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::NEWS&VIEWS

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FEATURES | POLLS | TAKING LIBERTIES | ISSUE OF THE WEEK

Prison Overcrowding

Crime Rises Despite ‘Tough’ Republican Policies GOP rehashes flawed plans to put more people behind bars::BY ELIZABETH ELVING

ecades into the “tough on crime era,” Wisconsin still struggles to stem the tide of violent crime, and lawmakers remain divided on how to keep communities safe. In 2017, State Sen. Leah Vukmir (R-Brookfield) and State Rep. Joe Sanfelippo (R-New Berlin) introduced eight bills (known collectively as the “victim prevention package”) that aim to reduce crime rates by targeting habitual offenders. Vukmir, who is running in the Republican primary to challenge Sen. Tammy Baldwin in the 2018 U.S. Senate race, wrote in a press release that the bills would “protect communities from repeat violent criminals.” Many of her ideas for achieving that goal follow a familiar template: mandatory minimums, stiffer sentences for specific crimes and other policies that would put more people behind bars for longer periods of time. The Wisconsin State Senate approved one of the bills over the summer and five more this past November. Some ideas, like a bill expanding opportunities for record expungement, have received bipartisan support. Overall, however, opponents say the package reflects a longstanding and flawed outlook on criminal justice that needs to be radically rethought. “I am skeptical that increasing criminal penalties will deter repeat offenders,” says Rep. Evan Goyke (D-Milwaukee), a former public defender who serves on the Assembly Corrections Committee. “By definition, a repeat offender has not been deterred by criminal penalties.” Goyke notes that the state has increased criminal sanctions about 50 times since he was elected in 2012, and crime has continued to rise. Critics also worry that Vukmir’s and Sanfelippo’s bills would worsen some of the justice system’s existing problems, including overcrowding, racial discrimination and mistreatment of juveniles. As the legislation moves on to the State Assembly, opponents are pushing for large-scale alternative reforms.

6 | JANUARY 18, 2018

One of the more controversial bills in the victim prevention package is Senate Bill 54, which would require the Department of Corrections (DOC) to recommend revoking parole or probation for anyone charged with a felony or “violent misdemeanor” while under its supervision. Again, this is charged, not convicted. The DOC estimates the bill would result in an additional 1,800 people being sent to prison every year. Some legislators have praised the measure as a way to prevent habitual criminals from causing further harm, but others worry about the strain it would put on a prison system that is dangerously overcrowded as it is. Wisconsin’s incarcerated population has tripled in the last 30 years, and its prisons currently hold more than 23,000 inmates—thousands more than they were designed for. Gretchen Schuldt, executive director of the Wisconsin Justice Initiative, says overcrowding not only creates security risks for inmates and staff, it also leaves fewer resources to go around. “It affects everything,” Schuldt says. “There’s less money for maintenance, less money for repairs. And the DOC has made it abundantly clear that some of these facilities already need massive repairs.” To manage the bed shortage, the DOC contracts with county jails to house inmates. Now approaching the limit of available contract beds, it may soon have to either contract with private, out-of-state prisons or build a new facility. A new prison, the DOC estimates, would cost $300 million to build. In 2017, the state spent $1.2 billion on corrections. If SB54 were to become law, the DOC estimates it would cost $57 million a year to manage the resulting influx. “If they keep pushing to lock people up, we’re going to do nothing but fund prisons,” says Schuldt. Vukmir and Sanfelippo have argued that although increased sentences are costly, they spare taxpayers the “greater cost” of losing their loved ones or feeling unsafe in their communities. However, the bill would also apply to non-violent felonies, including all opiaterelated crimes. For this reason, Goyke says, someone charged with a crime while participating in Milwaukee’s Drug Treatment Court would likely have to leave the program to return to prison, where treatment might not be available. Due to overcrowding, alcohol and other drug abuse (AODA) treatment programs and mental health services for inmates are in shorter supply, with thousands on waiting lists to receive them. “This is an example of how re-incarcerating people is sometimes counter to public safety,” Goyke says. “These addiction programs are making us safer [by] putting families back together [and] putting people back in the workforce. Ideas like SB54 interrupt that framework.”

Juvenile Justice

Motivated by a spate of carjackings committed by teenagers, the victim prevention package includes two bills toughening sentences for juveniles. Under current law in Wisconsin, young people who commit certain serious offenses can be placed in a secured facility for up to three years. One of Vukmir’s and Sanfelippo’s bills would lift that three-year limit, while another Crime continued on page 8 >

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NEWS&VIEWS::FEATURE > Crime continued from page 6

would increase the number of crimes that qualify as serious juvenile offenses. Youth incarceration in Wisconsin has declined dramatically over the past few years, and Lincoln Hills School for Boys is now about 70% vacant. For years, the youth prison has been the subject of multiple lawsuits and an ongoing FBI investigation following numerous allegations of abuse and neglect. “Lincoln Hills is an unsafe and inhumane place for young people,” says Sharlen Moore, executive director of Urban Underground and co-founder of Youth Justice Milwaukee (YJM), a coalition that advocates for juvenile justice reform. In January 2018, Gov. Scott Walker announced a plan to close Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake School for Girls and build several new regional facilities for youth offenders across the state. Under this plan, the Lincoln Hills facility would be converted into an adult penitentiary. Walker has resisted calls to close the prison in the past, and some of his critics have suggested he’s only changing his stance now to dodge a scandal in an election year. But others welcome the reversal and are pushing to expedite the change, which Walker initially said would go in the 2019-’21 state budget. In his statement on closing Lincoln Hills, Walker promised a new focus on “mental health and trauma-informed care” which many say is lacking from the current system. Young offenders often have mental health needs or grow up in unstable environments where they experience trauma at an early age. Effective rehabilitation, some argue, must take those factors into account. “The philosophy in Madison right now is that, when someone does something wrong, you lock them away. It doesn’t really matter what their life experience has been,” says Alderman Cavalier Johnson of Milwaukee’s Second District. “We set them up with not much opportunity, and when they slip, we throw the book at them.” This mindset, Johnson says, fails to distinguish the inveterate criminal from the firsttime offender who, with the right support, could be guided toward a better path. Such support is unlikely to come through incarceration—especially at a site as troubled as Lincoln Hills, where two out of three residents reoffend within three years of their release. YJM supports placing young offenders in community-based programs closer to home, making it easier to involve families in the rehabilitation process. “Developmentally, a young person succeeds well when they have connections and deep ties to the family and communities that love them,” Moore says. “We need to create regional spaces where young people can be supported as opposed to sending them to a place that continues to harm them.” In spite of the capital cost for building new facilities, Goyke says, a more supportive approach that lowers recidivism “has the potential to save massive amounts of money,” over time. A YJM survey found that majorities of both Democrats and Republicans in Milwaukee County supported reforming the youth justice system by shifting its emphasis from punishment to rehabilitation.

Front-End Reform

In promoting the victim prevention package, Vukmir and Sanfelippo have spoken of the value of rehabilitation but held onto the conviction that tougher penalties make for safer streets. “We keep doing the same old thing and getting the same results,” Moore says. Those results include a glaring racial disparity in the criminal justice system, which Moore says would worsen under these new bills. A UW-Milwaukee study found that Wisconsin incarcerated black men at a rate of nearly 13%—the highest in the country—compared with 1.2% of white men. Since the 1990s, the gap has grown along with the prison population, fueled by strict sentencing laws that are disproportionately enforced for people of color. Of course, this inequality goes well beyond the courtroom. Milwaukee is among the most segregated cities in America, and its majority African American neighborhoods have long been under-resourced and systematically disadvantaged. “We all know what happens in communities like Milwaukee, in large urban areas where there aren’t enough opportunities for people to grow,” Johnson says. “When you concentrate all the negative social indicators in a very compacted space, what happens as a result of that?” Johnson cites Milwaukee zip code 53206— which continues to have a high crime rate despite being the most incarcerated zip code in America—as proof that lawmakers can’t punish their way out of the problem. Instead of spending millions on longer sentences that damage communities, Johnson recommends the state invest in those communities, funding quality early childhood education and traumainformed care. Milwaukee neighborhoods with high incarceration rates also face high unemployment, perpetuating a cycle of instability, poverty and crime. Providing more job opportunities, or affordable public transportation connecting Milwaukee residents to jobs in the surrounding area, could have a profound impact on this front. “We’re not looking at the picture holistically,” Moore says. “We need to make sure that able-bodied people in this city have an opportunity to work for a livable wage that can support their families.” The link between community-based investments, especially in early childhood education, and crime reduction is well researched and increasingly understood. However, the Wisconsin legislature continues to favor tough-oncrime methods even as other states embrace progressive reforms. “Wisconsin just seems stuck in the ’90s; lock ’em up and throw away the key,” Schuldt says. As prisons burst at the seams and violent crime persists, opponents hope leaders will consider alternatives that put less pressure on the criminal justice system while making communities stronger and safer. “Neighborhoods can experience drastic reductions in crime, but it really has nothing to do with long prison sentences,” Goyke says. “It has more to do with empowering people, wrapping the community around troubled individuals and engaging young people in a positive way.” Comment at shepherdexpress.com. n SHEPHERD EXPRESS

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NEWS&VIEWS::FEATURE

How Milwaukee Became a Midwest Mecca for Tourism and Conventions ::BY MARY SUSSMAN

xcept at peak times, Milwaukeeans hardly realize that they are sharing their city with millions of tourists who outnumber them 10 to one. In 2016, 23 million tourists made their way to the Milwaukee area, according to the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. Milwaukee has become a new destination city. For example, in October 2017, Milwaukee made two Travel + Leisure lists, which rated it 10th among 20 cities as one of America’s Friendliest Cities, and sixth among 20 cities as one of the Most Underrated Cities. In the same time frame, AARP The Magazine featured Milwaukee as a “Heartland Getaway” city. According to VISIT Milwaukee, more than 900 articles were published in 2017 touting the city’s attractions and ambience. “Rumor has it the Bronze Fonz, just south of Wells St. Downtown, is the most photographed sight in Milwaukee,” according to a Lonely Planet article. Tourism revenues have increased by more than 3% for each of the past five years. In 2016, Milwaukee tourism had an economic impact of more than $5 billion, accounting for about one quarter of total tourism revenues for Wisconsin. Milwaukee-area tourism supported more than 50,000 full-time jobs and generated $3.5 million in taxes. Milwaukee tourism supports more jobs than the top-three regional employers—Aurora Healthcare, Ascension Wisconsin and Froedtert Health—combined. SHEPHERD EXPRESS

Milwaukee Offers Something for Everyone

With a full array of cultural and recreational attractions to offer its guests, Milwaukee is also well situated on the shores of a spectacular lake. Marco Bloemendaal, senior vice president of sales at VISIT Milwaukee, says that in Milwaukee there is something for everyone, and that helps drive tourism. “That sounds like a cliché, but not every city has that,” he says. “Certain cities are very focused. If you don’t like beer or motorcycles, there is so much more here. I love the fact that we’ve kept historic buildings. We have these beautiful historical parts that we’ve combined with these great modern assets, which create that great vibe of the city. When we bring [potential convention] clients, we almost bribe them; come, just come, we know you’re going to love it. Ninety-eight percent say, ‘I had no idea. The vibe of the city is fantastic. My family is going to love it,’ or, ‘My attendees are going to enjoy the Art Museum or take a brewery tour or enjoy the fantastic food scene.’” Marcus Corporation president Greg Marcus agrees. “We’ve got great resources and a beautiful lakefront. We’ve had a lot of exciting development going on, and we’ve invested in a lot of important assets. When you invest in those assets, those are demand generators. That’s what brings people here.” Part of the city’s vibe is that the people who live here are welcoming and friendly. “We have a very good Midwestern ethos that I think resonates with people,” Marcus says. “Don’t forget about the people,” agrees Bloemendaal. “You can talk about assets, bricks and mortar, but I think the people here make a huge difference. People are craving genuine hospitality. I’ve been here many years now, and if people see you looking for something, three people stop and say, ‘Are you trying to find something? Can I help you go somewhere?’ That’s huge when you’re here with your family. That’s genuine.”

Corporations Move Downtown

Buttressing Milwaukee’s image are the many businesses that have moved to the city’s Downtown area—reversing a decades-old trend of corporate flight to the suburbs. The return began in 2007 with ManpowerGroup’s move Downtown from Glendale. Recently, Brookfield-based J.P. Cullen decided to relocate Downtown, joining Hammes Company, which is building a five-story office building at Knapp and Water streets. Bader Rutter now occupies the former Laacke & Joys building; JLL, a commercial real estate firm, recently moved to the Two Fifty East building on Wisconsin Avenue. Zurn recently moved its headquarters from Erie, Penn., to the Reed Street Yards in the Fifth Ward, and Logicalis, a London-based IT firm, moved its Brookfield office to Downtown in 2014. “All of a sudden, it’s very popular to have headquarters Downtown,” Bloemendaal says. He says the presence of more Downtown businesses attracts business visitors and also brings a young, vibrant workforce that wants to live there. Theresa Nemetz, owner of Milwaukee Food & City Tours, is doing a booming business offering walking and bus tours to more than 15,000 people annually, about half of whom are outof-towners. She began her business 10 years ago as a hobby, offering a walking tour on Brady Street. Now, during the busy summer season, Milwaukee Food & City Tours offers more than 40 tours a day. Nemetz is frequently hired by local businesses who want to showcase the city to potential employees. “When they’re here and on the tour, they’re amazed,” she says. “They had no idea. Milwaukee is not on their radar when they are asked to come to town for an interview. But by the time they leave, they are asking great questions about transportation, the cost of rent, school districts and the lakefront. They’re really impressed with Milwaukee. Half of them want to live Downtown, and half want to live in the suburbs.”

Milwaukee Invests in Development

Since the 2004 appointment of Rocky Marcoux as the Department of City Development commissioner, Milwaukee has invested in projects that not only improved the quality of life for residents but drew tourists as well. “Milwaukee would not be what it is today without Rocky Marcoux. He is the Godfather of Milwaukee,” says Kristin Settle, director of communications at VISIT Milwaukee. Marcoux spearheaded the development of the Riverwalk and the redevelopment of the Park East corridor and the Menomonee Valley, among many other projects. “All of the improvements and developments in Milwaukee complement each other and have come about because of the other one,” Settle says. “Had Riverwalk not developed, I don’t know that Brewer’s Hill and the area around Lakefront Brewery, the North End, would have been so well developed. If the [Milwaukee] Public Market hadn’t come along, would the Third Ward be what it is today? If the [Milwaukee] Art Museum expansion hadn’t come along, would the new Gateway project be happening? All of these things are working in concert. It’s been so well orchestrated across the city.”

Hotel Expansion Downtown

Since 2012, eight new hotels with more than 1,400 rooms have opened in Downtown Milwaukee. Four new hotels are scheduled to open in 2018-2019, which Tourism continued on next page > JANUARY 18, 2018 | 9

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NEWS&VIEWS::FEATURE > Tourism continued from previous page

will add another 700 rooms to the 16,000-room hotel capacity in the Milwaukee area. Outside of the city, a Springhill Suites hotel will be built at the Milwaukee County Research Park in Wauwatosa. Recently approved is a 196-room luxury hotel to be built in a converted office tower at Mayfair, and Hilton plans to build a Tru hotel in Brookfield near Goerkes Corners. In Wisconsin, Airbnb service grew 97% from 2016, with more than $12 million earned from rentals, which generated $546,000 in tax revenues. Milwaukee hosted 40,600 guests out of 210,000 guests statewide. Marcus is concerned about an oversupply of hotel rooms in Milwaukee. “While there are more visitors coming, we’re investing in hotel infrastructure that is outpacing demand,” he says. “That leads to cracks in the façade in our market. In the summertime, everyone does well. There’s a surplus of demand. But when you start to go to the off-season, when it’s not as nice here, you’re starting to see that the occupancies are going down. In the last year, occupancy rates are down in Milwaukee. There are more tourists, but there are also more rooms. In the end, that’s not a good economic model.” Marcus says the EB-5 visa program has been a driver of new hotel development. The EB-5 (Employment-Based Fifth Preference Category) program provides foreign investors and their families with an opportunity to apply for Green Cards in exchange for qualified investment of $500,000 or $1 million in qualified local projects than create at least 10 full-time jobs. Milwaukee has been a Regional Immigrant Investor Zone since 2007. “Unfortunately what’s happened is that a lot of hotels have been built not for economic reasons, but because there’s a subsidy available to build them,” Marcus says. People who want Green Cards may have “return motives that may be different from someone who says, ‘I want to invest because of the rate of return on my investment.’ How do you calculate the rate of return on a Green Card? I don’t even know. That leads to imbalances in the market.” A number of the Downtown hotels built since 2012—including the Kimpton, Aloft, Marriott and The Brewhouse—have received EB-5 funding. In the past 12 months, Marcus has seen occupancy rates decline at his hotels. Marcus Corporation owns three premier Downtown Milwaukee hotels: the Pfister, the Hilton Milwaukee Center and the InterContinental Milwaukee, which combined have almost 1,300 rooms— about one quarter of all hotel rooms available in Downtown Milwaukee. But Jane Schilz, who is resident owner of Sheridan House and Café in Cudahy, says the occupancy rate at her 12-room luxury boutique hotel has grown to 39% from 19%, in the past two years. She has been in business since 2007. Schilz has seen increases in business and international travelers through Expedia and billboard ads near the airport. She has attracted guests from Chicago and “staycationing” Milwaukeeans. She says what attracts her guests is the hotel’s home-away-from-home atmosphere and its location on South Lake Drive near Warnimont and Grant Parks, which offer many recreational activities, including hiking, biking, swimming,

golf and archery. The hotel’s Cudahy location is 10 minutes from both Downtown Milwaukee and the airport. During the busy season, large Downtown hotels often give Schilz referrals.

The Chinese are Coming!

Although the economy in Wisconsin is lagging, “the economy worldwide is not,” says Settle. “So people have money to spend.” Nemetz is anticipating growth in Chinese tourism. “I think Milwaukee is on the upswing of tourism and will continue to grow significantly each year,” she says. “We are looking at the influx of the Chinese traveler. It is fascinating how quickly those numbers are starting to grow.” Nemetz says the visa process for the Chinese traveler has changed. Formerly, Chinese travelers could only visit one city, which typically was on the U.S. east or west coasts. Today, Chinese tourists get 10-year visas, which allow them to take multiple trips. “That’s when they’re coming into the Midwest,” she explains. “We’re seeing that the Chinese traveler already has access to huge cities and technology [in China]. So, when they travel, they don’t want that. They are looking for rural experiences; they want to go hunting; they want to see sunrises on the lakefront; they want to see an apple orchard or go to a cheese factory. We’ve hosted a couple of groups from China. They really want a nature/outdoor experience.” Nemetz wants to expand her tours to include more rural daytrips from Milwaukee to accommodate this growing group of Chinese tourists. VISIT Milwaukee publishes tourist brochures in 12 languages, including Chinese, Russian, Polish, Arabic, Hindi and Japanese. “Our foreign visitors are so wowed that we have a brochure in their language with the 10 things you must do in Milwaukee,” says Settle. “I think that speaks to our hospitality. We want to make everyone feel welcome here in Milwaukee.”

‘Great Material to Work With’

Tourism is nothing new to Milwaukee. Back in 1938, near the end of the Great Depression and when Milwaukee was an industrial powerhouse, the Milwaukee Association of Commerce boasted that the previous year’s 365 conventions brought 114,000 tourists to town. Today, the city hosts more than 400,000 people at 500 conventions and business meetings. The estimated gross economic impact of the Wisconsin Center District convention facilities is almost $500 million. Summerfest attracts more than 800,000 attendees with an economic impact of $187 million on Milwaukee, according to a 2013 study by Tourism Economics. Bloemendaal says VISIT Milwaukee does not take credit for all the visitors to Milwaukee. “It’s a community-wide effort,” he says. “But we do know that if we don’t market what great assets this city has, we will see the 23 million drop very quickly.” VISIT Milwaukee showcases Milwaukee by hosting site visits for 90 convention planners and nearly 100 travel writers annually. “Milwaukee has a much stronger story to tell today than it had 10 or 15 years ago,” Settle says. “I am no different than any other PR person in the world. It’s just that I have great material to work with.” Comment at shepherdexpress.com. n SHEPHERD EXPRESS

NEWS&VIEWS::SAVINGOURDEMOCRACY ( JAN. 18 - 24, 2018 )

he Shepherd Express serves as a clearinghouse for all activities in the greater Milwaukee area that peacefully push back against discriminatory, reactionary or authoritarian actions and policies of the Trump administration, as well as other activities by all those who seek to thwart social justice. We will publicize and promote actions, demonstrations, planning meetings, teach-ins, party-building meetings, drinking-discussion get-togethers and any other actions that are directed toward fighting back to preserve our liberal democratic system.

Thursday, Jan. 18

Allied in the Fight: Jews, Blacks and the Struggle for Civil Rights Opening Preview @ Jewish Museum Milwaukee (1360 N. Prospect Ave.), 7 p.m.

This exhibit examines the “Black-Jewish collaboration within the Civil Rights Movement and the complicated nature of Jewish contributions” to the cause. Artifacts, archival materials and information from a national perspective will be on display. The actual exhibit runs from Jan. 19-March 25.

Friday, Jan. 19

Unauguration Ball @ Bounce Milwaukee (2801 S. Fifth Court), 7 p.m.-1:30 a.m.

To celebrate making it through one full year of the Trump presidency, Bounce Milwaukee is hosting a party and giving proceeds to benefit Moms Demand Action, Youth Empowered in the Struggle, the ACLU of Wisconsin’s Youth Social Justice Forum and the Wisconsin Public Education Network.

Saturday, Jan. 20

Empower MKE @ Washington Park Senior Center (4420 W. Vliet St.), 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

State Sen. LaTonya Johnson is hosting this citizen advocacy and community resource event to teach citizens “how to engage with your government to affect positive change in the community.”

Voter and Civic Engagement Campaign @ Acción Ciudadana de Wisconsin (221 S. Second St.), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Acción Ciudadana de Wisconsin, Latino Voting Bloc of Wisconsin and Citizen Action of Wisconsin have organized a weekly Saturday campaign of knocking on doors and phone banking to get people thinking about the 2018 elections. Volunteers can go out and talk to voters about the issues that they care about and get them involved in different events happening in the community.

Women’s March Anniversary Day of Action @ Milwaukee County Courthouse (901 N. Ninth St.), 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

On the anniversary of the monumental Women’s March of 2017, there will be a rally outside of the Milwaukee County Courthouse, followed by a march to the Wisconsin Center. There, attendees will hear from speakers from several community organizations.

Laughing Liberally @ ComedySportz Theater (420 S. First St.), 8-10 p.m.

Laughing Liberally is a progressive comedy show held monthly at ComedySportz Theater. Matthew Filipowicz, whose work has been featured on CNN, NPR, PBS, HBO, BBC and other notable outlets, hosts. This month’s comedians include Deon Green, Brittany Tilander, Josh Fred, Chastity Washington, Jason Hillman and sketch comedy group The Accountants of Homeland Security.

Inmate 501 with Rep. Evan Goyke @ Turner Hall Palm Garden (1034 N. Fourth St.), 3-5 p.m.

Rep. Evan Goyke will give his “Inmate 501” PowerPoint presentation, which proposed to “close troubled juvenile institutions at Lincoln Hills, repurpose it as a badly needed adult treatment center and open five smaller, local institutions for the juveniles, already successfully done by other jurisdictions.” This idea was recently adopted by Gov. Scott Walker.

Tuesday, Jan. 23

Across the Divide: From #MeToo to What Now? @ Good City Brewing (2108 N. Farwell Ave.), 6:30-8 p.m.

der equality and fighting sexual harassment in Wisconsin and beyond” with leading corporate, legal and community experts. Food and beverage will be available for purchase. To submit to this column, please send a brief description of your action, including date and time, to savingourdemocracy@shepex. com. Together, we can fight to minimize the damage that the administration of Donald Trump and others of his kind have planned for our great country. Comment at shepherdexpress.com.

Shepherd Swag Get it here: theshepstore.com

This panel discussion hosted by WUWM 89.7 and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel will explore “the next steps for improving gen-

Sunday, Jan. 21

Citizens United Unhappy Anniversary @ Milwaukee Public Library (3969 N. 74th St.), 2-4 p.m.

Mike McCabe, author, activist and candidate for Wisconsin governor, will speak about the effects of the Citizens United Supreme Court Decision, which “opened the flood gates of dark money that pollutes our political landscape,” on our democracy. Light refreshments will be provided.

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NEWS&VIEWS::TAKINGLIBERTIES

The Rancid Heart of a Racist Presidency ::BY JOEL MCNALLY

hen Donald Trump, as President of the United States, embarrasses every decent person in America by spewing vile, obscene, racist insults denigrating people of color throughout the world, our political system can no longer simply choose sides based on political party. Sadly, there was absolutely nothing surprising about the report of Trump erupting in an ignorant, racist rant against allowing black and brown immigrants from African nations, Haiti or Central America into our country. “Why are we having all these people from shithole countries come here?” Trump demanded according to witnesses. Instead, he said, we should encourage immigration from white countries such as Norway. “Why do we need more Haitians? Take them out!” Three days after the remarks sparked an international uproar, Trump suddenly totally denied making them. But he didn’t deny them when they were initially reported, and Trump is a notorious liar, anyway. Washington Post fact-checkers have documented an average of 5.6 lies a day ever since he took office.

Bi-Partisan Witnesses Witnesses confirming the remarks included both Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois and Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who were meeting with Trump to present a bipartisan Senate proposal on immigration. Besides, everyone in America knows racism is the (usually) unspoken subtext of the vicious stream of discriminatory policies based on race and religion Trump regularly champions to attract support—not only from less educated, white, working-class supporters—but also from actual members of the Ku Klux Klan and neoNazi white supremacists whose ranks at a deadly, violent rally in Charlottesville, Va., Trump praised as including “some very fine people.” By making the appalling depths of his racism profanely explicit, Trump has torn away the flimsy cover Republican politicians and many Trump supporters were hiding behind. It’s no longer possible for anyone in America to pretend they don’t know Trump is a virulent racist, but that hasn’t stopped Republican politicians from trying. Senators Durbin and Graham met with Trump to try to stop the deportation of 800,000 so-called “Dreamers”—young adults brought to the U.S. by undocumented parents as infants or very young children. Trump has threatened all of them with deportation by ending former President Barack Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which gave them protected status. When Durbin and

Graham arrived, Trump had stacked the room with anti-immigration extremists, including Republican Sens. Tom Cotton of Arkansas and David Perdue of Georgia, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Virginia Congressman Bob Goodlatte.

‘Hate-Filled, Vile and Racist’ Sen. Durbin was the first participant to confirm Trump’s “hate-filled, vile and racist” language to refer to the nations of Africa, Haiti and El Salvador. Sen. Graham confirmed the accuracy of Durbin’s account to several Republican colleagues, including his African American Republican colleague from South Carolina, Sen. Tim Scott. Durbin also credited Graham for directly rebuking Trump for his racist remarks. Graham declined to publicly repeat his criticism of Trump, saying “I said my piece directly to him yesterday. The president and all those attending the meeting know what I said and how I feel.” It turns out Graham had way too much confidence in the ability of his fellow Republicans to remember the president using a foul-mouthed, racist slur and Graham objecting to it. Cotton and Perdue later issued an extremely carefully worded joint statement that claimed: “We do not recall the president saying those comments specifically.” They later stood by their befogged memories on Sunday talk shows. Seriously? Is it so routine for the president to use “shithole countries” to describe nations of color that they

wouldn’t even notice? McCarthy and Goodlatte chose not to claim foggy memories. They’ve simply remained silent so far. Wimpy responses to totally outrageous, unacceptable presidential statements and actions are now standard Republican practice. Before the election, House Speaker Paul Ryan dared to identify Trump’s attack on a Mexican American judge as “the textbook definition of a racist comment.” Now Ryan’s lamest of reactions to Trump calling all the nations of Africa “shithole countries” was simply that it’s “unfortunate, unhelpful.” We know there are still deep, ugly strains of racism in our country; Trump’s election was a shocking reminder of how widespread it remains. But our country should never return to the openly racist time many of us remember from our youth when whites routinely used the most vicious, racist, dehumanizing epithets to refer to anyone of color, including innocent children. We can never rationalize the president of the United States openly feeding racial hatred. There is no longer a Democratic or Republican side in the debate over Trump’s fitness for office; there is only the American side. It’s time for everyone in public office to stop supporting a despicable public racist. Those who cover for an obvious, open white supremacist shouldn’t be in public office. Trump’s supporters can no longer claim not to be racists themselves. People who support ugly racists are racist. Comment at shepherdexpress.com. n

NEWS&VIEWS::POLL

You Don’t Believe Trump is Mentally Fit to be President Last week we asked if, despite his claims that he’s “a very stable genius,” you believe Donald Trump is mentally fit to hold the office of President of the United States. You said: n Yes: 19% n No: 81%

What Do You Say? Donald Trump is pushing for a compromise that would renew the expiring Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in exchange for funding his border wall. Should Democrats accept that compromise, or should they hold out for a clean DACA bill? n Democrats should compromise n Democrats should hold out for a clean DACA bill Vote online at shepherdexpress.com. We’ll publish the results of this poll in next week’s issue. 12 | J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8

SHEPHERD EXPRESS

NEWS&VIEWS::ISSUEOFTHEWEEK

Lives in the Balance

Servicing bankers, investors, homes and businesses...

CONGRESS CONSIDERS THE FATE OF THE DREAMERS ::BY CHRISTINE NEUMANN-ORTIZ

NDER PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP, IT SEEMS THERE IS A NEW CRISIS EVERY WEEK. This week the lives of thousands of immigrant youths hang in the balance, and their future depends on what we do. Immigrant activists are demanding that the U.S. Congress include the Dream Act in the spending bill that must be passed by Friday, Jan. 19 to avert a government shutdown. The bill would restore protections for Dreamers—immigrant youth who came to the U.S. at a young age—that were taken away by the Trump administration when they repealed the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. If you do nothing else this week, call your congressman or congresswoman and demand that he or she vote to protect the Dreamers. There are about 800,000 Dreamers in the U.S. who do not have legal papers—about 8,000 of whom are in Wisconsin. Behind these numbers are young people who know no other home than the U.S. who are striving to fulfill their potential, support their families and improve their communities. People such as Alejandra.

Alejandra’s Story

Alejandra was 5 years old when poverty, crime and corruption forced her parents to leave their home and come to the U.S. This December, she shared her story with some of the Wisconsin congressional delegation. “I grew up believing I was an American citizen,” Alejandra told them. “I pledged allegiance to the flag every morning at school, sang the Star-Spangled Banner at baseball games and knew American history.” But when Alejandra received a grant to take violin lessons at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, she found out she was ineligible because she was undocumented and did not have a Social Security number. “From that moment, I knew that my potential would be limited,” she said. In her early-20s, Alejandra battled alcohol abuse and depression. “I was in a dark place and couldn’t find a way out,” she says. But under DACA, she once again had hope. She was able to get a Social Security card and is currently attending college with a focus on healthcare. But unless the Dream Act is passed, Alejandra could be deported. Supporters of immigrant rights have challenged Trump’s DACA repeal in the courts, but the only lasting solution is through the U.S. Congress. Activists are calling for a so-called “clean” Dream Act that protects Dreamers but does not succumb to Trump’s demands—such as billions of dollars for a “wall” or eliminating our family based immigration system. The best chance for a clean Dream Act is to pressure both Democrats and Republicans to include such measures in the spending bill—with a deadline of this week Friday.

From Sympathy to Support

Polls have shown that more than 80% of the American people support continued protections for Dreamers, but answering poll questions is easier than taking action. Now is the time to move from sympathy to support. On Saturday, Jan. 13, I attended a commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr., in Racine. Speaker of the House Paul Ryan had said he would be participating, and 10 Dreamers and I looked forward to talking with him after months of his refusal to meet with Dreamers from his own district. At the last minute, Ryan canceled his appearance. Event organizers instead had two Dreamers speak about the threats they faced and the fears that their families would be torn apart. They received a standing ovation. Moments like this give me hope. This week, there is a chance for all of us to honor King’s memory. Call your congressperson and demand a clean Dream Act as part of the spending bill. In addition, there are local and national events this week. For updates and information, check out the Facebook page of Voces de la Frontera and visit their website at vdlf.org. We can break through the crisis of our times and get to a better place for all families that suffer from poverty and inequality, but only if we act together. Christine Neumann-Ortiz is the executive director of Voces de la Frontera. Comment at shepherdexpress.com. n SHEPHERD EXPRESS

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Best of Milwaukee 2017

All that’s Best in Milwaukee

he Shepherd Express was ahead of the curve. Back in the 1990s, we did something no one in town had thought about: a “best-of” contest for our city voted on by you, our readers. In the years since, other local media have tried to imitate us, but the Shepherd Express’ annual Best of Milwaukee competition remains the largest as ranked by numbers of voters and, most of all, for the value that winning or being nominated brings to local people, businesses and organizations. Our Best of Milwaukee issue also serves as a unique guide to the best the city has to offer in food, retail, health, education, culture and politics. The Shepherd Express congratulates the winners and nominees and thanks them for helping make Milwaukee a great place to live.

Louis G. Fortis Publisher and Editor-in-Chief David Luhrssen Editor SHEPHERD EXPRESS

J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8 | 15

Best of Milwaukee 2017 >> CITY CONFIDENTIAL

Local Character JOHN MCGIVERN

Few Milwaukeeans have made the leap from local stages to local television quite as seamlessly as John McGivern, the actor/comedian behind some of the city’s most popular one-man shows. For those who’ve never seen him on stage, McGivern may now be best known for his Milwaukee Public Television series “Around the Corner,” a lighthearted but informational tour of Wisconsin towns and neighborhoods. Its sixth season featured episodes on West End, Eagle River, Fish Creek and Beloit, among other destinations. (Evan Rytlewski)

RUNNERS-UP: Art Kumbalek Milverine Roosevelt McCarter

Local Entreprenuer MICHAEL CRUTE

Long ago, talk radio wasn’t synonymous with rightwing diatribes. Restoring balance on the airwaves (and via podcasts) motivates Mike Crute’s recent purchase of 1510 AM WRRD as a medium for his talk show, “The Devil’s Advocates,” with co-host Dominic Salvia. Why the name “Devil’s Advocates”? “We envisioned a show with passionate political debate among ideologically different hosts and guests. We launched in Madison in the midst of the Scott Walker recall in early spring 2012,” Crute says. “Dominic and I have a similar sense of humor, a 25-year history as former college roommates, and the shared philosophy that the arguments are never personal, only politics.” (David Luhrssen)

RUNNERS-UP: Joseph Skow Lizzi Weasler Steph Davies Local Activist: Sachin Chheda

Local Activist SACHIN CHHEDA

Analyses have shown that over the past three statewide elections, the state assembly redistricting plan created by Republicans in 2011 has given the GOP an unfair electoral advantage. A federal lawsuit over the matter was heard by the U.S. Supreme Court in October and could have a far-reaching impact. For his work as director of the Fair Elections Project, one of the groups that spearheaded the case, Sachin Chheda gets the honors as Milwaukee’s activist of the year. (Matthew J. Prigge)

RUNNERS-UP: Howard Fuller Joseph Skow Robert Kraig

16 | J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8

Milwaukee Alderperson NIK KOVAC

Back before he entered local politics, just after coming home to Milwaukee, Nik Kovac worked briefly as a freelance writer for the Shepherd Express. I remember meeting him for coffee, reading his resume and thinking, with his impressive qualifications, he has a future beyond covering events. He might make some happen. Kovac has proven to be a thoughtful representative for the city’s 3rd aldermanic district, which encompasses Milwaukee’s historic East Side, keeping his constituents in mind along with the larger issues facing the city as a whole. (David Luhrssen)

RUNNERS-UP: Bob Bauman Bob Donovan Michael Murphy

Milwaukee County Supervisor MARINA DIMITRIJEVIC

Marina Dimitrijevic has been unafraid to challenge the powers that be in Milwaukee County government. Representing the 4th district, centered on Bay View, since 2004, Dimitrijevic has balanced neighborhood issues with concerns affecting everyone. As director of the Wisconsin Working Families Party, she has promoted progressive candidates such as Chris Larson and Khalif Rainey, campaigned to raise the minimum wage and called out the harmful impact of big money interests promoting schemes that harm the 99%. What’s not to like? (David Luhrssen)

RUNNERS-UP: Steve F Taylor Marcelia Nicholson Sheldon Wasserman

Milwaukeean of the Year/ Most Beloved Politician TOM BARRETT

After being upset by the late Gene Wilder in 2016, Mayor Tom Barrett reclaims honors of Milwaukeean of the year and takes another prize for the city’s top pol. It was a typically low-key year for Barrett, but the fruits of his labor as mayor (the new basketball arena, the streetcar, the Lakefront Gateway and the finally-underway Couture project just to name a few) are drawing plenty of attention and will usher in a new era for the Downtown area. (Matthew J. Prigge)

RUNNERS-UP MILWAUKEEAN OF THE YEAR: Beth Weirick Joseph Skow Lizzi Weasler RUNNERS-UP MOST BELOVED POLITICIAN: Gwen Moore JoCasta Zamarripa Jonathan Brostoﬀ

Best Organization Supporting Veterans MILWAUKEE HOMELESS VETERANS INITIATIVE 6317 W. Greenfield Ave. 414-257-4111 mkehomelessvets.org

Veteran homelessness decreased by 17% between 2015 and 2016 according to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ 2017 “State of Veteran Homelessness” report. This SHEPHERD EXPRESS

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Best of Milwaukee 2017 >> CITY CONFIDENTIAL

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COLECTIVO COFFEE Multiple Locations colectivocoffee.com

Most Trusted Public Official: Tammy Baldwin

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decline is in no small part due to organizations like Milwaukee Homeless Veterans Initiative (MHVI). The organization was founded by veterans in 2008, remains run by those who have served in the military and has helped more than 3,000 southeastern Wisconsin veterans and their families since avoid and escape homelessness. (Rob Hullum)

RUNNERS-UP: Dryhootch Wisconsin Veterans Chamber Of Commerce Wounded Warriors

Most Despised Politician DONALD TRUMP

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RUNNERS-UP: Bader Philanthropies Max Samson Michael Cudahy

Here is where his pipe dream of a truly humongous, so humongous, landslide victory resides in reality, no lie. In the least-surprising result in the ballyhooed history of the Shepherd readers’ poll, crooked/creepy/deplorable Donald J. Trump has undisputedly been elected Most Despised Politician. There was some competition—all whose party affiliation began with the letter R, wouldn’t you know. But Trumpelthinskin had this one locked up early, and if investigative justice prevails, he shall be as well. (Art Kumbalek)

RUNNERS-UP: Bob Donovan David Clarke Scott Walker

Most Trusted Public Official TAMMY BALDWIN

Since she defeated former governor Tommy Thompson to become the first openly gay U.S. senator in American history in 2012, Baldwin has established herself as a voice of integrity and reason in the Senate, advocating for healthcare, civil rights, net neutrality and veterans benefits while forcefully challenging Donald Trump’s economic agenda. Don’t let Baldwin’s cordial demeanor fool you: She’s a fighter! (Evan Rytlewski)

RUNNERS-UP: Nik Kovac Russ Feingold Tom Barrett

Philanthropist HERB KOHL

While it is more likely to know Herb Kohl from his 24-year career in the U.S. Senate or his former ownership of the Milwaukee Bucks, his Herb Kohl Educational Foundation has been giving out grants, some years totaling $400,000, since 1990. The philanthropist provided major funding for the Kohl Center, UW-Madison’s athletic center. Kohl’s dedication to higher education shows that his public service did not end on his last day as an elected official. (Rob Hullum)

Though united by name and quality coffee, each Colectivo has its own character. The Lakefront location bustles with activity and folks in sweaty spandex. In Shorewood, the clientele is suburban and the cell reception is spotty. I make a habit of mornings at the Riverwest location, where the clamor of roasting activities creates a sonic blanket conducive to thinking and writing. Whatever your needs—provided they include caffeination and a place to sit a spell—Colectivo has you covered. (Tyler Friedman)

RUNNERS-UP: Beans & Barley Pick ’n Save Woodman’s Food Market

Rising Star in Politics / State Legislature CHRIS LARSON

In just a few years he’s grown from Milwaukee Country supervisor to Democratic leader in the state senate. One can only hope that Chris Larson, a progressive legislator with integrity and compassion, a forthright man who says what he believes regardless of political cost, who engages in real ways with all aspects of the communities he serves and works with diligence and courage on behalf of even the least of his constituents, will continue to rise in Wisconsin politics. (John Schneider)

RUNNERS-UP RISING STAR IN POLITICS: Jonathan Brostoff Justin Moralez Nik Kovac RUNNERS-UP STATE LEGISLATOR: Christine Sinicki JoCasta Zamarripa Jonathan Brostoff

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Best of Milwaukee 2017 >> DINING OUT

Breakfast / Brunch BLUE’S EGG

317 N. 76th St. 414-299-3180 bluesegg.com

There’s very good reason Blue’s Egg regularly wins these categories. The menu is expansive, well-portioned and crafted with fine ingredients; the staff kind, efficient and knowledgeable; and the prices reasonable. When you arrive, enjoy a cup of delicious Valentine coffee and check out the glorious pastry case (think specialty items like Linzer torte and maple-bacon sugar cookies). The regular menu features something for everyone. Calorie conscious? Try the exquisite Florentine “skinny browns” with spinach, pesto and tomato. Gluten-free? The moist, hearty house-made bread is delicious alongside eggs or as French toast. Love tender meats? The 12-hour slow cooked ham and corned beef may be the best in town. (Selena Milewski)

Best New Restaurant: On the Bus

African Restaurant IRIE ZULU

7237 W. North Ave. 414-509-6014 iriezulu.com

Irie Zulu’s seamless blend of African and Jamaican cuisine makes for a vibrant dining experience unique to Milwaukee. Meals are thoughtfully prepared, made with local ingredients and gloriously spiced using products from Afro Fusion Cuisine, owner Yollande Tchouapi Deacon’s line of spices and marinades available in store or online. Enjoy hard-to-find African dishes including Beef Suya and delicious seafood pepper soup made with sustainably raised cod. Try a house-made hibiscus juice to offset the spicier dishes. Irie Zulu’s ambiance is warm, inviting and familial. Be prepared to wait if the restaurant is busy but, as our server pointed out, this only allows for more bonding time. (Selena Milewski)

RUNNERS-UP: Alem Ethiopian Village Blue Star Café Ethiopian Cottage Restaurant

Barbecue SMOKE SHACK Multiple locations smoke-shack.com

New barbecue restaurants have been popping up all over the city over the last half decade, but few of these new additions to Milwaukee’s smoked-meat scene have made a bigger splash than the Smoke Shack, where pa20 | J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8

trons line up at peak hours for pulled chicken, pork loin sandwiches, brisket sloppy joes and other specialties. In a departure from Southern barbecue tradition, the meat here isn’t pre-sauced. Instead, diners add their own, choosing from a selection of five house-made sauces that include a smoky take on Kansas City sauce and a sweet, mustardy concoction called Carolina Gold. (Evan Rytlewski)

RUNNERS-UP: Double B’s BBQ Iron Grate BBQ Sandra’s on the Park

Bar Food

THREE LIONS PUB 4515 N. Oakland Ave. 414-763-6992 threelionspub.com

For the second straight year, Three Lions Pub takes honors for best pub food. Billed as an “authentic British Pub,” Three Lions offers British dishes like scotch eggs, bangers and mash, and shepherd’s pie, as well as American favorites like burgers and wings. Their Full English Breakfast, served for brunch only, includes sausage, English bacon, eggs, grilled veggies, white pudding and baked beans…which is enough to make you feel at home no matter where your ancestors came from. (Matthew J. Prigge)

RUNNERS-UP: Camino Hooligan’s Super Bar Jackson’s Blue Ribbon Pub Milwaukee

RUNNERS-UP BREAKFAST: Beerline Café Comet Café Ma Fischer’s Restaurant Mad Rooster Café RUNNERS-UP BRUNCH: Beerline Café Comet Café Wolf Peach Sabrosa Café & Gallery Mad Rooster Café

Brew Pub / Fish Fry / Fried Cheese Curds LAKEFRONT BREWERY 1872 N. Commerce St. 414-372-8800 lakefrontbrewery.com

Every beer brewed here is first rate. The first certified organic beer, first federally approved gluten-free beer, first beer made entirely from Wisconsin hops, malt and yeast and the second of the nation’s now ubiquitous pumpkin beers were introduced here. The beer hall’s legendary Friday Fish Fry features live polka music. The cheese curds come from Best of Milwaukee winner Clock Shadow Creamery. The outstanding Milwaukee actor Norman Moses, for one, is a charming tour guide. (John Schneider)

RUNNERS-UP BREW PUB: Company Brewing Raised Grain Brewing Co. Rock Bottom St. Francis Brewery RUNNERS-UP FISH FRY: Sandra’s On The Park Papa Luigi’s Pizza Three Lions Pub Meyer’s Restaurant SHEPHERD EXPRESS

Best of Milwaukee 2017 RUNNERS-UP FRIED CHEESE CURDS: Cousins Subs SafeHouse Jackson’s Blue Ribbon Pub Milwaukee

Buffet / Indian / Pakistani Restaurant MAHARAJA

1550 N. Farwell Ave. 414-276-2250 maharajarestaurants.com

When Indian restaurants first opened in Milwaukee during the mid-’80s, buffets were the obvious way of introducing an unfamiliar cuisine to the public. They have remained a lunchtime staple for offering variety at reasonable cost. Maharaja has been a perennial lunchtime favorite for Shepherd Express readers; their Sunday brunch (complete with a beverage of French origin, the mimosa) has also become a destination. Not only will you not leave hungry, but most of us would be unable to find room to taste every item on the sprawling set of buffet tables. Come back some evening and try the dinner menu. (David Luhrssen)

RUNNERS-UP BUFFET: Casablanca India Garden Potawatomi Hotel & Casino RUNNERS-UP INDIAN/ PAKISTANI RESTAURANT: India Garden Café India Anmol

Burgers TIE!

KOPP’S FROZEN CUSTARD and OSCAR’S PUB & GRILL KOPP’S FROZEN CUSTARD Multiple locations kopps.com

Have you ever ordered a chicken sandwich at Kopp’s? They’re actually quite remarkable, and worth seeking out in their own right, but it’s hard to visit here and order anything other than a burger. Kissed with a pat of butter, their Frisbee-sized burgers are the most delectable in the city, and worth every single calorie. The same can be said of Kopp’s custard, which is creamy and decadent even by custard standards. Kopp’s creative flavors of the day, which SHEPHERD EXPRESS

include pricey ingredients like macadamia nuts and chocolate truffles, provide that much more of an excuse to treat yourself. (Evan Rytlewski)

OSCAR’S PUB & GRILL 1712 W. Pierce St. 414-810-1820 oscarsonpierce.com

Although inconspicuously tucked into an industrial district between the 16th Street Viaduct and National Avenue, Oscar’s attracts a big lunch crowd for its big burgers—deliciously prepared Angus patties in seven varieties, served on a superb bun with fries sprinkled in grated cheese. With friendly service, a large domestic and import beer selection and the look of a neighborhood tap, Oscar’s is appealing any time of day. Rumors have spread of a second Oscar’s to open this year. (David Luhrssen)

RUNNERS-UP: AJ Bombers Camino Stack’d Burger Bar

Burrito

CAFÉ CORAZÓN

Multiple locations corazonmilwaukee.com

Burritos and margaritas are the Batman and Robin of Mexican fare. Conveniently, Milwaukee’s favorite rendering of this culinary dynamic duo is available at one place: Café Corazón—now located in two neighborhoods—Riverwest and Bay View. A combination so filling, nourishing and intoxicating that you hardly need consult the menu, the only challenge is not spoiling your appetite on the gratis chips and salsa. (Tyler Friedman)

lovers For all you

Best Seafood 5715 N. Bayshore Drive Glendale, WI 53217 Bayshore Town Center

Call 414.967.9790 for reservations

out there

Snag your spot for a Valentine’s date, February 14-18. We look forward to serving you and your special someone for the occasion.

SPECIAL VALENTINE’S DAY HOURS 11am – 3pm Lunch 3 – 10pm Dinner

$65 1 lb. lobster tail, 8 oz. ﬁlet oscar or 6 oz. ﬁlet with 8 oz. lobster tail

devonseafood.com

with 2 seasonal sides

Thank You MKE for your Votes! BEST OF MILWAUKEE FINALISTS CHICKEN WINGS, DELIVERY MENU, KITCHEN OPEN AFTER 10PM, KOREAN RESTAURANT, PLACE TO EAT ALONE, RAMEN, SUSHI, THAI RESTAURANT, VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT

RUNNERS-UP: Beans & Barley BelAir Cantina Guanajuato Mexican Restaurant

Caribbean Restaurant CUBANITAS

Multiple locations getbianchini.com

Milwaukee’s first and only entirely Cuban restaurant, Cubanitas is part of a group of restaurants owned by Marc and Marta Bianchini. They also operate Indulge wine bar’s two locations and this fall they launched Cubanitas’ second location in Drexel Town Square in Oak Creek. The original Downtown location, with its cheery ambiance and attentive servers, is the perfect spot for an elegant meal to start off a night on the town. Look for

NEW! BRUNCH: FRI - SUN 7AM - 2PM MON - WED 11AM - MIDNIGHT • THUR 11AM - 2AM FRI & SAT 7AM - 2AM • SUN 7AM - MIDNIGHT 1504 E NORTH AVE

FREE ONLINE DELIVERY > BUDDHALOUNGEMKE.COM J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8 | 21

Best of Milwaukee 2017 >> DINING OUT multiple preparations of plantains and cassava, as well as a respectable array of seafood, ropa vieja (national dish of Cuba) and knock-your-socks-off cocktails like caipirinhas and pisco sours. (Selena Milewski)

RUNNERS-UP: Irie Zulu La Caribeña Restaurant Uppa Yard

Central / South American Restaurant CHEF PAZ RESTAURANT 9039 W. National Ave. 414-327-1600 chefpazrestaurant.com

Peru—with its topographical makeup a hybrid of coast, highlands and jungle—is home of the most diverse cuisine on the planet. So a spot with a French sounding name in the heart of West Allis seems apt to hint at the spectrum. Entrées bound between the smoked pork cecina to the Latin likes of paella. Wash anything down with a pisco sour or a chicah morada, sit back and wonder how such sexy fare can feel so homey. (Todd Lazarski)

RUNNERS-UP: Antigua Latin Inspired Kitchen & Catering C-viche El Salvador Restaurant

Cheap Eats

CONEJITO’S PLACE 539 W. Virginia St. 414-278-9106 conejitos-place.com

A perennial favorite in this category, Conejito’s features a simple menu at rock-bottom prices. The most expensive single item is the $5 spare ribs dinner and four steak tacos with a side of rice and beans runs less than six bucks. It ain’t fancy (meals are famously served on paper plates), but it’s still very good food served up in a quintessentially Milwaukee setting. (Matthew J. Prigge)

RUNNERS-UP: Beerline Café Oakland Gyros Oscar’s Pub & Grill

Chef

GREGORY LEÓN

Gregory León, chef and co-owner of Amilinda, drew his Spanish-Portuguese menu from his travels. He is one the most approachable restaurateurs in the biz. Everything at Amilinda from tiles, exposed Cream City brick walls, paintings or the brightly colored rooster sitting on the chef’s counter (aka bar) has a story he is willing to share. However, this story doesn’t end with the décor, but carries over to a creative and thoughtful menu. Bravo to León for doing 22 | J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8

fewer menu items, doing them well and changing them daily (menu prices fluctuate based on market prices). León works with local farmers, taking what is in season and creating an abbreviated menu that doesn’t have so many choices it makes your head spin. Almost everything is made in house (Alisa Malavenda)

RUNNERS-UP: Justin Carlisle Kristin Hueneke Juan Urbieta

Chicken Wings POINT’S EAST PUB

1501 N. Jackson St. 414-277-0122 thepointseastpub.com

There is an entire page of the Point’s East website devoted to the various awards and honors given to their chicken wings over the years. Plump, spicy and grilled to order, Point’s East wings are a meal in themselves and have become one of Milwaukee’s most famous signature bar foods. A basket of these is more than enough reason to make your way to this corner bar, hidden between bustling Brady Street and the mania of Water Street. (Matthew J. Prigge)

RUNNERS-UP: Buddha Lounge Double B’s BBQ Jackson’s Blue Ribbon Pub Milwaukee TomKen’s Bar & Grill Wings Over Milwaukee

Chinese Restaurant DANDAN

360 E. Erie St. 414-488-8036 dandanmke.com

DanDan is named after not only for a Chinese noodle dish but the two extraordinary chefs, Dan Jacobs and Dan Van Rite, who have poured their heart and soul (along with an homage to food from childhood memories) into an exciting menu. Located in the building that once housed Tulip, it has a fun new vibe with a dragon on the wall, a pergola along the hallway and the illuminated DanDan sign (in Chinese) that makes the red walls glow like warm embers. It’s all reminiscent of walking down a street in Chinatown. (Alisa Malavenda)

RUNNERS-UP CHINESE RESTAURANT: Emperor of China Huan Xi Chinese Restaurant No. 1 Chinese Restaurant

Coffee Shop

COLECTIVO COFFEE Multiple Locations colectivocoffee.com

RUNNERS-UP: Anodyne Coﬀee Roasting Co. Avenue Coﬀeehouse Brewed Café

Delivery Menu PIZZA SHUTTLE

1827 N. Farwell Ave. 414-289-9993 pizzashuttle.com

No matter what you’ve got a late-night craving for, there’s a good chance Pizza Shuttle can bring it to your door. The menu at this East Side institution spans pages, and includes not only pizza but calzones, Italian dinners, subs, pitas, wraps, gyros, salads, chicken, ribs, burgers, soup, chili and just about any appetizer that can be bread then deep-fried, all of which are available via delivery. It’s the perfect option for those nights when you’re craving something oddly specific but don’t want to leave your couch. (Evan Rytlewski)

RUNNERS-UP: Buddha Lounge Papa Luigi’s Pizza Rice N Roll Bistro

Donuts

CRANKY AL’S

6901 W. North Ave. 414-258-5282 crankyals.com

The “cranky” refers to the hand-cranked donuts that are the coffee house’s signature. They have a deliciously lighter texture than the factory-produced competition, and they aren’t the only good thing on a menu that also boasts sandwiches, salads and other bakery items. Wednesday-Saturday from 4-8 p.m., Al cranks out homemade pizza with an array of toppings—everything from pineapple to anchovies. (David Luhrssen)

RUNNERS-UP: Holey Moley Coﬀee + Doughnuts National Bakery & Deli Grebe’s Bakery SHEPHERD EXPRESS

DINE IN | ORDER ONLINE | PICK-UP | DELIVERIES - PAPALUIGISCUDAHY.COM MON-THURS: 4-10PM • FRI: 4-11PM • SAT: 11AM-11PM • SUN: 11AM-10PM • OPEN FOR LUNCH SAT AND SUN

THANKS FOR VOTING US AS A FINALIST FOR BEST DELIVERY MENU, BEST FISH FRY, BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT AND BEST THIN CRUST PIZZA 3475 East Layton Ave /// Cudahy, WI 53110 /// 414-483-6111 /// www.papaluigiscudahy.com

Comfort Food at a Comfortable Price

It has been the Meyer Motto for Over 40 years, we use only the freshest ingredients.

Ask about our expandable banquet room for 25-230 people. 4260 S 76th St Milwaukee, Wisconsin Call (414)321-4400 www.meyersrestaurant.com SHEPHERD EXPRESS

Milwaukee’s BEST Affordable Banquet Hall. J A N UA RY 1 8 , 2 0 1 8 | 23

Best of Milwaukee 2017 >> DINING OUT

Farm-To-Table Restaurant / Gourmet Restaurant ODD DUCK

2352 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. 414-763-5881 oddduckrestaurant.com

Open since 2012, Bay View’s Odd Duck continued the trend of restaurants using locally sourced ingredients from such excellent area vendors as Growing Power and Bolanzo Artisan Meats. Odd Duck is socially conscious in all respects down to the tabletops, made from recycled wood. And yes, the food is good with a changing menu incorporating culinary ideas from around the world. (Morton Shlabotnik)

RUNNERS-UP FARM-TO-TABLE: Braise The Farmer’s Wife Morel RUNNERS-UP GOURMET RESTAURANT: Sanford Ardent Bacchus

French Restaurant LE RÊVE PATISSERIE & CAFE 7610 Harwood Ave., Wauwatosa 414-778-3333 lerevecafe.com

A patisserie and café of distinction, Le Rêve boasts desserts that look like works of art. Expect French classics like steak au poivre, bouillabaisse and steamed mussels. Daily specials have included delicious rainbow trout and grilled, bone marrow-crusted beef tenderloin. The bar has a full range of cocktails plus wine and beer. Open from breakfast through dinner. (Jeff Beutner)

RUNNERS-UP: Coquette Café Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro Pastiche at the Metro

Frozen Yogurt Shop YO MAMA!

Multiple locations yomamagoodness.com

“Grab a cup. Make your creation. Weigh and pay!” Follow these simple steps on your visit to Yo Mama! to understand why the establishment is a perennial winner in our Frozen Yogurt category. It’s simple, it’s fun, it’s comparatively healthy, and there are 10 flavors and 35 toppings on offer daily. Health conscious? Most yogurts served have zero fat and a no-sugar option and dairy-free sorbet are always on hand. Earth conscious? Yo Mama! is committed to using recycled materials and partnering with other local businesses. 24 | J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8

Want something besides yogurt? Enjoy Italian goodies, Simma’s cheesecake, gourmet hot chocolate, Colectivo coffee and even traditional ice cream. (Selena Milewski)

RUNNERS-UP: Yo Factory Fro Zone MyYoMy

Gluten-Free Friendly BLOOMING LOTUS BAKERY 2215 E. North Ave. 414-212-8010

Now approaching its third anniversary, Susan Goulet’s nutrition-conscious bakery has made a major splash on East North Avenue. Crafted in a dedicated grain-free, dairy-free, processed sugar-free and eggfree kitchen, the goodies satisfy cravings with healthconscious gourmet flare. Goulet spent years in the kitchen experimenting with ground chia seeds and flax meal to create gluten-free and vegan-friendly pastry that maintains firmness and moisture. Products include: scones, cookies, brownies and cakes, as well as pizza crust and fresh bread. All are protein rich, low in carbs and high in fiber. Eating right rarely tastes this good! (Selena Milewski)

RUNNERS-UP: Café Manna Beerline Café India Garden

Gelato Shop

GLORIOSO’S ITALIAN MARKET 1011 E. Brady St. 414-272-0540 gloriosos.com

It could probably thrive on just its status as an historical Brady Street landmark, but Glorioso’s is also the best place for Italian, Mediterranean and even artisanal Wisconsin foods and drinks. Prices are great and there’s more than you’d ever imagine in luscious gelatos, bakery, cookies, candies, nuts, imported and artisanal cheeses, olive oils, vinegars, olives, fresh sausages, sauces, pastas, pizzas, paninis, coffees, sandwiches, produce, wines and beers and every sort of salad, even octopus. (John Schneider)

RUNNERS-UP: La Coppa Gelato Café Cold Spoons Divino Gelato

German Restaurant MADER’S RESTAURANT 1041 N. Old World Third St. 414-271-3377 madersrestaurant.com

decades ago, a few stalwarts remain. The go-to place for traditional German dining remains Mader’s, which was founded in 1902 (thus predating both Henry Ford’s Model T and the Wright Brothers’ first successful flight). In addition to fine German cuisine for both lunch and dinner, it offers a Viennese Sunday Brunch (dating back to 1977), decorous artworks, the Knights Bar, the world’s largest Hummel store and, since 1996, catering. (John Jahn)

RUNNERS-UP: Kegel’s Inn Meyer’s Restaurant The Bavarian Bierhaus

Greek Restaurant OAKLAND GYROS Multiple locations

The original Oakland Gyros benefited from its location near the UW-Milwaukee campus and on the same block as a popular student bar, Axel’s. Students come and go but Oakland Gyros has endured. It’s nothing fancy, but offers generous portions of tasty Greek food at reasonable prices and served up quickly. The formula was so successful that Oakland Gyros has replicated itself on the South Side with name and menu intact. (David Luhrssen)

RUNNERS-UP: Apollo Café Cosmos Café Ouzo Café

Hot Dog / Kitchen Open After 10 p.m. THE VANGUARD

2659 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. 414-539-3593 vanguardbar.com

Calling Vanguard a hot dog place doesn’t do justice to the sheer amount of culinary artistry that goes into its menu. This convivial Bay View bar specializes in encased meats of all kind—chorizo sausages, Hungarian sausages, Jamaican lamb currywurst—many of them topped with imaginative ingredients like basil, pineapple or green chili relish. A huge vegan menu (mushroom poutine and vegan chili cheese dog anyone?) makes this bar a dinner and late-night destination for omnivores and vegetarians alike. (Evan Rytlewski)

RUNNERS-UP HOT DOG: The Dogg Haus Martino’s Italian Beef and Hot Dogs Dr. Dawg RUNNERS-UP KITCHEN OPEN AFTER 10 P.M.: Buddha Lounge Ma Fischer’s Restaurant Goodkind

Though Milwaukee’s German eating establishments have declined in overall numbers from their heyday SHEPHERD EXPRESS

~ Since 1933 ~

A 3rd Generation Family Company

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SHEPHERD EXPRESS

6038 W. Lincoln Ave. West Allis, WI 53219 414-546-3407 corvinawinecompany.com

Bring this ad in and receive one glass of our select wines with the purchase of another glass of equal value. One per customer may be used on one visit.

J A N UA RY 1 8 , 2 0 1 8 | 25

Best of Milwaukee 2017 >> DINING OUT

home to a ramen night every Thursday. This pioneering establishment will be missed. (David Luhrssen)

RUNNERS-UP: Kiku Japanese Restaurant Rice N Roll Bistro Fujiyama Japanica

Jewish / Kosher-Syle Restaurant BENJI’S DELI

Multiple locations benjisdeliandrestaurant.com Best Jewish / Kosher-Style Deli: Benji’s Deli

Hotel Restaurant

MASON STREET GRILL (PFISTER HOTEL) 425 E. Mason St. 414-298-3131 masonstreetgrill.com

A wood-fired grill, sounds of light, live jazz music, an outdoor patio, gorgeous inner décor and friendly and attentive service all combine to make the Mason Street Grill ensconced in the Pfister Hotel a great place for lunch or dinner. Open seven days a week, it’s also a great place for a late-evening snack or imbibition (the kitchen’s open til 9 p.m. Sunday and 10 p.m. Monday-Saturday). Seating at the Chef’s Counter enables diners to view up close and personal hustle and bustle of kitchen staff. The eclectic menu is highlighted by the house specialties, including oysters on the half-shell or Rockefeller-style and dinners like Strauss Veal Striploin Oscar. (John Jahn)

RUNNERS-UP: Tre Rivali (Kimpton Journeyman Hotel) Café at the Pﬁster (Pﬁster Hotel) Pastiche (Hotel Metro)

Ice Cream / Custard Stand

KOPP’S FROZEN CUSTARD Multiple locations kopps.com

nuts and chocolate truffles, provide that much more of an excuse to treat yourself. (Evan Rytlewski)

RUNNERS-UP: Leon’s Frozen Custard Purple Door Ice Cream Northpoint Custard

Italian Restaurant

TENUTA’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT 2995 S. Clement Ave. 414-431-1014 tenutasitalian.com

A charming corner restaurant in Bay View, Tenuta’s serves well-prepared traditional Southern Italian cuisine. The presentation, however, is quite contemporary. Quality starts with freshness, which brings not only the best flavors from the familiar ingredients but the richest colors on the plate as well. Their pizza is among Milwaukee’s best, but don’t ignore the pasta dishes. No surprise: Tenuta’s offers an extensive wine list. (David Luhrssen)

RUNNERS-UP: Papa Luigi’s Pizza Carini’s La Conca d’Oro Ristorante Bartolotta

Japanese Restaurant IZUMI’S (NOW CLOSED) 2150 N. Prospect Ave. 414-271-5278 izumis.com

Housed inside a striking, historic Art Deco building, Izumi’s refurbished its airy (and very Japanese) dining room last year, complete with a tatami room. While they were known for sushi, Izumi’s also had an excellent lunch menu featuring bento boxes, udon/soba noodle soups and a full buffet. Drawing on owner Fujiko Yamauchi’s upbringing in Hakata, Fukuoka, Japan, Izumi’s was also

Great Jewish delis aren’t like great pizza places or Japanese restaurants. Not every city has one. How lucky Milwaukee is, then, to have Benji’s, which offers all the comforts of a New York delicatessen without the inconvenience of actually having to go to New York. Their corned beef is their great claim to fame, but the menu also includes kosher staples like herring, borscht, brisket and matzo, as well as an assortment of plate-dwarfing sandwiches and one of the best breakfasts in the city. (Evan Rytlewski)

RUNNERS-UP: Jake’s Deli Rubenstein Family Kosher Oasis The Kosher Meat Klub

Korean Restaurant STONE BOWL GRILL 1958 N. Farwell Ave. 414-220-9111 stonebowlgrill.com

Korean food doesn’t yet have the cultural foothold of Chinese food in the American culinary landscape; but with enticing and mysterious dishes like “hot pots” and “bibimbop” and the fortifying fermentation of kimchi, it has the potential. Stone Bowl Grill—located right next to the Best Sushi-winning Rice N Roll Bistro—offers a variety of authentic fare in a modern environment suitable for date nights, celebrations or good old gustatory experimentation. (Tyler Friedman)

RUNNERS-UP: Seoul Korean Restaurant Buddha Lounge Lucky Ginger

Louisianna / Southern Restaurant / Soul Food MAXIE’S

6732 W. Fairview Ave. 414-292-3969 maxies.com/milwaukee SHEPHERD EXPRESS

Best of Milwaukee 2017

Although situated off the usual restaurant districts in a residential neighborhood, Maxie’s has been a magnet on Milwaukee’s West Side, a bustling place on weekends when reservations are essential. The reason is simple: excellent Louisiana-style cooking in heaping portions served in a pleasantly funky environment. Bowing to Milwaukee tradition, Maxie’s offers a great fish fry, which gains a Southern accent if you order it with a side of grits. (David Luhrssen)

RUNNERS-UP LOUISIANA/ SOUTHERN RESTAURANT: Crawdaddy’s Restaurant Palomino Bar Hot Head Fried Chicken RUNNERS-UP SOUL FOOD: Tandem Mr. Perkins Family Restaurant Ashley’s Bar-B-Que

Mediterranean Restaurant / Middle Eeastern Restaurant CASABLANCA

728 E. Brady St. 414-271-6000 casablancaonbrady.com

Casablanca started strong and has just kept growing ever since they moved to Milwaukee’s East Side. A few years ago, the already attractively designed restaurant added a colonnaded upper level with a veranda. On a more subtle level, they continue to enhance their already outstanding lunch buffet by adding new items. The menu features all the Near Eastern favorites, including spinach pies, kebabs, tabbouleh, baba ghanoush and falafel. (David Luhrssen)

RUNNERS-UP MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT: Shawarma House Falafel Guys Tre Rivali RUNNERS-UP MIDDLE EASTERN RESTAURANT: Shawarma House Shahrazad Middle Eastern Hello Falafel

Mexican Restaurant BOTANAS RESTAURANT Multiple locations botanasrestaurant.com SHEPHERD EXPRESS

This gem of Milwaukee’s Mexican food scene saw such success in its original Fifth Street location that it opened a second location three years ago. With authentic cuisine from Guadalajara and more than 100 brands of tequila, you’ll never be at a loss for options. The rich, dark moles and wide array of seafood are of particular interest. Service is exceedingly fast and friendly and patrons enjoy ample private lot parking. The atmosphere is surprisingly calm for the amount of traffic the place gets, thanks in part to low lighting and exquisite jungle murals that engulf the entire restaurant (bathrooms included) in an air of tropical wonder. (Selena Milewski)

RUNNERS-UP: Café Corazón Tu Casa Mexican Restaurant & Bar Guanajuato Restaurant La Fuente (now closed)

National Chain Restaurant (Non-Fast Food) PANERA BREAD Multiple locations

With many locations in strip malls and other places around the metro area, Panera offers a bright, clean ambience, friendly counter service, bottomless trips to the coffee pots and a consistent lineup of panini sandwiches, soups and salads. Panera is as dependable as McDonald’s—but healthier (and a less hurried, more amicable place to spend time). (David Luhrssen)

RUNNERS-UP: The Cheesecake Factory Olive Garden Red Lobster Maggiano’s Little Italy

New Restaurant (Opened in 2017)

THANK YOU FOR VOTING FOR US FOR... BEST WOOD-FIRED PIZZA AND BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT 414.963.9623 atouchofsicily.com 3468 N. Oakland Ave. Milwaukee • 2 Blocks from UWM, Close to Downtown

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ON THE BUS

400 N. Water St. 414-204-8585 onthebusmke.com

In addition to offering scratch-made vegan food, On the Bus literally lives up to its name; the serving counter is fashioned from owner Emily Ware’s own 1971 Volkswagen Bus, which was her very first auto. On the Bus features Ware’s own recipes, including fresh almond milk made daily. The almond milk is used in smoothies, ice cream, cheese and their trendy açaí bowls. On the Bus’ arrival shows that the

THANKS FOR VOTING FOR US 434 S. 2ND STREET CAMINOMKE.COM

Best of Milwaukee 2016 WINNER

SLINGIN’ FOOD UNTIL MIDNIGHT AND 1AM ON THE WEEKENDS J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8 | 27

Best of Milwaukee 2017 >> DINING OUT term “vegan” is no longer a scary word. (Sheila Julson)

RUNNERS-UP: Dorsia Sabrosa Café & Gallery The Diplomat

their present-day Farwell location in 1954. Still family owned, Zaffiro’s offers a full menu of Italian favorites but, just as it was 65 years ago, their crispy-crust pizza remains the star attraction. (Matthew J. Prigge)

Outdoor Dining

RUNNERS-UP: Papa Luigi’s Pizza Pizza Man Sandra’s On The Park

1955 S. Hilbert St. 414-481-9974 barnacle-buds.com

Pizzeria— Wood-Fired Oven

BARNACLE BUD’S

No, it isn’t the easiest place to find. Unless you’re arriving by boat, you’ll have to cross some train tracks and ignore a few ominous “no trespassing” signs to make it to this tucked-away Bay View riverfront bar, a kitschy little slice of paradise right out of a Jimmy Buffett song. Once you arrive, though, it’s like you’re on vacation. Kick back with some oysters, a basket of fried fish and a bucket of mini Coronas, then close your eyes and pretend you’ve sprung for a hard-earned Florida retreat. (Evan Rytlewski)

RUNNERS-UP: Sandra’s On The Park Harbor House Café Hollander Tess

Pizzeria—Deep Dish CAPRI DI NUOVO 8340 W. Beloit Road 414-543-5510 capridinuovo.com

A restaurant called Capri has sat on the corner of 84th and Beloit for decades but the new Capri, under new owners, has been completely remodeled (though the old sign was kept for history’s sake. It’s a breath of fresh air for anyone who remembers the old place. Lasagna is the house specialty, made with meat sauce and then baked in individual dishes with a blanket of mozzarella on top. Pizzas come in Milwaukee, Chicago or pan styles and you can even pick up a take-and-bake pizza to go. The brick-surrounded patio is a nice spot in summer. (Lacey Muszynski)

RUNNERS-UP: Pizza Man Fixture Pizza Pub Transfer Pizzeria Café Zaﬃro’s Pizza & Bar

Pizzeria Thin Crust ZAFFIRO’S PIZZA & BAR 1724 N. Farwell Ave. 414-289-8776 zaffirospizza.com

Pizza with a thin, cracker-type crust seems to be the preferred style in Wisconsin. The Zaffiro family was among Milwaukee’s first pizza-makers in the 1950s, getting their start in the Third Ward before opening 28 | J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8

CARINI’S LA CONCA D’ORO 3468 N. Oakland Ave. 414-963-9623 atouchofsicily.com

More than a dozen pizzas are on the menu, all of them emerging from Carini’s bulbous metal oven, sitting astride a woodpile, open to a roaring fire. Diners sitting nearby can watch as the chef inserts their pizza pie into the hot oven on a long-handled implement. The intense heat does the trick quickly. The 12-inch pizzas are Neapolitan style; the crust is slightly crisp at the edges but soft as pastry inside, neither thin nor thick, and the charring on top from the intense fire adds a touch of smoky flavor to the toppings. (David Luhrssen)

RUNNERS-UP: Anodyne Coﬀee and Pizza Pizzeria Piccola Wolf Peach

Place to Eat Alone GEORGE WEBB’S Multiple locations

If you’ve ever wanted to live in a Tom Waits song, try slumping solo over the lunch counter at a George Webb’s at 3 a.m. Eggs, sausage and a side of toast? Chili in a bowl? You can get it all any time of day, possibly from a waitress with a teardrop tattoo. Just be sure to wear a rumpled suit and memories of your ex-wife in some place called Mayor’s Income, Tenn. (Matthew J. Prigge)

RUNNERS-UP: Beerline Café Buddha Lounge Urban Beets Café & Juicer Sabrosa Café & Gallery

Ramen

RED LIGHT RAMEN 1749 N. Farwell Ave. 414-837-5107 redlightramen.com

small East Side ramen shop, waiting for one of its very few tables to clear. At some point during that wait you’ll be tempted to throw in the towel, but don’t: Red Light’s ramen really is as transcendent as promised, the silkiest and most luxurious bowl of noodles you’ll find in the city. No matter how numb your feet get, it’s worth it. (Evan Rytlewski)

RUNNERS-UP: Izumi’s (now closed) Tochi Ramen Buddha Lounge

Restaurant Open on Christmas Day: THREE LIONS PUB 4515 N. Oakland Ave. 414-763-6992

If the accents of many of the servers and the huge British flag hanging on the wall don¹t tip you to the allegiances of this welcoming pub, Three Lions’ menu will. In addition to burgers, wings and sandwiches, it¹s filled with British comfort food staples like shepherd’s pie, Scotch eggs, fish and chips and, for a rich dessert, sticky toffee pudding. Soccer fans gather here for all major games (the pub opens early for big ones), and there’s entertainment many nights of the week, including trivia, live music and karaoke. (Evan Rytlewski)

RUNNERS-UP: Mason Street Grill Café India

Restaurant Service SANFORD RESTAURANT 1547 N. Jackson St. 414-276-9608 sanfordrestaurant.com

It’s been five years since chef Justin Aprahamian and his wife, Sarah, took ownership at Sanford Restaurant. Both were longtime employees under original owners Sandy and Angie D’Amato. But the accolades and praise for the East Side favorite have been going on since its inception in 1989. When told he was in the running for Best Restaurant Service, Justin said, “We have a knowledgeable staff that’s there to accommodate.” And accommodate they do. The menu is seasonal, what he calls “contemporary ethnic” and for those wanting to learn more about the food, Sanford will be offering cooking classes in 2018. But it all comes back to what happens in the dining room. “For us, service is like welcoming someone into our home,” Justin emphasizes, adding, “like welcoming an old friend.” (Harry Cherkinian)

RUNNERS-UP: India Garden Morel Ardent

It really is worth the wait. Four nights a week patrons huddle around the heat lamps outside of this cruelly SHEPHERD EXPRESS

Best of Milwaukee 2017

Restaurant with a View HARBOR HOUSE

550 N. Harbor Drive 414-395-4900 bartolottas.com/catering/venues/ harbor-house

The only lakefront restaurant in the city, Harbor House’s prime location skirts the state constitution by existing on city-owned former bed land. A deal with the city and harbor board allows them to use the area, however, and they use it well, offering an extensive seafood menu with a remarkable view of the shoreline and lake. Fine dining has been a fixture at this site since Pieces of Eight opened there in 1969. (Matthew J. Prigge)

RUNNERS-UP: Wolf Peach Lake Park Bistro The Fox & Hounds Restaurant & Tavern Milwaukee Sail Loft

Ribs

SAZ’S STATE HOUSE RESTAURANT

5539 W. State St. 414-453-2410 sazs.com/statehouserestaurant/

In 2016, Saz’s celebrated 40 years of business at its State Street flagship. Saz’s is known for its booths at Summerfest and other summer festivals, its numerous contributions to the community, its quintessential Milwaukee presence and—perhaps most of all—its stellar barbecued ribs served at its historic tavernturned-restaurant. It has been the recipient of Shepherd Express readers awards for many years. The restaurant became the launch point for Saz’s successful catering business. (Morton Shlabotnik)

RUNNERS-UP: Sandra’s On The Park Double B’s BBQ Restaurant Iron Grate BBQ Co.

Romantic Restaurant LAKE PARK BISTRO

3133 E. Newberry Blvd. 414-962-6300 bartolottas.com/lake-park-bistro

Open seven days a week, Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro offers the perfect spot year-round for a romantic dining experience. Not only SHEPHERD EXPRESS

is the très française menu full of delectable dishes that can’t be found anywhere else in the Greater Milwaukee Area, but the inner décor is warm and inviting. And the view! It’s perched on a bluff overlooking an elegant old stairway wending its way down to the Lakefront. And what could be more romantic than a stroll through Lake Park, in which the bistro is ensconced, after your meal? (John Jahn)

RUNNERS-UP: India Garden Ristorante Bartolotta The Pasta Tree Restaurant & Wine Bar

Sandwich LULU CAFE

Thank You MILWAUKEE FOR your “best Of” NOMINATIONS We appreciate you!

2261 S. Howell Ave. 414-294-5858 lulubayview.com

The sandwich selection at this longtime Bay View favorite is eclectic and worldly. From the East, there’s a Mediterranean steak pita, an Indian chicken pita and a falafel pita. From the South, there’s a chipotle chicken pita, with black bean salsa and a cumin-lime sauce, and a loaded Santa Fe cheddar melt. From France there is a croque monsieur with capicola ham and Swiss on a baguette. You get the picture. Vegetarian options abound, and all sandwiches include a choice of LuLu’s signature Asian slaw, thick-cut potato chips or both. Always opt for both. (Evan Rytlewski)

b a r t o l o t ta s . c o m

RUNNERS-UP: Cousins Subs West Allis Cheese & Sausage Shoppe Benji’s Deli

Seafood Restaurant DEVON SEAFOOD & STEAK

5715 N. Bayshore Drive, Glendale 414- 967-9790 devonseafood.com

Among the first restaurants to open in the revamped Bayshore Town Center, Devon is part of a chain, but its luxuriant seating and tranquil setting will make you feel otherwise. Of special note are jumbo crab cakes that are all about the meat. Dinners lean somewhat toward the upper end of the price spectrum, but lunch deals are affordable. Try one of the Power Lunch Combos for $13. The combos include items like lemongrass shrimp tacos, smoked salmon flatbread and half of a crab melt, among others, and come with a side salad or a bowl of soup. The tasty soups include lobster bisque. (David Luhrssen)

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Best of Milwaukee 2017 >> DINING OUT

RUNNERS-UP: Harbor House St. Paul Fish Company Pier 106 Seafood Tavern Third Coast Provisions

Soups

SOUP BROS.

209 W. Florida St. 414-270-1040

Today the soup line ran from the kitchen, where you order, to the entrance, filling the shop. The smiling woman who gave me her seat at an eight-seater table said, “Isn’t this amazing? I think they seat you with strangers on purpose!” Some artist friends scored a corner table. A perfect place for artists, this: a substantial bowl of luscious soup. (John Schneider)

RUNNERS-UP: Soup Market The Soup House Zoup!

Steakhouse / Supper Club FIVE O’CLOCK STEAKHOUSE 2416 W. State St. 414-342-3553 fiveoclocksteakhouse.com

Five O’Clock Steakhouse’s dining experience is like nothing else in Milwaukee. Instead of ordering at their table, patrons order at the bar while enjoying a pre-meal drink. When they arrive at their table, their salad will be waiting for them, along with fresh sourdough bread and a full relish tray. Tasty as those snacks are, they’re just a warm up for the restaurant’s otherworldly steaks. The kitchen cooks them on high heat so even the rarest orders develop a phenomenal char that seals in the juices, then tops them with butter and sautéed mushrooms. These are steaks with personality. (Evan Rytlewski)

RUNNERS-UP STEAKHOUSE: Mr. B’s Carnevor Rare Steakhouse The Packing House RUNNERS-UP SUPPER CLUB: Sandra’s On The Park Joey Gerard’s Meyer’s Restaurant

Street Food Vendor GYPSY TACO

2151 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.

While it pushes the definition of what a food truck is with its permanent placement on Boone & Crockett’s award-winning patio, Gypsy Taco has fully embraced the street food aesthetic serving up innovative, unabashedly inauthentic tacos. The menu’s standout is the Dr. Pepper30 | J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8

braised pork shoulder taco, but options like the braised beef tongue and crispy fried oyster mushroom show Gypsy Taco’s dedication to pushing the boundaries and fostering a sense of culinary creativity. (Rob Hullum)

RUNNERS-UP: Wicked Urban Grill Mazorca Tacos Pedro’s South American Food YellowBellies Gouda Girls

Small plate dining was still unfamiliar to many Milwaukeeans when La Merenda opened in 2007. The Walker’s Point restaurant soon took the lead in exposing the city to the delights of a leisurely dinner built from multiple courses to be shared around the table. La Merenda’s menu evolves seasonally, draws as much as possible from Wisconsin vendors and includes vegetarian, seafood, poultry and red meat selections. With its colorfully mismatched tables and chairs, and friendly but unobtrusive service, La Merenda is the perfect place for an unhurried meal. (David Luhrssen)

Sushi

RUNNERS-UP: Odd Duck Movida Morel

1952 N. Farwell Ave. 414-220-9944 ricenrollbistro.com

Thai Restaurant

RICE N ROLL BISTRO The simplicity of sushi belies the artistry that separates the palatable from the perfect. This much was proven by the documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi. Rice N Roll specializes in a range of Japanese and Thai food, but it is for their menu’s three pages of sushi that Milwaukeeans recommend the bistro. Spicy salmon, rainbow rolls, eel tempura: The staples go without saying. Rice N Roll is set apart by an uncommonly extensive selection of vegetarian sushi as well as signature rolls that creatively expand the vocabulary of sushi with cream cheese, mango and jalapeños. (Tyler Friedman)

RUNNERS-UP: Izumi’s (now closed) Kawa Japanese Restaurant Buddha Lounge

Taco

BELAIR CANTINA Multiple locations belaircantina.com

“I would get one of each,” my cheerful server suggested when asked about the merits of the baja versus mango tilapia taco. I did and loved them both. The 24 available tacos account for a third of the menu at the popular, casual, architecturally wondrous Water Street cantina. Buy three and get a free side of rice and beans. Selected tacos are discounted Tuesday and Thursday. Enjoy them on the fabulous riverside patio wherever possible. (John Schneider)

RUNNERS-UP: Café Corazón Gypsy Taco The Laughing Taco Mazorca Tacos

Tapas (Small Plates) LA MERENDA

125 E. National Ave. 414-389-0125 lamerenda125.com

THAI-NAMITE

Multiple locations thai-namite.com

What’s explosive is the combo of a Japanese sushi bar with a classic Thai restaurant. This fusion proved potent at the mothership on Brady Street (932 E. Brady St.) and offspring have appeared in Wauwatosa (8725 W. North Ave.) and the Milwaukee Public Market (400 N. Water St.). Freshly made sushi of every sort (and then some) rivals the outstanding Thai curries, noodle dishes and specialties like volcano chicken and red snapper. The patio is its own treat. (John Schneider)

RUNNERS-UP: Rice N Roll Bistro Buddha Lounge EE-Sane

Vegan Restaurant TIE!

ON THE BUS and URBAN BEETS CAFE & JUICERY ON THE BUS

400 N. Water St. 414-204-8585 onthebusmke.com

URBAN BEETS CAFÉ

1401 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive 414-800-6265 urbanbeetscafe.com

Urban Beets Café’s menu itself is at once inviting and imposing: scrawled with excellent penmanship and SHEPHERD EXPRESS

Best of Milwaukee 2017 >> DINING OUT vived a devastating fire years ago and—more recently—the advent of Whole Foods. The East Side institution is a combination grocery, deli, bakery and restaurant with table and counter service. The menu is not exclusively vegetarian but contains an array of tasty meatless choices from salads to chili. (Morton Shlabotnik)

suspended above the counter, it contains multitudes: breakfast items, entreés, smoothies and juices are all available. The Moon Rock Sub with spiced walnut and bean balls topped with marinara has a drippy messiness that recalls a traditional meatball sub. The Green Goddess Sandwich features pesto, spinach, cucumber, green apples, spiced pickles and avocado and is filling without being heavy. (Franklin K.R. Cline)

RUNNERS-UP: Urban Beets Cafe & Juicery Café Manna Beerline Café

RUNNERS-UP: Beerline Cafe Café Manna

Vietnamese Restaurant

Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurant

HUẾ

with sweet chili sauce.” Now you know. Enjoy! (John Jahn)

RUNNERS-UP: Pho Hai Tuyết Xankia Buddha Lounge

Wine List BALZAC

1617 N. Arlington Place 414-755-0099 balzacwinebar.com

Kind women run this place with grace and

good humor. If you don’t know wines, enjoy a word with the knowing staff; they’ll bring you something you’ll love and can afford. The chef is also excellent. The small plate menu offers unique treats beautifully presented, made with healthful, scrumptious ingredients. The Shepherd’s editorial staff holds many quiet, happy hour planning conversations here. Seating arrangements, lighting and acoustics help us focus and communicate. As do drinks. (John Schneider)

RUNNERS-UP: Pizza Man Bacchus Story Hill BKC

Multiple locations huerestaurants.com

Open eek 7 Days A W am From 11:30

BEANS & BARLEY

Huế Vietnamese Restaurant’s two locations offer delicious cuisine from Southeast Asia in a friendly, hip and inviting atmosphere. Novices to this sort of food need not beware; wait staff is uniformly well-informed and the menu very explicative. Vietnamese food should not be missed. Not sure what “Chả giò” is? Fear not and read: “Crisp rice paper filled with ground pork, cabbage, carrots, jicama, onions and vermicelli noodles—deep-fried and served

1901 E. North Ave. 414-278-7878 beansandbarley.com

Beans & Barley was a Milwaukee pioneer. It began in 1973 as a tiny health food store with a few barrels of bulk produce. Today it employs a staff of 100, can serve 80 customers in its café and houses a deli, store and gift shop. It sur-

Local and national award winning restaurant! Opened in 1986, same family owned and operated. Open 7 Days A Week • From 11:30am

Small-Plate Dining with 150 American Craft Beers and Over 30 Varieties of Wine

y r e v i l e D • t u ry O

889 4 1 4 ) 2M7 1 - 8 ( T E E R T S .C O S T A U R A N T • Dine in • Carry Out • Delivery • F C H IN A R E

Enjoy our Patio! Open daily at 11 a.m. W62 N630 Washington Ave. • Cedarburg, WI 53012 262-618-4889 • Like Us on FB • stilthousegastrobar.com

1010 EAST BRADY STREET (414) 271-8889 WWW.EMPEROROFCHINARESTAURANT.COM

SHEPHERD EXPRESS

J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8 | 31

Best of Milwaukee 2017 >> RETAIL FOOD

Beer Selection / Liquor Store DISCOUNT LIQUOR Multiple locations discountliquorinc.com

A liquor store with its own shopping carts is obviously intended as a place where drinkers can stock up. For many years Discount Liquor has been a one-stop supermarket for all things alcohol. Its narrow aisles are stocked with game-day staples, along with beer and wine from all over the world, liqueurs in many flavors, raki and unusual varieties of whiskey and brandy. You name it: If it’s accessible to American importers, chances are you’ll find it at Discount Liquor. And, yes, the prices are reasonable. (David Luhrssen)

RUNNERS-UP BEER SELECTION: Downer Avenue Wine & Spirits Ray’s Wine & Spirits Woodman’s Food Market RUNNERS-UP LIQUOR STORE Ray’s Wine & Spirits Otto’s Wine & Spirits Woodman’s Food Market

Buther Shop / Meat Selection

BUNZEL’S MEAT MARKET 9015 W. Burleigh St. 414-873-7960 bunzels.com

Sweeping the retail meat awards this year is Bunzel’s Meat Market, a West Side institution that recently moved into a gleaming new space at 90th and Burleigh. It is almost impossible to pick a favorite product from the butcher’s case here, but certainly the house-made sausages and hearty, double-smoked bacon would place at the top of any proper carnivore’s list. Bunzel’s is still family owned and the care they take with their products is evident in every bite. (Matthew J. Prigge)

RUNNERS-UP BUTCHER SHOP: Kettle Range Meat Co. Bavette La Boucherie Ray’s Butcher Shoppe RUNNERS-UP MEAT SELECTION Metcalfe’s Market Rupena’s Fine Foods Kettle Range Meat Co.

Cheese Selection WEST ALLIS CHEESE & SAUSAGE SHOPPE Multiple locations 414-543-4230 wacheese-gifts.com

The café at West Allis Cheese & Sausage Shoppe is a 32 | J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8

place to stop for a hearty breakfast or lunch and a potent Bloody Mary. The adjacent store is a go-to place for Wisconsin cheese. Most enticing are its amazing selections from Sartori Cheese and Carr Valley Cheese, two of the top cheese-makers in the state. You can also find a wide array of cheese from outside of Wisconsin as well as curds, spreads and wax-covered cheddar shaped like a cow, beer mug or Green Bay Packer. (Morton Shlabotnik)

more exotic offerings. (Matthew J. Prigge)

RUNNERS-UP: Empire Fish Company Sendik’s Food Market Riverwest Co-Op

RUNNERS-UP: Wisconsin Cheese Mart Metcalfe’s Market

Grocery— All Purpose

Chocolatier

Multiple locations metromarket.net

INDULGENCE CHOCOLATIERS Multiple locations indulgencechocolatiers.com

Indulgence is owned by Chocolatier Julie Waterman and is a founding member of Wisconsin Artisan Food Producers Association. The company’s signature creations are its handcrafted chocolate truffles that come in a variety of decadent flavors. Indulgence also offers gourmet chocolate bars, toffees, s’mores kits, cocoa mixes and gift sets, as well as chocolate pairing classes, special event favors and dessert catering. The use of globally inspired ingredients and the finest chocolates provides Indulgence’s treats their rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth qualities. Give in to your sweet tooth and try some of Indulgence’s luscious morsels today. (Amanda Sullivan)

RUNNERS UP: Red Elephant Chocolate Kilwins Buddy Squirrel LLC

Farmers Market

WEST ALLIS FARMERS MARKET 6501 W. National Ave.

Established in 1919, the West Allis Farmers Market is one of the oldest in southeastern Wisconsin. It has survived long after the concept of open-air food markets ceased to be commonplace and maintains one of the area’s best selections of fresh produce, meat and baked goods. The Market is open May through Thanksgiving, three days per week. (Matthew J. Prigge)

RUNNERS-UP: Tosa Farmers Market Fondy Farmers Market South Shore Farmers Market

Fish Market

ST. PAUL FISH COMPANY 400 N. Water St. 414-220-8383 stpaulfish.com

Once again, top honors for local fish market go to the St. Paul Fish Company, located in the Milwaukee Public Market. Known for its excellent dine-in menu, St. Paul Fish also offers a full line of fresh seafood, flown in daily from catches as far off as Alaska and Mexico. Atlantic salmon and Alaskan halibut are among their top sellers with mahi-mahi, monkfish and skate wing among their

METRO MARKET

In 2016, Roundy’s Supermarkets Inc. opened their first store since being acquired by Cincinnati, Ohio-based Kroger Co. The result was a 90,000 square-foot, two-story Metro Market located in Shorewood. The beauty of Metro Market is their ability to provide Whole Foods-level quality and experiences (take a look at the Shorewood location’s in-house Starbucks, wine bar, barbecue restaurant and sushi bar) without the now infamous “whole paycheck” prices. Whatever you’re looking for, Metro Market has you covered. (Rob Hullum)

RUNNERS-UP: Woodman’s Food Market Metcalfe’s Market Outpost Natural Foods Sendik’s Food Market

Grocery— Ethnic Grocery / Gourmet / Take-Out Deli

GLORIOSO’S ITALIAN MARKET 1011 E. Brady St. 414-272-0540 gloriosos.com

RUNNERS-UP ETHNIC GROCERY: Parthenon Foods - European Market El Rey Sendik’s Food Market Cermak Fresh Market RUNNERS-UP GOURMET GROCERY: Sendik’s Food Market Outpost Natural Foods

SHEPHERD EXPRESS

Best of Milwaukee 2017 G. Groppi Food Market Metcalfe’s Market RUNNERS-UP TAKE-OUT DELI: Bunzel’s Meat Market Beans & Barley Benji’s Deli Sendik’s Food Market

Grocery— Natural Foods / Organic Produce Selection

OUTPOST NATURAL FOODS Multiple locations outpostnaturalfoods.coop

Along with Beans & Barley, Outpost Natural Foods was an urban pioneer during the 1970s as one of the first dependable and enduring outlets for healthy food. Outpost has the additional distinction of being a co-op owned by its shoppers. Not only does it provide fresh, nutritious produce and meat (and top-notch beer, wine and snacks), but it was also at the forefront of the movement, which encourages shoppers to spend their money in locally owned businesses to boost our community’s economy. Even better? The Outpost staffers are unfailingly kind and helpful. (Morton Shlabotnik)

RUNNERS-UP NATURAL FOODS GROCERY: Fresh Thyme Farmers Market Good Harvest Market Whole Foods Market RUNNERS-UP ORGANIC PRODUCE SELECTION: Fresh Thyme Farmers Market Whole Foods Market

Neighborhood Bakery

PETER SCIORTINO’S BAKERY 1101 E. Brady St. 414-272-4623 petersciortinosbakery.com

Everyone knows these are the best rolls in town. The Italian cookies are heavenly, too. Happily, they’re small—two bites and then the memory—and sold individually, so you can sample many different flavors. For 70 years, Sciortino’s has been a constant in its ever-changing neighborhood. Today it shares the Brady Street and Humboldt Avenue intersection with noble St. Hedwig’s church, heady Art Smart’s Dart Mart and Juggling Emporium and a sparkling new housing complex. (John SHEPHERD EXPRESS

From our family to yours thank you for voting us!

Schneider)

RUNNERS-UP: Blooming Lotus Bakery Jen’s Sweet Treats Rocket Baby Bakery

Best of Milwaukee 2015 WINNER

Best of Milwaukee 2016 WINNER

Grebe’s Bakery

Produce Selection CERMAK FRESH MARKET Multiple locations cermakfreshmarket.com

One of the recent, out-of-town-based entries into the competition for Milwaukee foodies and grocery shoppers, Cermak’s spacious stores boast good prices and an emphasis on food of Mexican origin. Little surprise that the produce department should feature fruits and vegetables seldom seen elsewhere in town. Alongside the expected apples and grapefruit are bins of tomatillos, persimmons and dragon fruit. (David Luhrssen)

RUNNERS-UP: Sendik’s Food Market Woodman’s Food Market Metro Market

Sausage Shop

VISIT OUR STORE AT

9015 W. Burleigh St. or shop online at bunzels.com

Hungry? Takeout lunch or dinner. We also cater.

USINGER’S FAMOUS SAUSAGE 1030 N. Old World Third St. 414-276-9105 usinger.com

Think Usinger’s, think sausage, but more specifically, think brats. But it’s so much more than that! Usinger’s wurstmachers—still working at the site of the original store on Old World Third Street—continue to adhere strictly to the original family recipes that hail back to 1880. The deli boasts sliced meats, hams, bacon, sausage and snack sticks. The Gift Store offers applewood-smoked pit ham, Angus beef, cheese and crackers and more. For your carnivorous cohorts far afield, Usinger’s will ship gift packages to them via FedEx two-day delivery. (John Jahn)

RUNNERS-UP: Bunzel’s Meat Market European Homemade Sausage Shop (now closed) Kettle Range Meat Co.

Urban Farm

GROWING POWER, INC. (NOW CLOSED)

Urban farming was still a largely unknown concept in 1993 when Growing Power began as a program that offered inner-city Milwaukee teens an opportunity to work by growing food for their community. Over the ensuing years, Growing Power received national attenJ A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8 | 33

BoM 2017

tion for its efforts and expanded into one of the most successful urban farms in the country. Founder and CEO Will Allen started the nonprofit organization by purchasing a few acres of land just blocks from Milwaukee’s largest public housing project, transforming it into a multi-site urban farm that produced 40 tons of fresh fruits and vegetables and raised more than 100,000 fish annually. Alas, Growing Power has recently closed its doors following a vote to do so by its board of directors. (Jenni Herrick)

SMOKE SHOP & WORLD GIFTS 7223 W. Greenfield Ave. West Allis

Best of Best of Milwaukee Milwaukee 2015 2016 WINNER

WINNER

RUNNERS-UP: Alice’s Garden Golden Rod Cottage/Urban Farm Victory Garden Initiative

Build your own Water Pipe with

Wedding Cake Designer SIMMA’S BAKERY 817 N. 68th St. 414-257-0998 simmasbakery.com

5 T H

n a om

A N N U A L

The saga of Simma’s Bakery begins in 1979 with the eponymous Simma emigrating from Russia with her husband, two children and intergenerationally perfected family recipes for cheesecake and pastries. Nearly 40 years on, Simma’s Bakery garners international recognition for their nonpareil pastries and towering wedding cakes with frosting skillfully made to resemble silk ribbons or delicate ironwork: cakes whose ironic fate it is to be smooshed into bridegrooms’ faces and served in slight slivers. (Tyler Friedman)

MAN UP! n a om

MAN W UP!

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE EXPO

Feb. 10, 2018 • 10am - 4pm Wisconsin State Fair Park Expo Center

$7 tickets

M-SA: 10-8, SU: 11-5 414-453-7223 BLUEONGREENFIELD.COM 34 | J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY! shepherdtickets.com

RUNNERS-UP: Jen’s Sweet Treats Eat Cake! Aggie’s Bakery & Cake Shop Rich’s House of Cakes

Wine Selection RAY’S WINE & SPIRITS 8930 W. North Ave. 414-258-9821 rayswine.com

Ray’s has a superb selection of beer and liquor as well as wine, but wine carries the day—8,000 varieties of wine in stock as well as 2,000 brands of spirits and a thousand or so of beer plus a growler gallery. Ray’s provides a concierge service with a certified sommelier, offering wine consultation for special events. (Morton Shlabotnik)

RUNNERS-UP: Corvina Wine Company Thief Wine Shop & Bar Discount Liquor Total Wine & More

SHEPHERD EXPRESS

Best of Milwaukee 2017 >> MILWAUKEE MADE FOOD & BEVERAGES think brats. But it’s so much more than that! Usinger’s wurstmachers—still working at the site of the original store on Old World Third Street—continue to adhere strictly to the original family recipes that hail back to 1880. The deli boasts sliced meats, hams, bacon, sausage and snack sticks. The Gift Store offers applewood smoked pit ham, Angus beef, cheese and crackers and more. For your carnivorous cohorts far afield, Usinger’s will ship gift packages to them via FedEx two-day delivery. (John Jahn)

RUNNERS-UP BRATWURST: Bunzel’s Meat Market Klement’s Sausage Co. Johnsonville Foods RUNNERS-UP SAUSAGE: Bunzel’s Meat Market Klements Kettle Range Meat Co.

Craft Beer

LAKEFRONT BREWERY 1872 N. Commerce St. 414-372-8800 lakefrontbrewery.com

Best Bratwurst / Sausage: Usinger’s

Artisanal Cheese / Cheese Curds

CLOCK SHADOW CREAMERY 138 W. Bruce St. 414-273-9711 clockshadowcreamery.com

A visit to Milwaukee’s first ever cheese factory means a warm welcome, an offer to sample any of more than 40 delicious and interesting varieties and, if you call in advance, a tour. The cheddar cheese curds, called Squeaks because they do that as you chew, are made fresh every Wednesday and Friday. White or yellow, plain or flavored, they’re as healthful, locally sourced and environmentally sustainable as cheese curds can be. They’re made by masters. (John Schneider)

RUNNERS-UP ARTISANAL CHEESE: West Allis Cheese & Sausage Shoppe Sartori Cheese Wisconsin Cheese Mart RUNNERS-UP CHEESE CURDS: West Allis Cheese & Sausage Shoppe Gibbsville Cheese Co, Inc. (Sheboygan Falls) Widmer’s Cheese Cellars (Theresa) SHEPHERD EXPRESS

Bacon

BUNZEL’S MEAT MARKET 9015 W. Burleigh St. 414-873-7960 bunzels.com

RUNNERS-UP: Patrick Cudahy Usinger’s Famous Sausage Kettle Range Meat Co.

Bratwurst / Sausage USINGER’S FAMOUS SAUSAGE 1030 N. Old World Third St. 414-276-9105 usinger.com

RUNNERS-UP: Milwaukee Brewing Company Good City Brewing MobCraft Beer Brewery and Taproom Third Space Brewing Urban Harvest Brewing Company

Cupcakes

CLASSY GIRL CUPCAKES 825 N. Jefferson St. 414-270-1877 classygirlcupcakes.com

For the fourth consecutive year, Classy Girl takes the (cup)cake in our Milwaukee-Made Cupcake category. The business had its origins in 2009, when attorney Erica Elia baked cupcakes for her own wedding, immediately resulting in requests from several of her guests. Within a year, Classy Girl Cupcakes was founded and the establishment now offers more than 25 cupcake flavors each day, including some of the best gluten-free offerings in town. Not surprisingly, Classy Girl also enjoys robust catering and special-order business, creating novel treats like tasteful monogram cupcakes, “pupcakes” for dogs and even confections called “unicorn poo.” (Selena Milewski)

Think Usinger’s, think sausage, but more specifically, J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8 | 35

SEEKING VOLUNTEERS

oman

Best of Milwaukee 2017 RUNNERS-UP: Margie Story Jen’s Sweet Treats Blooming Lotus Bakery

Distilled Spirits MAN UP! n a m o GREAT LAKES DISTILLERY

MAN W UP!

Working every day to build a pro-fairness business community in Wisconsin

Join us for our Milwaukee Coffee Connection Thursday, February 8 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. Tall Guy and a Grill 6735 W Lincoln Ave, West Allis All are welcome. No registration required. Learn more at www.WisLGBTChamber.com

Saturday, February 10, 2018 10am - 4pm

Wisconsin State Fair Park Expo Center

Contact Rachel at Rachel@shepex.com *MUST BE 18 OR OLDER

616 W. Virginia St. 414-431-8683 greatlakesdistillery.com

Using old-fashioned methods with a focus on quality, Great Lakes Distillery gives many of its products a local twist: Roaring Dan’s Rum is named in honor of a Lake Michigan pirate, Good Land Cranberry Liqueur uses Wisconsin-grown cranberries, and Kinnickinnic Whiskey pays tribute to the Ojibwa word that translates (roughly) to “tobacco,” which is often used a descriptor for the smoky flavor of high-end whiskey. Great Lakes opened in 2004, the first new distillery in Wisconsin since Prohibition. (Matthew J. Prigge)

RUNNERS-UP: Twisted Path Distillery SoulBoxer Cocktail Co. Central Standard Craft Distillery

Frozen Pizza PALERMO’S

Founded in 1964 in Milwaukee as a pizzeria, Palermo’s got into the frozen pizza business in 1979 and now offer their products in nearly every state in the union. In addition to their classic pies, they also offer varieties of thin crust, pizzeria style, and “King Cheese” pizzas. Their Menomonee Valley production plant also offers a popular factory tour, complete with pizza samples and beverages. (Matthew J. Prigge)

RUNNERS-UP: Milwaukee Pizza Company Screamin’ Sicilian Pizza Emil’s Pizza

Hard Cider

LOST VALLEY CIDER CO. 408 W. Florida St. lostvalley.com

A hard cider bar—the first of its kind in Milwaukee—has opened in Walker’s Point. More than 20 tap ciders are available plus cans and bottles. Some Wisconsin ciders are featured, though most come from other parts of the world. Ciders are available by the glass or growler, or can be mixed into specialty cocktails. (Lacey Muszynski)

RUNNERS-UP: AeppelTreow Winery Sprecher Brewing Co., Inc.

Soda

SPRECHER

Sprecher’s much-celebrated root beer remains the very ideal of the form. Nothing like its syrupy, mass-produced counterparts, Sprecher’s signature soda is rich and complicated, its sweetness taking a backseat to the flavors of real vanilla and real honey. That same quality standard carries through the brewery’s ever-expanding line of sodas, which has grown to include not only cream soda, orange dream and ginger ale, but also unusual colas and seasonal offerings like raspberry and blueberry sodas. (Evan Rytlewski)

RUNNERS-UP: Imperial Flavors Beverage Co. Top Note Tonic Black Bear Bottling Group (now closed)

Tea

RISHI TEA

185 S. 33rd Court 414-747-4001 rishi-tea.com

Rishi Tea celebrated its 20th anniversary last year. The fair-trade tea maker sources ingredients from farmers in countries such as Chile, Thailand, Japan and China. That’s a long way from the tiny Third Ward space it began in. Now Rishi makes eight categories of looseleaf teas (each with many subcategories) and has expanded into selling their own teapots, infuser baskets and tea tins. You can find Rishi Tea at many cafés, restaurants and stores all over Milwaukee. (Rob Hullum)

RUNNERS-UP: Tippecanoe Herbs Fava Tea Company in Greenfield Urbal Tea

36 | J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8

SHEPHERD EXPRESS

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Best of Milwaukee

2010 - 20156

WINNER

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US #1 IN THE PAST AND IN THE FUTURE!

816 S. 5th Street Milwaukee, WI 53204 414-672-3755 botanasrestaurant.com SHEPHERD EXPRESS

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Best of Milwaukee 2017 >> ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Dance Company DANCEWORKS, INC. 1661 N. Water St. 414-227-8480 danceworksmke.org

A groundbreaking professional contemporary dance company, a school with more than 85 classes in every style for every age group, and a community service providing intergenerational programs, a youth performance company, a bold platform for experiment, an intelligent tap company and the citywide Mad Hot Tap and Ballroom school programs, Danceworks touches many lives. Danceworks Performance Company under director Dani Kuepper is especially celebrated for its highly inventive collaborative works with area artists of all disciplines. (John Schneider)

RUNNERS-UP: Catey Ott Dance Collective Milwaukee Ballet Panadanza

Art Gallery: RedLine Milwaukee

Art Gallery (Non-Museum) REDLINE MILWAUKEE 1422 N. Fourth St. 414-491-9088 redlinemilwaukee.com

RedLine Milwaukee is a “501(c)(3)” organization dedicated to fostering the arts in Milwaukee and bolstering their connection with the community. The organization is housed in ample 22,000-square-foot facilities spread over three-stories and including an exhibition space, artist studios, a community print shop, dye lab and papermaking studio. The exhibition space is a venue for both emerging and upcoming Milwaukee artists, often emphasizing art concerned with issues of social justice. (Tyler Friedman)

RUNNERS-UP: Gallery 218 Portrait Society Gallery Landmarks Gallery

Art Museum

MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM 700 N. Art Museum Drive mam.org

The perennial winner in this category keeps getting bigger. In recent years, the Milwaukee Art Museum added 25,000 square feet to its gallery space, allowing it to display an additional thousand artworks. New galleries are dedicated to Haitian art, monumental sculptures, 38 | J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8

American folk art and photography. The main space in the landmark Calatrava addition—whose soaring spires are a symbol of Milwaukee—is the site of many interesting traveling exhibitions ranging from the work of living artists to explorations of historic periods. (Morton Shlabotnik)

Local Radio Personality BOB UECKER

Generations of Milwaukee Brewers fans have never known a world where Bob Uecker wasn’t the voice of the franchise, so it can be easy to take the 83-year-old legend for granted. Every so often, then, it’s helpful to step back to appreciate just what a miracle it is that somehow one of the funniest, most iconic sports broadcasters of all time decided to devote his entire career to one of the smallest markets in baseball. No matter how many times he tells the same stories, they’ll always be worth hearing. (Evan Rytlewski)

RUNNERS-UP: Charles Allis Art Museum Grohmann Museum Haggerty Museum of Art Museum of Wisconsin Art

RUNNERS-UP: Dori Zori Justin Barney Marcus Doucette

Church Festival

Local TV Personality

SAINT GREGORY THE GREAT PARISH FESTIVAL 3160 S. 63rd St.

They’ve been hosting a summer festival for more than 60 years and recent times have featured the Catholic church fest format of rides, cover bands, karaoke, games, raffles, an outdoor mass and—of course—fish frys and other dinners food. Recent years have seen the addition of Mexican dishes to the menu. (Morton Shlabotnik)

RUNNERS-UP: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Our Lady Of Lourdes Saint Rita Primary School St. Sava Serbian Days

KATIE CROWTHER

Local TV news shows follow a similar format here and across the nation. Choosing a favorite often comes down to personality. This year, our readers chose Katie Crowther of Today’s TMJ 4. Reporting as well as working the anchor desk, Crowther brings an unfailing cheerfulness to the news—except when the subject demands a more serious tone. Generally, she radiates optimism in the face of unpredictable weather, crime and traffic incidents and an up-and-down Packer season. (David Luhrssen)

RUNNERS-UP: Bob Uecker Brian Anderson John McGivern Mark Baden

SHEPHERD EXPRESS

Best of Milwaukee 2017 >> ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

JOHN GURDA

This year, John Gurda had a diverse cast of competitors, include local self-help author Neil Panosian, nationally known novelist-playwright Ayad Akhtar and, well, me, a cultural historian when not busy penning Best of Milwaukee blurbs for the Shepherd Express. Gurda appears unassailable for this award and with good reason: He has done more than anyone to raise awareness of Milwaukeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique heritage. (David Luhrssen)

RUNNERS-UP: Ayad Akhtar David Luhrssen Neil Panosian

Movie Theater

LANDMARK ORIENTAL THEATER 2230 N. Farwell Ave. 414-276-5140

The Oriental Theatre is one of a kind among surviving movie palaces. A unique and monumental architectural hodge-podge of Near East and Far East, the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s integrity was preserved when it was converted into a triplex (youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d never know it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t constructed that way). In recent decades programming has largely been devoted to indie, foreign and non-mainstream films. One imagines its trajectory will continue in June when the Milwaukee Film Festival assumes the lease on the historic cinema. (David Luhrssen)

RUNNERS-UP: Avalon Atmospheric Theater & Lounge Marcus Ridge Cinema Rosebud Cinema Drafthouse

RUNNERS-UP: Chudnow Museum Of Yesteryear Discovery World North Point Lighthouse

RUNNERS-UP: James Carrington James Pickering Robby McGhee

Outdoor Festival

Stage Actress

summerfest.com

Working for a variety of companies in Milwaukee and elsewhere, Angela Iannone erases the distinction between actor and character. In her 2014 performance for Milwaukee Chamber Theatreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Master Class, for example, she didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t simply evoke opera legend Maria Callas but willed her into being on stage. She was seen most recently in the Milwaukee Repâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s production of A Christmas Carol at the Pabst Theater. (David Luhrssen)

ZANE WILLIAMS

Milwaukee Author

SUMMERFEST

In a city that prides itself on its many festivals, none looms larger than Summerfest, the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flagship gathering. Over the last decade, the festival has updated its grounds, expanded its food offerings and freshened up and diversified its music lineups. Even as new festivals have sprung up all over the country, Summerfest remains one of a kind: an 11-day blowout that offers something for everyone. (Evan Rytlewski)

RUNNERS-UP: Irish Fest PrideFest Wisconsin State Fair

Radio Station

88.9FM WYMS (RADIO MILWAUKEE)

Radio Milwaukeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s DJs offer a charmingly eclectic mix of rock, hip-hop, soul, indie and electronic music, but where the station really has really distinguished itself is through its embrace of Milwaukee music, which it seamlessly integrates into its playlist. That platform has proved invaluable for the local music scene: Now bands that might have previously struggled for exposure are reaching a wide, loyal listenership, helping fuel newfound enthusiasm for Milwaukeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s music scene. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s amazing what a difference one station can make. (Evan Rytlewski)

Museum (Non-Art)

RUNNERS-UP: 96.5FM WKLH 91.7FM WMSE 89.7FM WUWM

800 W. Wells St. 414-278-2728 mpm.edu

Stage Actor

MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MUSEUM

Even as it looks toward the future in a new location, the Milwaukee Public Museum remains a local institution. A cutting-edge natural history museum when it opened in 1962, the most popular exhibit remains the newly-remodeled Streets of Old Milwaukee. With 19th centuryera storefronts and homes, it truly is a walk through the lost days of the Cream City. Be sure to stop by the Nickelodeon for a picture show and the candy shop for post-movie treat. (Matthew J. Prigge)

SHEPHERD EXPRESS

ANGELA IANNONE

6 9? FOR SUPPORTING

LOCALLY OWNED BUSINESSES

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RUNNERS-UP: Gretchen Mahkorn Michelle White Rachael Zientek

Theater Company MILWAUKEE REPERTORY THEATER 108 E. Wells St. 414-224-9490 milwaukeerep.com

First-rate acting, directing and designing are givens on the Repâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s three stages. The thoughtful programming aims to strengthen relationships with a range of communities. The company has made itself an example of cultural inclusiveness and is working toward gender equality. A commitment to fostering playwrights is producing more world premieres. There are exciting commissions for new works from the brilliant Milwaukee native Ayad Akhtar and the brilliant African American playwright Dael Orlandersmith. (John Schneider)

Thank You MKE for Voting for Us! Kathryn Christensen, DVM Sarah Irving, DVM

RUNNERS-UP: All-In Productions Milwaukee Chamber Theatre Renaissance Theaterworks Skylight Music Theatre

JOHN MCGIVERN

Few Milwaukeeans have made the leap from local stages to local television quite as seamlessly as John McGivern, the actor/comedian behind some of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular oneman shows. For those whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never seen him on stage, McGivern may now be best known for his Milwaukee Public Television series â&#x20AC;&#x153;Around the Corner,â&#x20AC;? a lighthearted but informational tour of Wisconsin towns and neighborhoods. Its sixth season featured episodes on West End, Eagle River, Fish Creek and Beloit, among other destinations. (Evan Rytlewski)

estkeofe B Milwau 2012

WINNER

236 N. Water St. 414-272-CATS (2287) catdoctor98.com J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8 | 39

Best of Milwaukee 2017 >> OUT & ABOUT

Bar to Be Seen In / Bar with a Patio BOONE & CROCKETT

2151 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. 414-763-4935 boonemilwaukee.com

Boone & Crockett is cozy with a vaguely antique western theme and intimate patio, which seems to sit well with the many hipsters that frequent the bar. Barrel-aged cocktails are the specialty, and there are always a few available. The most popular option is the old fashioned which benefits from aging in wood. Otherwise, expect a lot of gin, bitters, Fernet and rye. Bonus: Gypsy Taco allows you to get a taco fix along with your old fashioned. (Lacey Muszynski)

New Bar: The Love Shack

Attraction for Out-of-Town Guests MILWAUKEE’S LAKEFRONT

This is quite literally the thing that attracted the very first out-of-town guests to the area. Modern-day visitors have better intentions, but will find the lakefront no less of an interest. With miles of shoreline, populated with public beaches, parks and trails, the lakefront is the one mustvisit for any traveler. The area is in its prime in the summertime, but has its charms year-round, including an annual New Year’s Day kite festival. (Matthew J. Prigge)

RUNNERS-UP: Milwaukee Art Museum Nine Below SafeHouse

Bar for a Quiet Conversation / Wine Selection at a Bar BALZAC

1617 N. Arlington Place 414-755-0099 balzacwinebar.com

Kind women run this place with grace and good humor. If you don’t know wines, enjoy a word with the knowing staff; they’ll bring you something you’ll love and can afford. The chef is also excellent. The small plate menu offers unique treats beautifully presented, made with healthful, scrumptious ingredients. The Shepherd’s editorial staff holds many quiet, happy hour planning 40 | J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8

conversations here. Seating arrangements, lighting and acoustics help us focus and communicate. As do drinks. (John Schneider)

RUNNERS-UP BAR FOR A QUIET CONVERSATION: Corvina Wine Company Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge Sugar Maple RUNNERS-UP FOR WINE SELECTION: Corvina Wine Company Pizza Man The Pasta Tree Restaurant & Wine Bar

Bar on a Budget WONDER BAR 5520 W. Vliet St. 414-257-9112

Every corner in Milwaukee’s fabled street grid once had a bar and we can be sure that Wonder Bar—under whatever name and whichever owner—has had history. One development in recent history: Used to be that being called a “dive bar” was an insult, kind of like being called a punk, but Wonder Bar’s customers call their tap a dive bar with evident affection. Small, intimate and friendly, Wonder Bar has even gained patrons from outside the neighborhood for its old-school ambience. (Morton Shlabotnik)

RUNNERS-UP: Ray & Dot’s Tap Landmark Lanes Drink Wisconsinbly Pub & Grub

RUNNERS-UP BAR TO BE SEEN IN: Elsa’s On the Park Balzac Plum Camp Bar RUNNERS-UP BAR WITH A PATIO: Camino Red Lion Pub Nomad World Pub

Bar to Watch Soccer THE HIGHBURY PUB

2322 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. 414-294-4400 thehighbury.com

Located down the street from Bay View’s busiest intersection, the Highbury is a comfortable spot where fans gather to drink, watch soccer, argue over penalty kicks, drink, scrutinize a sport whose worst kicker has more talent than the average NFL player, drink, wave the colors of your heritage should that national team be on the telly—and stay up all hours to watch games beamed in from time zones half the world away. If the name sounds vaguely English, you are right: Highbury is the London district that the beloved Arsenal Football Club calls home. (David Luhrssen)

RUNNERS-UP: Red Lion Pub Three Lions Pub Nomad World Pub

Bartender

CHRISTINE CHAPLEAU @ CAMP BAR THIRD WARD 525 E. MENOMONEE ST. 414-930-9282 CAMPBARMKE.COM

Since opening in late 2012, Camp Bar has expanded to three locations in Shorewood, Wauwatosa and their newest location in the Third Ward. Aside from the Northwoods motif, which is nostalgic for many Wisconsinites, SHEPHERD EXPRESS

Best of Milwaukee 2017 a friendly, attentive staff draws patrons to the Third Ward Camp Bar. You will reliably find a packed house of office workers around 5 p.m. for happy hours, and sports fans cheering during Packers and Badgers games, all being served by smiling bartenders. (Rob Hullum)

RUNNERS-UP: Brandon Reyes @ Dock18 Cocktail Lab Flannery Pendergast @ Cafe Lulu Lorenzo Cataldo @ Jo Cat’s Pub

Beer Garden

ESTABROOK BEER GARDEN

The Estabrook Beer Garden proudly advertises itself as the first post-Prohibition public beer garden. Modeled on Munich’s beer gardens and serving beer imported from Munich’s Staatliches Hofbräuhaus, the Estabrook Beer Garden is about as authentic as it gets outside of Deutschland. Friday Fish Fry, Saturday/Sunday Schnitzel or just a pint and a giant pretzel are the perfect way to prepare for or replenish after a rousing round of Frisbee golf, also conveniently located in the surprisingly comprehensive Estabrook Park. (Tyler Friedman)

RUNNERS-UP: Milwaukee’s Craft Beer Garden at Humboldt Park Hubbard Park Lodge Beer Garden South Shore Terrace Kitchen & Beer Garden

Bloody Mary THE WICKED HOP 345 N. Broadway

Wicked Hop’s much-honored Bloody is served with a generous collection of traditional cocktail accompaniments, as well as an Old Wisconsin beefstick and a cold-water shrimp. Piled high with a jumble of mozzarella whips, the end product has the look of a mad scientist’s concoction from an old science-fiction film, but it’s the simplicity of the drink—defined by its house-recipe mix—that sets it apart from Milwaukee’s more elaborate versions of the classic cocktail. (Matthew J. Prigge)

RUNNERS-UP: Sobelmans Café Benelux West Allis Cheese & Sausage Shoppe

Brewery Tour

LAKEFRONT BREWERY 1872 N. Commerce St. 414-372-8800 lakefrontbrewery.com SHEPHERD EXPRESS

Ask about

Green Burials. Consultations are free.

RUNNERS-UP: MobCraft Beer Brewery and Taproom Third Space Brewing Milwaukee Brewing Company

Cocktail Loounge / Romantic Bar / Martini

BRYANT’S COCKTAIL LOUNGE 1579 S. Ninth St. 414-383-2620 bryantscocktaillounge.com

414 • 964 • 3111 goodmanbensman.com 4750 North Santa Monica Boulevard, Whitefish Bay Earth-friendly. Dignified. Respectful.

In addition to fine liquors and gifted bartenders, the secret to a stellar cocktail is atmosphere. Bryant’s has nearly 80 years of experience and, like other 80 year olds, this Milwaukee institution wields a winsome lack of self-consciousness and disregard for passing trends. The bar excels in the classics—old fashioneds, Manhattans, martinis—but Bryant’s is justly famous for customizing cocktails based on a few exploratory questions about the proclivities of your palate. (Tyler Friedman)

RUNNERS-UP COCKTAIL LOUNGE: At Random Blu Boone & Crockett RUNNERS-UP ROMANTIC BAR: Corvina Wine Company Blu At Random RUNNERS-UP MARTINI: Elsa’s On the Park Plum JoJo’s Martini Lounge

Comedy Club

COMEDYSPORTZ MILWAUKEE 420 S. First St. 414-272-8888 cszmke.com

“A comedian, a ballplayer and an umpire walk into a bar together, and the comedian says…” Well, that variation on an old joke might be close to the actual origin story of ComedySJ A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8 | 41

Best of Milwaukee 2017 >> OUT & ABOUT portz, the improv group founded in Milwaukee in 1984 with competition and team spirit in mind. They must have had the right idea, because since then, ComedySportz has gone worldwide. Their Milwaukee “arena” has also become a performance space for other contenders. Will sky boxes be next? (David Luhrssen)

RUNNERS-UP: Mojo Dojo Comedy Keg Stand Up at Lakefront Brewery Milwaukee’s Comedy Café

Craft Beer Selection at a Bar SUGAR MAPLE

441 E. Lincoln Ave. 414-481-2393 mysugarmaple.com

The Sugar Maple is an aesthete’s paradise. The beer selection is carefully curated, often updated and served by knowledgeable bartenders with recommendations at the ready. The space is chic with a long, undulating bar and paintings by owner/artist Adrienne Pierluissi. Tappings, tastings and food trucks are common occurrences at the Sugar Maple, and, as if all that weren’t enough, the bar frequently hosts concerts of some of the most mindexpanding and inspiring improvised music to be found in Milwaukee. (Tyler Friedman)

RUNNERS-UP: Camino Burnhearts Palm Tavern

Dance Club MAD PLANET

533 E. Center St. 414-263-4555 mad-planet.net

For years Mad Planet was known for two long-running events: the trend-setting soul/funk spin The Get Down and an ’80s-centric retro dance party every Friday. More recently, though, the venue has devoted more of its calendar to themed nights which have pitted The Smiths against The Cure, Depeche Mode against New Order, and Prince against Michael Jackson. Unlike some Downtown dance clubs, there’s nothing pretentious about the place: It’s just people of all stripes, dancing to music everybody loves. (Evan Rytlewski)

RUNNERS-UP: Tu Casa Mexican Restaurant & Bar The Wherehouse Night Club DIX Milwaukee

Happy Hour / Sports Bar NOMAD WORLD PUB 1401 E. Brady St. 414-224-8111 nomadworldpub.com

On early weekend mornings, sometimes as early as 6 42 | J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8

a.m., you can find avid soccer fans packing into Nomad World Pub to watch their favorite clubs take to the pitch. The atmosphere is electric, something usually reserved for the NFL here in Packers country. Even if you aren’t a soccer fan you can enjoy their return on investment-focused happy hour, which features $1 drinks from 4-4:19 p.m., $2 drinks from 4:20-4:29 and $3 drinks from 4:40-5. (Rob Hullum)

RUNNERS-UP HAPPY HOUR: Mulligans Irish Pub & Grill Landmark Lanes Saloon On Calhoun with Bacon RUNNERS-UP SPORTS BAR: Three Lions Pub Miller Time Pub & Grill Milwaukee Saloon On Calhoun with Bacon

Hotel Lounge

THE IRON HORSE HOTEL 500 W. Florida St. 888-543-4766 theironhorsehotel.com

So comfy, so noir! A mattress factory built in 1907 near operating train tracks (hence the hotel’s name), now a hotel, a funky mash-up of old and contemporary, seedy and scrumptious with warm wood pillars and beams, squishy stuffed leather and upholstered chairs and sofas and roomy booths. Charles J. Dwyer’s 2009 pop American flag painting on sewn-together blue jeans dominates one Cream City brick wall. Everything’s lighted by artful iron chandeliers. A novelist’s haven! (John Schneider)

RUNNERS-UP: The Pﬁster Hotel The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel Ambassador Hotel

Import Beer Selection at a Bar VON TRIER

2235 N. Farwell Ave. 414-272-1775 vontriers.com

Though co-owners John and Cindy Sidoff recently toyed with the idea of utterly reimaging their corner-ofFarwell-and-North cocktail lounge, they’ve (thankfully) decided to keep the time-honored Von Trier relatively intact but give it a nice upgrade. “This summer was a whirlwind, to put it mildly,” John Sidoff says. “I had no idea how many people truly wanted to see Von Trier [continue to] thrive.” Von Trier’s historically massive import beer selection (both bottled and on tap) will remain intact as well, amid what Sidoff says will be an overall new “injection of energy” in the place. (John Jahn)

RUNNERS-UP: Three Lions Pub Café Hollander World of Beer

Irish Pub

COUNTY CLARE IRISH INN & PUB 1234 N. Astor St. 414-272-5273 countyclare-inn.com

County Clare takes the honors for the third straight year, getting the nod for its cozy atmosphere, wide selection of Irish whiskeys and beers, live music and excellent food. There are Irish Pubs in the city that offered a somewhat more rugged experience, but County Clare lacks none of their charms or hospitality. And if you overdo it on the charms and hospitality, their upstairs Irish Inn is the perfect place to sleep it off. (Matthew J. Prigge)

RUNNERS-UP: Mulligans Irish Pub & Grill Paddy’s Pub The Harp Irish Pub

Jazz Club

THE JAZZ ESTATE 2423 N. Murray Ave. 414-964-9923 jazzestate.com

Blakey at Birdland. Miles at the Plugged Nickel. Coltrane at the Village Vanguard. Brubeck at Oberlin. The discographical evidence is clear: Jazz is best dug live. And the Jazz Estate is the best place to dig live jazz in Milwaukee. Recent renovations scrubbed the East Side institution of a certain charming seediness, but replaced it with oldfashioned class and Bryant’s quality cocktails. A night at the Estate promises sounds pleasing to your ear, spirits pleasing to your belly and hipness pleasing to your selfregard. (Tyler Friedman)

RUNNERS-UP: Caroline’s Gibraltar MKE O’Donoghue’s Irish Pub

Karaoke Bar

HAMBURGER MARY’S MILWAUKEE 730 S. Fifth St. 414-488-2555 hamburgermarys.com

Moving from Bay View to Walker’s Point has done nothing to dampen our reader’s love for “MaryOke.” The news digs offer more performance space and an atmosphere a bit more fitting to the Mary’s vibe. Their twice-weekly karaoke is about as over-the-top as is to be expected and draws huge and enthusiastic crowds. Reservations on show nights are strongly encouraged, as the main dining area fills up fast and early. (Matthew J. Prigge)

RUNNERS-UP: Guzzlers Sports Lounge Up & Under Pub Graingers Pub & Grill Limanski’s Pub

SHEPHERD EXPRESS

Best of Milwaukee 2017

144 E. Wells St. 414-286-3663 pabsttheater.org

The Pabst Theater Group has expanded its operations far beyond the Pabst Theater in recent years, turning both the Turner Hall Ballroom and the Back Room of Prospect Avenue’s Colectivo Coffee into destination venues. But the organization’s title venue remains its crown jewel, an impossibly beautiful opera house with stunning architecture, perfect acoustics and a gift for bringing out the very best in nearly every artist who performs there. (Evan Rytlewski)

Margarita

CAFÉ CORAZÓN

Multiple locations corazonmilwaukee.com

Burritos and margaritas are the Batman and Robin of Mexican fare. Conveniently, Milwaukee’s favorite rendering of this culinary dynamic duo is available at one place—Café Corazón, now located in two neighborhoods—Riverwest and Bay View. A combination so filling, nourishing and intoxicating that you hardly need consult the menu, the only challenge is not spoiling your appetite on the gratis chips and salsa. (Tyler Friedman)

RUNNERS-UP: Tu Casa Mexican Restaurant & Bar La Fuente El Beso Mexican Restaurante & Cantina BelAir Cantina

Micro Brewery THIRD SPACE BREWING 1505 W. St. Paul Ave. 414-909-2337 thirdspacebrewing.com

Milwaukee is undeniably going through a craft beer renaissance, with enough new breweries popping up that many get lost in the shuffle. Among these newcomers, Third Space has risen to the top with their inviting

Milwaukee Tour GOTHIC MILWAUKEE

Created and led (in costume) by former high school high school English teacher Anna Lardinois, the Gothic Milwaukee tour explores the scandal, gossip and gore of Downtown. The tour has a supernatural bent, focusing on notorious spots like the oft-cursed Hotel Pfister and the supposedly-haunted City Hall. Beyond such speculative conversation, there is also a great deal of factually-based trivia and stories about Milwaukee buildings, architecture, and history-makers. (Matthew J. Prigge)

RUNNERS-UP: Historic Milwaukee, Inc. Milwaukee Boat Line Edelweiss Cruises and Boat Tours

New Bar (Opened in 2017)

SHOP ONLINE OR IN STORE Large selection and low prices on natural pet food and supples. FREE Same day delivery available.* *See store for details

16 BEERS ON TAP!

DAILY SPECIALS h

RUNNERS-UP: The Rave/Eagles Club Budweiser Pavilion at State Fair Park Shank Hall Saloon On Calhoun with Bacon

RUNNERS-UP: Enlightened Brewing Company Good City Brewing MobCraft Beer Brewery and Taproom City Lights Brewing Co.

THE PABST THEATER

space, knack for marketing and community outreach, and of course, delicious beers. The brewery itself, located in the Menomonee Valley, includes a dog-friendly, kid-friendly beer garden for family fun, and food trucks on the weekends for a full dining and drinking experience. (Rob Hullum)

Live Music Venue

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Authentic Irish Specialties & Pub Favorites

Happy Hours : 2 Daily 2-6pm & 10pm-12am $2.75 Rail Cocktails $3 Micros $4 Imports

1/2 Off Appetizers

THE LOVE SHACK 106 Seeboth St. 414-897-8392 love-shack.com

It may not have a tin roof, rusted, but The Love Shack is a little place where you can get together. The Polynesian theme, mixed with a few lighthearted references to the namesake B-52s song, creates a warm, inviting space with accents of surfboards, tiki torches and tropical plants. The bar is relatively small and narrow, lending an intimate feel. A lighting feature that runs from the south wall and up onto the ceiling produces a mild red glow over the entire space. The patio is long and narrow as well, elevated a few steps above the boat docks for a better view of the Water Street Bridge going up and down. (Lacey Muszynski)

RUNNERS-UP: Limanski’s Pub Izzy Hops Swig & Nosh Strange Town

Best of Milwaukee

2011

WINNER

Best of Milwaukee 2012 WINNER

Best of Milwaukee 2013 WINNER

WINNER OF: Best Happy Hour • Best Bar Food Best Service • Best Bar on a Budget

VOTED MILWAUKEE’S BEST IRISH PUB AND WINNER AT TASTE OF IRELAND FOR MILWAUKEE’S BEST IRISH STEW!

Fabulous Friday Fish Fry! 8933 S. 27th Street • Franklin • 414.304.0300

www.mulliganson27th.com DOWNLOAD THE NEW APP NOW FOR A FREE APPETIZER! Like us on made by Guido Rus www.de-rus.nl

SHEPHERD EXPRESS

J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8 | 43

THE 2018 ELECTIONS

Best of Milwaukee 2017

Open Mic Night Vote! to re-elect Senator Tammy Baldwin Vote! to elect a Democratic Governor Vote! for Democrats up & down the ballot Paid for and authorized by Friends of Jonathan Brostoff

THE “THE MORE SOPHISTICATED DANCE CLUB...”

CLUB

UP & UNDER PUB

1216 E. Brady St. 414-270-0029 theupandunderpub.com

For years the Up & Under’s long-running Monday night open mic, currently hosted by the house band Marshall McGhee and the Wanderers, has been a destination for rock, folk and blues artists looking to workshop new material, attracting a healthy mix of veterans and newcomers. On Thursday nights the Brady Street institution hosts a very different kind of open mic, a comedy night that spotlights some of the city’s many standup comedians. (Evan Rytlewski)

The newest, hottest and ONLY dance club in West Allis! HOUSE, DANCE, HIP HOP, TOP 40, EDM Classic cocktails, great, quality food, AND...free parking!

RUNNERS-UP: Silver Spring House Miramar Theatre Paulie’s Pub and Eatery

The Crimson Club

184 N. Broadway 414-882-7621 splashmilwaukee.com

7211 W Greenfield Avenue, West Allis 414-488-8804 www.thecrimsonclub.net

8TH ANNUAL

Winter

Carnival Saturday, January 27, 2018 10 am-4 pm Scavenger hunts, tree walks, hands-on activities, and much more! FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Paint and Wine Bar SPLASH STUDIO

Bottles of wine, tubes of paint and giddy amateurs armed with brushes are something that could only go together in Milwaukee, but the Third Ward’s Splash Studio has seemingly perfected the formula, taking honors again for best Paint and Wine Bar. You can go at your own pace with a blank canvass and an open palette or sit in on session led by a local professional artist. Splash also offers seasonal and private events. (Matthew J. Prigge)

RUNNERS-UP: KitscheCoo Art & Craft Shed Uptown Art Arte Wine and Painting Studio

Rock Club CACTUS CLUB

2496 S. Wentworth Ave. 414-897-0663 cactusclub.dostuff.info

For first time visitors to the Cactus Club, it can be hard to see what all the fuss is about. The venue is just a no-frills back room in the back of a regular corner bar. It’s the bookings that make this place stand out. For two decades, Cactus Club has hosted some of Milwaukee’s

best bands, and served as a hub for the city’s punk, metal and indie-rock scenes. The promoters have a gift for drawing exceptional touring bands, too, including Jay Som, The Obsessed, Lydia Lunch, Pile, Tobin Sprout and Planes Mistaken for Stars, all of whom played memorable shows there this year. (Evan Rytlewski)

RUNNERS-UP: The Rave/Eagles Club Shank Hall Saloon On Calhoun with Bacon

Strip Club

SILK EXOTIC MILWAUKEE GENTLEMEN’S CLUB 11400 W. Silver Spring Road

With a huge bar, an extensive food menu and a plethora of special events (including a recent Super Troopers-themed Christmas party), there is never a lack of entertainment at Silk. The club is also a regular stop for stars of the adult film world. The debate still rages about the possibility of an expansion into Downtown, but for now, Silk’s castle on the outskirts is Milwaukee’s choice destination for adult entertainment. (Matthew J. Prigge)

RUNNERS-UP: On The Border Texas Jay’s Gentleman’s Club Desire by the Art’s Performing Center LLC

Trivia Night BLACKBIRD BAR

3007 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. 414-486-1344 blackbirdbayview.com

In our first ever bar trivia category, Bay View’s unassuming Blackbird Bar takes the prize for its weekly Thursday night team trivia. The contests usually feature local sponsors and prizes and all guests (players or not) can enjoy happy hour prices on select drinks all evening long. As one of Bay View’s longest-running trivia nights, founded eight years ago, Blackbird keeps it simple and does it right. (Matthew J. Prigge)

RUNNERS-UP: Red Lion Pub Camino Mulligans Irish Pub & Grill

lyndensculpturegarden.org 2145 W. Brown Deer Rd. | Milwaukee, WI 414.446.8794 44 | J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8

SHEPHERD EXPRESS

MILWAUKEE TICKET OFFICE 414.229.5886 UWMTIX@UWM.EDU

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MEN’S BASKETBALL

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01.18

vs. NORTHERN KETUCKY @ 7 P.M.

01.20

vs. WRIGHT STATE @ 7 P.M.

01.25

vs. YOUNGSTOWN STATE @ 7 P.M.

01.27

vs. CLEVELAND STATE @ 1 P.M.

01.29

vs. UIC @ 7 P.M.

02.02

vs. GREEN BAY @ 7 P.M.

02.16

vs. IUPUI @ 7 P.M.

BOGO Tickets with Food Donation; Taco Thursday

200 Youth Replica Jersey (Youth 12 & Under); $5 Youth Tickets; BOGO Tickets with Food Donation

BOGO Tickets with Food Donation; Brewer Sausages Appearances

$5 Loge Tickets; BOGO Tickets with Food Donation; $2 Hot Dogs

BOGO Tickets with Food Donation

BOGO Tickets with Food Donation; 3 Point Play; Brewer Sausages Appearance

3 Point Play

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WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

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01.26

vs. IUPUI @ 7 P.M.

01.28

vs. UIC @ 2 P.M.

02.01

vs. WRIGHT STATE @ 7 P.M.

02.03

vs. NORTHERN KENTUCKY @ 2 P.M.

02.10

vs. GREEN BAY @ 2 P.M.

02.23

vs. DETROIT MERCY @ 7 P.M.

02.25

vs. OAKLAND @ 2 P.M.

BOGO Tickets with Food Donation; ATI Club

BOGO Tickets with Food Donation; First 100 Youth 12 & Under Receive a FREE Panther Basketball Lunch Bag

Taco Thursday 1/2 off Walking Taco

Pink Out; $1 Admission Wearing Pink; FREE Adidas T-Shirt to First 500 Fans; FREE Youth Wrist Wallet to first 250 Youth 12 & Under

FREE Youth Replica Jersey to First 100 Youth 12 & Under

Pride Night

Youth 12 & Under $1 Admission; $1 Hot Dog, $1 Popcorn

BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE TICKET To either men’s or women’s Basketball Redeemable by contacting the ticket office 414.229.5886 or uwmtix@uwm.edu

*All food items donated to UWM Food Pantry

MKEPANTHERS.COM SHEPHERD EXPRESS

J A N UA RY 1 8 , 2 0 1 8 | 45

Best of Milwaukee 2017 >> MUSIC RUNNERS-UP: J. Ryan Trio Altered Five Andrew Koenig Band

Choral Croup

MASTER SINGERS OF MILWAUKEE

Overcoming competition such as the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus, Chant Claire and the Bel Canto Chorus is no mean feat. Now in their 45th season, the Master Singers of Milwaukee are clearly making themselves heard. Music Director Eduardo García-Novelli brings out the best from this talented group of vocal musicians from the greater Milwaukee area through his rich and detailed music background. Master Singers of Milwaukee has a four-concert season with each concert performed twice—normally in different venues—thus, no doubt, boosting their obviously growing reputation. (John Jahn)

RUNNERS-UP: Chant Claire Chamber Choir Bel Canto Milwaukee Symphony Chorus

Classical Music Ensemble

MILWAUKEE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Jazz Musician: Ellen Winters

Acoustic Musician DEREK SALLMANN

A breezy pop songwriter with a sweet voice and an Ed Sheeran-esque ear for melody, Derek Sallmann has spent the past few years playing the local festival circuit, with performances at Wisconsin State Fair, Summerfest and Bastille Days. Relentlessly upbeat, he sings of young love, good times and a better world on his chipper 2016 album All Seasons. (Evan Rytlewski)

RUNNERS-UP: August Battles Jay Matthes Keanen Kopplin

Alt Country ROAD CREW

Though they aren’t alt-country in the traditional No Depression/Uncle Tupelo sense of the term, the Milwaukee cover band Road Crew puts their own spin on the classic and modern country hits that they cover, infus46 | J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8

ing them with rock ’n’ roll energy. They’re one of the region’s busiest country cover acts, playing dozens of shows a year all around southeastern Wisconsin. (Evan Rytlewski)

Although southeastern Wisconsin can now boast numerous talented classical music instrumental and vocal ensembles, the “big boy on the block” continues to tower over the Shepherd’s “Best of” category like a colossus. Understandably so. The MSO is one of the nation’s finest orchestras, and its reputation has only grown over the decades since its founding in 1959. Its legacy of world-class music director-conductors and full-time professional musicians performing more than 135 classical, pops, family education and community concerts every season in venues statewide mean that the MSO’s the go-to ensemble for a first-rate live orchestral music experience. (John Jahn)

RUNNERS-UP: Bella Cain Jay Matthes Driveway Thriftdwellers

RUNNERS-UP: Present Music Sorkin Institute of Chamber Music Philomusica String Quartet

Blues Band

Club DJ

REVEREND RAVEN & THE CHAIN SMOKIN’ ALTAR BOYS

Milwaukee blues fans shouldn’t be too surprised by this pick. Reverend Raven & The Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys have run the table in this category for years, thanks to the dedicated following they’ve built up from playing just about every major blues festival in the region. They prefer their blues with a hard edge, slathering their songs in electric guitar and roaring harmonica. (Evan Rytlewski)

DJ SHAWNA

DJ Shawna learned from the best. Some of her earliest gigs were at Walker’s Pint in the mid-’00s, opening for Milwaukee’s late DJ Rock Dee, and she shares Dee’s gift for working crowds. These days her reach extends far beyond Walker’s Pint—she performs her houses mixes at clubs all over the city, and has become a favorite of local sports teams, spinning for the Brewers, the Bucks and the Marquette women’s basketball team. (Evan Rytlewski)

SHEPHERD EXPRESS

Best of Milwaukee 2017 >> MUSIC

Cover / Tribute Band ALMIGHTY VINYL

As their name suggests, Almighty Vinyl’s preferred style of music predates the CD era. The band has made the music of the ’70s in particular their calling card, covering hits by The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Heart, Grand Funk Railroad, Led Zeppelin, Tom Petty and Santana, among many others. (Evan Rytlewski)

RUNNERS-UP: FM Rodeo The Toys The Cheap Shots

Electronic Artist GGOOLLDD

No Milwaukee band wears glamour quite as well at GGOOLLDD. Fronted by singer Margaret Butler, who often takes the stage in some combination of capes, sequins and spandex, the band pairs their peppy yet wistful songs with a dramatic electronic pulse. This winter they released their latest EP, Teeth, another five songs of shimmering, rafter-scaling pop that features their biggest single yet, “Undercovers,” a song sure to be a staple of local playlists for years to come. (Evan Rytlewski)

RUNNERS-UP: LUXI Theodore Elektrk RCKT PWR

Guitarist JOEY CARINI

Joey Carini has always gravitated toward some of the showier styles of guitar. Inspired by hotshots like Jimmy Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jeff Beck, Carini also credits some of his technique to local guitar hero Greg Koch, whom he took lessons under. These days when Carini isn’t playing guitar (most notably in the Led Zeppelin tribute band No Quarter), he’s teaching it. He currently provides guitar and bass lessons to more than two dozen students. (Evan Rytlewski)

RUNNERS-UP: Theodore Koth Andrew Koenig Greg Koch Aaron Jellish SHEPHERD EXPRESS

Jazz Musician

CHRIS HAASE

RUNNERS-UP: DJ Breezy Antics DJ King James

ELLEN WINTERS

Milwaukee jazz singer Ellen Winters modeled her style after some of the greats, including Ella Fitzgerald and Rosemary Clooney, both of whom she’s covered in popular tribute programs. A frequent Wisconsin Area Music Industry Award nominee, Winters also teaches a variety of workshops for aspiring jazz and musical theater singers. (Evan Rytlewski)

RUNNERS-UP: Carlos Adames Ryan Janscha Steve Peplin

Metal Band IT BLEEDS

Milwaukee metal upstarts It Bleeds beat out some true heavyweights in this category— not bad for a band that just put out its first demo this summer. Though it runs just four songs and less than 15 minutes, their debut demo teases the band’s vision, combining doomy riffs and prog-rock guitars over whiplash drums. (Evan Rytlewski)

RUNNERS-UP: Lokke Lithic These Fading Visions

Rap / Hip-Hop Artist WEBSTERX

After several years of escalating hype, including some big singles that extended his fanbase well beyond the city, WebsterX came through in a big way with his official debut album, Daymares. Highlighted by his blustery flow and unusual melodic instincts, the record details WebsterX’s struggles with depression with unusual bluntness, ultimately celebrating his triumph over it. Packaged with some of WebsterX’s most massive singles yet, it’s one of last year’s most inspiring hip-hop records. (Evan Rytlewski)

RUNNERS-UP: November Criminals Vincent VanGREAT Opis

Rap / Hip-Hop Producer KLASSIK

Right out the gate Klassik established himself as one of the Milwaukee rap scene’s elite producers, a musical savant as versed in jazz and

CLub DJ: DJ Shawna

soul as he is in hip-hop and electronic music. Even without a new album out, Klassik had a big 2017 that saw him play an array of memorable solo shows and curate the mammoth A Tribe Called Quest tribute “Tribe Uncovered” at Turner Hall Ballroom. Few local musicians, rap or otherwise, rival his ambition. (Evan Rytlewski)

RUNNERS-UP: Vincent VanGREAT VZ Q The Sun

Rock Band

NEVER DOUBT THE WORM

It’s hard to forget a Never Doubt The Worm show. In the spirit of Cheap Trick and AC/DC, the band performs in matching prep school outfits. It’s a fittingly silly gimmick for a frequently silly band: The group’s alt-rock draws liberally from the rumble and roar of modern metal music, but it’s filled with mirth and whimsy. They prove it’s possible to be heavy without taking yourselves too seriously. (Evan Rytlewski)

RUNNERS-UP: Well-Known Strangers Abby Jeanne Stories for Strangers

Vocalist—Female BETSY ADE

Formerly the frontwoman for the regional alt-rock band Rainy Day Crush, Betsy Ade currently fronts the Well-Known Strangers, a band that puts an assertive, modern-country spin on classic ’90s alternative sounds. Throw a prominent cello into the mix and you have a sound that requires a bold voice to hold it altogether, and Ade fits that bill. The band puts her resolute voice front and center. (Evan Rytlewski)

RUNNERS-UP: Alison Helf Abby Jeanne Lauryn Reiterman

Vocalist—Male ADAM FETTIG

Between his country band FM Rodeo and his occasional solo performances, Adam Fettig keeps a full schedule. It’s easy to see why so many country fans seek him out: His hearty voice has the same breezy, easygoing quality of so many of commercial country’s biggest stars of the moment. And for a guy born in the Midwest, he makes the twang in his voice sound mighty natural. (Evan Rytlewski)

RUNNERS-UP: Josh Quinn Jay Matthes Rich Hoffman

J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8 | 47

LEN CEDERHOLM

Best of Milwaukee 2017 >> SPORTS & RECREATION

Favorite Packers Player AARON RODGERS

In his 10th year as the Packers starting QB, Rodgers missed a major portion of the season to a collarbone injury. But ’Sconnie love for Rodgers is thick as blood and stronger than any bone. And as the Packers showed by scuffling without Rodgers at the helm, no one in the NFL is more vital to his team’s success. (Matthew J. Prigge)

RUNNERS-UP: Jordy Nelson Ha Ha Clinton-Dix Clay Matthews III

Favorite Wave Player IAN BENNETT Wave Player: Ian Bennett

Favorite Admiral ANDERS LINDBÄCK

The Milwaukee Admirals’ Swedish goaltender played for eight different teams, including one in his native country, before signing a deal with the Nashville Predators and their AHL affiliate Milwaukee Admirals in July. The Predators drafted Lindbäck back in 2008, and his return has been welcome. He has kept a .904 save percentage over the 6,845 minutes played in his NHL career and should give the team a boost of veteran leadership. (Rob Hullum)

RUNNERS-UP: Trevor Smith Jimmy Oligny Tyler Kelleher

Favorite Brewers Player RYAN BRAUN

This award just goes to show the importance of name recognition. The 33-year-old Braun is no longer the perennial MVP threat he once was, but even on a club loaded with fun and talented newcomers, Braun maintained his title as the team’s most popular player. But with up-and-comers like Lewis Brinson, Brett Phillips and Josh Hader primed to make an impact in 2018, the changing of the guard for the franchise could be near. (Matthew J. Prigge)

RUNNERS-UP: Eric Thames Eric Sogard Domingo Santana

48 | J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8

Favorite Brewcity Bruiser BECKY THE BUTCHER

Becky the Butcher (aka Rebecca Berkshire, when she’s not wearing skates) is feared for her ferocity and respected for her prowess on the roller derby rink. Berkshire spent two years as league president of the Brew City Bruisers and several more years as head chef at Hi Hat and Balzac. When not busy bruising, Berkshire is the experience manager at the Pabst Brewery, charged with overseeing operations at the newly opened Pabst Brewing Milwaukee Pub located in the erstwhile First German Methodist Church. (Tyler Friedman)

RUNNERS-UP: Milwaukee’s Breast The Other White Meat VerucAssault

Favorite Bucks Player GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO

While many still may not be able to pronounce his name, by now everyone knows who “The Greek Freak” is. A certified NBA superstar, Antetokounmpo is widely regarded as one of the league’s coveted “unicorns,” or once-in-a-generation talents. His 2016-2017 regular season stat line including 22.9 points, 8.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game earned him the NBA’s Most Improved Player award, and it looks like he is only getting better from there. (Rob Hullum)

RUNNERS-UP: John Henson Jabari Parker DJ Wilson

Ian Bennett has been an integral part of the Milwaukee Wave since 2009, save for a brief 2010 stint with the Rochester Rhinos. With Bennett as a team leader, the Wave won the Major Indoor Soccer League championship in both the 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 seasons. Bennett’s play in the midfield has helped control the flow of the game, and the Canadian born 34 year old has managed to score more than 215 goals during his time with the Wave. (Rob Hullum)

RUNNERS-UP: Robert Renaud Joshua Lemos Andre Hayne

Frisbee Golf Course ESTABROOK PARK

4400 N. Estabrook Drive county.milwaukee.gov/parks

The Estabrook Beer Garden proudly advertises itself as the first post-Prohibition public beer garden. Modeled on Munich’s beer gardens and serving beer imported from Munich’s Staatliches Hofbräuhaus, the Estabrook Beer Garden is about as authentic as it gets outside of Deutschland. Friday fish fry, Saturday/Sunday schnitzel or just a pint and a giant pretzel are the perfect way to prepare for or replenish after a rousing round of Frisbee golf, also conveniently located in the surprisingly comprehensive Estabrook Park. (Tyler Friedman)

RUNNERS-UP: Brown Deer Park Dineen Disc Golf Course Abendschein Park

Golf Course

ERIN HILLS GOLF COURSE 7169 County Road O, Hartford 262-670-8600 erinhills.com

The U.S. Open was held in Wisconsin for the first time this year, marking only the fifth time our state has SHEPHERD EXPRESS

BETH HANDLE

Best of Milwaukee 2017 >> SPORTS & RECREATION the Northpoint Lighthouse and art museum, attend a performance at the outdoor stage; above all, take comfort from a Great Lake that’s weathered eons of trauma and change. (John Schneider)

RUNNERS-UP: Doctors Park Grant Park Humboldt Park Whitnall Park

Sports Talk Radio 620AM WTMJ wtmj.com

Paddlesports Company: Milwaukee Kayak Company

hosted a PGA major. Erin, Wis. became a destination for local and visiting golf fans alike for four days in June. While Erin Hills won out as the venue for the Open, and Brooks Koepka won the tournament’s $2.16 million purse, the real winners were the thousands of Wisconsinites who were able to experience a major PGA tournament right in their backyard. (Rob Hullum)

RUNNERS-UP: Silver Spring Golf Club Greenfield Golf Course Dretzka Park Golf Course

Mini Golf Course NINE BELOW

1905 E. North Ave. 414-210-4470 ninebelowmke.com

Take a beloved pastime, make it doable during the winter and add booze. It’s a recipe for success in Milwaukee and Nine Below has done very well taking this approach with mini golf. Their spacious course on North Avenue (below Beans & Barley) features a fully stocked bar and 18 customizable greens, making play challenging and offering a different experience with each visit. (Matthew J. Prigge)

RUNNERS-UP: Prairieville Park Johnson’s Park & Mini Golf Moorland Road Golf Center

SHEPHERD EXPRESS

The term “radio” has evolved in recent years, and local stations have had to adjust. Expanding from their terrestrial radio roots, 620 WTMJ has recently built up a network of podcasts, many of which are sports-related, to keep up with the digital age. Brewers Extra Innings, Packers Flagship Podcast, Play By Play with Wayne Larrivee and Sports Central with Greg Matzek lead a roster of internet radio shows that keep Milwaukeeans informed about their favorite professional sports. (Rob Hullum)

Paddlesports— Rent or Buy

RUNNERS-UP: 105.7FM The Fan 920AM The Big 920 540AM ESPN Wisconsin

Wisconsin Ski Hill

LITTLE SWITZERLAND SKI AREA 105 Cedar Creek Road, Slinger 262-297-9621 littleswitz.com

Located amid the unique terrain of the Kettle Moraine near the village of Slinger, Little Switzerland opened in 1941—a time when skiing was still the rarified pursuit of European aristocrats wintering in the Alps. Suddenly it became possible for Milwaukeeans to take a lift up the hill and ski back down on slopes with varying degrees of difficulty. On the grounds is a rustic ski lodge open for banquets and weddings. Group packages are available. Reserve ski lessons in advance. Walk-ins can’t be guaranteed. (David Luhrssen)

RUNNERS-UP: Sunburst Winter Sports Park Alpine Valley Cascade Mountain

MILWAUKEE KAYAK COMPANY 318 S. Water St. 414-301-2240 milwaukeekayak.com

On any given day in the spring or summertime, kayaks and canoes can be found up and down the Milwaukee River. Paddlesporting on the river has boomed in recent years, thanks in large part to the Milwaukee Kayak Company and their fleet of kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddle boards. With a central location along the river in the Harbor View neighborhood, paddlers can see a tremendous amount of the city in just a few hours. (Matthew J. Prigge)

RUNNERS-UP: Sherper’s Nomad Boardsports Erehwon Mountain Outfitter

Public Park LAKE PARK

3233 E. Kenwood Blvd. 414-962-8809 county.milwaukee.gov/parks

The lakeside location, expansive size and variety of natural spaces make this the park of a great city. Spend an hour, a day, stroll a meadow with your dog, hike a wooded ravine, sunbathe, picnic, take your kids to the playground, play a bunch of sports, visit

YOUR OFFICIAL VIKINGS WATCH BAR

JOIN US FOR AN OFFICIAL VIKINGS CHAMPIONSHIP WATCH PARTY

VIKINGS VS EAGLES SUNDAY, JANUARY 21 @ 5:40 P.M.

THE SPORTS DESTINATION ON THE EAST SIDE! WITH 10 4K ULTRA LARGE SCREENS

GAME DAY SPECIALS: $3 WING SIX PACKS $5 CHICKEN SKEWERS $10 LITE PITCHERS $12 CRAFT PITCHERS Additional specials for all wearing Vikings Gear, and Grand Prize for best Dressed Viking Fan.

1504 E NORTH AVE | WWW.BUDDHALOUNGEMKE.COM J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8 | 49

Best of Milwaukee 2017 >> BOUGHT & SOLD

Adult Retail Store Auto Repair THE TOOL SHED

RUNNERS-UP: After Hours Lingerie & Gifts City News & Video Temptations

Antique Store

ANTIQUES ON PIERCE

RUNNERS-UP: Clinton Street Antiques Farm Girl Uncle Ned’s Consignment Liquidation & Estate Sales

Art Supply Store BLICK ART MATERIALS RUNNERS-UP: Hobby Lobby Jo-Ann Fabrics Michaels

Auto Dealership —Domestic HOLZ CHEVROLET

RUNNERS-UP: Ernie von Schledorn Heiser Ford/Lincoln Schlossmann

Auto Dealership —Import DAVID HOBBS HONDA

RUNNERS-UP: Andrew Toyota Gordie Boucher Nissan Reina International Auto Schlossman Subaru —Milwaukee

Auto Detailer DAVID HOBBS HONDA

RUNNERS-UP: Finishing Touch Auto Body Johnny Buﬃt’s Detail & Auto Glass Milwaukee Auto Spa & Mobil 1 Oil Change Royal Car Care Center 50 | J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8

RIVERSIDE AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE & PARTS

RUNNERS-UP: Josh’s Garage Manyo Motors Greitens Auto Service Schetter’s Auto Sales and Service Center State of the Art Import Auto Repair

Bike Shop

WHEEL & SPROCKET

RUNNERS-UP: Ben’s Cycle Johnson’s Cycle & Fitness Bigfoot Bike and Skate South Shore Cyclery Truly Spoken Cycles

Boats and Boating Supplies

SKIPPERBUD’S PEWAUKEE

RUNNERS-UP: CenterPointe Yacht Services Kendor’s Marine West Marine

Bookstore

BOSWELL BOOK COMPANY

RUNNERS-UP: Downtown Books Bought & Sold Little Read Book, Inc. Voyageur Book Shop

Boutique Clothing

LUV UNLIMITED

RUNNERS-UP: Faye’s Lela Lizzibeth Min’s Swoon

Bridal Dress Shop

EVA’S BRIDAL CENTER

RUNNERS-UP: Amelishan Bridal Betrothed Your Special Day Boutique Bliss Bridal Dressed in Time Miss Ruby—A Bridal Boutique White Dress Bridal Boutique

Camping Eqiupment REI

RUNNERS-UP: Erehwon Mountain Outﬁtter Laacke & Joys Sherper’s Yellow Wood

Carpet / Fine Rugs KASHOU CARPETS

RUNNERS-UP: Carpet Town Carpets Galore Kerns Carpets Brookﬁeld Malkin’s Flooring Persian Rug Gallery Ron & Russ’s Flooring & Design

Clothing—Men’s HARLEY’S

RUNNERS-UP: Alive And Fine Luv Unlimited NL Suits Swoon

Clothing— Women’s THE WAXWING

RUNNERS-UP: Alive And Fine Lizzibeth Swoon

Comic Book Store COLLECTOR’S EDGE COMICS

RUNNERS-UP: Kowabunga Comics Lost World of Wonders Vortex Comics

Eyewear METRO EYE

RUNNERS-UP: Bronze Optical Milwaukee Eye Care Associates Quality Optical

Fair Trade Store BEANS & BARLEY

RUNNERS-UP: Four Corners of the World Global Hands Greenﬁelds Trading Company, Inc. Outpost Natural Foods

Fashion Accessories THE WAXWING

RUNNERS-UP: Lizzibeth Luv Unlimited Swoon

Fine Jewelry Store KESSLERS DIAMONDS

RUNNERS-UP: A Trio Jewelry Design Studio Magpie Jewelry & Metal Studio Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers

Flower Shop BELLE FIORI, LTD.

RUNNERS-UP: Parkway Floral, Inc. The Flower Lady Twins Flowers & Home Decor Urban Sense

SHEPHERD EXPRESS

Best of Milwaukee 2017 >> BOUGHT & SOLD

Furniture Store BILTRITE FURNITURE

RUNNERS-UP: Cream City Restoration Steinhafels Furniture West Elm

Garden Center PLANT LAND

RUNNERS-UP: Bayside Garden Center Bluemel’s Garden & Landscape Center Kellner Greenhouse Milaeger’s Stein’s Garden & Home

Gift Shop

THE GIFT SHOPPE CUDAHY

RUNNERS-UP: Mod Gen Swoon The Waxwing

Head Shop PIPE DREAMS

RUNNERS-UP: Closet Classics Knuckleheads 414 Glass & Grooves

Lighting Showroom BBC LIGHTING

RUNNERS-UP: Elektra Lights & Fans Exclusive Lighting Gallery Lights Unlimited Luce Lighting & Design

Mattress Store BILTRITE FURNITURE

RUNNERS-UP: Hassleless Mattress Steinhafels Furniture Verlo Mattress

Motorcycle Dealership

WISCONSIN HARLEY-DAVIDSON

RUNNERS-UP: Hal’s Harley-Davidson House Of Harley Royal Enﬁeld of Milwaukee

Sportswear SHERPER’S

RUNNERS-UP: Burghardt Sporting Goods Erehwon Mountain Outﬁtter KM Sports Yellow Wood

Musical Instrument Tobacco Shop UHLE’S Store RUNNERS-UP: CREAM CITY MUSIC

RUNNERS-UP: Cascio Interstate Music Modular Addict Wade’s Guitar Shop White House of Music, Inc.

New Retail Store KITSCHECOO ART & CRAFT SHED

RUNNERS-UP: Collected Goods Swoon Von Maur

Pet Store

PET SUPPLIES PLUS

RUNNERS-UP: Bark ’N’ Scratch Outpost Bentley’s Pet Stuﬀ PetSmart

Record Store

414 Glass & Grooves Knuckleheads Tobacco & Gifts Pipe Dreams

Vape Shop

Vintage / Thrift Store

COLLECTED GOODS

RUNNERS-UP: Antiques on Pierce Luv Unlimited Retique Store

Wedding Rings KESSLERS DIAMONDS

RUNNERS-UP: A Trio Jewelry Design Studio J.P. Haase Jewelers Shaw’s Jewelers

BLUE ON GREENFIELD

RUNNERS-UP: 414 Glass & Grooves Knuckleheads Tobacco & Gifts Lake View Vape

THANK YOU MKE

THE EXCLUSIVE COMPANY

Satu

RUNNERS-UP: Acme Records Bull’s Eye Records Rush-Mor Ltd. Music & Video

Dem

Shoe Store STAN’S

RUNNERS-UP: Rogan’s Shoes Shoo, Inc. Designer Shoe Warehouse

It’s because of our amazing customers that we were finalist in Best of Milwaukee 2017. Thank you for all your support throughout the year – we couldn’t be here without you!

226 N WATER ST. MILWAUKEE, WI 53202 | 414.502.1204 | ROYALENFIELDOFMILWAUKEE.COM SHEPHERD EXPRESS

J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8 | 51

Best of Milwaukee 2017 >> SERVICES RENDERED

Accountant / Tax Advisor

JCW TAX & ACCOUNTING, LLC

RUNNERS-UP: Hammernik & Associates Nelson Tax Accounting, Ltd. AM Accounting and Tax Services, LLC

Animal Welfare Organization MILWAUKEE AREA DOMESTIC ANIMAL CONTROL COMMISSION (MADACC)

RUNNERS-UP: Rescue Gang (Intake Center) Wisconsin Humane Society Milwaukee Campus Humane Animal Welfare Society (HAWS Waukesha)

Bank

BMO HARRIS BANK

RUNNERS-UP: Associated Bank PNC Bank WaterStone Bank

Bed and Breakfast KINN GUESTHOUSE MKE

RUNNERS-UP: The Muse Gallery Guesthouse Manderley Bed & Breakfast Inn Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast

Boutique Hotel TIE!

COUNTY CLARE IRISH INN & PUB and THE IRON HORSE HOTEL RUNNERS-UP: Hotel Metro The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel

Caterer

SAZ’S

RUNNERS-UP: Ball ’n’ Biscuit Catering Bunzel’s Meat Market Carrot Bomb Catering The Bartolotta Restaurants

Credit Union

EDUCATORS CREDIT UNION RUNNERS-UP: Guardian Credit Union Landmark Credit Union UW Credit Union

Doggy Day Care BAY VIEW BARK

RUNNERS-UP: Camp Bow Wow Central Bark Doggy Day Care Playtime Doggy Daycare

RUNNERS-UP: Guardian Credit Union Summit Credit Union BMO Harris Bank

RUNNERS-UP: Mirabella Hair Design The Revolution Hair Studio Neroli Salon & Spa

RUNNERS-UP: Guardian Credit Union BMO Harris Bank Landmark Credit Union

THE IRON HORSE HOTEL

EDUCATORS CREDIT UNION

Financial Planner/ Stock Broker

SCOTT CAYO (EDWARD JONES FINANCIAL ADVISOR)

RUNNERS-UP: Brett Heaton Juarez (Northwestern Mutual) Ellenbecker Investment Group Robert Petri (Thrivent Financial)

RUNNERS-UP: The Pfister Hotel InterContinental Milwaukee The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel

Insurance Agency ROBERTSON RYAN & ASSOCIATES

RUNNERS-UP: Bill Luepke Insurance Agency Modern Woodmen of America: Taren R. Sartler Badger Mutual Insurance Company

Lawyer—Bankruptcy

RUNNERS-UP: Kerns Carpet One Carpet Town Carpet Mill Store

RUNNERS-UP: Miller and Miller Law Richard A. Check Law Office Watton Law Group

KASHOU CARPETS

EDUCATORS CREDIT UNION

RUNNERS-UP: Avant-Garde Atomic Tattooing Body Ritual Cutthroat Tattoo and Body Piercing Harvest Moon Tattoo

FOR MEN Financial Institution GROOM RUNNERS-UP: The Establishment Salon for Getting a The Nobleman The Revolution Hair Studio HomeMortgage

52 | J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8

Hotel Rooms

Floor Covering / Carpets

Body Pierecing Studio PIERCINGS BY LEXIE

THE ESTABLISHMENT SALON

Financial Institution for Opening a Checking Account

Finanical Institution Green Business for Getting a GROWING POWER Business Loan RUNNERS-UP: RUNNERS-UP: Guardian Credit Union Summit Credit Union Tri City National Bank

Hair Stylist —Women’s

Beerline Café ReSource Gift Shop Natural Cleaners

Hair Stylist—Men’s

LEGAL AID SOCIETY OF MILWAUKEE

Lawyer—Business GIMBEL, REILLY, GUERIN AND BROWN

RUNNERS-UP: Hansen Reynolds Hart Law Office O’Neil, Cannon, Hollman, DeJong and Laing, S.C.

Lawyer— Criminal Defense

MASTANTUONO & COFFEE, S.C.

EDUCATORS CREDIT UNION

SHEPHERD EXPRESS

Best of Milwaukee 2017

RUNNERS-UP: D’Angelo and Grabow Gagne, McChrystal, De Lorenzo and Burghardt Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin and Brown

Lawyer— Estate Planning GIMBEL, REILLY, GUERIN AND BROWN

RUNNERS-UP: O’Neil, Cannon, Hollman, DeJong and Laing, S.C. Malm and LaFave, S.C. Moertl, Wilkins and Campbell

Lawyer— Personal Ijnury

HUPY AND ABRAHAM, S.C.

RUNNERS-UP: Hausmann-McNally Habush, Habush & Rottier, S.C. Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin and Brown Gruber Law Offices

Nail Technician

RUNNERS-UP: Juniper Spa & Body INVIVO L’Image Skin Spa

Tattoo Artist

Generators • Switches & Outlets Knob & tube rewiring specialists Home electrical automation Lighting design & installation Service panel upgrades

BREW CITY TATTOO

RUNNERS-UP: Walker’s Point Tattoo Co. Solid State Tattoo Milwaukee Ink/ Vantage Point Tattoo

Veterinarian

262-244-5447 | CURRENTELECTRICCO.COM | 12625 W. BURLEIGH RD. BROOKFIELD

Thank You for Voting Us a Finalist! BEST FURNITURE & BEST MATTRESS STORE

KEE'S AU

SHOREWOOD ANIMAL HOSPITAL

VE RY O

2017 Winner! MILWAUKEE’s

A-List

RUNNERS-UP: The Cat Doctor West Allis Veterinary Clinic Integrative Veterinary Service Small Animal Hospital

Ride Service

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Electrical installation • Solar energy

Tattoo Parlor

RUNNERS-UP: 44 Caliber Media Artist Group Photo & Video Uttke Photography & Design JNPortraits

RUNNERS-UP: Uber Lyft TaxiMKE

Home rewiring • Electrical remodeling

RUNNERS-UP: Andres Luna (Brew City Tattoo) Jon Reiter (Solid State Tattoo) Josh Krstic (Brew City Tattoo) Tom Aldana (Walker’s Point Tattoo Co.)

ORIGINAILS NAIL SALON AND SPA

WAYAROUND

ENERGIZING AND ILLUMINATING LIVES

BRIAN KIESNER (BREW CITY TATTOO)

Wedding Photographer

RUNNERS-UP: Nail Bar Milwaukee Express Nails South Milwaukee Q-ticles Nail Spa

CELEBRATING 35 YEARS OF BUSINESS

KATHLEEN REILEY, S.C.

NEROLI SALON & SPA

Lawyer—Divorce

Spa

MILW

RUNNERS-UP: Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin and Brown Mishlove and Stuckert, Attorneys at Law Schiro and Zarzynski

ELECTRICAL SERVICE THAT WOW’S

FRONT ROOM PHOTOGRAPHY

Wedding Venue

MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM

RUNNERS-UP: The Wherehouse The Pfister Hotel Boerner Botanical Gardens

SPECIAL

ORDER

OPTIONS

FLIP-ABLE 2-SIDED

FREE Frame!

Best Seller!

Cortland 11.25” Extra Firm or 12.25” Gentle Firm, Edge Support

999 Queen Set

Design-It-Your-Way

Choose from 4 Arms, 4 Backs (Loose or Attached), 3 Welts, and 20 Different Configurations. Your Choice of Fabric & Color.

Sale from

$2675 Includes Discount

10 Year Warranty

Mattress Only Price $799

Twin Set Full Set King Set $899 $749 $1449 Mattress Only Price $649 $699 $1149

SPECIAL

ORDER

OPTIONS

130 Recliners On Sale Discount from $295 Includes Not Pictured

Glider Recliner

Also Available as Rocker or Wall Saver Recliner. Free Removal Of Old Recliner With Delivery.

Sale from

$395

Includes Discount

Best of Milwaukee 2017 >> MEDICAL

Acupuncturist MILWAUKEE COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE

RUNNERS-UP: Acupuncture & Holistic Health Associates Acupuncture by Alana Milwaukee Urban Acupuncture

Aesthetician ORIGINAILS NAIL SALON AND SPA

RUNNERS-UP: Juniper Spa and Body L’image Skin Spa Flawless Face Aesthetics

Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Center ROGERS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

RUNNERS-UP: Ravenswood Clinic Sullivan Medical Clinic Access Recovery Mental Health

Alternative Medical Clinic LAKESIDE NATURAL MEDICINE

RUNNERS-UP: Zuza’s Way Integrative Care Integrative Family Wellness INVIVO

54 | J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8

Chiropractor

Dermatologist

Lasik Surgeon

RUNNERS-UP: AlignLife Chiropractic East Side Family Chiropractic Shorewood Family Chiropractic

RUNNERS-UP: Forefront Dermatology Jolene E. Andryk (Aurora Advanced Health Care) Dr. Jack Maloney (Columbia St. Mary’s)

RUNNERS-UP: Milwaukee Eye Care Associates Eye Institute at the Medical College of Wisconsin Lakeshore Eye Care

CHIROPRACTIC COMPANY

Cosmetic Dentist

STEPHANIE MURPHY

RUNNERS-UP: Modern Touch Dental Mark Hackbarth (Elmbrook General Dentistry) Mark Berger

Cosmetic Surgeon

CLINIC OF COSMETIC SURGERY

RUNNERS-UP: Lorelle L. Kramer (Aesthetic-Cosmetic Plastic Surgery) Jolene Andryk (Aurora Health Center Mequon) N. John Yousif

Dentist

STEPHANIE MURPHY

RUNNERS-UP: Modern Touch Dental Satula and Mueller Family Dental Dental Associates

AFFILIATED DERMATOLOGISTS

Elder Care

HOWARD VILLAGE

RUNNERS-UP: Ovation Communities SYNERGY HomeCare

Eye Doctor

DR. AMY JANKOWSKI (METRO EYE)

RUNNERS-UP: Milwaukee Eye Care Associates Eye Care Specialists, S.C. Dr. Wagner’s Southridge Optical

Gynecologist

JULIE WEBB (COLUMBIA ST. MARY’S)

RUNNERS-UP: Patricia Dolhun (Columbia St. Mary’s) Katharine Van Fossen (MCW/ Froedtert Hospital) Meghan Ritchie (MCW/Froedtert)

Hospital

FROEDTERT HOSPITAL

HALE VISION LASER & IMPLANT

Naturopathic Doctor SARAH AXTELL (LAKESIDE NATURAL MEDICINE)

RUNNERS-UP: Michele Nickels (Integrative Family Wellness) Joanne Aponte (Lakeside Natural Medicine) Gary Lewis (Thiensville Family Health Care)

Nutritionist MARIA VIALL

RUNNERS-UP: INVIVO Complete Health, Inc. Natural Health Services

Orthodontist

BELL ORTHODONTIC SOLUTIONS RUNNERS-UP: Bubon Orthodontics Dental Associates of Milwaukee —Downtown Jeffrey R. Olson

Physical Therapist

WISCONSIN ORTHOPEDIC PHYSICAL THERAPY

RUNNERS-UP: Maurice Dumit INVIVO Integra Physical Therapy

Place to Give Birth

FROEDTERT HOSPITAL

RUNNERS-UP: Authentic Birth Center Well-Rounded Maternity Center and Boutique ProHealth Waukesha Memorial Hospital

Psychiatrist

ROGERS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

RUNNERS-UP: Envision ADHD Trinergy Center for Integrative Psychiatry Healing Word Psychotherapy Services

Walk-In Clinic AURORA

RUNNERS-UP: Columbia St. Mary’s Froedtert Hospital ProHealth Medical Group —New Berlin

RUNNERS-UP: Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital Aurora ProHealth Waukesha Memorial Hospital

SHEPHERD EXPRESS

Best of Milwaukee 2017

>> REAL ESTATE / HOME IMPROVEMENT Architect

Mortgage Broker

RACINOWSKI ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN TIE!

RUNNERS-UP: Engberg Anderson Eppstein Uhen Architects HGA Inc.

Electrician

CURRENT ELECTRIC

RUNNERS-UP: Roman Electric Best Electric Service, Inc. Alberti Electric Co.

Home Builder BIELINSKI

RUNNERS-UP: Lakeside Development Co. Paradise Builders Port Green Homes Regency Builders, Inc. Wimmer Brothers Building Co.

Home Remodeling LABONTE CONSTRUCTION

RUNNERS-UP: Art’s Chimney & Stonework Reﬁned Renovations Window World of Southeastern Wisconsin

Interior Designer

JERRICA ZARIC INTERIOR DESIGN

RUNNERS-UP: LaBonte Construction Blue Hot Design Closet Concepts

Landscaper

KK LANDSCAPE & HORTICULTURE

RUNNERS-UP: Solano Landscaping Bluemel’s Garden & Landscape Center Createscape Landscaping Services SHEPHERD EXPRESS

BMO HARRIS BANK and WISCONSIN MORTGAGE CORPORATION RUNNERS-UP: Summit Financial Bank Mutual

Plumber

VIKING PLUMBING

RUNNERS-UP: Milestone Plumbing Vince Ingrilli & Sons Plumbing

Real Estate Agent BETH JAWORSKI (SHOREWEST REALTORS)

RUNNERS-UP: Caitlin Dennis (Shorewest Realtors) Kevin Rigg (Shorewest Realtors) Dominic Kissinger (Powers Realty Group) John Molitor (Coldwell Banker)

Real Estate Developer ANDERSON COMMERCIAL GROUP RUNNERS-UP: Cobalt Partners Colliers International Phoenix Investors

Rental Property Management Group MY DWELLING

RUNNERS-UP: Bieck Management Glenco Properties Mandel Group

>> LGBTQ Drag Show

HAMBURGER MARY’S MILWAUKEE

RUNNERS-UP: Milwaukee La Cage Whose Drag Is It Anyway at DIX

LGBTQ Advocate CREAM CITY FOUNDATION

RUNNERS-UP: Erin Fay Paul Masterson Jason Rae

LGBTQ -Friendly Business

HAMBURGER MARY’S MILWAUKEE

RUNNERS-UP: Law Oﬃce of Erin Fay Stephanie Murphy DDS Walker’s Pint

LGBTQ -Friendly Workplace

HAMBURGER MARY’S MILWAUKEE

RUNNERS-UP: Northwestern Mutual Beerline Café B2B Dynamix

Roofer

REIMER ROOFING & REMODELING

RUNNERS-UP: AD Rooﬁng Alliance Rooﬁng

J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8 | 55

Best of Milwaukee 2017

>> HIGHER EDUCATION

>> BODY, MIND & SPIRIT

College for Students Age 35 and Up

Post Graduate College / University

Crossfit-Style Gym

RUNNERS-UP: Milwaukee Area Technical College Cardinal Stritch University Marquette University Alverno College

RUNNERS-UP: Marquette University Mount Mary University Herzing University Milwaukee School of Engineering

MBA Program

Private College / University

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN MILWAUKEE

RUNNERS-UP: Milwaukee School of Engineering Alverno College Marquette University

Music Program

WISCONSIN CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC

RUNNERS-UP: University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Mount Mary University Alverno College

Nursing School

MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY

RUNNERS-UP: Medical College of Wisconsin University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee Area Technical College

Online College / University UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN -MILWAUKEE

RUNNERS-UP: Milwaukee Area Technical College Herzing University University of Phoenix-Milwaukee Campus

56 | J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSINMILWAUKEE

MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY

RUNNERS-UP: Cardinal Stritch University Milwaukee School of Engineering Alverno College Concordia University Mount Mary University

Public College / University

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSINMILWAUKEE

RUNNERS-UP: University of Wisconsin-Madison University of Wisconsin-Waukesha University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

Tutoring Service for College

COLLEGE POSSIBLE MILWAUKEE RUNNERS-UP: ABC Tutoring Services UniversityTutor.com

Vocational / Technical College

MILWAUKEE AREA TECHNICAL COLLEGE

RUNNERS-UP: Waukesha County Technical College University of Wisconsin-Waukesha Kaplan University

BADGER CROSSFIT

RUNNERS-UP: BrewCity Crossfit Cream City Crossfit Cooperative INVIVO

Gym

WISCONSIN ATHLETIC CLUB

RUNNERS-UP: Badger Crossfit INVIVO Spire Fitness

Massage Therapist INVIVO

RUNNERS-UP: Carlson Wellness Goodyear Chiropractic Health Center Milwaukee Urban Acupuncture Originails Nail Salon And Spa

Personal Trainer TRAVIS JANKO

RUNNERS-UP: Garrett van Auken Katie Hunt Michael LeDoux Rob Mcdonial

Pilates Studio BARRE DISTRICT

RUNNERS-UP: East Side Pilates INVIVO Kinetic MKE

Yoga Studio

MILWAUKEE YOGA CENTER

RUNNERS-UP: INVIVO Tosa Yoga Center Urban Om

SHEPHERD EXPRESS

Best of Milwaukee 2017 >> KIDS

Children’s Clothing Store LITTLE MONSTERS

RUNNERS-UP: Swoon Gymboree Goo Goo Gaa Gaa

Children’s Photographer STORIES FRAMED PHOTOGRAPHY

RUNNERS-UP: JNPortraits Jennifer Holt Photography Erika A. Beale (Erika’s Photography)

Daycare

THE NURTURING NOOK: GENERATIONS

RUNNERS-UP: Tiny Green Trees Ebenezer Child Care Center Grandma’s House Day Care Center

Elementary School OUR REDEEMER LUTHERAN SCHOOL

RUNNERS-UP: Richards School Cumberland Elementary School Woodlands School

Family Friendly Restaurant CULVER’S

RUNNERS-UP: SafeHouse North Star American Bistro Mad Rooster Café

High School

WHITEFISH BAY HIGH SCHOOL RUNNERS-UP: Riverside University High School Rufus King High School Ronald Reagan High School

Middle School MILWAUKEE SCHOOL OF LANGUAGES

RUNNERS-UP: Whitefish Bay Middle School Shorewood Intermediate School Notre Dame Middle School

Pediatrician CLAUDIA KOCH RUNNERS-UP: Timothy Richer William Jeruc Paula Keppeler

Place for Birthday Parties

ORGAN PIPER PIZZA PALACE

Best of Milwaukee 2016

RUNNERS-UP: Little Sprouts Play Café KitschëCoo Art & Craft Shed Bounce Milwaukee

Place for Family Fun MILWAUKEE COUNTY ZOO

RUNNERS-UP: Little Sprouts Play Café Bounce Milwaukee Kids In Motion Peck & Bushel Fruit Company

WINNER

THANKS FOR VOTING US BEST LIGHTING SHOWROOM!

Summer Camp

CAMP MINIKANI BRANCH YMCA DANCEWORKS SUMMER CAMP

RUNNERS-UP: Good Times Summer Day Camp Phantom Lake YMCA Camp

SHEPHERD EXPRESS

Open Everyday! M-Sat 9-5, Sun 11-4 2015 W. St. Paul Ave. Milwaukee (414) 933-0808 BBClighting.com

Lowest

Latest

Largest

PRICES!

STYLES!

SHOWROOM! J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8 | 57

Best of Milwaukee 2017 >> NEIGHBORHOODS

Milwaukee Neighborhood to Live In

Milwaukee Neighborhood to Eat In

RUNNERS-UP: Riverwest Washington Heights East Side

RUNNERS-UP: Walker’s Point East Side Historic Third Ward

BAY VIEW

Milwaukee Neighborhood to Drink In

Milwaukee Neighborhood to Shop In

RUNNERS-UP: Riverwest Walker’s Point Historic Third Ward

RUNNERS-UP: Bay View Bayshore Town Center Downtown

BAY VIEW

HISTORIC THIRD WARD

Suburb to Live In

Suburb to Eat In

RUNNERS-UP: Wauwatosa Brookﬁeld Oak Creek

RUNNERS-UP: Shorewood Brookﬁeld Glendale

Suburb to Drink In

Suburb to Shop In

RUNNERS-UP: Waukesha Brookﬁeld Shorewood

RUNNERS-UP: Brookﬁeld Mequon Greenﬁeld

SHOREWOOD

WAUWATOSA

B E S T O F

Milwaukee Party T W E N T Y

S E V E N T E E N

THANK YOU TO THE MILWAUKEE COMMUNITY

TO O U R FA B U L O U S PRESENTING SPONSOR:

58 | J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8

A N D TO O U R SPONSORS:

We had a Blast! SHEPHERD EXPRESS

SHEPHERD EXPRESS

J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8 | 59

::DININGOUT

For more Dining, log onto shepherdexpress.com

KEVIN SPARROW

FEATURE | SHORT ORDER | EAT/DRINK

Cloud Red

Cloud Red’s Quality Pub Food in a Comfortable Ambiance

Not a drinker, or designated driver for the night? No problem, as Red Cloud has plenty of non-alcoholic drinks besides just soda: Rishi teas, Anodyne coffee and even Tapaut kombucha on tap. The food menus of appetizers, sandwiches and wraps are whimsically scripted on boards displayed near the kitchen door, and customers order at the bar. Healthy comfort food might sound like an oxymoron, but Cloud Red’s small yet comprehensive menu nails it with variety and quality. Most items can be made vegetarian or vegan, and there are also gluten-free options. For starters, we debated among the Clock Shadow Creamery cheese curds, buffalo cauliflower wings or the Mid East Peace appetizer (all $9) before choosing the latter, which included generous servings of house-made hummus and baba ganoush (an eggplant dip), accompanied by fresh cucumber slices and plenty ::BY SHEILA JULSON of warm pita bread triangles. The bread was especially good, thinner and lightly seasoned, and not at all thick, doughy or dry like pita found at some eateries. horewood’s business district along Oakland Avenue has welcomed When our sandwiches arrived, my husband dove into his Ney’s Big Sky Burger some additions recently, including Cloud Red. The quaint bar and ($12), a half-pound, grass-fed beef burger topped with bacon, green leaf lettuce, casual eatery has a welcoming atmosphere with wood tables and extomato, cheddar and French-fried onions, served on a brioche bun. More than posed Cream City brick walls. A garage door, which provides an openonce, he praised the freshness and quality of the burger. air concept during warm months, lets in plenty of natural light during I chose the tofu Po’Boy sandwich ($12), which is also available with chicken. winter. Quirky board games like Crabs Adjust Humidity and 1980s-’90s trivia The seasoned, breaded tofu was topped with pickled carrots and daikon, cuprovide entertainment while you sip a drink or enjoy a meal. The music is cumbers, cilantro, lettuce, lime, and a spicy sauce on a piccolo roll. The tasty kept at conversational level. sandwich tempted me to eat the whole thing, but it was Cloud Red has 16 beers on tap representing enough for two servings. (Cloud Red has no take-outs, but some of the best craft brewers of Milwaukee, Wiscontainers are available to take leftovers home.) consin and the Midwest. A post-Christmas visit Cloud Red Other menu choices included the falafel open-faced pita featured Indiana’s 3 Floyds Brewing Co.’s seasonal burger, Thai-grilled steak sandwich and fresh—not fried— 4488 N. Oakland Ave. Alpha Klaus Christmas Porter. About 20 more spring rolls with chicken or tofu. Side choices such as chips 414-231-9660 | $-$$ craft and domestic beers and cider are available are also available separately. cloudredmke.com by bottle or can. There are several house cocktails Specials include Taco Tuesday and Wine Wednesday, Handicapped access: Yes (all $9) to choose from, such as Beach, Please made with where all bottles are half-price, because, as one of their CC, GF tropical spirits, or the basil gimlet. The wine selection is also Hours: M-Th 4 p.m.-2 a.m., amusing signs proclaims, “It isn’t good to keep things decent ($8 per glass; bottle prices vary) with choices such as bottled up.” F-Sa 2 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. Storybook pinot noir.

60 | J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8

SHEPHERD EXPRESS

A CONCERT TO BENEFIT

PROGRESSIVECHC.ORG

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2 • 7:30PM • $20 TURNER HALL BALLROOM, 1040 N. 4TH STREET Tickets available at the box office or pabsttheater.org. More info at milwaukeegospel.org.

SHEPHERD EXPRESS

J A N UA RY 1 8 , 2 0 1 8 | 61

DININGOUT::EAT/DRINK

Milwaukee’s Best Wings NOW SERVING FRIDAY FISH FRY! SPECIALS M: $2 TACOS $1 OFF MEXICAN BEERS T: $2.50 PINTS OF MILLER LITE $3.25 PINTS Riverwest Stein or Blue Moon

$6 BLACK ANGUS BURGER 4-11 p.m. Dine-in only.

W: $2 PBR OR ROLLING ROCK TH: $2.25 RAIL HIGHBALLS $4.50 RAIL HIGHBALL DOUBLES $3.00 HIGHBALLS

C. Adam’s Bakery

est ofe B Milwauke

2014- 2016 R

C. Adam’s Bakery a $6.00 HIGHBALL DOUBLES Milwaukee Public “No Event We Can’t Handle” Market Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner • Catering Favorite WINNE

(all the Great Lakes Distillery liquors)

1501 N. Jackson St. | (414) 277-0122 thepointseastpub.com

(all the Great Lakes Distillery liquors)

NO TO-GO OR PHONE ORDERS. NO CHILDREN ALLOWED WITH OR WITHOUT PARENTS.

::BY SHEILA JULSON

15419 W National Ave New Berlin, WI 53151

WWW.THEPEACHTREECATERING.COM

517 N. Main Street Thiensville, WI 53092

WWW.PMCATERING.COM

Catering 414-803-5177 62 | J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8

ver since the Milwaukee Public Market opened in 2005, C. Adam’s Bakery has been making life sweeter for the throngs of shoppers that pass through the market every day. It’s not uncommon to see people lined up three- and four-deep at C. Adam’s Bakery’s eyecatching display case, trying to decide among the large assortment of scratch-made cookies, rich, chewy brownies, artfully decorated cupcakes, flaky cinnamon twists, donuts and more. C. Adam’s Bakery founder Lisa Crum owned Sweet Perks bakery, in Wauwatosa, prior to opening C. Adam’s Bakery. Most of the products are Crum’s original recipes, said General Manager Julia Block, who, shortly after finishing high school, started working for Crum at Sweet Perks. After college, Block, who has a master’s degree in English literature but loves to bake, eventually returned to work with Crum at C. Adam’s Bakery. “We have a really nice combination of fromscratch American baking, as well as items more popular and trendy, like cake bites or French macaroons,” said Block. Block added that their cookies are by far their most popular item, especially the chocolate chunk, loaded with hunks of dark chocolate.

Other flavors in the cookie selection include ginger snapper, Wisconsin (with dried cranberries, walnuts and maple syrup), oatmeal raisin, peanut butter, Heath (crunchy toffee), s’mores and a vegan chocolate chip. Brownie lovers can have a traditional fudgy brownie or choose from an assortment that includes red velvet, Cream City (described as “brownie meets cheesecake”) or Seventh Heaven—a mother lode of chocolate gooiness enhanced with coconuts, walnuts and caramel. Tangy fruit bars, balanced with buttery shortbread crusts, come in flavors such as lemon, key lime, and apricot or raspberry streusel. In addition to muffins, scones, Danish, sweet breads, tiramisu cups, French macaroons and cakes, there are some gluten-free items such as coconut macaroons and flourless chocolate cake. Full cakes come in chocolate, carrot, red velvet or seasonal varieties. “Our main baker, Chelsea Zwieg, is really talented, and she has come up with a lot of cake combinations, like salted caramel gingerbread cake for the Christmas season,” Block said. “We do a lot of seasonal items; for Christmas we have eggnog, peppermint or gingerbread, and as spring approaches, we’ll move into fresh fruits.” Block said that C. Adam’s Bakery stays away from orders like large-tiered wedding cakes due to their small work space; and while they do not do elaborate fondant decorating work, they will customize dessert tables for special events, as well as special order cakes in custom flavors. “If a customer has an idea, we will work with them to create what they’re looking for,” she said. “Because our products are scratch-made, it’s easy for us to deviate from a recipe and add something new, or change things up and incorporate new flavors or ideas.” As one of the original vendors at the bustling Milwaukee Public Market, Block said the location has been a great fit for C. Adam’s Bakery: “We are lucky to be in the market where there’s lots of foot traffic and tourists. It’s a great location for us.” For more information and to view the full bakery menu, visit cadamsbakery.com. SHEPHERD EXPRESS

::SPORTS What the Packers Need to Build On ::BY PAUL NOONAN

he flaws of the Green Bay Packers were on full display with the loss of Aaron Rodgers, but it wasn’t all bad news. The Packers possess several strong units and quite a few elite players outside of the starting quarterback, and due to Ted Thompson’s strong roster building, the holes in this ship are quite patchable. The strength of the Packers going forward lies here.

Defensive Line Kenny Clark was easily one of the five best Packers players this season, and there is a decent case to be made for the second-year tackle as the team’s MVP. Clark was a run-stuffing dynamo, destroying double teams and routinely putting opponents on the ground. Clark is a cog in the Dom Capers defense, and his contributions don’t show up in the stat sheets, but they do show up in the stat sheets of inside linebacker Blake Martinez—who led the team with 94 tackles—and Jake Ryan, who chipped in 51 more. Clark rarely surrenders ground and allows the defenders behind him clear shots at ball carriers and quarterbacks. The fact that he chipped in 4.5 sacks is just the icing on the cake. When healthy, Mike Daniels is as good as any 3-4 defensive end in football as a doeverything run-stuffer and pass rusher, while Dean Lowry offers surprising pass-rushing skills of his own. With Quinton Dial playing well in subpackages, the defensive line was the strongest unit on the team in 2017 and should continue to be so going forward.

Running Back The jury is still out on the early part of Ted Thompson’s final draft, but he hit it out of the park with two brilliant, complementary, lateround running backs. Jamaal Williams, who took over as lead back against the Baltimore Ravens after injuries sidelined Aaron Jones and Ty Montgomery, quickly established

SHEPHERD EXPRESS

himself as a premier power back. Williams’ numbers don’t blow you away as he averaged just 3.6 yards per carry, but he did serious damage against some impressive defensive fronts, and, most importantly, he almost never lost yards. He finished an impressive 12th in DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average), which does a better job of capturing his true efficiency. Williams was also excellent in pass protection and, for a big back, an outstanding receiver. Aaron Jones missed some time with injuries, but when he was on the field, only the New Orleans Saints’ Alvin Kamara was better. Per DVOA, Jones had the second most efficient season of any back, and his ability to do damage between the tackles while also breaking off big runs outside made for the most exciting Packers running game since Ahman Green. The Saints’ thunder and lightning duo of Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara cost them a first and a third round pick. The Packers got almost the same thing for a late fourth and a late fifth.

Davante Adams Davante Adams had an amazing season that saw him actually kick up his level of play once Rodgers was lost for the season. Adams is a terror with the ball, breaking opposing ankles left and right and dominating on any and all “go-forward” routes, especially the slant. Adams is one of the team’s greatest developmental success stories, and it’s a crime that he still doesn’t have a 1,000-yard season under his belt, but the fact is the offense wouldn’t function without him, and it was essential that the Packers extend him. Adams is now under contract through 2021, and while the Packer receiving corps needs a talent injection, the number one spot is no longer in question.

Milwaukee Area Technical College has a number of full-time and part-time openings within its food services department at multiple locations:

CULINARY ASSISTANT / TRANSPORTATION AIDE CULINARY ASSISTANT For further information and to apply, please go to www.governmentjobs.com/careers/matc

WINE TASTING Rooftop Bar • Jan. 18 • 5-9PM EVERY THIRD THURSDAY No reservations necessary. $12 entry fee. Complimentary admission for Pastiche dining guests. pastichebistro.com 414-225-3270 • 411 E. Mason St.

Thistle and Shamrock 3430 N. 84th St. (414) 871-3977

Shepherd Express named Top 10 Classic Fish Frys

Biggest Fish Selection in The Midwest

Blue Gill • Cod Loin • Haddock • Smelt • Catfish Northern Pike • Shrimp • Pollock • Salmon • Lake Perch Walleye • Australian Sea Bass • Red Snapper

Live Music Friday and Saturday

Offensive Line David Bakhtiari is the best left tackle in football; not bad for a former fourth rounder in charge of the best quarterback in football’s blind side. Bakhtiari is just another in a long line of stud linemen produced by the Packers machine, and he should remain a perennial pro bowler. The Packers resigned center Corey Linsley to a team-friendly deal, and combined with Lane Taylor, the interior of the line has a solid base to build on. Guard Jahri Evans and right tackle Bryan Bulaga will likely take a step back due to age and injury, but Justin McCray showed some fight when pressed into action, and Jason Spriggs developed nicely. If he can add some additional bulk, he has the potential to be very good. Aaron Rodgers will be back next year, and he will be well protected.

BOTTOMLESS

MIMOSAS

BOND BRUNCH SUNDAYS 11-4 (414) 2712-007 | 773 FRONT ST. | SAFE-HOUSE.COM

J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8 | 63

::THISWEEKINMILWAUKEE THURSDAY, JAN. 18 The Zach Pietrini Band w/ Jon Knudson @ Good City Brewing. 7 p.m.

Milwaukee singer/songwriter Zach Pietrini scaled back his rollicking Americana for his latest album, 2017’s Holding Onto Ghosts, a hushed and contemplative record with a decidedly darker tone than its predecessors. When he’s accompanied onstage by his backing band, though, Pietrini still knows how to barnstorm with the best of them. The group’s stomping, feverish shows have given them a reputation as one of the city’s must-see live acts. This show at Good City Brewing will serve as the kickoff for the group’s winter tour, which will take them down to Florida. Jon Knudson from the Americana group Driveway Thriftdwellers opens.

Zach Pietrini

FRIDAY, JAN. 19

Dwight Yoakam BY EMILY JOYCE

Local Coverage @ Turner Hall Ballroom, 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, JAN. 20

Once again last fall Milwaukee Record held a draft to determine which of the nine Milwaukee bands and solo artists the site selected for its annual Local Coverage benefit concert would cover each other. As always, the draft yielded some truly unlikely pairings. For this year’s concert, De La Buena will put a Latin spin on the quirky guitar-pop of Jaill, while soul singer Lex Allen will put his stamp on the rollicking country of Whiskey of the Damned, and rockers Space Raft will amp up songs by the synth-pop band NO/NO. Listening Party, B~Free and Negative/Positive round out the bill. Each of the nine acts plays for just 15 minutes, so the night moves fast. Tickets for the show are just $10 in advance, and all proceeds go to the Milwaukee Women’s Center.

Dwight Yoakam @ The Riverside Theater

Label heads assumed that Dwight Yoakam’s scrappy, unrepentantly honky-tonky country-rock would be a tough sell in an ’80s climate that favored poppier country sounds. They were wrong. Yoakam’s 1986 album Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc. became one of the most iconic country debuts of that decade, setting the stage for a number of follow-up numberone country albums and a career that has now lasted for more than a quarter century. At 56, Yoakam remains as iconoclastic as ever. He’s dabbled in more modern sounds on some of his recent albums, including 2012’s 3 Pears, which featured a pair of collaborations with Beck, but his most recent album, 2016’s Swimmin’ Pools, Movie Stars…, is a traditional bluegrass album, complete with some unforgettable mandolin.

MAM After Dark @ Milwaukee Art Museum, 7 p.m.

Well timed for the coldest month of the year, the latest installment of the Milwaukee Art Museum’s MAM After Dark series celebrates all things Latin, with a night of salsa dancing and music from the brassy Chicago ensemble ¡ESSO! (El Sonido Sonic Octopus), as well as the DJ collective Future Rootz, who specialize in world-minded electronic music and Latin house. There will also be tapas-style dining, team trivia, an art scavenger hunt and a display of new works by Spanish artist/designer Jaime Hayon. MIKE RIVERA

2018 Pablove Benefit Concert: An All-star Tribute to Tom Petty @ Turner Hall Ballroom, 6:30 p.m.

Milwaukee native and former Elektra Records president Jess Castelaz launched the pediatric cancer charity Pablove in honor of his late son Pablo. Each winter the organization rounds up a host of talent for its annual Pablove Benefit Concerts, which this year is framed as a massive tribute to Tom Petty. Sam Llanas, Abby Jeanne, Gabriel Sanchez, The Wooldridge Brothers, Semi Twang, Louie Lucchesi and Chris DeMay will be among those paying tribute to the late rocker. The show will open with what’s sure to be an emotional note: After losing band member Tim Phillips last year, the Milwaukee alternative group Spanglemaker will play a farewell performance in his memory.

Rebels & Renegades: The WhiskeyBelles and WheelHouse @ Cedarburg Cultural Center, 7:30 p.m.

¡ESSO!

64 | J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8

Cedarburg Cultural Center’s “Rebels & Renegades” series takes a big-picture view of American music, featuring a mix of local and national bands playing all kinds of bluegrass, folk, country and roots music. This installment features The WhiskeyBelles, a gregarious Milwaukee country music trio inspired by legends like The Carter Family, Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris. They put a cheeky spin on vintage country tunes, both classic and obscure, as well as the originals they’ve written for albums like their latest, last year’s Dance in the Moonshine. They’ll be joined on the bill by WheelHouse, a hard-touring Madison band whose blend of bluegrass and outlaw country nods to greats like Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings. SHEPHERD EXPRESS

Read our daily events guide, Today in Milwaukee, on shepherdexpress.com

R A A G A

E N T E R TA I N M E N T

L L C

P R E S E N T S

THE INDO JAZZ FUSION BAND

SATURDAY, JAN. 20 Milwaukeeappella featuring Transit @ South Milwaukee PAC, 7:30 p.m.

Finalists in the 2017 International Championship of A Cappella Open, the vocal band Transit headlines this day of a cappella-themed entertainment at the South Milwaukee PAC. The group is known for their rich, distinctive covers of songs from acts like Maroon 5, Bob Marley and The Beatles, and one of its singers, Adam Decker, took home Outstanding Soloist honors at last year’s A Cappella Open. Ahead of Transit’s performance, there will be a full day of student workshops covering a cappella technique, beatboxing, vocal percussion, performance prep and other subjects from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Students from those workshops will open for Transit’s performance later that evening.

Crosscurrents

Paw Patrol Live!: Race to the Rescue @ Miller High Life Theatre, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

F E AT U R I N G

Characters from the Nickelodeon smash hit “Paw Patrol” star in this live spinoff of the show. After the mayor of Adventure Bay goes missing on the day of a big save, Plucky 10-year-old Ryder and his pack of highly talented rescue dogs step in to save the day. The set and character designs are every bit as bright and colorful as the ones on the TV show. (Also Sunday,. Jan. 21)

ZAKIR HUSSAIN: Tabla DAVE HOLLAND: Bass CHRIS POTTER: Saxophone (Grammy Nominee) SHANKAR MAHADEVAN: Vocals LOUIZ BANKS: Keyboards SANJAY DIVECHA: Guitar GINO BANKS: Drums DANNY CLINCH

SATURDAY, APRIL 28 | 8 PM | MATC: COOLEY THEATER 1015 N. 6th St., Milwaukee (Main Building: 6th and State)

FOR TICKETS: 414-771-3535 or www.raagaentertainment.com

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Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 24

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Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit w/ James McMurtry @ The Riverside Theater

Singer-songwriter Jason Isbell first caught the attention of Southern rock fans as a late addition to the cultishly beloved group Drive-By Truckers. He played with the group for six years, contributing some unforgettable songs to their mid-’00s records, but it wasn’t until he left the band to pursue a solo career in 2007 that he really came into his own as a songwriter, earning acclaim for unrelentingly honest records like 2013’s Southeastern, which he filled with songs about addiction, illness and sexual abuse. Recorded with his band the 400 Unit, Isbell’s latest album The Nashville Sound cements him as a bona fide country star. It was nominated for Album of the Year at last year’s Country Music Awards, and is up for Best Americana Album at this year’s Grammys.

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2Cellos @ BMO Harris Bradley Center, 8 p.m.

As 2Cellos, the Croatian duo Luka Šulić and Stjepan Hauser treat the cello not only as a classical instrument, but also as a rock one, rearranging not only classical standards but also pop and rock staples. The group’s fourth and latest album Score includes memorable covers of songs from Schindler’s List, Chariots of Fire, The Godfather and, most dramatically, a medley of “Game of Thrones” music. SHEPHERD EXPRESS

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A&E::THEATRE

All In Productions’ Reaches High in ‘Constellations’ ::BY HARRY CHERKINIAN

arianne studies the stars. Roland harvests honey. Together, this unlikely pair conjures galaxies of possibilities and configurations across love and time in Constellations. All In Productions closes its season at the top of its game, showcasing its multifaceted talent for intimate works (such as Circle Mirror Transformation) that focus on the complexity and vulnerability of our relationships. Playwright Nick Payne challenges the audience to think about and consider the many possibilities of choices within our actions by replaying the same scene over and over with slight variations. Rather than being repetitive, Constellations skillfully explores how one small change—an inflection here, a change of word there—can affect the outcome. (The emotional version of Chaos Theory?) And in this twoperson production, endless outcomes can exist. Simultaneously. We find humor and seriousness in these replays, be it when the couple first meets or as they deal with issues of infidelity and mortality. A chance meeting at a rained-out barbecue is funny and awkward as Roland is already in a relationship. Or is he? And when it comes to seeing other people, both Marianne and Roland admit to affairs. It’s less about the actual “one” outcome and more about the choices leading up to one. Constellations is thought provoking and demanding, particularly for the two actors involved. Both Libby Amato (Marianne) and David Sapiro (Roland) completely engulf us in their characters, showing us different sides while remaining true to their core selves. Roland must often react/respond to Marianne, and Sapiro is right there with her, be it a moment of tenderness or switched up to impending death. They walk an extremely fine line in varying their characters ever so slightly, replay after replay. Yet they do it with finesse and fierceness, a “cool electrical current” always running underneath to spark the emotional tension. Director Mitch Weindorf places Constellations in the round, giving this stellar production a sense of floating timelessness while keeping the action grounded in the infinite outcomes. As death looms in one moment, Marianne says, “We have all the time we’ve always had.” Just consider the possibilities. Through Jan. 20 at the Tenth Street Theatre, 628 N.10th St. For tickets and more information, visit allin-mke.com.

Orwell For All Times MILWAUKEE REP SMARTLY REPACKAGES ‘ANIMAL FARM’ ::BY SELENA MILEWSKI

“T

he cruel repetition of history reminds us how tenuous and fragile human freedom is … Revolutions are only successful when the masses have the education to be alert and can be ready to speak out.” So writes May Adrales in her director’s notes for the Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s production of Animal Farm. Ian Wooldridge’s stage adaptation of George Orwell’s 1945 political satire is brilliant for its elegantly faithful transmission of source material; the Rep’s production, for executing the story in a way that shows its ongoing relevance. The core ideas are all intact. Populaces revolt under oppression by a ruling class. In the face of a power vacuum, even new systems based on the noblest populist principals are in grave danger of becoming dictatorships once again. The tactics of dictators remain largely consistent over time: Illiteracy and lack of other education are exploited as means to cover the dictators’ own inconsistency and hypocrisy; the common people are made to live in a state of fear through internal and external policing; and, of course, propaganda runs rampant. The Milwaukee Rep’s production adeptly paints this sadly timeless chain of events. Andrew Boyce’s scenic design features disorienting slanted walls, shattered cement flooring, and the hanging carcasses and blood splatters one might find in a very-below-code slaughter house. Noele Stollmack’s noir-esque lighting makes excellent use of long, distorted shadows. Izumi Inaba’s costumes place the ensemble in unspecified laborer coveralls with evocative accent pieces to suggest each animal character. Sound and original composition by Charles Coes and Nathan A. Roberts

succeeds in bringing multiple time periods into balance. For instance, Orwell’s anthem of the revolution takes its melody from the old Methodist hymn “Come, thou Fount of every blessing,” while Napoleon’s pet poet, Minimus, sings his master’s praises in the saccharine tones of a pop boyband. The performance ensemble couldn’t be more varied or fascinating. Their casting and performance style likewise serve the goal of making Orwell’s Soviet allegory universal and accessible. In multiple cases, the double castings are downright astute. Melvin Abston plays both tyrannical boar Napoleon and religious leader raven Moses—bringing straightforward menace and subtle emotional manipulation, respectively, to these two roles that essentially drive toward the same end. Tiffany Rachelle Stewart’s characters of bourgeois carthorse, Mollie, and Squealer, Napoleon’s propagandist pig, are likewise ideologically joined in duplicity and false sweetness. Under Movement Director Nancy Lemenager, the talented ensemble—completed by Jonathan Gillard Daly, Deborah Staples, Brendan Titley, Stephanie Weeks, Brade Bradshaw and Kelsey Rodriguez—move marvelously, both as a group and in individual characterizations. The performers clearly studied their respective animals extensively and bring their idiosyncrasies to life with as much charm and humor as intellectual horror. Not to be missed, the Rep’s Animal Farm is a smart, engaging tale for all times. Through Feb. 11 at the Quadracci Powerhouse, 108 E. Wells St. For tickets, call 414-224-9490 or visit milwaukeerep.com. MICHAEL BROSILOW

THEATRE | REVIEWS

Milwaukee Rep's 'Animal Farm'

FRI., JAN 26 | 7:30 PM VITALY AN EVENING OF WONDERS A captivating illusionist for all ages Reserve Tickets Today! (414) 766-5049 l southmilwaukeepac.org 66 | J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8

SHEPHERD EXPRESS

A&E::THEATRE THEATRE | PREVIEWS

Russian Transport

Room Service

With an ominous-sounding title like Russian Transport, you might think this story is about the infamous communist-era gulags or the terror of the unlamented regime of Josef Stalin. But instead, the play is set in the Russian emigrant enclave of Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, N.Y. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the story of an immigrant familyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;parents and their fairly well-assimilated teenage childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and a visit from â&#x20AC;&#x153;Uncle Boris,â&#x20AC;? who is the most recent arrival from the old country. But look a little deeper; this is no cozy, warm and fuzzy family story. It may not be Stalinist Russia, but a terrible past haunts this drama. According to Renaissance Theaterworks, the show is â&#x20AC;&#x153;part family drama, part heart-pounding thriller â&#x20AC;Ś It captures the complex and conflicting layers of one immigrant experience, centered on human trafficking.â&#x20AC;? Renaissance Theaterworkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Izetta Rees explains, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now, more than ever, it is important to educate our community of this increasing issue and the ways it can be prevented,â&#x20AC;? and to that end, Renaissance is partnering with three Milwaukee-based nonprofitsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Exploit No More, The Benedict Center and LOTUS Legal Clinicâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;to fundraise and help provide awareness through Russian Transport of the ongoing scourge of human trafficking. (John Jahn) Jan. 19-Feb. 11 in the Studio Theatre of the Broadway Theatre Center, 158 N. Broadway. For tickets, call 414-291-7800 or visit r-t-w.com.

For most people, I believe, the name Room Service conjures the beloved and zany Marx Brothersâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Groucho, Harpo, Chico and Zeppoâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and their comedy feature film of that name of 1938. Few would know that Room Service was, in fact, the only film the brothers made that wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t written specifically for them. In fact, it began as a play written by Allen Boretz and John Murray which made its stage debut in New York City on May 19, 1937, and ran for 500 performances. RKO Pictures bought the film rights (for a then-record-breaking $225,000) and from that came the legendary Marx Brothers film. It was also the basis for the 1944 RKO film musical Step Lively. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a record of success here worth making note of. Room Service is one of those theater works about the theater profession, but in this case, things get really weird. It centers on a desperate producer looking for a decent script from which to produce enough money to keep himself afloat for a little bit longer. The hilarity ensues when he finally finds oneâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;as well as a tidy sum of $15,000. (John Jahn) Jan. 18-Feb. 3 at Sunset Playhouseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Furlan Auditorium, 800 Elm Grove Road. For tickets, call 262-782-4430 or visit sunsetplayhouse.com.

Black Pearl Sings Taking place in Texas in 1933, this is a dramatic musical play based on real events. The Milwaukee Repertory Theater production will be directed by Leda Hoffmann and given music direction by Abdul Hamid Royalâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;both of whom fulfilled those same obligations winningly in Lady Day at Emersonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bar and Grill. Lynette Dupree, an actress who appeared in the 2005 feature film Their Eyes Were Watching God, plays Pearl, a woman with a soulful, expressive voice and strong spirit who has a passeddown knowledge of African American song. Black Pearl Singsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; story centers on Pearlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s encounter with an ambitious song collector for the Library of Congress, Susannah Mulally (played by long-time American Players Theatre member Colleen Madden). The play â&#x20AC;&#x153;features more than a dozen beautiful a capella renditions of spirituals and American folk songs,â&#x20AC;? says The Repâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Brianna Cullen, and â&#x20AC;&#x153;explores what it means to be a woman in a manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world, being black in a white world and fighting for oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s soul in a world where anyone can be a commodity.â&#x20AC;? (John Jahn) Jan. 19-March 18 in the Stackner Cabaret, 108 E. Wells St. For tickets, call 414-224-9490 or visit milwaukeerep.com.

THEATRE: MORE TO DO

Volume Control:

national festival of new plays by female playwrights â&#x20AC;&#x153;The plays weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve selected highlight many aspects of modern-day womanhood, including family life, sexuality, harassment, workplace discrimination, relationships and more,â&#x20AC;? announces Heidi Salter, Imagination Theatreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s artistic director. This free-to-the-public event, featuring local actors reading short plays by women from across the country, will also be collecting donations for the Milwaukee Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Center. Sunday, Jan. 21 at Next Act Theatre, 255 S. Water St. For more information, visit imaginationtheatrewi.org.

Dr. Seuss's The Cat in the Hat â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just a joy to watch this iconic book come to life on stage, and to see what we can accomplish together by embracing Dr. Seussâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; unbridled imagination,â&#x20AC;? says Jill Anna Ponasik, director of First Stageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s production. In fact, First Stageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cast and crew have gone to great lengths to imaginatively recreate many of the wonderful illustrations from the Dr. Seuss classic for their upcoming production of Dr. Seussâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s The Cat in the Hat. Jan. 21-Feb. 25 at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, 325 W. Walnut St. For tickets, call 414-273-7206 or visit firststage.org.

A&E::DANCE DANCE | PREVIEWS

Danceworks DanceLAB â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Get It Out Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; JAN. 20

Milwaukeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rapidly growing dance and dance theater scene has become the bright spot of experimental performance in town. Danceworks has a big hand in that development. Now presented twice yearly, the Danceworks DanceLAB program is a mini-festival of short works by established and emerging choreographers and their collaborators in a range of disciplines and styles. Everythingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a work in progress; the point is to see what happens when an audience completes the artwork and theory becomes reality. There will be two entirely different shows on Saturday, Jan. 20, one at 6 p.m. and another at 8 p.m. See them both. Have a bite in between. DiModa Pizza, a block away, will give a 10% discount if you show your ticket. The estimable Catey Ott Thompson, Maggie Seer, Zachary Byron Schorsch and Michaele Chaigneau-Norton have works in Show A, along with teams Emily Bennett & Emily Bolwerk, Debrasha Rogers & Wanyah Frazier and Kate Vetter & Fusion Dance. Classical Indian dancer Cyenthia Vijayakumar appears in both shows. Show B includes Irish dancer Hannah Voelkel, hip-hop dancer Kho Lor and works by Elena Cusak, Gina Tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ai and Piper Morgan Hayesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; many names as yet unfamiliar to me and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also the point. (John Schneider) Both shows are at Danceworks Studio Theatre, 1661 N. Water St. For tickets, call 414-277-8480 ext. 6017 or visit danceworksmke.org.

MORE TO DOS

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Afternoon at the Operaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; For their annual Winter Concert, the Milwaukee Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choir has selected the intriguing moniker Afternoon at the Opera, which will see the assembly of all the youngsters in the ensemble. Together with featured soloist Sarah Richardson, the young choristers will lift their angelic voices to pay tribute to some of the finest childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s choir excerpts from the world of the opera. Saturday, Jan. 20 at Carroll Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shattuck Auditorium, 218 N. East Ave., Waukesha. For tickets, visit milwaukeechildrenschoir.org.

TRANSPORT

By Erika Sheffer

JAN 19 - FEB 11

by Tarell Alvin McCraney

FEB 21 - MAR 18 A domestic comedy, drama, crime story & thriller!

A poetic, profound drama by the co-writer of the film Moonlight!

888 #30"%8":5)&"53&$&/5&3 $0. t t / #30"%8": t .*-8"6,&& 4 )*4503*$ 5)*3% 8"3% SHEPHERD EXPRESS

J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8 | 67

A&E::FILM

[FILM CLIPS] 12 Strong R Based on Doug Stanton’s 2010 best-selling novel, Horse Soldiers, this film documents a harrowing battle in Afghanistan. Shortly after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Capt. Mitch Nelson (Chris Hemsworth) and his 12-member U.S. Special Forces team persuade a rag-tag band of Afghans to help them bring down a Taliban stronghold. Mitch’s team tries to make sense of outdated maps after learning to ride scrappy Afghani steeds alongside their new allies. Since Jerry Bruckheimer produces, it’s a cinch the settings and explosions will dazzle. In his book, author Doug Stanton carefully brought each soldier to life. Failing to do likewise here will put this one in the line of fire. (Lisa Miller)

Den of Thieves R Written and directed by Christian Gudegast (scribe of 2016’s London Has Fallen), this actioner casts Gerard Butler as the hero. A band of arrogant thieves target the Los Angeles Federal Reserve Bank because, every day, it sends $120 million in U.S. currency to be destroyed. The crooks apparently favor recycling, and they’ve got the weapons, vehicles and body armor to make it happen. Their one mistake is challenging Butler’s cop, Nick Flanagan, to try and stop ‘The Commuter’

Liam Neeson’s Wild Ride on ‘The Commuter’ Train ::BY DAVID LUHRSSEN

iam Neeson is the AARP action- But along the way, The Commuter is an essay hero extraordinaire—a fit older in paranoia and corruption set against the shatgentleman who isn’t looking for tered backdrop of the American Dream. As the a fight but will give worse than story begins, Mike, 60, is let go from his comhe gets in any confrontation. He’s pany in a cost-saving measure. He thought he back again in The Commuter, this time as Mike did everything right—the loving wife, the nice if MacCauley, a just laid-off insurance salesman double-mortgaged suburban home and the son whose ride home from Manhattan on the com- whose tuition at Syracuse he struggles to afford. muter train turns into a war of survival for his And then it’s all over with no prospects. Direcfamily, the passengers and, although this seems tor Jaume Collet-Serra (who previously worked last on his mind, himself. with Neeson in Unknown) opens The Commuter The tightly wound plot works well enough with a well-edited montage of Mike’s day-in for the first three-quarters of The Commuter. A day-out, wake-up alarm and train ride to work as mysterious stranger who calls herself Joanna seasons pass. Everyone he talks to on his way to (Vera Farmiga) approaches Mike on the train the office is chalking up the remaining years like where he’s absorbed in reading The Grapes of prisoners scratching on the walls of their cells. Wrath. She seems bright and personable (a psyThe Commuter is especially harsh with Wall chology grad student conducting an exercise?) Street, embodied by one of the train’s passenwhen she asks, “What kind of person are you? gers, an arrogant young broker. “We don’t repreWhat if I asked you to do one thing?” That thing sent people like you,” he tells Mike, his disdain sounds like a game: If Mike finds a hidden for the middle class undisguised. The broker’s package containing $25,000, ringtone is Richard Wagner. he then agrees to find “someTrapped in a moving train one on this train who does with a mission he doesn’t not belong”—a person we’ll want, Mike is handed an enThe Commuter call Prynne, and plant a GPS velope by a stranger containtracker in his bag or on his ing his wife’s wedding ring. “I Liam Neeson person. can get to anyone anywhere,” Vera Farmiga Searching, he finds the Joanna reminds him on her Directed by packet of $100 bills, and like next call. The Commuter Jaume Collet-Serra Farley Granger in Strangworks as a nightmare, as abRated PG-13 ers on a Train, discovers surd at times as a bad dream that Joanna’s proposition is but just as palpably suffocatdeadly business. She is adaing in the sweaty confinement mant: “No one forced you of that crowded train. As the to take that money,” she says, needling him by puzzle comes together, the big surprises seem cellphone after exiting the train “You accepted less surprising. Still, there are many unsettling the offer,” she insists with calm malice, and she moments. A ringing cellphone from beneath the plans to hold him to her devil’s bargain. trap door on the train carriage reveals a corpse. The story goes off the rails in the final stretch. Even the dead can’t escape unwanted calls. 68 | J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8

them. What planet are they from? Every Earthling knows you don’t call out a Gerard Butler character unless you’ve got some weirdo death wish. (L.M.)

Forever My Girl PG Small-town boy Liam Page (Alex Roe) has become a full-fledged country music star when he returns home, hoping to rekindle romance with Josie (Jessica Rothe)—the fiancé he left behind nine years earlier. Josie’s raising a precocious, pigtail-rocking cutie named Billy (Abby Ryder Fortson). It’s only a matter of time until the math prompts Liam to realize he’s the “baby-daddy.” Liam’s also wealthy, handsome and charming...but is he father material? A little bit weepy, a little bit country and a lotta saccharine, this could ‘a been a Nicholas Sparks novel had writerdirector Bethany Ashton Wolf not beat him to the punch; sorry Nick, you can’t win ’em all! (L.M.)

[HOME MOVIES/OUT ON DIGITAL] Karl Marx City

Soon after the Berlin Wall fell, Petra Epperlein left East Germany for America and became a filmmaker. When in 1999 she learned of the suicide of her father, who stayed behind along with the rest of the family, Epperlein embarked to her defunct homeland in search of answers. Her father had received anonymous letters denouncing him as an informer for the Stasi, East Germany’s secret police. Was he really a snitch? Karl Marx City documents Epperlein’s quest to find the truth about her father’s role in a society based on fear. East Germany was a surveillance state with cameras at every corner and spies everywhere. Epperlein’s search led to interviews with former Stasi agents, who admitted they often used blackmail and psychological harassment to recruit informers, and into the Stasi archives with its 41-million index cards. As one historian tells her, the Stasi “would have found Facebook very useful.”

The Trip to Spain

Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon return for another culinary journey. This one begins unpromisingly for Coogan—he’s seasick on the ferry— but he recovers his appetite for 5-star meals upon landing. Trip is a buddy picture with conversation on marriage, middle age and the entertainment industry. Coogan does a funny Mick Jagger impression. Irony and British self-deprecation form the movie’s main course as the old friends cross the Spanish countryside in a rented Land Rover.

The Jazz Loft According to W. Eugene Smith

W. Eugene Smith was among America’s greatest photographers for his painterly rich, empathetic depiction of people and scenes. When he wasn’t in the dark room, he recorded music in the New York City loft where he lived—an ongoing jam for the city’s musicians at a time (19571965) when jazz was not only in tune with the surrounding culture but pushing the border. Sara Fishko’s documentary includes great memories from Carla Bley, Steve Reich and other habitués. —David Luhrssen SHEPHERD EXPRESS

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‘Allied in the Fight: Jews, Blacks and the Struggle for Civil Rights’ at Jewish Museum Milwaukee ::BY TYLER FRIEDMAN

VISUALART|REVIEW

Melissa Dorn Richards ‘Mopping Up’ at Frank Juarez Gallery

ost of us are probably not very interested in humble mops but Melissa Dorn Richards’ take on the subject will change your perspective. Her suite of paintings, sculptures and installations in the exhibition “Mopping Up” at Frank Juarez Gallery elegantly travels between minimalist and expressionistic impulses. It’s a Cinderella story, really—the shabby, overlooked and utilitarian thing becomes something significant and beautiful. Paring down her color palette to largely black and white, some massive paintings loom like rivers of texture. They suggest forms related to the inspiration of a mop, transformed into patterned variations and abstractions. The gallery arrangement even pays tribute to the show’s origin with a border of dust mop strands arranged along the floor, softening the edges of the gallery space. Some of the paintings are almost like portraits, with long braids that frame a suggestion of a face. Dorn Richards notes that the concept for this ongoing series stemmed from musing about the word “mop” and the varied connotations it can have. From a proverbial mop of hair to the action of cleaning up, it is metaphorically laden with ideas. In her art, she draws out the many facets of its visual form. Cutting the fibers of a mop makes them into short pieces, perfect for the process of latch hook and making three-dimensional pieces. Latch hook is something you may remember as a childhood introduction to textile arts, a process to laboriously knot short strands of yarn in order to make pillows or shag rugs. Dorn Richards has created a large tapestry in one case, as SHEPHERD EXPRESS

::By Kat Kneevers

n one of his recent stand-up specials, Dave Chappelle quipped that Jews and African Americans love to argue about which group has suffered more. But the truth of the matter is that injustice has commonly made marginalized groups collaborators instead of competitors. “Allied in the Fight: Jews, Blacks and the Struggle for Civil Rights,” on view at the Jewish Museum Milwaukee from Jan. 19 through March 25, presents historical photographs, letters, maps, films and other rare documents to explore how African American and Jewish communities have historically allied against injustice. “Allied in the Fight: Jews, Blacks and the Struggle for Civil Rights” is part of the Milwaukee-wide initiative “200 Nights of Freedom,” which commemorates the 50th anniversary of the 1967-68 Open Housing Marches. The exhibition includes a letter from Martin Luther King Jr. to Paula Pappenheim, correspondence between Eleanor Roosevelt and activist Justine Wise Polier, the uniform of NAACP Youth Council Milwaukee Commando Fred Reed and portraits from the new series “Black. Leadership. Milwaukee.” by photographer Jim Seder. “Allied in the Fight: Jews, Blacks and the Struggle for Civil Rights” is accompanied by events in February, March and April intended to spur dialogue. For more information, visit jewishmuseummilwaukee.org/events. Black demonstrator holding American Jewish Congress sign in front of State Capitol, Montgomery, Ala., at climax of Selma-toMontgomery march, March, 1965

Premiere Performance of Kim Miller’s “The Colony”

Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum | 2220 N. Terrace Ave. well as a sculpture that was inspired by a toaster cover. Both subvert any idea of this process as being a facile endeavor. “Mopping Up” honors an industrial thing that is usually regarded as a tool of drudgery, elevating it into something of depth and significance. That is after all, one of the important purposes of art. Dorn Richards will talk about her work during the upcoming Gallery Day at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 20, sharing her ideas that underlie this quietly intriguing exhibition. Through Feb. 17 at Frank Juarez Gallery, 207 E. Buffalo St., Suite 600. A reception will also be held from 5-8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 3 from 5-8 p.m. Melissa Dorn Richards, Mop Toaster, Mop, latch hook canvas, wood, 15” x 9” x 14”, 2017

“Back To School,” currently on display at the Villa Terrace, finds accomplished artists showing current work along with art they created during their school years. The result is rich in insight about constancy and development in artistic vision. In conjunction with the exhibition, artist and performer Kim Miller has created a “pedagogical performance” entitled The Colony. The work, set in an art school, explores the dynamics of power and language in the student-teacher relationship. Miller’s performance takes place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 18.

“Goodhopehouse”

Galerie Kenilworth | 2201 N. Farwell Ave. “Goodhopehouse,” the third exhibition to be staged at the new Galerie Kenilworth, translates the compound noun Gutehoffnungshütte, the name of a German steel manufacturer whose I-beams still support many a German edifice. Such is the case in the studio shared by the seven Berlin-based artists displaying work in the exhibition. Steel beams are also iconic of the artists’ spare, abstract paintings. An opening reception will be held from 7-10 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 19. Three of the exhibiting artists will be in attendance. J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8 | 69

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Novelist Sticks Up for MPS

(and Sticks It to For-Proﬁt Schools) ::BY DAVID LUHRSSEN

eoffrey Carter, a Milwaukee Public Schools English teacher for 25 years, got tired of the drumbeat of negative reporting on MPS and its students, the exaggerated rumors of chaos, the emphasis on failure at the expense of the system’s successes. After retiring in 2013, he began working on a novel that examines the assault on public education, The P.S. Wars. Recently published by Milwaukee’s HenschelHAUS Publishing, The P.S. Wars tracks the struggle of an urban high school's students and faculty—and the surrounding community—against the encroachment of privatization by a corrupt corporation. “I wanted to give the students and teachers a voice. They are underrepresented,” Carter says. “We keep hearing that MPS is a terrible institution. I want to put a human face on urban schools.” Carter continues to work in education since retirement, mentoring incoming teachers as well as students who have been expelled from MPS in sessions held at Sherman Park’s Boys and Girls Club. “Especially after 2010, teachers in Wisconsin have been vilified. The entire profession has been vilified,” he says. “Many kids in MPS are suffering from poverty and fractured families. There are good and bad teachers, but the problems are very much exaggerated. Phenomenal young people are getting into the teaching profession even though it’s not as inviting a career as it used to be.” Geoffrey Carter reads from his novel at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 19 at Boswell Book Co.

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Empowering Women through Opportunity and Education OFF THE CUFF WITH LISA ATTONITO, WOMEN’S FUND OF GREATER MILWAUKEE ::BY EMILY PATTI

he Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee is an organization dedicated to fostering economic empowerment, leadership development and educational opportunities for women and girls. Offering HER scholarships, a program for nontraditional female students studying at Milwaukee area colleges and universities, as well as funding to impactful community organizations through its Women’s Fund Social Change Grant Program, the Fund is promoting change for women at a time when longstanding realities in the workplace have come to light and provoked international discussions. With that in mind, Off the Cuff recently spoke with Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee Executive Director Lisa Attonito about advancing female leadership in Milwaukee and the significance of the #MeToo movement. Considering the #MeToo movement, do you think this is a significant moment for women? Or just some women? What are your thoughts? I think it’s a significant time for people. I think the #MeToo movement is generating conversations in many communities. I also think that there are different conversations happening between men and women and maybe men themselves. What I’ve heard from several men is that when they saw that #MeToo stream on their Facebook profiles they were very overwhelmed and surprised over how many women were affected and I think for women that wasn’t surprising at all. I feel like that aha moment is helpful in advancing equality for women. We have to have a realization before we can change our attitude, then we can begin to shift our behavior and change how we interact. That change in behavior eventually changes the culture. So, for me, the #MeToo too movement isn’t necessarily for one segment of society. It’s about what culture we

want to create and live in and everyone contributes to it, both men and women and anyone who is on the spectrum. What do you think Milwaukee can do better as far as fostering female leadership? What changes would you like to see? That’s an interesting question because I think there have been numerous efforts. I feel like while there have been some successes, I don’t think we’re done yet. I would bring back something we did in 2017 … In 2017 we celebrated the 45th anniversary of Title IX. Title IX has provided better access to higher education and scholarship dollars, eliminating the filter of gender when it comes to opportunity. Because Title IX ensures equitable opportunity for people at any federally funded educational institution. To foster leadership, people have to be educated and have access to information. I’m not sure there’s an easy answer to your question. It’s a big question. It is a big question. In my research I learned that as women fought for the right to vote in the early 1900s they believed at the time that if they only had the right to vote their lives would be better and women would become elected officials. Roll the clock forward: While we do have women as elected officials, I don’t think we had the ground swell that the women were thinking. That was the case when Title IX was passed and we thought that if women could enter college more easily that we would be able to advance more quickly and in fact there are more women that are college graduates today than men. Yet, we have not moved as quickly through the power structure, right? I mean that’s why you’re asking this question. What can change? We thought the right to vote would change things. We thought that access to higher education would change things and they have, but not to our satisfaction. There’s still more work to do. It’s complex and I think we have to work it from many aspects. Looking to the future, is there anything you would like to change or expand with the Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee? Yes. Absolutely. We are a granting entity and we are very interested in making sure that there are always resources available for women. So, we are definitely interested in expanding our endowment and inviting more people to make gifts to the Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee, whether it’s an annual gift or something from their estate. We also want to generate more dollars so that we can have more scholarships for nontraditional women students. The ripple effect of one woman obtaining a bachelor’s degree is very difficult to quantify because not only does it affect her, but her family and her extended family. Maybe even her neighborhood and her community. I’ve had women come back and tell me what they’ve done, and you’re like, “Wow, one woman did this. Look at what one woman has done with her degree and her aspirations.” It’s fabulous. To learn more about the Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee, visit womensfundmke.org.

Lisa Attonito

SHEPHERD EXPRESS

::HEARMEOUT ASK RUTHIE | UPCOMING EVENTS | PAUL MASTERSON

::RUTHIE’SSOCALCALENDAR Jan. 18: Vinyl Potluck at Riverwest Public House Cooperative (815 E. Locust St.): Grab your 33s and 45s as well as a dish to pass and hit up this cool salute to classic tunes and hearty eats. Don’t have any vinyl records? Come anyway! Not a cook? Nobody cares! Join the 6-10 p.m. bash regardless. If you do bring either a record to play or a bite to eat, however, you’ll get a free raffle ticket for door prize drawings.

Potty Mouth Dear Ruthie, Why can’t men hit the bowl when peeing? What’s the problem? My husband is the worst where this is concerned. Sometimes, I think he’s trying to see exactly how little urine he can actually get in the bowl. Any advice?

—Yucky

Dear Mrs. Yuck, I hear ya, sistah! Those particular guys are not only messy, but they’re horrible lovers. Think about it: If they can’t hit a hole the size of a toilet, how are they going to pinpoint your love button? In the dark no less? Next time, show him the mess and ask him to clean it up. He may not be aware of how bad the problem has become, particularly if you’re always cleaning it up.

Dear Ruthie, Is it wrong that my husband hops in the bathroom, sits on the toilet and does his business while I’m in the shower? I say, “Yes.” He says, “No.”

Help! Annoyed Dear Annoyed, I say, “Ewww.” If he wants to drop the kids off at the pool, tell him to clench his cheeks until you’re out of the bathroom! If he truly needs to pinch off a loaf while you’re soaping up, tell him to run to the nearest gas station and give you a little privacy. SHEPHERD EXPRESS

Jan. 18: Shrink ’n’ Drink at Red Dot Tosa (6715 W. North Ave.): Dr. Julie Helmrich offers up her hilarious brand of psychology during this live show. Grab a bite or cocktail (or both) as the good doctor answers your anonymously submitted questions. Part lecture, part stand-up and part talk show, it’s one (adults-only) night you don’t want to miss. The show starts at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 19 & 20: Winter Gallery Night & Day at Historic Third Ward (Various Locations): Hit the streets…and galleries and stores! Get your artsy-fartsy on with this quarterly nod to hip findings in the Third Ward. Mix up your social calendar by seeing some art, meeting the artists, grabbing a cocktail (or five) and doing a little shopping. Visit historicthirdward.org for a list of participating venues, hours and more. Jan. 20: Women’s March WI at Milwaukee County Courthouse (901 N. Ninth St.): Join thousands of women as they meet, march and rally to support the accomplishments of women of color in Wisconsin. The 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. rally is free and open to all. Let your voice be heard! Jan. 20: Winter Quest at The Roundabout and Napalese Lounge (1351 Cedar St., Green Bay): Join the gang up nort’ when this statewide leather/Levi social club hosts a night of comradery for likeminded men. The $30 ticket includes a 6 p.m. reception at The Roundabout (1264 Main St., Green Bay) before the 8 p.m. banquet and drag show at Napalese Lounge. Registration is required via eventbrite. com. Shoot any questions to argoinfo@argonautsofwi.com. Jan. 21: GAMMA Painting Party at Inspiration Studios (1500 S. 73rd St.): Want to meet people and make new friends? Join this popular LGBTQ athletic and recreational social club when they host a night of mingling and fun during a painting party. Your $35 ticket gives you all the materials (and lesson) needed to paint a winter scene as well as snacks and beverages. Swing by inspirationstudiosgallery.com for tickets or pay at the door when the 2 p.m. party begins. Jan. 23: Plant and Sip at LuLu Café (2265 S. Howell Ave.): Grab a cocktail and create a terrarium at this change-of-pace mix and mingle. They supply the wooden planters, succulents and décor, you supply the fun! Tickets to the 7 p.m. event are $55 and can be found at plantnite.com. Jan. 24: HamBingo with the Brew City Sisters at Hamburger Mary’s (730 S. Fifth St.): They’re kooky, they’re ooky and just a little spooky…but they’re also one of the most incredible (and colorful) fundraising groups in the city. They’re the Brew City Sisters, and they’re hosting a nutty bingo night at Hamburger Mary’s! Join the bawdy fun at 8 p.m. Call 414-488-2555 for reservations. Want to share an event with Ruthie? Need her advice? Email DearRuthie@Shepex.com. Be sure to follow her on Facebook (Ruthie Keester) and Twitter (@DearRuthie).

::MYLGBTQPoint of View

Trump Really Said That How to respond to the New Vulgarity ::BY PAUL MASTERON

nder President Franklin Delano Roosevelt we had the New Deal; with John F. Kennedy, the New Frontier. Today we are living in the era of the New Vulgarity. The latest in the regime’s litany of profanity, defended by followers either as “speaking his mind” or “I didn’t hear him say it” came when he allegedly referred to African nations as “shithole countries.” But it’s not just about the words. Vulgarity, in a broad sense, is a form of crude and cruel behavior. In the matter of the White House occupant, it is his blatant distain for dignity that spans the famous “locker room” talk episode to the equivocation of Nazi thugs with good people, and now, yet another reiteration of racism. Joe Biden’s “We’re better than this” response would be reassuring if it were true. And this happens just two weeks into the New Year. Meanwhile, Wisconsin, too, is already in the national news—and it’s about LGBTQ-relevant stuff, at that! There was a positive story. The Kenosha Unified School District (KUSD) withdrew its Supreme Court appeal and settled with Ash Whitaker, the young trans man who had sued for his right to use the bathroom of his identified gender. It’s a victory that upholds the 7th Circuit Court’s decision based on Title IX and the U.S. Constitution in which the court recognized the documented discriminatory harm to Whitaker while reducing the KUSD argument to speculation. The other is Wisconsin’s upcoming Senate contest between incumbent Sen. Tammy Baldwin and a yet-to-benamed Republican opponent. Barely 11 months away, pundits speculate the Wisconsin contest will be the top U.S. Senate race of 2018. If you watch TV, you know it’s in the conservative consciousness—they’ve already spent $4.7 million on campaign ads against Baldwin. It should be in ours and we should already be as engaged as the opposition. A year ago, some LGBTQs called for “revolution” to ignite a community political awakening. It flopped. Perhaps it was the clarion “Vive la Resistance” that, like HäagenDazs, relied on a Euro-chic charm that made it sound more like a Les Mis promo than a serious political agenda. Then there was that LGBTQ community “statement” crafted with great gravitas that never saw the light of day. I’m sure its authors spent hours debating each word and paragraph. I hope they at least emailed a copy to the UW-Milwaukee Library’s LGBT Archive. There was a “Meet and Greet with Elected Officials” held last year at the LGBT Community Center but nothing since. Maybe there’ll be a voter registration booth at PrideFest this summer. Meanwhile, in light of the whole “shithole” outrage, searching for a response from our community leadership for a reaction would be futile. There has been no public statement that I could find condemning the regime’s most recent vulgar and hateful remarks. Back in the early days of AIDS, the ACT UP movement slogan “Silence = Death” succeeded in mobilizing the LGBTQ community in the face of the crisis and government complacency. And then there’s Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous quote, “There comes a time when silence is betrayal.” We’d better start talking. J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8 | 71

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FEATURE | ALBUM REVIEWS | CONCERT REVIEWS | LOCAL MUSIC

Nashville’s Bully Find a Kindred Audience in Milwaukee ::BY LAUREN KEENE

ven in the current age of internet hype-induced popularity, it’s pretty uncommon for an indie band to find a following as fast as Bully has— especially here in Milwaukee, a city more resistant to hype than most. The Nashville four-piece released their debut album, Feels Like, in 2015 and sold out their first-ever Wisconsin gig less than a year later. Even after the show began, dedicated fans unable to score tickets waited outside of the Cactus Club, braving the cold, damp weather to hear just a little bit of the band’s blistering set. On Saturday, Jan. 20, Bully will be making their long-awaited return to the Cactus Club after a nearly two-year long absence. Following the release of their second album (and plenty of local, left-of-the-dial airplay), the band had a hunch their victory lap show would sell quickly. They encouraged Milwaukee fans to purchase tickets early to snag a spot at the 200-person venue. Not long after their initial plea, Bully announced the show was sold out more than a month in advance.

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It’s safe to say Bully is cherished in Milwaukee—at least more so than many of their indie-rock contemporaries. Perhaps local listeners take a liking to Bully because they find a kindred spirit in frontwoman Alicia Bognanno. Though the band calls Nashville home, Bognanno was raised in Minneapolis. Deeply engrained, Midwestern angst is hard to outgrow, and that unique brand of bleakness was memorialized by Paul Westerberg—another Minnesotan with a Milwaukee cult following. Bognanno cites The Replacements’ mastermind as a major influence on her own work and says she isn’t surprised Bully has so many fans in cities like Milwaukee. “The Midwest is definitely one of our best markets, and that always makes me really proud and happy,” she says. “I grew up in Minnesota, but I also spent a lot of time in Chicago and Wisconsin.” Bognanno’s time in Chicago was spent under the watchful eye of recording legend Steve Albini. After graduating college with an audio engineering degree, she landed an internship at the Albini-led Electrical Audio studio. Along with being Bully’s lead singer, primary songwriter and guitarist, Bognanno is also the band’s producer and recording engineer. She says her hands-on experience as a sound engineer has been a crucial part of crafting Bully’s signature sound, both inside and outside the studio. In October, Bully released their sophomore album, Losing on seminal Seattle label Sub Pop. Between releasing their first and second record, the band played live almost nonstop for 18 months. Bognanno says the band’s seemingly endless touring schedule helped her, guitarist Clayton Parker and bassist Reece Lazarus learn what they each wanted musically, especially regarding their follow-up album. “I wanted to take some more time with Losing, slow things down and make a more mature record,” she explains. “Everything on Feels Like felt so boring to me when I sat down to write the second record.” Even though Bully’s sound is almost always compared to grunge pioneers like Nirvana, the Pixies and Belly, Bognanno’s lyrics are often more emotion-drenched than her early-’90s predecessors. “It’s just natural for me to write more personal lyrics,” Bognanno explains. “When I first started writing, I was a little timid when writing about such personal topics, but I got over it pretty quickly.” Writing about intimate issues like depression, toxic relationships and masturbation acts as a weapon of empowerment for Bognanno. “[Music] is a tool to work out Bully whatever is going on in my head,” she says. w/Sundial “It actually feels really good to be able to Mottos go up on stage, sing about stuff that matters to me and just scream it out.” Cactus Club Bully’s rapid rise to rock stardom has Saturday, given the band an opportunity to emJan. 20, ploy their platform for social and political 9 p.m. causes. “With how the political climate has been over the last year, the conversation is totally unavoidable,” says Bognanno. “We try and figure out ways we can help out and spread awareness, if possible.” In May 2016, the band released a track for the anti-Trump compilation Our First 100 Days back in May, and they often use their shows as fundraisers for organizations like Planned Parenthood. So it comes as no surprise that Bognanno and company have a substantial fanbase in Milwaukee. It makes perfect sense that a hardworking, passionate and political city would adore a band with the same traits. At their current rate, Bully will be selling out Miller Park by 2022. Bully headline the Cactus Club on Saturday, Jan. 20 with Milwaukee’s Sundial Mottos at 9 p.m.

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Panalure’s Americana Grows Even Richer on Their Sophomore Album ‘Stories in the Third Person’

::BY EVAN RYTLEWSKI

analure’s dusky folk and roots- deaux, both of Paul Cebar Tomorrow Sound— rock songs have a way of expand- can cover quite a bit of ground on their own, but ing on themselves. The Milwaukee for Stories, they also opened the door to guest sextet specializes in intimate Amer- collaborators. Janet Schiff of Nineteen Thirteen icana, richly adorned with accordi- plays some cello, Frogwater’s Susan Nicholson ons, fiddles, saxophones or pedal steel guitars, sits in on fiddle, and Hoffman adds some of his depending on whatever mood the band is trying own guitar. Most notably, a choir of local musito strike. Sometimes, guitarist Michael De Boer cians lend their voices to “Theologian,” the most explains, it’s a challenge keeping those tenden- overtly gospel-minded song on a record that cies in check and making sure the songs don’t get rarely strays too far from biblical themes of faith, lost under the weight of their accompaniments. death, sin and salvation. The band kept things relatively scaled back It’s hardly party music, De Boer admits, on their 2014 debut, The Bones, a striking and which is why the band gravitates toward venues stirring album with a road-weary, like Anodyne Coffee in Walker’s late-night feel, but for their sophoPoint—places that draw attentive more album, Stories in the Third music listeners. They played their Person, they adopted a more maxlast album release show there Panalure imalist approach, recruiting an in 2015 on an unusual bill they w/ Semi Twang outside producer for the first time: shared with the storytelling colAnodyne Coffee Mike Hoffmann of Semi-Twang. lective Ex Fabula. For the new Saturday, “We wanted to make it a little record’s release show at the same Jan. 27, 8 p.m. bigger,” says De Boer. “There’s venue, the band has created “an just a lot more instruments on it. artful installation” of found phoMike really had a vision for each tographs and old family movies song. When you hear the final from the ’40s,’50s and ’60s that album, there’s a lot of different found sounds complement the album’s stories and themes. The throughout it and a lot of elements he added for visual accompaniment, De Boer says, is one of the sequencing. His style is he just records tons the perks of having so many band members with of tracks and goes back and finds the best for a background in design and art. every song, then kind of orchestrates them. He “It really does help on the design side,” De really looks for the most unique angle he can.” Boer says. “We always have good posters.” The band—which also includes singer-songPanalure play an album release show Saturwriter-guitarist Fred Ziegler, bassist and song- day, Jan. 27 at Anodyne Coffee, 224 W. Bruce St., writer Ken Hanson, singer Kari Hoff and more with Semi-Twang at 8 p.m. Admission includes a recent recruits Bob Jennings and Reggi Bor- free download of the album.

THANK YOU The YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee would like to thank our generous sponsors who helped make the 21st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Breakfast possible: LEAD EVENT SPONSOR

SUPPORT SPONSORS American Transmission Company BMO Harris Bank Brewers Community Foundation Buelow Vetter Buikema Olsen & Vliet, LLC

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J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8 | 73

MUSIC::LISTINGS THURSDAY, JANUARY 18

Amelia's, Jackson Dordel Jazz Quintet (4pm) Angelo's Piano Lounge, Acoustic Guitar Night Cafe Carpe (Fort Atkinson), The New Pioneers Clarke Hotel (Waukesha), Jeff Stoll & JoAnna Marie (6pm) Colectivo Coffee (On Prospect), Alex Cameron County Clare Irish Inn & Pub, Acoustic Irish Folk w/Barry Dodd Gibraltar Mke, Alex Wilson Blues Guitar Good City Brewing, Live from Good City Hall: Zach Pietrini Band Jazz Estate, Johnny Padilla Quartet Kochanski's Concertina Beer Hall, Open Jam: Roadhouse Rave Up Light Lounge South (South Milwaukee), Open Jam Party: Craig Omick & Friends with weekly special guests Mason Street Grill, Mark Thierfelder Jazz Trio (5:30pm) McAuliffe's On The Square, Acoustic Music Session w/Jim McVeigh Miramar Theatre, Tune-in, Turn-on. TROP OUT Volume 2: Purple Tokyo (ages 17-plus, 9pm) O'Donoghues Irish Pub (Elm Grove), The All-Star SUPERband (6pm) Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, In Bar 360: Kirk Tatnall (8pm), In the Fire Pit: Josh Martin w/Brecken Miles (8:30pm) Rounding Third Bar and Grill, Comedy College Standup Showcase The Bay Restaurant, Pat McCurdy The Packing House Restaurant, Barbara Stephan & Peter Mac (6pm) Transfer Pizzeria Cafe, Eric Schoor Trio w/Manty Ellis Turner Hall Ballroom, Ex Fabula New Year Spectacular: Break Free Up & Under Pub, A No Vacancy Comedy Open Mic Woodland Pattern Book Center, Formations Series for New & Improvised Music

FRIDAY, JANUARY 19

Alley Cat Lounge (Five O'Clock Steakhouse), Brian Dale Trio American Legion Post #449 (Brookfield), Bobby Way Solo American Legion of Okauchee #399, Tony Rocker Angelo's Piano Lounge, Julie's Piano Karaoke Cactus Club, Lyme Disease Benefit Show: The Atomic Spins, Ako, Pretty Beggar & The Red Flags Cafe Carpe (Fort Atkinson), Lonesome Bill Camplin Circle-A Cafe, Alive at Eight: Dogs In Ecstasy w/Duckling (8pm); DJ: Daniel James (10pm) ComedySportz Milwaukee, ComedySportz Milwaukee! Company Brewing, Zion Dubwise w/Mt. Zion Roots & DJ Marcus Garvey

Blow’s

County Clare Irish Inn & Pub, Traditional Irish Ceilidh Session Crush Wine Bar (Waukesha), Dave Miller Blues and Jazz Trio w/Hal Miller & Mike Cascio Frank's Power Plant, Gravedirt w/Drugs Dragons, Scathed & Cannabinol Synapse Harry's Bar & Grill, Kyle Feerick (6pm) Iron Mike's (Franklin), Jam Session w/Steve Nitros & Friends Jazz Estate, Jamie Breiwick Dreamland (8pm), Late Night Session: Late Night Session Nathan Pflugoeft (11:30pm) Lakefront Brewery Beer Hall, Brewhaus Polka Kings (5:30pm) Linneman's Riverwest Inn, Tangled Lines w/Wolfgang Maximilian Mamie's, Pee Wee Hayes Mason Street Grill, Phil Seed Trio (6pm) McAuliffe's Pub (Racine), Six Wives of Richard w/ Remod Miramar Theatre, Jack Harlow (all-ages, 6pm), The Funk Hunters w/Defunk & Stone Soul (ages 17-plus, 10pm) Pabst Theater, DaVinci & Michelangelo: The Titans Experience Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, In Bar 360: The Twintones (9pm), In the Fire Pit: Josh Martin w/Myles Wangerin (9:30pm) Rave / Eagles Club, Black Veil Brides & Asking Alexandria w/ Crown The Empire (all-ages, 6:30pm) Route 20 Outhouse (Sturtevant), Master Of Puppets w/Motley Brue & Aces High Shank Hall, The Bel Airs Smith Bros. Coffee House (Port Washington), Open Mic Night The Bay Restaurant, Mark Meaney The Packing House Restaurant, Carmen Nickerson & The Carmen Sutra Trio (6:30pm) Timmer's Resort (West Bend), Acoustic Blu Duo Turner Hall Ballroom, Milwaukee Record Presents: Local Coverage Up & Under Pub, Spare Change Trio

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20

American Legion Post #449 (Brookfield), Nite Trax Angelo's Piano Lounge, Piano Night Arriba Mexican Restaurant (Butler), The Incorruptibles Cedarburg Cultural Center, Rebels & Renegades: The WhiskeyBelles and Wheelhouse Circle-A Cafe, Alive at Eight: Stereoactive (8pm); DJ: WarLock (10pm) ComedySportz Milwaukee, Laughing Liberally Milwaukee Company Brewing, Faux Fawn w/Old Earth Cue Club of Wisconsin (Waukesha), Stetsin & Lace Delafield Brewhaus, Cosmic Cowboy Five O'Clock Steakhouse, Kirk Tatnall Frank's Power Plant, Death Blizzard: Grindhouse Tease Burlesque, Primal Enemy & Reptato Full Moon Saloon, Jonny T-Bird & the MPs

A D A ENUS AND

Havana Lounge & Cigar, Andrew Gelles Hilton Milwaukee City Center, Vocals & Keys Jazz Estate, Eric Schoor Quartet (8pm), Late Night Session: GATL (11:30pm) Kochanski's Concertina Beer Hall, Groove Epidemic w/ American Zeros & Aqua Dust Mason Street Grill, Jonathan Wade Trio (6pm) McAuliffe's Pub (Racine), Tim Bell Memorial Concert w/The Parkside Reunion Big Band Mezcalero Restaurant, The Ricochettes Miramar Theatre, Cookie Monstaw/ D-Ski (ages 17-plus, 9pm) Mo's Irish Pub (Downtown), Romeo's Charm Nice Ash Cigar Bar (Waukesha), Jude and The Acousti-Dudes Pabst Theater, TUSK: The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute w/ Ryan McIntyre Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, In Bar 360: Jackie Brown Acoustic (9pm), In the Fire Pit: Josh Martin w/Myles Wangerin (9:30pm) Riverside Theater, Dwight Yoakam Route 20 Outhouse (Sturtevant), Almighty Vinyl w/Identity Crisis & The Kung Fu Grips (6pm) Shank Hall, PHUN (PHISH tribute) Silver Spring House, Rick Holmes Saturdays Smith Bros. Coffee House (Port Washington), Dara Rilatos The Bay Restaurant, Sigmund Snopek The Coffee House, “Audition Round,” 2018 Mid-Winter Talent Contest The Packing House Restaurant, Lem Banks, Jeff Stoll, Alvin Turner & Omar (6:30pm) Turner Hall Ballroom, 2018 Pablove Benefit Concert: An Allstar Tribute to Tom Petty w/Sam Llanas, Abby Jeanne, Gabriel Sanchez, The Wooldridge Brothers, Semi Twang, Louie Lucchesi, Chris DeMay, Trapper Schoepp & Spanglemaker Uncorkt Wine All You Want!, Under the Tuscan Moon Up & Under Pub, Good Grief

SUNDAY, JANUARY 21

Angelo's Piano Lounge, Live Karaoke w/ Julie Brandenburg Cactus Club, Un-Cut Premiere Drag Revue Cafe Carpe (Fort Atkinson), Ellis Paul Circle-A Cafe, Alive at Eight: Turpenoid (8pm); DJ: John Riepenhoff & Sara Caron (10pm) Dugout 54, Dugout 54 Sunday Open Jam Hops & Leisure (Oconomowoc), Full Band Open Jam Iron Mike's (Franklin), Jammin' Jimmy Open Jam (3pm) Jazz Estate, Sunday Styles with Chicken Wire Empire Miramar Theatre, Chase Rice Lw/Travis Denning (all-ages, 7pm) Rounding Third Bar and Grill, The Dangerously Strong Comedy Open Mic

Scotty's Bar & Pizza, Larry Lynne Solo (4pm)

MONDAY, JANUARY 22

Jazz Estate, Mark Davis Trio Linneman's Riverwest Inn, Poet's Monday w/host Timothy Kloss & featured reader Sue Blaustein (7:30-11pm) Mason Street Grill, Joel Burt Duo (5:30pm) Paulie's Pub and Eatery, Open Jam w/Christopher John The Astor Cafe & Pub, The Chris Hanson Band w/Robin Pluer (6pm) Up & Under Pub, Open Mic w/Marshall McGhee and the Wanderers

TUESDAY, JANUARY 23

C Notes Upscale Sports Lounge, Another Night-Another Mic Open Mic w/host The Original Darryl Hill Cactus Club, Daymaker w/Names Divine, Lifetime Achievement Award & Action Jelly Frank's Power Plant, Duck and Cover Comedy Open Mic Mamie's, Open Blues Jam w/Kenny J Mason Street Grill, Jamie Breiwick Group (5:30pm) McAuliffe's Pub (Racine), Jim Yorgan Sextet Miramar Theatre, Tuesday Open Mic w/host Sandy Weisto (sign-up 7:30pm) Silver Spring House, Rick Holmes Jam The Jazz Gallery Center for the Arts, Jazz Jam Session Transfer Pizzeria Cafe, Transfer House Band w/Dennis Fermenich

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24

BMO Harris Bradley Center, 2Cellos Conway's Smokin' Bar & Grill, Open Jam w/Big Wisconsin Johnson Good City Hall, Craft Brew Comedy Jazz Estate, Extra Crispy Brass Band Kochanski's Concertina Beer Hall, Polka Open Jam Linneman's Riverwest Inn, Acoustic Open Stage w/feature Danny & Greg (sign-up 8:30pm, start 9pm) Mason Street Grill, Jamie Breiwick Group (5:30pm) Mezcalero Restaurant, The Jammers Nomad World Pub, 88.9 Presents "Locals Only" w/Soulfoot Mombatz Paulie's Field Trip, Humpday Jam w/Dave Wacker & Mitch Cooper Riverside Theater, Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit w/James McMurtry The Packing House Restaurant, Carmen Nickerson & Kostia Efimov (6pm)

DONIS

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Jan. 26, 27 & 28, 2018

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www.FlorentineOpera.org 1-800-32-OPERA 74 | J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8

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1/5/18 12:21 PM

SHEPHERD EXPRESS

::ONTHECOUCH

Something bugging you? Find out what the Shrink thinks

Sex No More?

What to do if the thrill appears to be gone My boyfriend of several years seems to be pulling back; he doesn’t seem interested in having sex anymore. What’s wrong? What should I do? Like the law of gravity, “What goes up, must come down.” There’s nothing like the early days of a relationship when the ﬁres of passion rage, and the most pressing weekend question is, “Where can we get breakfast at 3 in the afternoon?” The quandary you speak of is not unusual, nor is your feeling concerned about it. Falling in love is thrilling and exciting; staying in love is much less so. It’s hard to know if what you experience as “pulling back” is really just that simple; he’s distancing himself, for whatever reason. Or maybe you’re feeling the predictable adjustment to reality that comes when a relationship is no longer new, the mystery is gone, and you are cozily settled into domestic predictability and routine. Is his waning interest in sex your only clue that there might be trouble in paradise, or does he seem less interested in you in general or less engaged when you’re together? Failure to engage outside the bedroom often runs tandem to failure to engage in bed. So, to answer your question with a question, have you asked him? You say you’ve been together several years. That seems long enough for you to have had some meaningful conversations with him about the “state of the union.” But if that’s not the case (e.g. he doesn’t like to talk about his feelings), and you feel as though you’re always the one doing the wondering, then it’s about time you sat him down and had

a little chat about things. Tell him what you’ve noticed, tell him how you feel (e.g. invisible, left out, you’re not into me anymore, etc.), ask him where he goes when he disappears into his phone, the TV, etc. As I said, no connection in the living room = no connection in the bedroom. And if he’s unwilling to have a conversation with you, then you’ll have to decide if it’s worth it to you to stay in an arrangement where the terms have changed without your consent. Conversations like this aren’t easy. As much as you are curious about what’s going on with him, there’s a part of you that doesn’t really want to know. What if your worst fear is really true? He’s on his way out, and he’s just not telling you? Ouch! See, this is why it’s easy to fall in love and hard to stay there.

CONVERSATIONS LIKE THIS AREN’T EASY. AS MUCH AS YOU ARE CURIOUS ABOUT WHAT’S GOING ON WITH HIM, THERE’S A PART OF YOU THAT DOESN’T REALLY WANT TO KNOW. Adult relationships—and by that I mean relationships where both people act like grownups and not immature adolescents—are not for the faint of heart. They’re hard work and demand a lot of bravery and patience. So, buck up, Cowgirl! Put on your Big Girl Pants and share your observations. Tell him what you want and see if he wants the same things. Who knows? You might ﬁnish the conversation in bed. On the Couch is written by a licensed mental health professional. You can send your questions to onthecouch@shepex.com.

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Dish Network-Satellite Television Services Now Over 190 channels for ONLY $49.99/mo! HBO-FREE for one year, FREE Installation, FREE Streaming, FREE HD. Add Internet for $14.95 a month. 1-800-373-6508 (AAN CAN) Denied Credit?? Work to Repair Your Credit Report With The Trusted Leader in Credit Repair. Call Lexington Law for a FREE credit report summary & credit repair consultation. 855-6209426. John C. Heath, Attorney at Law, PLLC, dba Lexington Law Firm. (AAN CAN) Disclaimer: The Shepherd Express makes no representations or warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, regarding any advertising. Due diligence is recommended before entering into any agreement with an advertiser. The Shepherd Express will not be held liable for any damages of any kind relating to any ad. Please check your ad the first day of publication and notify us of any changes. We are not responsible for errors in advertising after the first day. We reserve the right to edit, reject or reclassify advertisements in our sole discretion, without notice. We do not knowingly accept advertisements that discriminate or intend to discriminate on any illegal basis, or are otherwise illegal. NO REFUNDS for cancellation after deadline, no copy changes except to price or telephone number.

J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8 | 75

DIY WARNING By James Barrick

THEME CROSSWORD

PSYCHO SUDOKU! “Greater-Than Sudoku”

For this “Greater-Than Sudoku,” I’m not givin’ you ANY numbers to start off with!! Adjoining squares in the grid’s 3x3 boxes have a greater-than sign (>) telling you which of the two numbers in those squares is larger. Fill in every square with a number from 1-9 using the greater-than signs as a guide. When you’re done, as with a normal Sudoku, every row, column, and 3x3 box will contain the numbers 1ñ9 exactly one time. (Solving hint: try to look for the 1’s and 9’s in each box first, then move on to the 2’s and 8’s, and so on). psychosudoku@gmail.com

73. Acad. degree 74. Reverb 75. Worn out 76. — Haute 77. Salty drop 78. Area of peaty soil 79. Gleaming 80. Scented fern 81. Intuit 82. Go over 84. Place in central Asia 85. Missive 86. Brew 87. Texture 88. Beltlike garment 89. End of the quip: 7 wds. 98. Chinese dynasty 99. Discourage 100. Expression 101. Large crucifix 103. Edge 104. Borden’s cow 105. Greek letter 106. Light shade 107. Adolescent 108. Pee Wee of baseball 109. Witnessed 110. Capitol feature DOWN 1. Some students: Abbr. 2. Herding dog native to Hungary 3. — — now 4. Systematic plans 5. Burning 6. Cut back 7. Dry measure 8. River in England 9. Aptitude 10. Form of quartz 11. Gist 12. Et — 13. Week: Archaic 14. Conquer

15. Edible spread 16. — — even keel 17. Manageable 20. Hit the brakes 28. Telegram 29. Term in grammar 30. Cloth insert 34. Pathfinder 35. Chatter 36. Hippie mantra: 2 wds. 37. Compendium 38. Christmas and New Year’s 39. “Limp watches” artist 40. English school 41. Condensation 42. Smooth 43. Margin 45. Reno or Jackson 46. Hairpin turns 49. Willow rod 50. Seasons goddesses 51. Bell sound 53. Endorses 54. Race on wheels 55. Censure 57. Red vino from Spain 58. Stupefy 59. Sedimentary rock 61. Horse-and-donkey hybrid

62. Desire 63. Pile fabric 64. More agreeable 67. Lower in esteem 68. Thinner 69. Bequeathed 70. Genus of honeybees 71. Island goose 72. Nota — 75. Office machine 76. Kind of journalism 77. Leashed 79. Broker’s directive 80. Bound together 81. Sch. term 83. Bandleader — Monroe 84. Exam-taker 85. Nonprofessional 87. End 88. Struck 89. Ersatz: Abbr. 90. Spritzer ingredient 91. Erstwhile 92. Earnhardt or Carnegie 93. Yorkshire river 94. — of March 95. High hat 96. Bonkers 97. Constitute 102. Owed

O P B A E B R A C K A U I R M N E N G E B N G L E A H X T R A O V B R E E

Y R O A D A M A D A B R A I L F S W E A T Y H E S T A R T J O E A D R I F T L N F P O L A T E P D C Z Y O A T H

1/11 Solution

WORD FIND This is a theme puzzle with the subject stated below. Find the listed words in the grid. (They may run in any direction but always in a straight line. Some letters are used more than once.) Ring each word as you find it and when you have completed the puzzle, there will be 22 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle.

The Premier State Solution: 22 Letters

ACROSS 1. Sail support 5. Meeting: Abbr. 9. Andalusian appetizers 14. Lampblack 18. Subterfuge 19. Take-out order 21. Quick, mentally 22. Arm part 23. Work 24. Little moon 25. Liturgical language 26. Joist 27. Start of a quip by anonymous: 5 wds. 31. Lip-sync 32. Cornbread 33. Promise of a kind 34. Domain 37. Storehouse 39. Clean a certain way 44. Davit 45. Danced to swing 46. Swim 47. Start to develop 48. Sculls 49. Conducted 50. Spartan serf 51. Tor 52. Great Basin tribe 53. Trig functions 54. Masterless samurai 55. “Narnia” author — Staples Lewis 56. Impact-event minerals 58. Poet 59. Ghost 60. Part 2 of quip: 4 wds. 64. Dingbat 65. — of Skye 66. Beanies and bowlers 69. Leans 70. Trouble 72. Spin a floating log: Var.

A T R A N S Q U H I L J I Z E

Solution to last week’s puzzle

Ando Appin Bega Bell Blackheath Boro Bourke Broken Hill Coal Colo Cooma Dubbo Zoo Eden Edith

Eungai Forbes Glebe Gum Guyra Hay Henty Hume Weir Kew Largs Lawson Leeton Leura Lismore

Manly Mudgee Nowra Oberon Port Macquarie Ryde Scone Uki Ulladulla Umina Walli Woolgoolga Yamba Yass

1/11 Solution: Colourful wildflowers everywhere

76 | J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8

SHEPHERD EXPRESS

Solution: There’s plenty to see and do

Creators Syndicate

737 3rd Street • Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 310-337-7003 • info@creators.com

Date: 1/18/18

::NEWS OF THE WEIRD

::FREEWILLASTROLOGY ::BY ROB BREZSNY CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Bubble gum is more elastic and less sticky than regular chewing gum. That’s why you can blow bubbles with it. A Capricorn accountant named Walter Diemer invented it in 1928 while working for the Fleer Chewing Gum Company. At the time he finally perfected the recipe, the only food dye he had on hand was pink. His early batches were all that color, and a tradition was born. That’s why even today, most bubble gum is pink. I suspect a similar theme may unfold soon in your life. The conditions present at the beginning of a new project may deeply imprint the future evolution of the project. So try to make sure those are conditions you like! AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “When one door closes, another opens,” said inventor Alexander Graham Bell. “But we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened.” Heed his advice, Aquarius. Take the time you need to mourn the lost opportunity. But don’t take MORE than the time you need. The replacement or alternative to what’s gone will show up sooner than you think. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Gilbert Stuart painted the most famous portrait of America’s first president, George Washington. It’s the image on the U.S. one-dollar bill. And yet Stuart never finished the masterpiece. Begun in 1796, it was still a work-in-progress when Stuart died in 1828. Leonardo da Vinci had a similar type of success. His incomplete painting The Virgin and Child with St. Anne hangs in the Louvre in Paris, and his unfinished The Adoration of the Magi has been in Florence’s Uffizi Gallery since 1670. I propose that Stuart and da Vinci serve as your role models in the coming weeks. Maybe it’s not merely OK if a certain project of yours remains unfinished; maybe that’s actually the preferred outcome. ARIES (March 21-April 19): Many American women did not have the right to vote until Aug. 18, 1920. On that day, the Tennessee General Assembly became the 36th state legislature to approve the Nineteenth Amendment, thus sealing the legal requirements to change the U.S. Constitution and ensure women’s suffrage. The ballot in Tennessee was close. At the last minute, 24-year-old legislator Harry T. Burns changed his mind from no to yes, thanks to a letter from his mother, who asked him to “be a good boy” and vote in favor. I suspect that in the coming weeks, Aries, you will be in a pivotal position not unlike Burns’. Your decision could affect more people than you know. Be a good boy or good girl. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): In the coming weeks, Destiny will be calling you and calling you and calling you, inviting you to answer its summons. If you do indeed answer, it will provide you with clear instructions about what you will need to do to expedite your ass in the direction of the future. If on the other hand you refuse to listen to Destiny’s call, or hear it and refuse to respond, then Destiny will take a different tack. It won’t provide any instructions, but will simply yank your ass in the direction of the future. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Looks like the Season of a Thousand and One Emotions hasn’t drained and frazzled you. Yes, there may be a pool of tears next to your bed. Your altar might be filled with heaps of ashes, marking your burnt offerings. But you have somehow managed to extract a host of useful lessons from your tests and trials. You have surprised yourself with the resilience and resourcefulness you’ve been able to summon. And so the energy you’ve gained through these gritty triumphs is well worth the price you’ve had to pay. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Every relationship is unique. The way you connect with another person—whether it’s through friendship, romance, family or collaborative projects—should be free to find the distinctive identity that best suits its special chemistry. Therefore, it’s a mistake to compare any of your alliances to some supposedly perfect ideal. Luckily, you’re in an astrological period when you have extra savvy about cultivating unique models of togetherness. So I recommend that you devote the coming weeks to deepening and refining your most important bonds.

SHEPHERD EXPRESS

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): During recent weeks, your main tasks have centered around themes often associated with strain and struggle: repair, workaround, reassessment, jury-rigging, adjustment, compromise. Amazingly, Leo, you have kept your suffering to a minimum as you have smartly done your hard work. In some cases you have even thrived. Congratulations on being so industrious and steadfast! Beginning soon, you will glide into a smoother stage of your cycle. Be alert for the inviting signs. Don’t assume you’ve got to keep grunting and grinding. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Norwegian artist Edvard Munch (1863-1944) created four versions of his iconic artwork The Scream. Each depicts a person who seems terribly upset, holding his head in his hands and opening his mouth wide as if unleashing a loud shriek. In 2012, one of these images of despair was sold for almost $120 million. The money went to the son of a man who had been Munch’s friend and patron. Can you think of a way that you and yours might also be able to extract value or get benefits from a negative emotion or a difficult experience? The coming weeks will be a favorable time to do just that. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): “I think I like my brain best in a bar fight with my heart,” says poet Clementine von Radics. While I appreciate that perspective, I advise you to do the opposite in the coming weeks. This will be a phase of your astrological cycle when you should definitely support your heart over your brain in bar fights, wrestling matches, shadow boxing contests, tugs of war, battles of wits and messy arguments. Here’s one of the most important reasons why I say this: Your brain would be inclined to keep the conflict going until one party or the other suffers ignominious defeat, whereas your heart is much more likely to work toward a win-win conclusion. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): When he was 24 years old, Zhu Yuanzhang (1328-1398) was a novice monk with little money who had just learned to read and write. He had spent years as a wandering beggar. By the time he was 40 years old, he was the emperor of China and founder of the Ming Dynasty, which ruled for 276 years. What happened in between? That’s a long story. Zhu’s adventurousness was a key asset, and so was his ability as an audacious and crafty tactician. His masterful devotion to detailed practical matters was also indispensable. If you are ever in your life going to begin an ascent even remotely comparable to Zhu’s, Scorpio, it will be in the coming 10 months. Being brave and enterprising won’t be enough. You must be disciplined and dogged, as well. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In 1892, the influential Atlantic Monthly magazine criticized Sagittarian poet Emily Dickinson, saying she “possessed an extremely unconventional and grotesque fancy.” It dismissed her poetry as incoherent, and declared that an “eccentric, dreamy, halfeducated recluse” like her “cannot with impunity set at defiance the laws of gravitation and grammar.”This dire dis turned out to be laughably wrong. Dickinson is now regarded as one of the most original American poets. I offer this story up as a pep talk for you, Sagittarius. In the coming months, I suspect you’ll be reinventing yourself. You’ll be researching new approaches to living your life. In the course of these experiments, others may see you as being in the grip of unconventional or grotesque fantasy. They may consider you dreamy and eccentric. I hope you won’t allow their misunderstandings to interfere with your playful yet serious work. Homework: Report your favorite graffiti from a bathroom wall. Go to freewillastrology.com and click on “Email Rob.”

Go to RealAstrology.com to check out Rob Brezsny’s Expanded Weekly Audio Horoscopes and Daily Text Message Horoscopes. The audio horoscopes are also available by phone at 1-877-873-4888 or 1-900-950-7700.

::BY THE EDITORS OF ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Repellant Behavior

n Lawrence County, Tenn., law enforcement officials are confronting the fallout from a new drug known as “Wasp”—crystallized wasp repellant mixed with methamphetamine. On Dec. 18, as the Johnson family baked Christmas cookies in their Lawrenceburg kitchen, Danny Hollis, 35, walked into their home and asked for help. News Channel 5 in Nashville reported Hollis poured himself a glass of water from the sink, grabbed a kitchen knife and cut across his throat. Hollis then ran up to the second floor, heaved a dresser down the stairs and jumped out of a window onto a gazebo below, seriously injuring his neck. The Johnsons, meanwhile, had retreated to their car, where they called 911. Hollis chased the Johnson’s car down the street but got hung up on a barbed wire fence. He then stripped naked to free himself and climbed into a nearby tree, where officers found him. Hollis fought them off by throwing feces at them. After being tased out of the tree and arrested, Hollis was booked into the county jail on numerous charges.

The Unkindest Cut of All Khaled A. Shabani, 46, a hairstylist in Madison, Wis., was arrested on a tentative charge of mayhem and disorderly conduct while armed after an altercation with a customer on Dec. 22. Shabani scolded the 22-year-old customer for fidgeting, then taught him a lesson by using the “shortest possible attachment” to “run down the middle of the customer’s head,” reported the Wisconsin State Journal. Shabani also clipped the customer’s ear with his scissors, and, “While it is not a crime to give someone a bad haircut, you will get arrested for intentionally snipping their ear with a scissors,” reports police spokesman Joel DeSpain.

Least Competent Criminal When Dustin Johnson, 22, of Minot, N.D., tried to steal $4,000 worth of merchandise from a local Hobby Lobby, he failed to take into account that shopping carts don’t have snow tires. The Grand Forks Herald reported that over a seven-hour period on Jan. 3, Johnson filled a cart and then quickly fled the store—where his loot-filled cart promptly

became stuck in the snow in the parking lot, flipping over. Johnson fell down but got up to run—leaving behind his wallet with photo ID matching the shoplifter’s description. Minot police caught up with Johnson at his home.

The Long and Melting Road It may be cold where you are, but it’s hot in Broadford, a small town about an hour from Melbourne, Australia, where on Jan. 5, the highway began melting. Temperatures of 100 degrees Fahrenheit and higher reactivated an ingredient in the road surface, turning the Hume Freeway into a hot, gooey, sticky mess, 9News reported. Motorists were warned by Victoria police to avoid the area and expect delays over a 10-kilometer stretch. Officials also put in place a fire ban and urged people to stay indoors until the heat abated.

The Lucky 1% Researchers have discovered that 99% of green sea turtles born in the northern parts of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef are now female. Sea turtles’ gender is determined by the temperature at which the eggs are incubated, and warmer temperatures reduce the number of male hatchlings. The author of a new study, marine biologist Michael Jensen, told The New York Times the shift in gender suggests climate change is having a more dramatic effect on sea turtle populations than scientists realized. “We’re all trying to wrap our heads around how these populations are going to respond to those changes,” he said. Researchers warn that continued global warming will threaten the persistence of these populations.

Weirdly Wild Turkeys Postal workers in the Rocky River suburb of Cleveland were unable to deliver mail to about two dozen homes for three weeks in December and January after being attacked by aggressive wild turkeys. Local ordinances prevented the city from eliminating the birds, so residents were asked to pick up their mail at the post office. Rocky River Mayor Pam Bobst encouraged residents to stop putting out bird food, hoping that would discourage the turkeys from hanging around. “There’s a lot of bird feeders over there, so there’s a food source in that area,” she told cleveland.com. The USPS said several carriers were pecked, but no serious injuries had been reported. © 2018 ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION J A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8 | 77

THEBACK::ARTFORARTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;SSAKE

Shut-in Shout Out ::BY ART KUMBALEK

â&#x20AC;&#x2122;m Art Kumbalek and man oh manischewitz what a world, ainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;a? So listen, I was sitting around the other day with nothing better to do than to think I ought to decide pretty damn soon to decide about which side of the gubernatorial candidacy pot I ought to pee inâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;in it, or on it. And whenever I got an important decision to pull off, I first seek consul with my personal brain trust, already ensconced within the friendly confines of The Uptowner tavern/charm school, majestically crammed at the corner of wistfully historic Humboldt Boulevard and the fabled Center Street. Come along if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like, but you buy the first round. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s get going. Herbie: All Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m saying is that Trump really ought to know from â&#x20AC;&#x153;shitholeâ&#x20AC;? but good. Just look at some of those goddamn states that went big-time for him in the election, for crying out loud. Ray: Yeah, President Dumbass doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want any more people coming here from â&#x20AC;&#x153;shithole countries,â&#x20AC;? he says. He only wants people from Norway named Dag. Herbie: Except the people from Norway donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to come here. To them, the U.S. is a shithole country as long as the asshole orange circus peanut is president, ainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;a? Ernie: What the fock, whereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d the bartender go? Emil: Hey, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s my bar change, numbnuts. Julius: The hell, â&#x20AC;&#x153;yourâ&#x20AC;? bar change. You talk like a sausage. Rayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s got you two rounds now and you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bought even one yet to have money on the bar thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s yours. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s my bar change. Little Jimmy Iodine: Hey, Artie! Over here. Put a

load on your keister. Art: Hey gents, what do you hear, what do you know. Ray: I know I saw O.J. on TV the other week â&#x20AC;&#x2122;cause he was in Vegas to watch a football game with some Buffalo Bills fans. Little Jimmy: I heard Trump wants to make it official for O.J. to go out and search for the three million people who voted for Hillary illegally. And Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll bet you a buck two-eighty some of those three million could be the murderers, to boot. Julius: And I know we havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seen much of youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lately, Artie. What, are you some kind of shut-in these days? Art: No, I get out once in a while. Heck, I was just

over by the Potawatomi with a couple good old buddies, and I was wondering how come they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have some slot machines at the Milwaukee Public Museum in the Native American area. Seems like a perfect fit. Julius: And potentially a lot more lucrative than pushing the secret snake button they got there, what the fock. Art: Listen guys, I need to tap your smarts on an important decision I got to be mulling over on soon. Ray: What the hell is â&#x20AC;&#x153;mullingâ&#x20AC;?? Herbie: Isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t â&#x20AC;&#x153;mullingâ&#x20AC;? one of those kind of words you only ever find in a newspaper headline? I think it means same thing as â&#x20AC;&#x153;bullshit.â&#x20AC;? Ernie: Artie, you want to tap something important? How â&#x20AC;&#x2122;bout you get behind the goddamn bar and tap

me a focking Leinie. Emil: All right Mr. Smarty-focking-Pants, if this really is your bar change, tell me whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on this fivedollar bill Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m holding. Herbie: Artie, if what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re â&#x20AC;&#x153;mullingâ&#x20AC;? is about paying back that ten bucks you owe me, I say yea before I mull to kick your butt â&#x20AC;&#x2122;round the block and back but good. Art: Hey! One for Herbie over here. Yeah, put it on Rayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tab. Little Jimmy: So what you trying to decide, Artie? Art: To run for governor or not. Herbie: Oh christ, not this again. How many times you run now, six, seven? Ray: Yeah, about the same number as votes heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gotten all put together, ainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;a? Little Jimmy: So why not run, Artie? Seems everybody else is. Ernie: Hold on, Artie. I thought youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s were going to run for the county sheriff. Ray: Did you say â&#x20AC;&#x153;forâ&#x20AC;? or â&#x20AC;&#x153;fromâ&#x20AC;?? Art: Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve bailed on the county sheriff gig. I figured a while ago that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d probably need a driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license to be sheriff, and I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the dough to get one. Cripes, how would that look, the county sheriff trying to pull over a speeder from the back seat of a focking freeway flyer? Little Jimmy: I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think you should be governor or anything like that, Artie. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s too dangerous. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget they let that nutbag John Hinckley, who shot at Reagan, out of prison the other year. We havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t had an assassination for a while, but it would be just your luck that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be the guy some crackpot would hanker to take a pot shot at, I kid you not. (Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s getting late and I know you got to go, but thanks for letting us bend your ear, â&#x20AC;&#x2122;cause Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m Art Kumbalek and I told you so.)

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