. But if they want to put a pavilion up outside that has open walls that people want to go smoke in, they can do it. That’s what the intent of this is, and that was the intent of the original law."
DNR defends PSA partnership
The Department of Natural Resources is defending itself against criticism about its collaboration with the Humane Society
of the United States on public service announcements aimed at educating people about the perils of taking baby wild animals out of their habitat. Critics such as Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker, D-Weston, and the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation have criticized the partnerships because they say HSUS is an antihunting group. “I can’t believe we are spending $6,000 of the wildlife management and law enforcement account’s money so the state’s top warden can play advertising executive with outof-state groups," Decker said in a statement. "If the chief warden wants to switch jobs, the sooner the better. He certainly has his hands in the mismanagement of the DNR." The "Wildlife Is Born to be Wild" campaign features two radio ads that the agency created with help from HSUS, which also chipped in to purchase half the air time at a cost of about $6,000, according to DNR spokeswoman Laurel Steffes. "DNR serves all Wisconsin citizens and widely diverse constituent groups. Where our goals and values are the same, we seek to work with people to solve problems," Steffes said.
Second Supper
COMMUNITY
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PHOTO BY BRETT EMERSON
George Haug, known also as Jammin' George, offers a unique brand of comedy in his albums, newsletter and videos. He also has performed at open mic nights in the area.
Jammin' George: Local hero By Brett Emerson
brett.emerson@ssecondsupper.com The first thing I noticed when I met up with local comedian and surrealist Jammin’ George was that he had a bobble-head of himself sitting on his table. It wasn’t a total likeness; the sculpture reminded me of Harry Caray whereas George, a big man with close-cropped white hair and rectangular black glasses, looks more like Drew Carey. But the fact that Jammin’ George commissioned a bobble-head to be made of him is stunning. It’s one more way by which he crawls into one’s head and wreaks havoc. My relationship with Jammin’ George is full of such brain-melting incidents. Earlier in the year, my cohort Shuggypop Jackson got hold of me and delivered an urgent message: he had something he had to show me. His offering was Jammin’ George’s Land of Fun, an hour-long video in which George dances to music, reads poetry, does impersonations and films his television. It’s one of the most bizarre videos I’ve ever seen, but the strangest thing is that I’ve watched it so many times that I’m no longer fazed. The Sweet Shop janitor known on his paychecks as George Haug is a joyous man, quick to ham it up and not given to extensive self-examination. The one thing he isn’t is a one trick pony. Land of Fun, which was made circa 2006, is his newest project, but Jammin’ George has been around for decades. In that time, he’s also been a stand-up come-
dian, written his own newsletter and released three comedy albums. His current goals are to get some of his videos up on YouTube and perhaps make it to the Twin Cities to do a few shows. “I’ve been a comedian since the early '80s,” George said. “I started out writing newsletters, these ‘Jam Reviews.’ Then at Popcorn Tavern’s open mics I would get up and do a little schtick, little jokes, and they asked me to do more and more. [I usually perform] once a month, maybe once every other month. I haven’t done it for a while.” George described his stand-up as such: “I do one-liners, but I also do impressions or lip-sync somebody, like Roger Whittaker’s ‘Wind beneath My Wings.’” His influences, both in comedy and beyond it, range from the obvious to the surprising. George is a big fan of Chris Farley, John Candy, Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi and Bill Murray, but he’s also into surreal artists such as Jackson Pollock and Pablo Picasso. In reading his newsletters I picked up an affinity for Tracy Chapman and the Grateful Dead. The fact that he likes the expectationshattering Andy Kaufman is no surprise. He LOVES Alice from The Brady Bunch. George’s newsletter, The Jam Review, captures the full spirit of Jammin’ George. The volumes that George brought to the interview ranged from 1989 to 2001 and were filled with one-liners, poetry, photography and strange stories. One story described
CONTINUED ON PAGE 14
6// May 20, 2010
Second Supper
ARTS
ard, yet the two put aside their differences when the world needs saving. So the hate? It’s not altogether undeserved, yet not entirely warranted. Calm down!
— Brett Emerson
The Screening Room
The Arts Review Bizarro Masterpiece Theatre Medium: Film Howard the Duck (1986) Director: Willard Huyck Cast: Lea Thompson, Jeffrey Jones, Tim Robbins Writers: Willard Huyck, Gloria Katz There’s a lot of hatred to confront here. Howard the Duck is well entrenched in the pantheon of Worst Films Ever, and it’s the easy go-to for both Worst Comic Book Film (based as it was off a Marvel comic) and producer George Lucas’s darkest hour. I just don’t get it. Howard the Duck may be many things — and a dumb, silly film is certainly one of them — but it’s not even the worst movie of the '80s, much less ever. Mac and Me, with its relentless cripple abuse and commercial whoring, was far more offensive. Every flick Hulk Hogan has ever made is much more ridiculous than this, including No Holds Barred, in which he rages triumphant over cross-eyed man-monsters and pantscrapping thugs. Even as it concerns comic book films, I can name worse efforts. Does anybody remember Dolph Lundgren darkening his hair and raging in the original Punisher movie, or Captain America taking on Italian fascists in the early '90s? Superman IV: The Quest for Peace, anyone? Swamp Thing? Batman and Robin? And as for George Lucas, I think we can say he’s done worse than this. Exhibit A: Jar-Jar Binks. I rest my case. Perhaps all the rage toward Howard the Duck can be attributed to the fact that it is a glaring portrait of its times — a portrait with duck tits and implied bestiality, mind you. The story features our feathered hero Howard riding his easy chair out of Duckworld, landing in '80s Cleveland, and immediately causing a ruckus among the shaved apes. He soon comes across Lea Thompson’s Beverly, a hairspray queen struggling with her bland rock band. The two team up in the attempt to send Howard home and end up embroiled in conflict with an evil Dark Overlord bent on world domination. Said Dark Overlord, played by Jeffrey Jones, is the movie’s secret weapon. Having possessed Jones’s mild-mannered scientist, the D.O. sneers and leers like a constipated drug addict, blasting rubes and sticking his tongue into power outlets. Expecting Jeffrey Jones to act creepy is akin to expecting a lesser actor to breathe. As such, he’s perfect. A solid supporting act is headed up by a young Tim Robbins as a wannabe scientist who views the arrival of the extraterrestrial duck with idiotic glee. His pseudo-scientific theories are shot down by the urbane How-
Medium: Film Robin Hood (2010) Director: Ridley Scott Cast: Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett, Max von Sydow Writers: Brian Helgeland, Ethan Reiff, Cyrus Voris Like Iron Man 2 a week before it, Robin Hood rides the strength of an action-packed theatrical trailer only to storm into blockbuster-primed theaters without holding up its end of the bargain. Both films may skimp on the action, but Iron Man 2 at least has character; Robin Hood, on the other hand, never escapes the merciless grip of tedium. The conventions of battle-oriented MiddleAges epics weigh the film down to the point where it never builds a perceptible amount of steam. What brief bursts of action the film does offer benefit from their frantic pacing and unrestricted grandeur, and watching director Ridley Scott and main man Russell Crowe do their thing isn't without its rewards. But how are we supposed to invest in a battle, and for that matter in a story, that involves characters we care so little about? Titling the film Robin Hood was the filmmakers' first mistake. Russell Crowe does not play Robin Hood. Rather, his Robin Longfellow is something of an Anakin Skywalker to Robin Hood's Darth Vader, and what we get is essentially an origin story, one that first finds Robin as a common archer in King Richard the Lionheart's army and then as a de facto savior and guardian of the town of Nottingham. His rivals include both the tyrannical, oppressive King John and his devious henchman Sir Godfrey, who secretly plots with the king of France to invade England and overthrow King John. All of this takes place before Robin Hood actually becomes an outlaw, and titling the film Robin Hood Begins might have served better in not leading audiences to expect something different. Here Scott seems fixated on milking the same teat that bore him an Academy Award with the disgustingly overrated Gladiator. An unlikely hero cast out and forced to literally fight for his convictions, a female lead who displays both courage and intelligence but nevertheless obligingly succumbs to the hero's manliness, perpetually scowling politicians and royalty who spend their every waking second devising dastardly schemes — they're all here, and they're all as wooden and perfunctory as ever. At least it's somewhat compensating to see the effort that should have gone toward breathing life into the characters ended up in the cinematography. Nobody can argue that Robin Hood's visuals aren't especially stylish and well-calculated. But that's all it really aspires to be — something nice to look at, a Michael Bay summer blockbuster without any explosions. — Nick Cabreza
Second Supper
BEST OF
Readers tell us what's best about La Crosse Editor's Note: We would like to thank all of the readers — from as far away as Oslo, Norway — who participated in Second Supper's first readers' choice balloting for our annual Best of La Crosse edition. We received 1,190 ballots, which far exceeded our expectations. In our Web balloting, more than 61 percent of the votes came from our primary readership demographic of 21- to 35-year-olds, while the 36-50 age group accounted for nearly 25 percent. More responses (51 percent) came from women than men.
And the winners are:
hidden weapons.
BURGER 1. Fayze's (27.55 percent) 2. Bucky's Burger Barn (19.72 percent) 3. Alpine Inn (10.63 percent) HM: Beef & Etc. Supper Says: Fayze's is such a La Crosse fixture that it scored well in multiple categories and captured two. The Talame bread is a favorite and, not coincidentally, most of Fayze's 1/3-pound black Angus burgers come with the homemade Talame buns. Pair the burger with Brew City beer battered waffle fries and a milkshake, and you're in burger heaven.
MEXICAN RESTAURANT
FOOD RESTAURANTS
FINE DINING
(Eleven votes separated first and second.) 1. Piggy's (26.4 percent) 2. Freight House (25 percent) 3. Kate's on State (16.9 percent) Honorable Mention: Waterfront Supper Says: The irresistible scents of grilled meats emanating from this riverside destination make Piggy's an obvious shoein.
PIZZA: RESTAURANT 1. Big Al's (34.01 percent) 2. T-Jo's (19.75 percent) 3. Edwardo's (17.58 percent) HM: Pizza Amore Supper Says: Sourdough crust, fresh ingredients and a sweet basil sauce have made Big Al's pizza a La Crosse institution for over 30 years.
PIZZA: DELIVERY OR PICKUP 1. Toppers Pizza (25.53 percent) 2. Happy Joe's (19.87 percent) 3. Pizza King (19.74 percent) HM: Jeff & Jim's Pizza Supper Says: Oh, delicious, late-night Toppers. It's practically the patron saint of bar time, always offering a ridiculously diverse selection of food to those shambling home after a long night of tomfoolery.
CHINESE FOOD
(Three votes separated first and second.) 1. The Dragon (24.66 percent) 2. Hunan (24.25 percent) 3. China Star (20.82 percent) HM: China Buffet Supper Says: Hidden away in Jackson Plaza, The Dragon is one of La Crosse's delicious
1. Manny's (29.10 percent) 2. Tequila's (25.13 percent) 3. Los Tres Compadres (23.28 percent) HM: Fiesta Mexicana Supper Says: In a city that's surprisingly stocked with refried-beans-and-enchilada joints, Manny's offers a classier take on Mexican cuisine. If we offered a "Best Seafood" category, it would probably win that one, too.
CHEESE CURDS
(Twelve votes separated first and second.) 1. Rocky's Supper Club (29.85 percent) 2. Rudy's Drive-In (28.31 percent) 3. Eduardo's (21.62 percent) HM: Bruisers Supper Says: Just a wee drive south, Rocky's Supper Club in Stoddard has more to offer than just cheese curds, but nobody knows because in Wisconsin it's totally acceptable to eat cheese curds for dinner.
CANDY SHOP 1. The Pearl (37.27 percent) 2. Ranison (22.21 percent) 3. The Sweet Shop (21.82 percent) HM: Finnotte's One voter badly in need of sugar told us: "F*** candy, I'm not 12." Supper Says: Remember that scene in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory where Charlie Bucket's rowdy classmates turn the quaint neighborhood candy shop into their playground? Going to The Pearl is like jumping joyfully onto this movie set. Even if you're solely in search of a cold cone to quell the summer heat, you can't help but ogle their floor-to-ceiling shelves loaded with colorful candies and chocolates.
BREAKFAST MENU 1. Ardie's (34.79 percent) 2. Marge's on Rose (22.10 percent) 3. The Hungry Peddler (21.83 percent)
CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
May 20, 2010 // 7
8// May 20, 2010
Second Supper
BEST OF CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 HM: La Crosse Family Restaurant Supper Says: Served until 3 p.m. (there's a recommendation right there), Ardie's breakfast is a treat for the conservative and adventurous palettes alike. They offer the regular assortment of eggs and hash browns, but an omelet with corned beef and sauerkraut and a scrambler with zucchini will start your day with a hop in your step.
CHEAP LUNCH 1. Pickerman's (28.91 percent) 2. Coney Island (22.96 percent) 3. Maid-Rite (15.08 percent) HM: Ralph's Supper Says: Nothing says "cheap lunch" like soup and sandwiches, and in La Crosse nothing says "soup and sandwiches" like Pickerman's. The menu is varied but the concept is simple. No sense messing with a good thing.
WINGS 1. Buffalo Wild Wings (36.64 percent) 2. Blue Moon (19.37 percent) 3. Hooters (12.91 percent) HM: Features One voter with guilt dripping off his fingers told us: "Count this as a Brother's vote; I just felt dirty clicking it." Supper Says: When you call your restaurant Buffalo Wild Wings just to live up to your name you need to have great wings. With a multitude of sauces they have something for everyone.
SOUP SELECTION
327 Jay St. Phone: 608.782.7087 Fax: 608.782.7088
1. Pickerman's (39.42 percent) 2. People's Food Co-op (25.94 percent) 3. Erbert & Gerbert's (13.33 percent) HM: Kwik Trip Supper Says: See Cheap Lunch above.
FISH FRY
2010
BEST of
of
La Crosse
SOUP SELECTION & CHEAP LUNCH We at Pickermans want to thank all of the Second Supper readers who voted for us.
Thanks for making the Numero Uno Sandwich Number One!!!
Our philosophy of offering gourmet soups, salads and sandwiches at a reasonable price seems to be working. Especially during these tough economic times. Don’t forget that during the summer months we will be providing outdoor seating and on-site parking for all our customers to enjoy. HOURS: 10:30 A.M. - 6:30 P.M. MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY
1. Syl's (33.33 percent) 2. Ardie's (15.19 percent) 3. River Jack's (12.40 percent) HM: Houghton's One voter who struggles with Lent each year told us: "Yuk." Supper Says: Syl's fish fry is a Friday night institution that draws a bustling crowd to Barre Mills. Getting a table in this joint is certainly worth the wait.
FAMILY RESTAURANT 1. Fayze's (38.78 percent)
Have an opinion? Send your letters to the editor to Second Supper, 614 Main St., La Crosse, WI 54601 or by e-mail to editor@secondsupper.com. Letters should be signed and include phone number for verification purposes. Please limit letters to no more than 300 words. Second Supper reserves the right to edit letters for length, clarity and grammar. For more information, call (608) 782-7001.
2. Schmidty's (22.30 percent) 3. The Train Station BBQ (14.54 percent) HM: Beef & Etc. Supper Says: Everyone from your crazy uncle to your picky little sister can be satisfied by a meal at Fayze's. They offer the finest in Midwestern comfort food — with Lebanese buns thrown in for good measure.
SANDWICH/WRAP SELECTION 1. Lindy's (37.95 percent) 2. Pickerman's (19.67 percent) 3. Erbert & Gerbert's (15.51 percent) HM: Bodega Brew Pub Supper Says: Fresh bread, fresh veggies and choice cuts put Lindy's on top of this list. Couple that with delivery to French Island, and Lindy's gives you the best sandwich shop around.
BAKERY
(Two votes separated first and second.) 1. Linda's Bakery (30.97 percent) 2. St. Francis (30.43 percent) 3. People's Food Co-op (15.42 percent) HM: Fayze's Supper Says: Wisconsin's most decorated — err, award-winning bakery can be found right up the road in West Salem. Try any treat in the store, and you'll learn that Linda's is about more than just cakes.
COFFEE SHOP 1. The Root Note (26.09 percent) 2. Bean Juice (21.04 percent) 3. Jules (20.34 percent) HM: Grounded Supper Says: One of the youngest business on our Best Of list, the Root Note has transformed the downtown hangout scene with a mixture of inviting spaces, local art, adventurous food and interesting people. Their coffee is pretty good, too.
DELI
(Only category with tie) 1. Festival Foods (41.73 percent) 1. People's Food Co-op (41.73 percent) 3. Quillin's (15.31 percent) HM: Piggy Wiggly Supper Says: Praise be to Festival Foods' and the People's Food Co-op's deli. They're just a cut above the rest.
STEAK
(Five votes separated first and second.) 1. Digger's Sting (34.89 percent) 2. Freight House (34.18 percent) 3. Piggy's (12.76 percent) HM: Water Front One voter who we'd guess hasn't left the house in 15 years told us: "My back yard." Supper Says: Sometimes recognized more for its Bloody Marys and margaritas, Digger's Sting was still built on steaks, especially the center-cut top sirloin. It is bathed in a roasted garlic and herb butter that gives it a unique splash of flavor with each bite.
ETHNIC FOOD 1. Buzzard Billy's (41.53 percent) 2. Yoko's (20.90 percent)
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Second Supper
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 3. Hmong's Golden Egg Rolls (17.51 percent) HM: International Bake Cafe One self-absorbed voter who sounds a lot like the previous voter told us: "My Italian cooking." Supper Says: In an unusual umbrella category encompassing all the world's cuisine (minus American, Mexican and Chinese), Buzzard Billy's earns La Crosse's favorite status for serving some damn fine Cajun food.
SPORTS BAR 1. Snuffy's (23.21 percent) 2. Flipside (17.86 percent) 3. Glory Days (16.36 percent) HM: Bruisers One horny voter told us: "Bronco's, for the hot dudes." Supper Says: Snuffy's offers a giant bar, friendly staff and lots of television for watching the big game. And they've got a shuffleboard table, too!
BLOODY MARY 1. Del's Bar (54.53 percent) 2. Digger's Sting (10.75 percent) 3. Nighthawk's Tap (10.29 percent) HM: Bodega Brew Pub One voter who denies having a problem told us: "Nobody beats the one I make at home." Supper Says: Is it the Brussels sprout that makes the Del's Bloody Mary so delicious? The cheese cube? The olive? Pickle? Tomato juice? Pepper? Yes — all of that, and the accomplished mixologists who keep serving up history.
COCKTAIL BAR 1. Starlite Lounge (58.54 percent) 2. The Cavalier (13.20 percent) 3. Water Front (11.34 percent) HM: Piggy's Supper Says: Because if you're going to be listening to live jazz, sitting on art deco furniture, and whispering over flickering candles, you may as well have a martini in your hand.
BEER SELECTION 1. Bodega Brew Pub (58.33 percent) 2. Pearl Street Brewery (15.76 percent) 3. JB's Speakeasy (9.09 percent) HM: Rivoli Theatre Supper Says: Whether your favorite beer comes from Seattle or Sri Lanka, there's a good chance the Bodega is holding one deep in its copper cooler. And if they don't have that special beer? Well, open the menu and pick one of the 400 others.
COLLEGE BAR
1. Eagle's Nest (24.52 percent)
May 20, 2010 // 9
BEST OF 2. Animal House (21.94 percent) 3. Brother's (16.94 percent) HM: Library One voter who should stay away from college bars told us: "Any bar that DOESN'T attract douche bags." Supper Says: Get aerie at the Eagle's Nest!
DANCE CLUB 1. Legends (28 percent) 2. Players (19.83 percent)
3. Arena (17.91 percent) HM: Cognac Club, Impulse One voter who spends too much time texting Dancing with the Stars told us: "None in town; they all suck." Supper Says: Legends' foam parties: 'Nuff said.
Your community owned natural foods store organics • deli with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free selections, fabulous soups & interesting sandwiches • fair trade 315 Fifth Ave. So. coffee & tea • bakery • specialty La Crosse, WI tel. 784.5798 cheeses • local products • fresh, www.pfc.coop local, & conventional produce • wine & beer • vitamins • cosmetics • health & beauty • floral • housewares and so much more... open daily 7 am–10 pm
BOUTIQUE 1. Kick (49.91 percent) 2. Funk (20.56 percent) 3. Margrets Hip-Hop Fashions (13.18 percent) HM: 2Fifteen Supper Says: Don't think you have a shoe fetish? Try strutting around the streets in a newly purchased pair of Kick's stylin'-yetcomfortable-as-hell heels and get back to us. The women of La Crosse obviously are smitten with sexy shoes that don't blister up their feet. As for the male voters? They're smitten with their women in sexy shoes.
ANTIQUE SHOP 1. Antique Center (35.84 percent) 2. Treasures on Main (30.77 percent) 3. Caledonia Street Antique Mall (17.13 percent) HM: Purple Pig Supper Says: The Antique Center on Main Street offers 75 booths sprawling across three floors. It's easy to be Indiana Jones when you're treasure hunting here.
VINTAGE/THRIFT SHOP 1. Vintage Vogue (43.29 percent) 2. Good Steward (13.60 percent) 2. The Elite Repeat (13.60 percent) HM: Second Showing Supper Says: Classy, well-run and featuring true vintage — as opposed to just secondhand — clothing and accessories, Vintage Vogue is a treasure trove for fashionistas, costume departments of local theatre groups and La Crosse's savviest shoppers.
MUSIC-RELATED STORE 1. Deaf Ear Records (40.33 percent) 2. Dave's Guitar Shop (27.14 percent) 3. Instrument Repair of La Crosse (13.04 percent) HM: Leithold Music
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VOTED BEST DELI IN 2010 BEST OF LA CROSSE
Thanks!
If we weren’t so modest, we’d make a really big deal about being voted La Crosse’s
BEST PERIODICAL
But we’ve matured. We’ll just give the facts: Second Supper ... 50.7 %, La Crosse Tribune ... 26.5% Coulee Region Women ... 11.1%, La Crosse Magazine ... 6.3% Visitors Guide ... 4%, Coulee Parenting ... 0.44% Foxy Shopper ... .15%, The Racquet ... .15%
Oh, and ... Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah! FOR ADVERTISING RATES (BEFORE SUCCESS GOES TO OUR HEAD), CALL 608.782.7001
10// May 20, 2010
Second Supper
BEST OF
Make It Downtown Tonight!
Restaurant
& Bakery
Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner Carry Out Always Available Tuesday Nights – 2 for 1 Tap Beers! Happy Hour 4 to 6 pm Everyday! 4th
www.fayzes.com & Pearl • Downtown La Crosse (608) 784-9548
PHOTO BY ROGER BARTEL
Readers of Second Supper said Riverside Park offers the best people-watching opportunities in La Crosse. The lush lawns, mix of sun and shade, the river, the view, the walkways and, for some, refreshing fountains attract residents and visitors alike. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 Supper Says: Whether you want an album that's new or used, CD, or vinyl, the knowledgeable staff Deaf Rock will help you rock it 20th century style by acquiring your music at the local record store.
NOVELTY/SPECIALTY STORE 1. Pearl Street Books (35.74 percent) 2. River City Hobbies (20.66 percent) 3. The Bead Shoppe (15.08 percent) HM: Blue Line Body Piercing Supper Says: These are sure sad times when an independent local bookstore is considered a novelty or specialty, but Pearl Street Books holds it down old-school. It's one of the most browse-able stores in town.
SPA/SALON 1. Metropolitan Salon & Spa (30.85 percent) 2. Salon Medusa (23.76 percent) 3. The Oasis Salon (6.91 percent) HM: The Orange Pearl One voter who doesn't really care how her hair looks told us: "Orange Pearl, because they give you wine." Supper Says: This place looks big from the outside but small from the inside because it always seems so busy. Friendly, well-trained staff, diverse services and welcoming atmosphere make this La Crosse's top salon.
OUTDOOS/RECREATION STORE 1. Three Rivers Outdoors (42.05 percent) 2. Buzz's Bike Shop (17.69 percent) 3. Smith's Cycling & Fitness (13.64 percent) HM: Bikes Unlimited Supper Says: The knowledgeable, friendly staff and wide variety of outdoor gear have made 3RO a downtown staple and muststop for any of the area's thousands of outdoor junkies.
PRIVATE EMPLOYER TO WORK FOR 1. Gundersen Lutheran (30.66 percent) 2. Logistics Health Inc. (23 percent) 3. Franciscan Skemp (16.55 percent) HM: Kaplan One voter committed to conscientious commerce told us: "Not Walmart." Supper Says: Gundersen Lutheran is consistently ranked among the nation's best hospitals and La Crosse's largest employers, so it's not a surprise they took this title. But let's not overlook their cool windbreakers.
BANK/FINANCIAL INSTITUTION 1. Altra Federal Credit Union (48.19 percent) 2. State Bank of La Crosse (11.18 percent)
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Second Supper
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 3. Coulee Bank (9.29 percent) HM: Associated Bank Supper Says: Whereas some banks fatten their bottom lines with an increasing assortment of penalties and service fees, Altra keeps its members happy with friendly service and a respect for your money. Earning interest on a checking account is a pretty nice touch, too.
LOCAL PERIODICAL 1. Second Supper (50.73 percent) 2. La Crosse Tribune (26.54 percent) 3. Coulee Region Women (11.14 percent) HM: La Crosse Magazine Supper Says: You like us! You really like us! So suck on that one, Tribune.
May 20, 2010 // 11
BEST OF GYM 1. YMCA (54.43 percent) 2. Snap Fitness (17.57 percent) 3. La Crosse Fitness (8.52 percent) HM: Shake 'N' Shed One voter with clogged arteries told us: "Not my thing." Supper Says: See? It's not just known because of the Village People!
GOLF COURSE 1. Fox Hollow (31.38 percent) 2. Forest Hills (25 percent) 3. Cedar Creek (16.49 percent) HM: Coulee Golf Club One voter who has missed the Tiger Woods scandal told us: "Golf is for sissies." Supper Says: Watch for our Golf Guide in June featuring the area's toughest holes.
Thank You for choosing ALTRA as Best in La Crosse! Free Online Banking + Bill Pay
Checking + ATM refunds*
Mobile Banking
Better rates Fewer fees
Friendly service
Six local offices
TATTOO PARLOR 1. Mind Altering (50 percent) 2. Blue Line (32.48 percent) 3. 3rd Street Ink (10.37 percent) HM: Paradigm One voter likely to soon be hospitalized for hepatitis told us: "My neighbor's basement." Supper Says: The only parlor willing to tattoo SECOND SUPPER on El Jefe's leg, Mind Altering earned our eternal support.
SPORTS TEAM 1. La Crosse Loggers (39.41 percent) 2. Mississippi Valley Mayhem (35.63 percent) 3. La Crosse Skating Sirens (17.41 percent) HM: La Crosse Spartans One voter who hangs around the diamonds looking to get past third base told us: "Any drunk co-ed softball team." Supper Says: Listen to the crack of wooden bats and see the next generation of stars round the base paths on the intimate Logger Field. And if you're a certain kind of rowdy, feel free to mercilessly heckle the opponent's beer batter.
BOWLING ALLEY 1. All-Star Lanes (37.74 percent) 2. Pla-Mor Lanes (25.32 percent) 3. Features (14.52 percent) HM: South Lanes Supper Says: Not only does All-Star have the most lanes in town, their pizza and jukebox rank up there with any joint in La Crosse.
PLACES TO SHOOT POOL (Greatest winning percentage)
1. Top Shots (65.16) 2. Varsity Club (14.46 percent) 3. Chapter II (8.01 percent) HM: Mirage Supper Says: Bet you didn't know that Fayze's used to be the town's greatest pool hall. They may have moved the operation upstairs, but the joint still shoots straight.
JUKEBOX 1. Del's Bar (25 percent) 2. Yesterdaze (22.77 percent) 3. JB's Speakeasy (20.72 percent) HM: All-Star Lanes, The Cavalier Supper Says: The old school jukebox at Del's has it all: country and bluegrass (David Allan Coe, Leftover Salmon), funk and soul (James Brown, Bill Withers), '80s and '90s favorites (Michael Jackson, Alice in Chains) and tunes perfect for a lazy Sunday funday or for just plain ol' rockin out (Zeppelin and Clutch, respectively). Add to that some local flavor (Smokin' Bandits, Burnt Brownies) and a handful of mixes hand-picked by your favorite Del's bartenders, and you've got an unstoppable music machine that can kick any Internet jukebox's ass.
ROCK BAND 1. Orwell (25.85 percent) 2. Monkey Wrench (21.27 percent) 3. T.U.G.G. (16.4 percent) HM: Paxico One voter who needs to get out more told us: "Zetus Deamos: How were they not included in this? Opened for Buckcherry, Hinder, Papa Roach, Billy Idol, Chevelle, and on and on. Wow! Missed this one huge!" Supper Says: It was fun to watch this balloting, as fans responded to various groups' call for votes on Facebook and elsewhere. In the end, Orwell's steady fan base won the day.
608.787.4500 • altra.org Open to most people who live, work, worship, or attend school in the area. *Contact Altra for information and membership eligibility. Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Lender.
BEST OF LA CROSSE: ONGOING OR ANNUAL EVENT NOT OKTOBERFEST
Farmers’ Market Cameron Park Market
VENDOR-OWNED MARKET
King Street, La Crosse
(between 4th and 5th)
4 to 8 p.m. every Friday May through October
Events
JAMBAND 1. Smokin' Bandits (42.65 percent) 2. Shoeless Revolution (17.97 percent) 3. Burnt Brownies (14.7 percent) HM: Moon Boot Posse One voter who opposes marijuana for medicinal purposes told us: "No one likes that hippy shit."
CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
May 21: Music by Grand Picnic May 28: Baby Farm Animals June 4: Music by Michelle Lynn June 18: Music by The Ditchlilies July 9: Music by Patchouli August 6: Music by Mr. Blink www.cameronparkmarket.org
12// May 20, 2010
Second Supper
BEST OF CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 Supper Says: The Bandits' mix of bluegrass, blues and original rock has been driving the local scene for nearly a decade. With fine songwriting and three-guitar interplay, the Bandits set the high water mark for La Crosse jambands.
SONGWRITER
1. Nick Shattuck (25.41 percent) 2. Dan Sebranek (20.07 percent) 3. Michelle Lynn (17.31 percent) HM: Chris Zobin One voter who thinks he can kiss up to the UW-L chancellor even in an anonymous survey told us: "Joe Gow." Supper Says: With over 60 original tunes in his repertoire, the 27-year-old Shattuck is one of La Crosse's most prolific songwriters. His earnest worldview and natural imagery makes him a perfect fit for the Coulee Region.
LIVE MUSIC VENUE
(One vote separated first and second; only six between first and third.) 1. Nighthawk's Tap (20.44 percent) 2. The Warehouse (20.28 percent) 3. Howie's (19.49 percent) HM: Popcorn Tavern One voter who doesn't like hippie shit told us: "The Joint. Again, do you see any live music, other than jam bands?" Supper Says: It's known as a blues bar, but Nighthawk's Tap hosts musicians of all stripes who enjoy rocking out to attentive
crowds in an intimate club on La Crosse's best stage.
KARAOKE NIGHT
1. Howie's (27.73 percent) 2. Players (24.60 percent) 3. The Cavalier (13.08 percent) HM: Library One voter who secretly wants to be on stage told us: "Karaoke blows." Supper Says: Whether you're a seasoned pro or a virgin to the limelight, a bemused spectator or an ardent supporter, it's hard not to find something to like about karaoke. And with Howie's steady stream of karaoke regulars, they ayes have it — Howie's takes the Cake (and the Michael Jackson. And the Journey. And the Madonna.)
RADIO STATION
1. The Rock, 95.7 (42.5 percent) 2. Classic Rock 100.1 (19.21 percent) 3. Z-93, 93.3 (15.57 percent) HM: WLSU 88.9 One voter living in the past told us: "No good radio in La Crosse since The Buzz left." Supper Says: Any station clever enough to dupe the mayor gets our vote, too. Or maybe you really don't have to be that clever?
DRAG QUEEN
1. Champagne (39.83 percent) 2. Tammy Whynott (18.14 percent)
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Second Supper
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 3. Holiday Rose (11.02 percent) HM: Averi Bois-Dream One voter who will be soon stalking any of the above says: "LaX has drag queens?? When and where??" Supper Says: A 26-year-old fan told us she'd die for Champagne's 61-year-old legs! A wide fan base that reached as far as a very prolific voter in Las Vegas helped the queen of local queens win the balloting.
THEATRE SEASON
May 20, 2010 // 13
BEST OF 2. Beer and Cheese Fest (26.71 percent) 3. La Crosse Interstate Fair (9 percent) HM: Bob & Rocco's Gun Show One voter who aspires to be a satirist told us: "Kids falling in the river." Supper Says: One of the best parts of living in La Crosse is being so near our food sources. Every Friday night at Cameron Park is a celebration of tasty produce — and cheese curds and beef and crafts and more.
thank you! for voting
VIEW OF THE CITY
1. Viterbo University (32.61 percent) 2. La Crosse Community Theatre (22.20 percent) 3. UW-La Crosse (17.24 percent) HM: Pump House Regional Arts Center Supper Says: This was a bit surprising, as all the local theatre groups seemed to have such a good year, but there is little argument that Viterbo's reputation stands out among the rest.
1. Grandad's Bluff (60.68 percent) 2. Boat on the Mississippi (13.01 percent) 3. Hixon Forest (10.41 percent) HM: Pettibone Park One voter who sees the forest for the trees told us: "Tree in the road." Supper Says: The 98-year-old Grandad's Bluff park is the perfect place to take in the town (and two other states, if it's a clear day).
Root Note “best coffee shop”
PLACE TO PEOPLE-WATCH
ANNUAL OR ONGOING EVENT NOT OKTOBERFEST 1. Farmers Market (33.86 percent)
1. Riverside Park (44.74 percent) 2. Third Street (31.16 percent) 3. Valley View Mall (11.91 percent) HM: Pettibone Beach One voter you don't want in your neighborhood told us: "Outside my neighbor's window." Supper Says: There's only one place in town where you can see car lovers, sunbathers, Frisbee players, historical reenactors and kids playing on a cannon, all within the same panorama. Riverside Park takes it easy.
4735 Mormon Coulee Rd. - La Crosse
608-788-7827
ALL STAR lanes
115 S 4th St Downtown La Crosse
theRootNote@gmail.com
6 0 8 . 7 8 2 . R O O T Find us on Facebook!
Thanks For Voting the Antique Center La Crosse’s Favorite Antique Shop!
Downtown La Crosse
Summer Stimulus Package
Mon & Tues 6pm - Buck Nights 6pm Wed Wild Wednesday's 6pm - Silos $2 3 games $5 Import Night Thurs 6pm - $2 Imports
Open 7 Days a Week
9-5:30 Mon-Sat 11-5:30 Sunday
Karaoke Fridays 9pm - Cosmic 8pm Happy Hour 5-7 Daily
110 3rd St. S
608-782-6533
14// May 20, 2010
KJOME RENTALS Ready to Move in? Two-Bedroom
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Come Home To The Best!
Second Supper
ADVICE
The Advice Goddess By Amy Alkon amy.alkon@secondsupper.com The power of positive sinking
How do you know whether a guy is worth staying with, or if you’re on a slowly sinking ship? My boyfriend of three and a half years treats me well, but he suffers bouts of depression. He’s never told me he loves me, which I need at this point. His divorce also left him financially scarred, and he’s taken a roommate, who happens to be female, to stave off foreclosure. It turns out she was raped some time ago. Soon after moving in, she told my boyfriend she was uncomfortable with others in the house having sex. She doesn’t have a job now, so even afternoon trysts are out. I think it's terrible what happened to her, but I also find it awfully presumptuous of her to dictate this aspect of our lives. We can’t have sex at my place, except when my kids can stay at my mom’s. I’m disturbed that he’d basically sell out our relationship for some rent money. — Sexless In The City Are you on a slowly sinking ship? Well, if this were the Titanic, DiCaprio and Win-
slet would’ve had time before the ship went down to have four kids, three affairs and a bitter divorce. It’s terrible, what happened to his roommate, but moving into somebody’s place and then announcing, “Oh, by the way, I’m traumatized by people having sex…” is like saying, “Did I mention that I’m deathly allergic to cats? Not to worry, I hear they don’t feel a thing when they get put down.” Of course, a guy who wants to have sex with his girlfriend but takes in a roommate who’s “uncomfortable” with it passes on the bad news: that he’ll be giving said roommate time to pack, not that he’ll be sleeping with the girlfriend from 11:45 to 12:02, but only over the phone, and he really does mean “sleeping.” If you were boyfriend-shopping right now, imagine answering this ad: “Emotionally and financially devastated divorced man with deeply troubled roommate seeks girlfriend: no pets, no sex, no ‘I love you.’” Clearly, what you really need to hear isn’t “those three little words” but those eight: “I just can’t give you what you want.” Chances are, you succumbed to what economists call “the sunk cost fallacy” — investing more and more time in this relationship because you’ve already invested so much time. You should instead be looking at what the guy currently has to offer: basically, seven minutes a night for you to work on convincing him “If you really loved me, you’d be living out of your car.” Is it possible he’ll change? Sure it is — if he wins the lottery and meets a good witch who’ll wave her magic wand over him, instantly curing his depression, or if you can invent a time machine so he can go back and
stay in bed with a hangover on the day he met his now ex-wife. On the bright side, you should find it easier to coax him into saying “I love you”… at gunpoint, or by attaching jumper cables to his nipples.
Jammin' George
Up, Charlie,’ and I’ll sing that song by Barry Manilow, ‘I Write the Songs,’ except it’s ‘I Write the Jokes.’” A few smaller videos followed, filmed by George’s neighbor John Ross, before the pair created Jammin’ George’s Land of Fun. On the differences between recording an album and a video, Jammin’ George said: “When you’re doing a CD you can read the whole thing; you almost have to wing it in a video, but it’s the most fun.” Jammin’ George isn’t in this for the money. George has released roughly a hundred copies of each newsletter, album and video, and most of the time he gives them away for free. With his video, the reason is partly because he’s playing copyrighted music and filming television shows, so there would be an easy infringement case if he tried to turn a buck. But the greater truth is that he would rather someone find his work for free than not find it at all. An example came during my interview as George gave me a T-shirt featuring the Jammin’ George bobble-head, with no thought of repayment. It’s one more way in which Jammin’ George sets himself apart from typically safe and fantastically average comedians. The current state of comedy doesn’t impress George much. “It’s pretty lame. Most [comedians] always tell the same [jokes],” he explained. The problem, in his estimate, is that it’s too easy to predict what a comedian will be like. Do people know what to expect from Jammin’ George? After laughing long and hard, he answered: “Maybe, sometimes.”
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 “The Weekend from Hell,” in which George had to deal with his shiftless brother-in-law, who drank heavily and stuck George with the bills. In one edition there’s an autograph from Danica McKellar, who played Winnie Cooper from The Wonder Years. Her picture next to the autograph is in negative, giving the whole exhibit a disturbing quality. “I had my dad’s secretary type them up, and I took them to the printer. I was taking them to RC Printing, down by WKBT. I had about 12 issues, about 100 or so [copies], and they’d have them at the Co-Op or Deaf Ear. It was kind of fun, but my brother goes: ‘You don’t think people are actually gonna read these?’ They were very odd.” Jammin’ George followed this project up with audio recordings, beginning with a series of tapes and resulting in three comedy albums. In chronological order, they are Giving the Fans What They Want, The Joke’s On You and Jammin’ George’s Buffet. The old tapes were mostly helmed by Chris Zobin or John Boyle, frequent contributors to Jammin’ George’s misadventures. Boyle also helped produce Fans, whereas Ken Eisler helped create the two latter albums. Though much of what I heard on the audio recordings consisted of one-liners, Jammin’ George attempted to translate his entire act to the albums. “At the end [of Buffet] I sing ‘Cheer
Past control
My boyfriend of three years has always suspected that I had a sexual history with one of my male friends. I lied and said I didn’t. (The sex was a one-time mistake, three years before I met my boyfriend.) The problem is, I have lunch with this friend two or three times a year to catch up (always in public places). So far, I’ve refused to stop seeing my friend, which hurts my boyfriend. Should I cut him off to spare my boyfriend's feelings? — Just Friendly Poor Booboo, does he have an ouchie day, two or three times a year, whenever you bring home mints from the Olive Garden? There’s a telltale sign — that you had lunch. Your boyfriend, like too many grown adults, is under the impression that life should always be one long Princess Cruise. Sure, he feels jealous (and apparently, that you’re sleazy, trampy and not to be trusted). Being jealous is human nature, and reflects insecurity on his part, which you shouldn’t be catering to by cutting friends out of your life. Continue keeping mum about your sexual history, and help your boyfriend feel more secure by letting him know how hot and wonderful you find him. Of course, these tactics are most effective if you also avoid returning from lunches three days later, claiming to have escaped your kidnappers, the Mexican drug kingpins.
Second Supper
May 20, 2010 // 15
MUSIC
Holmen concert series brings music out of bars, into garage By Briana Rupel
briana.rupel@secondsupper.com People who call the Coulee Region home are no strangers to live music. In fact, throw a dart at a map of local bars on any given day of the week, and it's a near-guarantee that you'll find something aurally pleasing: a groovy blues show at Nighthawk's, a footstompin' jam session at The Popcorn, or a smooth jazz set at Bodega. Since January 2009, a new venue has been added to this proverbial map; a charming house snuggled up against the bluffs in northern Holmen, where Dave Schipper and his wife, Lori, invite nationally touring musicians to play a handful of house concerts a year, right in their living room. Pull into the driveway, and you're likely to find Dave kicked back on his porch, strumming on an acoustic guitar and occasionally taking a sip out of a glass of wine. A longtime music-lover (the guy has over 3,000 albums on vinyl) and musician himself, Dave stumbled into the house concert scene almost unintentionally through social networking sites. "I got on MySpace mainly to connect with other musicians because my hope and desire was to someday be covered as a songwriter," he explains. Meanwhile, a folksinging friend of the Schippers was trying to raise money for a church trip to South America. When asked if they would be up for hosting a concert at their house as a fundraiser, the couple was enthusiastic to help. "I've always loved music," Dave states, reminiscing about discovering hidden gems at the music store while growing up in Manitowoc and religiously attending countless blues and folk festivals throughout the years. "So," he continues, "it was just kind of in my background. We said, 'Oh yeah, we could do this!'" Their old two-car garage, which had been beautifully transformed into a cozy
Medium: Audio Stimulus: LCD Soundsystem — This Is Happening Anno: 2010 Over the course of LCD Soundsystem’s history, James Murphy has shifted his project away from the seething fire of its electrodance origins and injected pop sensibilities, bit by bit, into the music. What’s oddest about this is how Murphy has defied pop’s tendency toward brevity and has made each nine-song release longer than the last. On This Is Happening, these factors converge into an album that is both Murphy’s most cohesive and maddening. His ability to craft a swinging song remains intact, but many of these tracks are too damn long. The album’s introduction, “Dance
Tori Sparks tour stops at Schippers this month Tori Sparks, an original Americana and folk artist out of Nashville, will play her first show in the area on Saturday, May 29, at the Schippers' Holmen home. Her latest album, The Scorpion in the Story, is No. 13 on the European Americana Radio Chart. A concept album about human nature, each song was written in a different city while Sparks was on tour, about all of the unique characters she met on the road. Sparks' soulful voice — richer than any country prin-
cess on the top 40 — is all you need to hear to convince you to make the drive out to Holmen. Add the languid notes of a lazy fiddle and bluesy bends of an electric guitar and you just might want to drive out to the show barefoot in a rusty pickup with the windows down, already rockin' out before you even get there. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. (Potluck at 6, come early if you'd like!) To make reservations, call Dave at (608) 526-9051. For a musical preview: www.torisparks.com.
great room, was now set up for a string of concerts more intimate than you'd find at any bar. A couple of cushy couches are pushed back against a wall to make room for up to 40 chairs, which are lined up spaciously along the plush carpet. Microphones are set up in a corner for the musicians, with an expansive shelved book collection as an unintentional backdrop. Also standing tall in a couple of different corners are two large speakers and a mixer, which Dave stresses is an absolute necessity. "It doesn't make sense not to have a sound system," he explains. "Without the sound, you can't just sit back and have an experience. With the sound, the whole room is full ... you don't have to stare and say, 'What are they saying?!'." With the scene set, what followed was a string of successful bookings, including Heather Waters, a self-described indie, ambient folk singer who now resides in California. "She came here and just filled the room with this really kind of gutsy country voice," Dave gushes. "After that, [the concert series] just cascaded." Now, the Schippers host around four concerts a year. The format is so low key,
almost endearingly so, in that people who wish to attend a show simply place a call to the Schippers' home to make a reservation, a necessity only due to the capacity of the room. There's often some kind of homemade cookies and snacks — if not a full-on potluck dinner — on the table, and you're free to bring a bottle of wine or a six-pack of your favorite beer. Dave is also adamant about pointing out the fact that the whole experience is essentially free, albeit a $10 suggested donation for expenses. "I don't make any money on this," he says. "I'm not gonna collect tickets, I can't sell you liquor when you come in, it's B.Y.O.B...it's just a party!" Dave's main motivation, then, is solely for a more profound musical experience: hearing artists for the first time, and sharing that excitement with the other like-minded people in an intimate audience. "What do I get out of this thing," he asks, smiling. "I import [the concert] and I have a copy of it. It's the proverbial bootleg! Live music, clean as can be, and I get a great mix." Still, one finds themselves wondering: Why a house concert? Why would I drive out
Yrself Clean,” is the prime example of this excess. It’s one of the album’s best songs, a cheerful, minimalist track of synth chirps and Murphy’s cool-cat wailing. But the thing doesn’t really kick in until the three-minute mark; everything up to that point consists of a click track, one bass note per measure, and Murphy softly singing about present company being the exception to his dour observations. At least half of this introduction could have been cut, and the song would have greatly benefited. In contrast, the next track is the immediately bouncy “Drunk Girls,” a repetitive rock chant that gets its message across and leaves. Considering that this song is two full minutes shorter than the album’s next shortest, it’s easy to view “Drunk Girls” as a calculated single designed to fulfill the duties of commerce. This doesn’t make the song any less catchy, though. Much of what follows this contradictory introduction features LCD Soundsystem in fine form, though the two ending tracks are
sluggish and lackluster. “All I Want” and “I Can Change” form a block in the album’s middle that shows LCD in full pop mode, the former harkening back to the guitar and piano rock of the '70s while the latter leaps headlong into New Wave. “Pow Pow” takes LCD all the way back to its beginning, bringing back the hipster rants and ramblings of its first single, “Losing My Edge,” to a more sparkly background. (The namedropping of pro goofball Bruce Vilanch is delightful.) The album’s longest track is appropriately titled “You Wanted a Hit,” and this darkly strutting tune is the album’s most danceable song. Still, the song’s first two minutes should have been lopped off. In total, This Is Happening is a collection of great dance and pop music from one of the field’s best artists — but it will try the patience of anyone who wants to dive right into the action. The consolation is that it’s never been easier to fast forward. — Brett Emerson
to a some guy's house, sit on his couch and listen to music among strangers? "Somebody asked me once," Dave begins, chuckling, "'Why would you ever open up your house to strangers?!' You finally end up saying that they're really not strangers ultimately, because they like the same music. They wouldn't be coming if they didn't like the music." The venue the Schippers have created is, simply put, a beautiful place to listen to music. "It's probably one of the better listening rooms that you'll ever get because, number one, everyone's attentive," Dave explains. Without the background din of the bars — or even a busy cafe — the experience of a house concert promises to be deliciously different than what you're used to, aesthetically as well as musically. "Some [musicians] are gonna be bluesy, some celtic, some country or bluegrass," Dave explains. "If you're a person who goes for the eclectic, just come and listen. If not, pick a show you'd like and come find out about it!" For info about the shows check out Dave's blog: www.bluffviewconcerts.blogspot.com Or mySpace page: www.myspace.com/ bluffview
16// May 20, 2010
Second Supper
MUSIC
music directory // May 21 to May 27 FRIDAY,
just a roadie away
May 21
Madison
BOOT HILL PUB //1501 St. Andrew St. Dalton Brothers Trio (jazz) • 8 p.m.
population
KRIS ALLEN // JUNE 1 Overture Center • $25
JB'SSPEAKEASY // 717 Rose St. I.C. Reggae, Dread I f/ Sista Sensi (reggae) • 10 p.m.
THE HANDSOME FAMILY // JUNE 12 High Noon Saloon • $14
LEGENDS NIGHTCLUB // 223 Pearl St. Moxie, Mr Ruff, Random Thoughts, Northern Lights (hip-hop) • 10 p.m.
POWERMAN 5000 // JUNE 12 The Annex • $15 GREAT LAKE SWIMMERS // JUNE 13 Marquette Waterfront Festival • Free
NIGHTHAWKS TAP // 401 S. Third St. The Bad Axe River Band (rock) • 10 p.m. NEUIE'S VARSITY CLUB // 1920 Ward Ave. Jerry Schmidt and the White House Players (country) • 9 p.m.
Michelle Lynn, the Coulee Region's favorite young folk singer, has a full summer of touring planned between Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa, and she kicks it off next Thursday night with a stop at Del's Bar. Lynn was raised on a farm in northeast Iowa, and her accoustic folk songs sound appropriately Midwest. While we know her primarily as a solo artist, on Thursday she will have a backing band, the Bad Passengers, in tow to fill out the more expansive sound displayed on her most recent album, Pre-Echoes for the Post Modern. Thursday night's show begins at 10 p.m., and since it's at Del's there's no cover charge. Should you miss it, Lynn's next La Crosse apperance is June 4 at the Cameron Park farmers market.
PEARL STREET BREWERY // 1401 St. Andrew St.
Brownie's Recipe (jam) • 5 p.m. PIGGY'S BLUES LOUNGE // 501 Front St. S. Mississippi Driftwood (blues) • 8 p.m.
THE WOOD BROTHERS // JUNE 24 Memorial Union Terrace • Free
May 26
SUNDAY,
NIGHTHAWKS TAP // 401 S. Third St.
CONCORDIA BALLROOM // 1129 La Crosse St. Ernie Stumpf Band (polka) • 1 p.m.
Travis Oppelt and Brian Bethke • 10 p.m.
LA CROSSE QUEEN // Riverside Park The Journeymen (dinner cruise) • 6 p.m.
Howard Luedtke & Blue Max Jam • 10 p.m.
POPCORN TAVERN // 308 S. Fourth St. The Sunday Blend (fusion) • 10 p.m.
RECOVERY ROOM // 901 7th St. S. Dox Phonic (open jam) • 10 p.m.
POPCORN TAVERN // 308 S. Fourth St. The Mark Joseph Project f/ Heatbox & The Feelin (jam) • 10 p.m. NORTH SIDE OASIS // 620 Gillette St. Fuzzy HD, Kjome, Fury of the Fist, SHER BEARS // 329 Goddard St. Returning the Favor, Bound 2 Break, The Fabulous Baloney Skins (Dan Dead Set (battle of the bands) • 5:30 p.m. Berger's birthday) • 10 p.m. PIGGY'S BLUES LOUNGE // 501 Front St. S. THE JOINT // 324 Jay St. Mississippi Driftwood (blues) • 8 p.m.. Almost Everyone (bluesy) • 10 p.m. POPCORN TAVERN // 308 S. Fourth St. THE MUSE THEATRE // 1353 Avon St. Nimbus (debut performance) • 10 p.m. The Last Waltz Live (recreating the THE JOINT // 324 Jay St. classic concert film) • 10 p.m. Hallowed Ground (metal) • 10 p.m. THE ROOT NOTE // 114 4th St. S. Songwriters Showcase (sign up at 7 THE ROOT NOTE // 114 4th St. S. Jim Seem & Melissa Hyman (singerp.m. to perform) • 7:30 p.m. songwriters) • 8:30 p.m. THE WATERFRONT TAVERN // 328 Front St. New Jazz Infidels (jazz) • 8 p.m. THE WAREHOUSE // 324 Pearl St. Dark Tranquility, Threat Signal, Mutiny Within, Of Conscience (hard rock) • 7 p.m. SATURDAY, BODEGA BREW PUB // 122 4th St. The Kokopellians (bluegrassy) • 9 p.m.
May 23
COCO ROSIE // JUNE 19 Barrymore Theatre • $20
JB'SSPEAKEASY // 717 Rose St. Red Sky Warning (classic rock) • 10 p.m. Karri Daley and the 3rd St. Ramblers (blues collective) • 10 p.m.
May 22
208,054
THE WATERFRONT TAVERN // 328 Front St. New Jazz Infidels (jazz) • 8 p.m.
MONDAY,
May 24
POPCORN TAVERN // 308 S. Fourth St. Shawn's Open jam • 10 p.m.
WEDNESDAY,
DEL’S BAR // 229 Third St. NIGHTHAWKS TAP // 401 S. Third St.
THURSDAY,
May 27
DEL’S BAR // 229 Third St.
Michelle Lynn w/ Bad Passengers (folk rock) • 10 p.m.
TUESDAY,May 25
NEUIE'S VARSITY CLUB // 1920 Ward Ave. Airbourne (Aussie pub rock) • 7 p.m.
FREIGHT HOUSE // 107 Vine St. Dan Sebranek (accoustic) • 6 p.m.
NIGHTHAWKS TAP // 401 S. Third St. Dave Orr's Damn Jam (open jam) • 10 p.m.
POPCORN TAVERN // 308 S. Fourth St. Fayme and Casey (acoustic) • 10 p.m.
POPCORN TAVERN // 308 S. Fourth St. Adam Palm & Friends (rock) • 10 p.m.
THE ROOT NOTE // 114 4th St. S. Jazz Jam • 8 p.m.
RIVER JACK'S //1835 Rose St. The Journeymen (on the deck) • 6 p.m.
THE STARLITE LOUNGE // 222 Pearl St. Kies and Kompanie (jazz) • 5 p.m.
Second Supper
May 20, 2010 // 17 YOUR GUIDE TO CONSUMPTION The Best Food & Drink Specials in Town To advertise here, call (608) 782-7001 or e-mail us at advertising@secondsupper.com.
LOCATION
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
ARENA
SUNDAY
Midwest Poker League 7 p.m.
Closed
Wyld Wednesday: $2 Jumbo UV, mixers $1.50 Coronas
Ladies' Night, $5 Long Island pitchers
$1 Cherry Bombs, $1 Keystone Light silos
$1 Cherry Bombs, $1 Keystone Light silos
BODEGA BREW PUB
$2 BBQ Pork Sliders
2-Fers, Buy any regularly priced food item and get one of equal or lesser value for free
$2.50 Coors vs. Keystone pitchers. All specials 9 p.m. to close
AUC2D: $5, domestic taps, rail mix- 10-cent wings, $1 Miller High Life ers, Long Islands. All specials 9 p.m. bottles, $1.50 rail mixers; $2.50 call to close drinks. All specials 9 p.m. to close.
107 3rd St. S. 782-1883 122 4th St. 782-0677
BROTHERS
Closed
306 Pearl St. 784-0522
FEATURES
Fish Tacos: 1 / $2.50, 2 / $5.00, 3 / $6.50.
Free beer 5:30-6:30; Free wings 7:30- Taco buffet 11-2; 8:30, Free bowling after 9 $1 Pabst bottles and $1 bowling after 9
W3923 State Highway 16 786-9000
HOWIE’S
AUC2D: $5, domestic taps, rail mixers and Long Islands. Wristband Night: $2.50 SoCo & Jack. All specials 9 p.m. to close.
$3 3 Olives mixers, $3 Mojitos, $2 $3 Bacardi mixers, $3 Mojitos, $2 Cherry Bombs, $1 Bazooka Joe's; Cherry bombs, $1 Bazooka Joe's. FAC: $3 domestic pitchers, micro/ All specials 9 p.m. to close. import taps, anything that pours. 4-9 p.m.
All you care to eat pizza buffet, 11-2
All you care to eat fish fry 4-10; un- Prime rib dinner 4-10; limited Glow-N-Bowl $9.99 unlimited Glow-N-Bowl $9.99
1125 La Crosse St. 784-7400
Happy hour 4 to 9 p.m.; 9 p.m. to 9 p.m. to close: $3.50 domestic 9 p.m. to close: $1 rails, $2.50 pitch- $5 all you can drink close: Night Before Class - $3 pitch- pitchers ers, beer pong ers of the beast
9 p.m. to close: $1.25 rails, $1.75 bottles/cans
9 p.m. to close: $2 Captain mixers, $2 bottles/cans, $3 Jager bombs
IMPULSE
Closed
Closed
Karaoke 9 p.m.-Close; Happy Hour daily 5-8
Wine & martini night; Happy Hour daily 5-8
18+ night (1st and 3rd Thursday of each month); Happy Hour daily 5-8
$25 open bar package, 11 p.m. to Happy Hour daily 5-8 close: domestic/import beer, rail, call drinks, martinis; Happy Hour daily 5-8
JB’S SPEAKEASY
$1.75 domestic bottles
SIN Night
$1.75 domestic bottles
Happy Hour 5 to 7 p.m.
Happy Hour 5 to 7 p.m.
Happy Hour 5 to 7 p.m.
Northside Oasis 620 Gillette St., 3 p.m. Howie's 1128 La Crosse St., 8 p.m.
Arena 620 107 S. 3rd St. 8 p.m.
Logan Bar 1400 Caledonia St. 6 p.m.
Sloopy's Alma Mater 163 Copeland Ave., 8 p.m. Days Hotel 101 Sky Harbor Drive, 8 p.m.
Adams Street Pub 1200 11th St. S. 7:30 p.m.
$1.79 burger (after 8 p.m.) Breakfast 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Hat Night: Buy 1 drink, get 1 free w/ Rail drinks $2 (4:30 to close); Buckets of beer $10, Boston Bobby's Margaritas $4 (Straw, rasp, mango, hat (4:30 to close); $1.50 chili dogs After 8 p.m. specials: $5 skewer of drummies 10 for $2 (4:30 to close), peach and reg); After 8 p.m. specials: (after 8 p.m.) shrimp,l $1.79 burger, $1.50 chili dogs $1.79 burger (after 8 p.m.) $5 skewer of shrimp, $1.79 burger
Breakfast 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
$2 can beer (2-6 p.m.) $11 buckets of beers (6-close)
$2 can beer (2-6 p.m.) 12" pizza: $8.99 up to 5 toppings (4-close)
Wings, Wings, Wings... $2 off 14: Ladies night, 2 for 1 drinks (6-close), Friday Fish, $2 can beer (2-6) pizza, $2 can beer (2-6 p.m.) $2 can beer (2-6 p.m.)
2 for 1 pints/pitches w/ student ID over 21
Buck Burgers
Tacos $1.25
15-cent wings
$8.99 12-ounce T-bone
15-cent wings
$1.50 taps 6 to 8 p.m.
All Mojitos $5
214 Main St. 782-6010
9 p.m. to close: $2 Bacardi mixers, $2 domestic pints, $1.50 shots blackberry brandy
Happy Hour 5 to 7 p.m.
717 Rose St. 796-1161
MIDWEST POKER LEAGUE midwestpokerleague@mail.com
SCHMIDTY’S 3119 State Road 788-5110
SLOOPY'S ALMA MATER 163 Copeland Ave. 785-0245
SPORTS NUT
Visit www.midwestpokerleague.com for league updates.
Cruz-in Pub and Eatery W5450 Keil Coulee Road, 3 p.m.
801 Rose St. 784-1811
THE CAVALIER LOUNGE 114 5th Ave. N. 782-2111
THE LIBRARY
Sunday Fun Day - Wristband Night
Half price tequilla, $1 domestic taps Karaoke, $2 Double rails & all bot- Beer Pong Tourney and and rails tles; $3 Double call drinks wristband night
123 3rd St. 784-8020
TOP SHOTS
$3 Bacardi mixers, $3 Jumbo Long Island Iced Teas
$3 Jumbo Long Island Iced Teas, $3 3 Olives mixers $5 Miller/Bud Light Pitchers, $2.25 Leinies Bottles (7-1AM)
137 4th St. 782-6622
$5 Pitchers/$2 bottles of Miller $1.75 Miller/Bud Light Taps, $2.25 $1.75 Rails, $1.50 Domestic Taps, $2 domestic bottles, $2.50 Skyy/ products (11-4pm) MIcro/Craft Taps, $2.50 Cherry Bombs $3.50 Jager Bombs Absolut mixers, $2 Dr. shots $2 Corona Bottles, $2 Kilo Kai Mixers (7-1AM) (7-1AM) (7-1am) , $3 Bloodys (7-1AM)
5 Domestic Bottles for $10, $5 $2 Captain Mixers, $2. Long Island Micro/Import Bottles $11.50, $7 Mixers, $3 Effen Vodka Mixers (7Micro/Craft Pitchers (7-1AM) 1AM)
TRAIN STATION BBQ
Ask for great eats
11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Barn burner $7.95; 4 to 9 p.m., Hobo dinner (serves two) $30.95
WHO'S ON THIRD
Happy Hour until 10 p.m. $1.50 domestic taps, $2 rails from 10 to close
601 St. Andrew St. 781-0005 126 3rd St. N. 782-9467
$1 taps of PBR, $1 rails
11 a.m. to 3 p.m., extra side with sandwich; 4 to 9 p.m., $1 off rib dinner
Special varies
11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Chicken on fire One-half chicken three bones $7.95; 4 to 9 p.m., Bones and bris- $12.95 kets $13.95
$3 call doubles, $2 Bud products
Ladies' Night: $2 top shelf, $1 Pink $8.50 Fish Bowls, $2 Miller products $1 off Three Olives, $2 domestic taps Tacos Everyone: $2.50 bombs, $2 taps, $3 Jack/Captain doubles
Editor's Note: For information about advertising your food and drink specials, call Second Supper at (608) 782-7001 or e-mail us at advertising@secondsupper.com.
La Crosse's Free Press
Reminds you to support the retailers, restaurants, taverns and bands that support us. We are funded solely by advertising so if you want to support us, support them!
CONSCIENTIOUS COMMERCE: It's the best deal in town
18// May 20, 2010
Maze Efflux
Second Supper
CONSUMPTION "Just for kicks" Games of the leg
By Erich Boldt By Matt Jones
The Beer Review Summer Beer Anchor Brewing Company San Francisco, California While this issue salutes Second Supper readers’ favorite establishments, I’m dedicating this column to my pick for the best beer selection in La Crosse. By a commanding margin (58 percent, or more than three times the second place finisher), you chose the Bodega Brew Pub as having the best selection in town. That’s a perfectly reasonable pick. I love the place too, and with 400 beers on the menu the Bodega clearly has the biggest selection around. But does it ever surprise you? And does it project Hollywood hits on the big screen? Of course not. For that level of service you need to stroll down the street to the Rivoli, purchase a movie ticket and enjoy the city’s most interesting selection of microbrews — usually 10 on tap. This may be news to people who’ve lived all their life in Wisconsin, but most movie theatres don’t serve beer. Strange, I know, but here in La Crosse we’re blessed with many liberties. Before taking in Hot Tub Time Machine last week, I purchased a pitcher of Anchor Summer Beer, a brew
I’d never seen served anywhere else in La Crosse. The movie was pretty good (seriously!), but the beer was once again the most memorable part of the trip. While regrettably poured into a plastic cup, the Anchor Summer Beer is a light golden, nearly see-through beer with a frothy head the color of egg whites. The brewery’s Web site describes this as an “allmalt” beer, which I don’t fully under- Appearance: 7 stand, but malts certainly dominate the Aroma: 7 nose. It has a sweet and grainy aroma Taste: 7 with a touch of honey and a faint per- Mouthfeel: 6 fume smell typically associated with hops. Drinkability: 8 While wheat beers are generally not my favorite style, this Total: 35 one comes through with a full palette. The malts are crisp, a little biscuity with some nice lemony tartness. For being a light-bodied beer, the taste is rather assertive. Its carbonation is refreshing, perfect for a sunny day, and a nice dose of hops kick in at the finish to leave a clean aftertaste. In a cool, dark theatre my buddy and I had little trouble finishing a pitcher, and I imagine at a summer barbeque it would be even more drinkable. If you’re interested in filling your cooler, I’ve since seen six-packs of this San Francisco beer on the shelves at Woodman’s. But I’d recommend heading to the Rivoli, because you just can’t beat beer and a movie. — Adam Bissen
ACROSS 1 "Cougar Town" network 4 Get the latest software version 10 Amortized money 14 Good buddy 15 A maiko may someday become one 16 Strange, in Scottish slang 17 With 21-across, leggy board game with jumping pieces? 19 Good buddy 20 It's struck at a shoot 21 See 17-across 23 "Sorry, Blame It On Me" singer 25 Garage scrap that's highly flammable 26 With 47- and 53-across, active marble game for your legs? 29 "Win, Lose or Draw" host Bert
30 Installation material 31 "Make Me ___" (Fleetwood Mac song) 33 Forerunner of the CIA 36 Leg-based game of questions and answers? 40 Tappan ___ Bridge 41 Eddie who pitched on five World Serieswinning teams 42 Wynken and Blynken's partner 44 No-holds-barred tribute 47 See 26-across 49 Leftover dirt 52 Holiday starch sources 53 See 26- and 47-across 55 Fannie ___ (securities) 57 "Nurse Jackie" star Falco 58 Simple leggy game
Answers to May 13 puzzle Schoolyard pranks: Platinum edition
of three-in-a-row? 62 Dakota, once: abbr. 63 Spinning one's wheels 64 Well-armed gp. 65 "Star Trek: The Next Generation" counselor Deanna 66 Way out 67 Word on some jeans DOWN 1 Well-chosen 2 Scrooge's kvetch 3 Quick accessory for a job interview 4 Disgusted grunts 5 Lap dog, for short 6 Clamor 7 "Hey, wait ___!" 8 What "I Got", in a 1998 Master P movie title 9 Access slowly 10 Phrase for the fortunate 11 "___ Majesty's Secret Service" 12 Maker of the MDX SUV 13 Chinese restaurant menu phrase 18 Sound on a Chuck Barris show 22 155, in old Rome 23 "I got you!" 24 Brando, in "Apocalypse Now"
27 Bollywood actress Aishwarya 28 Peruvian singer Sumac 29 $100 bill, in old slang 32 Like the eye on the back of the $1 bill 34 Do some karaoke 35 Tempest 37 Repetitive-sounding vitamin deficiency 38 Crowd cheer 39 Guy's name after R? 43 Functional start? 45 "Deep Space Nine" shapeshifter 46 Em, to Dorothy 48 No, in Novgorod 49 Scarlett's suitor 50 Duck down 51 Former VP Agnew 54 Appendectomy leftover 55 Art Spiegelman graphic novel 56 Takes to the stage 59 Three, in Torino 60 Major time period 61 Tree goo For answers, call (900) 226-2800, 99 cents per minute. Or to bill to a credit card, call (800) 655-6549. Reference puzzle #0467.
COMING MAY 27 • Summer music guide SECONDSUPPER, LaX Free Press
Second Supper
May 20, 2010 // 19
THE LAST WORD
Fan Favorites By Adam Bissen adam.bissen@secondsupper.com I hope you’ve enjoyed reading Second Supper’s first annual Best Of La Crosse issue. It’s certainly been a great experience, watching it all come together. We first came up with the reader poll concept probably two years ago, when Second Supper was a very different newspaper. In those days we held our weekly brainstorming sessions at a loft on Pearl Street, and the idea of asking our readers for their input was a truly revelatory notion. Back then — and I’m kind of ashamed to admit this — we weren’t too concerned about what other people thought of our newspaper, at least outside our bubble of downtown friends. I knew “Best Of” issues were an annual tradition at most alternative newspapers, but given the dearth of reader e-mails that flowed into my inbox, I figured we would never tally a vote.
So for two years we sat on the ballot. The Best of La Crosse awards were destined to be just another idea that sprouted and drifted away like so many dandelions, but at the beginning of 2010 we decided to give it another go. Once again we gathered the staff — this time in our new office on Main Street — to begin brainstorming categories and nominees for La Crosse’s first ever “Best Of” awards. At first the goings were slow. I’m pretty sure best pizza was the first item on the list, but we usually order Toppers for our meetings, so that idea was literally in front of our noses. Then we came up with La Crosse’s best Chinese food, Mexican food, burger and hangover breakfast — so clearly we take food seriously down here at the Supper. Then we started thinking bigger — or “outside the box,” if we actually believed in boxes or clichés. We spent about 20 minutes coming up with the perfect euphemism, but we had no shortage of nominees for “La Crosse’s most colorful character.” We quickly rattled off Downtown Tom, Zeke, Flower Lady, Parrot Lady, Junior (R.I.P.), Cowboy Steve and El Jefe, among others — but ultimately decided against running the category, partly out of respect and partly because only downtown denizens would know this motley crew. There were literally dozens of categories that didn’t make the final ballot, mostly for space reasons. I’m still curious who would win La Crosse’s favorite politician or local celebrity, and maybe those can be in-
cluded when we make our 2011 ballot. Votes for La Crosse’s favorite sculpture, historic place and TV commercial are also on the short list for inclusion next year. We omitted other categories because the nominees would just be too numerous — best French fries, best neighborhood bar, best bartender — or too obvious. (I’m as big of a beer advocate as you can find, and even I hate the fact that our best known tourist attraction is a giant six-pack of beer.) After much sifting and winnowing, we finally created a final ballot with 54 categories and over 200 nominees, but I still didn’t know what too expect for a response rate. Remember that we nixed the original Best Of idea because we didn’t receive much reader correspondence, and honestly not much has changed much in the intervening two years. (Insert shameless plea for reader feedback and letters to the editor here.) On April 1 we put our ballot online and in our newspaper. That was the same week we printed our infamous April Fools issue, and I almost couldn’t believe the votes when they rolled in the first day. I was honestly expecting a tally somewhere in the upper double digits, but by the end of the week over 300 votes were cast. In my mind, adding a write-in option was the best decision we ever made. For some categories, like best fish fry or best salon, we received votes for over 30 different businesses. So not only do you readers display excellent loyalty and enthusiasm, your write-ins cracked me up on innumerable occasions.
Some of your funnier submissions are included in the body of our awards package, but I’ve got to give a special shout-out to two anonymous voters in the La Crosse’s best rock band category. Whomever selected Space Bike and Lucid Evolution as their favorites, way to keep your support going strong. I loved both of those bands in high school, and I still love them today — even if they have been broken up for about a decade. Of course, I didn’t agree with every winner our readers selected, but I resisted the temptation to stuff the ballot box (not that everyone out there was so innocent; we saw the ISP addresses). The battle for best live music venue was encouragingly close, a testament to the variety and passion of the local scene. Still, my heart will always go to the Popcorn Tavern — they sponsor my softball team after all. I also prefer my Chinese food from Peking, my breakfast from the Olde Style Inn and my music from 88.9 WLSU, but otherwise I was pretty happy with the results. More than anything else, this whole Best Of process reaffirmed the often disputed notion that La Crosse is a place where things are going on (well, other than Thai or Indian restaurants). I sat by a number of people who were filling out ballots and kept hearing comments like “Wow, I forget all these places existed.” And I guess that’s the point. This entire issue has been a testament to our community. My only regret is that we haven’t been doing this for years.
CONGRATULATIONS, TOP SHOTS: SELECTED BEST PLACE TO SHOOT POOL IN SECOND SUPPER'S 2010 BEST OF LA CROSSE VOTING
Downtown La Crosse, above Fayzes - 782-6622
top shots joke of the week Why did they have so much trouble burying Bob Marley? His coffin kept jammin' Check out our new Beers on Tap!
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20// May 20, 2010
Second Supper
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