Milwaukee Kicks

Good Eats

2009-02-24T10:50:00.001-08:00

I know that there will be lots of family pouring in from all over with graduations fast approaching - and so I thought I'd better post some good restaurant ideas! One my family's favorite things to do while here is to EAT out....so here goes! (in no particular order, just as the cravings randomly come to me).

1. Le Reve cafe in Tosa village. I was just introduced to this cute little French place! It's crowded at lunch time, but not so much at dinner time. They have fab soups and quiche and crepes! Probably wouldn't go with all my kids in tow, but perfect for mom and daughter outing. :) The pastries are overwhelming!

2. Trocadero off of Water St. downtown has delicious brunch!!! The atmosphere is soo fun! Check out their menus online (get mapquest directions too) and treat yourself!

3. Louise's in Brookfield or downtown Milwaukee has the best Calzones around - it will fill you up! Great italian!

4. Mi Cocina in Brookfield is my favorite Mexican restaurant. The food is decently priced, chips are warm and salsa is fantastic! My favorite dish is the San Luis burrito covered in chile de arbol creamy sauce - GET THIS! It's big enough to share if you are like me and eat too many chips while waiting! :) I crave this burrito ALL the time!

5. Taste of India in Brookfield is my favorite Indian restaurant. Get Samosa for starters, a Mango Lassi to drink and any of the entrees (though my fave is Chicken Shahi Korma - see if you can handle it at "medium" spciy). Prices are reasonable and staff is great (yes, they know my hubby and I by name....)

6. Pizzeria Piccola in the Tosa Village has amazing thin crust, wood oven baked pizza - it takes me back to our Italy vacation! And the village is sooo fun! Go here for your pizza fix!

7. Gibson's Steakhouse in Chicago. OK, this isn't a fair lcoation as this place is located in Chicago, but it has become my family's favorite splurge when in town and headed south for some Chicago fun.

8. Jerry's Old Town in Germantown is a new find - but the perfect place for a huge rack of ribs. Go hungry! The atmosphere is fantastic and the point is to get messy!

9. Historic Turner Restaurant - is downtown, right across from the Bradley Center. They serve yummy American and German food and the historic building is part of the draw. Great food and perfect location before/after an event at the Bradley center! This is a new find and I can't wait to take my family here when they next visit.

10. Chancery Family Pub - lcoated in Tosa Village. This is a well known restaurant with several WI location. They serve just good basic food, with a fun, light atmosphere - a place to take the whole gang! Tuesday is kids day.

That's all I've got for now - but more will be forthcoming! Avoid the big chain restaurants and support some local spots! Below are 2 recommendations from friend Cat (she never got around to finishing this post, so thought I'd copy her ideas here!)

1. Favorite Italian--Mama Mia's (on Greenfield Ave). Don't be fooled by the other Mama Mia's resturaunts around town. The ONLY Mama Mia's in my book is the one on Greenfield, just West of the State Fair Grounds. My favorite item there is by far the PIZZA!! Pizza is one of my two all-time favorite foods (I'll get to my other fave in a minute...), and this pizza is the best I have found. It is a thin and slightly crispy crust pizza with a delicious red sauce and very generous and fresh toppings. I don't like places that skimp on the toppings, and Mama Mia's never disappoints me!

2. Favorite Steak House--Eddie Martini's. Okay, okay, as far as meals go, this is an expensive one. But, it is SO WORTH IT! The service is second to none. For example, I left to go to the restroom at some point before the main course, and when I came back, a fresh linen napkin was folded in my chair. The waiters will brush the bread crumbs from the table so that the eating area is always spotless. But more important than the irreproachable service is their heavenly food. As your first course, may I suggest the Seafood Bisque. It is this bowl of creamy soup with tender chunks of lobster, crab, and shrimp. My favorite steak there is the T-bone, followed closely by the New York strip.

Discovery World

2009-01-13T13:22:00.000-08:00

While we had out of town visitors we finally made it to Discovery World. It's very expensive so find a discount coupon if you can! But the aquariam is very neat and my 3 year old loved touching some of the "sea life". She also loved exploring the boat - so it's definitely worthwhile!

While there we also saw their live show "Tesla Lives" - which is HIGHLY recommended for all - and especially science geeks. Just don't take young kids as they electricity might scare them and Discovery World asks that 6 and under be left at home. So, this would be a very fun date night (or afternoon, showtimes are limited)! You can pay JUST to see the Tesla Show - no pricey Discovery World admission needed. As of now the website only gives showtimes through Feb 1st - not sure if that means this is a limited engagement - so do it soon if you can!

Cedarburg Winter Festival

2009-01-13T13:17:00.000-08:00

A trip to Cedarburg is ALWAYS a favorite of mine and in February they open up their streets and shops for the annual Winter Festival. We've lucked out with amazingly warm weather in the past... not so sure we'll be as lucky this year. But the ice sculptures are so darn cool! And this year's theme is "A Winter's Knight" - so the ice carvings are sure to amaze! Check out the link above for more details but events include: pancake breakfast, kiddie treasure hunt, wagon rides, and a parade among other things.

Holiday Cheer...

2009-01-13T12:44:00.001-08:00

I know this post comes to way too late... but there's always next year! So, in preparation for next Christmas take a few notes and keep these fun things in mind:

1. Jingle Bus - this big bus meets at the Downtown Grand Avenue Mall and takes you around town for $1 a person! Killer deal! It highlights several of the downtown parks/light displays and gives some fun facts about Milwaukee and the buildings - do this next year! It's a nice warm way to enjoy Milwaukee history and the holiday cheer of downtown.

2. Cathedral Square - while on the Jingle Bus I learned that Cathedral Square and 99.1 WMYX host Santa's Mailbox - where you can drop off letters to Santa AND get a response! I will be doing this next year! But go early as the deadline is mid-December (around the 14th). (There are also summer concerts here as well as other surrounding parks - click here for concert news.)

3. Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival - again, I enjoyed these lights from the Jingle Bus - but there is lots to do during the Lights Festival - so check out their website.

4. Candy Cane Lane - a West Allis neighborhood teamed up with the MACCFUND and puts on a basic light display each year. Free admission, but donations are appreciated. It's a fun thing to do with the kids as you get to stay warm and dry in your own car. Check the 2009 calendar to see what "characters" - including Santa- will be making appearances.

5. Pabst Mansion - I myself have never done this tour during the Holiday Season, but it's a must-do for next year! I've been to the mansion during summer and it's a beautiful place to see. I can't wait to see how they deck it out for Christmas as I've heard it is truly amazing!!!

6. Holiday Night Lights at the zoo - again, something I have yet to go to, but it is on my must-do list for 2009! Starts in early December with an animal theme and visits from Santa and the Missus.

7. Outdoor Ice Skating - something I'm no good at, but kids always love it! A good way to get some physical activity during long winter months!

Volo Museum - Worth the Drive (and great for DADS!)

2008-02-22T10:03:00.000-08:00

Have any of you had your dads or father-in-laws in town to visit and wondered what on earth to do?

Or, in my case after living here several years, I felt I'd done everything in the immediate area that my dad would enjoy - until my co-worker suggested the Volo Auto Museum!!! It is a bit of a drive down to Illinois - but sooooo worth it! And as a bonus, they have a huge antique mall as well.

We've been back a couple of times since our first visit and have always had a good time. Check out their website for directions, maps, hours, prices, attractions, etc - but here is why I love the place:

A big display of Military cars - cool for dads, brothers, husbands, ten year old kids and even me!
Classic cars galore - and most are for sale - it's always fun to dream!
Hollywood Cars from famous TV shows and movies! Check out the BatMobile, Back to the Future Time Machine, "Eleanor" from Gone in 60 Seconds - and lots more!
Kid's section of Hollywood Cars - climb into the Flintstone's Car for a photo-op!
Antique Mall - it's HUGE and was a hit with my mom and even younger sisters who are into "vintage" stuff.
Food court - a bit pricey, but decent basics: pizza, fries, ice cream and sandwiches.

So, surprise your Dad (or car-obsessed hubby) and take a day trip down to Volo!

Fruit Farms

2008-02-22T09:52:00.000-08:00

Here is a list of Fruit Farms that I generated last June (07) when I was looking for Strawberry Picking. I think the numbers, hours, etc have remained the same - but double check before heading out! All the info was pulled directly from the Farms' websites, so can't personally vouch for the drive times given.

Now, I realize we have months to go before we can enjoy the sun-ripened fruit, but we need something to get us through these last weeks of winter. :) So, get those tastebuds salivating now - I've never had better strawberries!

Barthel Fruit Farm - 12246 N Farmdale Rd, Mequon
9 am to 6 pm Mon through Sat. 10 to 5 pm Sun. June and July pick your own strawberries. Open mid August through New Year or depending on crop. Pick your own as available. Cider, baked goods, pears, plums etc.Call 262-242-2737.

Frenz Orchard and Garden Center - 505 N Main, Thiensville
Mon to Fri 8 am to 7 pm. Saturday and Sun 8 to 5 pm. All year. Bedding plants, perennials, fruits and vegetables. Apples, apple cider, baked goods, Christmas trees and wreaths, gift baskets, honey, jams and jellies, maple syrup, pumpkins.Call 262-242-1060.

Hazeltines Strawberries - Six miles west of Janesville on Hwy 11. 8212 W State Rd 11, Janesville
Fifteen acres of pick-your-own and pre-picked strawberries. Call 608-876-6161.

Kallas Honey Farm - 5500 West Douglas Ave, Milwaukee
Open year-round, 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday. Pure honey and various products made with our honey. Pure maple syrup, horseradish and garlic.Call 414-462-3530.

Kirschbaum's Strawberry Acres - 20 minutes North of Madison, N5802 Hwy 151, Beaver Dam
Pick-your-own and pre-picked strawberries available during season, mid-June to mid-July. Call 920-887-7530.

Squire's Strawberry and Pumpkin Farm - Church Rd, Burlington
Call 262-534-6547.

Stauss Farms - Two miles N of Northridge Shopping Center
Hours variable depending on weather, etc, so please call immediately before coming. Freshly picked super sweet sweet corn available August and September. Also pick your own fall raspberries available August and September.Call 262-242-0815.

The Elegant Farmer - At Cty ES and J between Mukwonago and East Troy.
Visit The Elegant Farmer for Apple Pie Baked in a Paper Bag and Ciderbaked Boneless Ham. Farm kitchen culinary delights, prize winning cheeses, deli and specialty foods. May: hothouse tomatoes and Jersey Giant hybrid asparagus. June: strawberries and green arrow peas. July: jumbo red raspberries and fresh picked blueberries. August: tree-ripened freestone Michigan peaches and fresh Door county cherries. Sept and Oct hayrides to pick apples, pumpkins and squash. Open everyday year-round. Summer 8 am to 8 pm. Fall/ winter/ spring 9 am to 6 pm.Call 262-363-6770.

Thompson's Strawberry Farm (35 minutes) - Two miles W of I-94 on Hwy 50.
Mon-Fri 7 am to 7 pm, Sat 7 am to 5 pm, Sun 8 am to 5 pm. Pick your own strawberries, raspberries and pumpkins.Call 262-857-2353 or 262-857-2351.

Valley View Berry Farm (1 hour drive) - Hwy NN and Springfield Rd, Lake Geneva
2-1/2 miles W of intersection of Hwys 120 and 36 on Springfield Rd. 7:30 am to 5 pm Mon-Sat, 9 am to 5 pm Sun.Call 262-248-1398.

Walvoord's Berry Farm - W2160 Smies Rd, Cedar Grove
1 mile N of Cedar Grove on Smies Rd. 7 am to 7 pm Mon-Sat. Open some Sundays.Call 920-668-6481.

Preschool Open Gyms

2008-02-21T07:31:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Leslie and Amy for this list!

Swiss Turners– 2214S. 116th St. West Allis. 414-321-4340 Mon: 12-1:30p; Wed: 10:15-11:45 am Thursday: 10a-11:30p.

La Fleurs-W189 N10991 Germantown. 262-255-9700. Sept-May Thurs 10-12; Fri 12-2pm $5 over 2; $3 under 2.

M&M Gym– 16760 W. Victor Rd. New Berlin. 262-789-6885 M-F 12-1pm. $3.

Wild Card Gym- 2028 N. 60th St. Wauwatosa (At the back entrance of a church bldg). 414-303-5195 Mondays 9a-11a $4.

Tykes– 915 Adelmann Ave, Brookfield. (262) 617-8698 Mon: 11-12:30; Tues: 10:30-12; Wed: 11:15-12:30; Fri: 11-12:30 Sat: 9:30-11:30 $4

Swimming Holes

2008-02-20T14:25:00.000-08:00

Check out Milwaukee's FREE wading pools - also at a park, most with picnic tables and bathroom facilities.
Brookfield's Wirth Park is a family favorite! Check out their evening hours in the summer! Great for when husbands finally get off work and you all need to cool down and unwind. Or try the dive-in movies. Season passes available.
Cool Waters in West Allis - a bit pricey, but still a super fun splurge!
Menomonee Park - has a Quarry Lake and beach area. Also great for camping and hiking!
Wisconsin Dells - the "Waterpark Capital of the World" - choose from LOTS of indoor/outdoor waterparks within resorts. You can stay overnight, or just buy a swim pass. Definitely a splurge as it's a 2 hour drive and pricey - but they often have AWESOME off season deals!
Hilton's Paradise Landing - a super short drive downtown! An indoor waterpark much closer than the Dells. Honestly not sure if they allow you just to by swimming passes - but may be worth the splurge when you have cabin fever.
Blue Harbor Resort - just an hour or so north in Sheboygan, another indoor-waterpark like the Dell's offers. Pricey but fun for a splurge.
Fox Brook Park in Brookfield.
Naga-Waukee Park in Harland - offers a beach area, picnic areas, fishing, etc.
Beaches - well, as tempting as Lake Michigan looks - it's pretty darn dirty! But you can head north and swim there. Try Harrington Beach or Kohler-Andrae State Park.

OK - I'll try and add more as they come to me. Also - note that the links above are from TODAY (snowy, cold February 20) and will likely be updated soon with Summer '08 schedules!

Fun WI things WITH kids

2008-02-20T12:17:00.000-08:00

First, thanks to Becky and Hope who generated these ideas! I asked them for feedback - and they gave me so many wonderful Milwaukee spots! I'm breaking up their ideas into several posts. So, here is the first:

Fun WI things WITH Kids

Milwaukee Zoo. Buy a pass for sure, the zoo is great. The pass is well worth your money, buy one that covers admission and parking—it should be under $100. They also have “members only” events that are really fun. If you choose one pass to buy, it should definitely be the zoo. The zoo is great even in the wintertime, just let the kids run around inside the buildings (there are quite a few—it’s a huge zoo!)
Mitchell Park Domes— near Miller Brewing. These are indoor botanical gardens that are beautiful. There are 3 “domes” that each have a garden—one is a tropical garden, one a desert garden, and one is their “show” dome, the exhibit changes. At Christmas, they usually have an amazingly huge miniature train city with working trains. Monday mornings 9-11:30 am were free for Milwaukee County residents—you just show your ID.
Milwaukee Public Museum—it’s downtown. It’s way fun, and huge. I think it was 3 or 4 floors and they also have special exhibits. Monday's free with Milwaukee ID. They also have really fun members-only events, like a fun Halloween trick-or-treat around the museum.
Betty Brinn Children’s Museum—also downtown, by the lake. (Note: Becky recommended NOT getting a pass due to preception that it is germy). But worth checking out once and getting a feel for it. Kids under one are free w/paying adult.
The beach. Lake Michigan is gross—you really shouldn’t swim there (it’s been polluted!) unless you head way north. So, watch for an additional post with "swimming holes"!
Swiss Turner Gym—a gymnastics place in West Allis—kind of southwest of Milwaukee (about a 20 minute drive I think). They have preschool open gym that costs $5-6 per kid, and they let the kids play on all the gym equipment, trampolines, etc. They also do birthday parties.
Don’t miss out on the Menomonee River Parkway—it’s a great place for walks, the kids to explore, and a great running trail!
A LOT of the parks in Milwaukee and Wauwatosa have wading pools in them. This list will be in the "Swimming Hole Post!"
Barthel's Fruit Farm - a GREAT farm up north of Milwaukee (about 30 min north). They have strawberry picking in June-sih (depending on the weather), and tons of stuff in the fall—apples, squash, pears, a pumpkin patch, etc. It’s so much fun and the produce is a pretty good price—and great for making jam or canning if you do any of that.
The Jelly Belly Factory—in Pleasant Prairie, about 45 minutes south of Milwaukee. They have a pretty fun "tour" and you can buy all kinds of seconds and try lots of different kinds of candy and jelly beans.
Barnes and Noble at Mayfair Mall does a pretty good storytime.
Red Arrow Park for ice skating- its free and they have skate rentals for $5.5o.
The Elegant Farmer in East Troy for apple picking, hay rides and pumpkins plus their yummy produce and baked goods.
Racine Zoo - free to kids under 3.
The malls in Wisconsin aregreat! Take the kids in the winter just to get out of the house and let them run around. Mayfair Mall (in Wauwatosa) has a small play are by the foodcourt. Brookfield Mall is also fun (and closest Children's Place to date). Boston Store and Macy's at Mayfair are good stores where you can find serious clearance!
(NEW addition- thanks Sonia!) Hoffer’s Tropic Life Pets in Milwaukee: 7323 N. 76th St. They do birthday parties, play groups and even field trips! Fun way to just see some animals!

OK - this is certainly not the end of the list - more are on their way! I've got more ideas from Becky and Hope to share in future posts. So watch for: "Swimming Holes", "Fruit Farms", "To do WITHOUT kids", "Holiday Fun", "Good Eats", "Chicago Must-Dos" . And till then - feel free to share!

Favorites on the Speedy List

2008-02-12T13:40:00.000-08:00

As I was creating the Speedy Spots List (see list to the right) I realized that some of these spots really are special to me and so I have to just give a few quick details on a few:

1 - Cedarburg: this is a big time favorite! Just 45 minutes or so north, it's a great place to go grab a treat and window shop along main street. Must sees/do's: get a caramel apple from Amy's, eat a crepe from Cream and Crepe Cafe, pick out a cookie cutter at Downtown Dough, search for treasure at the antique shop, get your scrapbooking fix at Legacy Scrapbook, relax on the bridge and watch the river go by, hit the Strawberry Festival in June, hit the Winter Festival in February, shop of course!

2- Holy Hill: another definite fave! Head north up 45 till you find the Holy Hill exit and head west till you get there. Along the way you'll pass some cute farms, hills and AMAZING colors in the fall. Best time is definitely early October. Once there, climb the tour and look out across WI, walk the Stations of the Cross and have a picnic. You'll find some apple stands on your way and getting fresh cider is a must! All is free other than a requested/voluntary donation to climb the tower.

3 - Joan of Arc Chapel: located on the campus of Marquette University (go Golden Eagles!!!!!) this is a fun Saturday thing to do! Although you should definitely check the web for hours. The chapel was brought over from France and is an adorable little chapel. Don't miss the stone in the back - supposedly Joan prayed at it and it turned cold to the touch in answer to her prayer. Touch the stone with one hand and the wall with another to feel the temperature difference. There should be a student guide there are most times - but like I said - check the web first. And while there, walk around MU campus it's beautiful too! Free too!

4 - Miller Brewery Tour: so even though the smell of beer usually makes my stomach queasy, I really enjoyed the tour of the brewery. You get a bit of Milwaukee and Miller history during a video at the start and then you get to go see the brewery in action. You end at the caves where you can have a soda - or beer. :) It's also free. Miller is afterall a Milwaukee staple.

Up for a Drive?

2008-02-12T12:58:00.001-08:00

As I start yearning for better weather I can't help but think of a favorite Chicago thing to do. (remember this blog is about Milwaukee AND surrounding area spots)

A definite Chicago favorite is the Architecture Tour that takes you down the Chicago River. We did this with my parents several summers ago and had a blast!

You ride in an open-air boat along the river with a guide (usually a grad student who really knows some fun facts!) while you marvel in the buildings around you - and as a bonus you get a really fun history lesson! Kellci was with us too - she was 9 or 10 and she loved it as well. You see a side of Chicago that you normally miss. I can't recall what tour company we used, but I know we started at Navy Pier. Tours generally go late March through early November.

Here are some websites - though I'm sure there are others:

http://www.chicagotours.us/tours/tourDetail.cfm?tour_id=8654

http://www.shorelinesightseeing.com/

Custard! YUM!

2008-02-12T07:45:00.000-08:00

Milwaukee (and WI as a whole) is known for its delicious, creamy and oh-so-satisfying CUSTARD. How is it different than ice cream, you may ask... well... it's just flat out better. It's richer and creamier and heavenly.

So, to truly experience Milwaukee you MUST get custard and you're in luck as there are tons of places to choose from!

Please note that these custard stands offer a "Flavor of the Day" - meaning a new creation every day and you can't get it again tomorrow! But you can always order good old fashioned vanilla or chocolate every day. And these places also offer shakes, malts, concretes, sundaes, etc - but the flavor of the day is often the best way to go! And you can usually find the flavor of the day menus online so you can choose what suites your palate best on any given day and then take your pick.

Here are some great spots to treat your taste buds:

1- Culvers - the biggest chain, they also offer famous Butter Burgers, also our extended families' favorite choice

2- Kopps

3- Roberts - no direct website, address: 6005 W. Appleton, Milwaukee

4- Gilles

5-Bubba's - the Turtle flavor saved me from a nervous breakdown while in Grad School

6- Oscar's

7- Bella's Fat Cat - fun east side location

8- Murf's - no direct website, address: 12505 W Burleigh RdBrookfield

9- Le Duc's - a bit of a drive from Milwaukee, but well worth it!

Of course there are more! But all of these are so darn good and offer a slightly different twist on Custard. Before you can say you've truly experienced Milwaukee, you MUST try custard. Enjoy and of course if you come across other custard gems, share it!

What is this blog all about?

2008-02-11T14:25:00.000-08:00

Hello Milwaukee fans! Being a Milwaukee transplant I'm often faced with the question "What to do?" This question occurs on Saturday mornings, Holiday weekends, Friday nights and most pressingly when family and/or friends have come into town and want to see the sights. But wait... I'm not originally from here... how do I show people the sights?? What do I do over a long weekend?

Over time I've come to know who to ask and have found some real gems in the great Milwaukee area - and when I say greater Milwaukee Area of course that includes Chicago. One cannot live and love Milwaukee without also loving Chicago.

So, the purpose of this blog is give us Milwaukee transplants - and those who were born and raised here - to share their favorite spots, give tourist ideas and just revel in the fun that is Milwaukee. I've been in the spot where I didn't know what to do and I've been the one giving suggestions to new faces and I just want to share the wealth that makes up my "what to do" list and ask that you share too!

Make sense?

My main motivating factor are the many friends from church who come to the city as clueless as I started 6+ years ago! I want to make you all authors so that you too can post great places, restaurants, etc that you come across to share - contact me if you want to be an author!

OR you can simply post a comment with your suggestion! No need to become an author - there are lots of ways we can share!

Let's begin, shall we? See the next post for my fave custard spots! And start commenting with any Milwaukee favorites now!