New Orleans is a city strong on traditions — and few inspire as much passion as the king cakes of Mardi Gras season. To see folks’ devotion for the ring-shaped confection, look no further than an early morning at Manny Randazzo King Cakes in suburban Metairie. “To me, it’s the best in the city,” said Drew Boston. “It just depends on what you like. What kind of cake you want, what k.... Read More
If there is a flagship grape for the California wine industry, it is probably the scrappy, jammy Zinfandel.Grape geneticists may have traced the grape’s roots to southern Italy and Croatia, but California has embraced this European immigrant as its own.Vintners especially celebrate “old vine” Zinfandel grapes, recognizing that old vines’ lower yield often results in richer, more flavor.... Read More
The Ruckus, a new restaurant concept by the owners of Colectivo Coffee, serves real food that is ridiculously good.Just ask co-founder Scott Schwebel.“That’s one of our taglines,” says Schwebel, who helped open the casual eatery in Shorewood in late January. “The Ruckus is designed to offer a spicy twist on the classic burger and ice cream joint.”The Ruckus is living up to its name.... Read More
Ever been to a brewery, and wished your favorite seasonal or specialty beer was available as a canned beer?Two West Michigan natives invented the solution. They call it the Mk16 Can Seamer.The canned beer machine makes it possible for breweries to put anything on tap into a 16-ounce can (or smaller) from behind the taproom bar in less than a minute.It was engineered in Grand Haven, a.... Read More
The history of the Stamm House stretches all the way back to 1847 — before Wisconsin was a state.Located in Middleton, it’s a stone building that originally served as an inn and stagecoach stop on the Old Sauk Trail from Milwaukee to Minneapolis.Now, channeling the building’s 170 years and numerous iterations as a hotel, dance hall, speakeasy, restaurant — and, legend has it, a stop on.... Read More
Take one hopeless romantic — who is also a celebrity tattoo artist with a strong belief in symbols — and add an actress who directs and writes.Mix thoroughly.Next, add a sprinkle of serendipity.Artist Scott Campbell and actress Lake Bell were on a Napa Valley winery date in 2013 when they met winemaker Clay Brock. Campbell and Bell decided to get married and to make wine. It was a busy y.... Read More
Remember how it was when you were a kid sitting at the kitchen table and your mother served up a healthy helping of rutabagas? Gross, right?You slipped them to the family dog or spooned them into a napkin to get them out of sight. But there was no fooling Mom. Your failed sleight-of-hand resulted in a guilt trip and membership in the Clean Your Plate Club.Fast-forward to today and you’ll.... Read More
Some Madison residents are eligible for a program in which doctors prescribe healthy and fresh, organic fruits and vegetables.The city announced the Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program — FVRx — is focused at the neighborhood level, with financial support from Wholesome Wave and a partnership between Willy Street Co-op North and UW Health Northeast Family Medical.Wholesome Wa.... Read More
Of all the celebrity chefs out there, there’s one you’d least expect to sing the praises of spinach, kale and Brussels sprouts. That would be Guy Fieri.The spiky-haired champion of American comfort food is more associated with greasy chili dogs than salad — the fryer over the fig. But are you sure you know all the sides of this guy?“I’m a big greens fan. I’m a big vegetable fan.... Read More
The Urban Ecology Center will host a local farmer open house on Mar. 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Riverside Park, 1500 E. Park Place in Milwaukee.The event is a once-a-year opportunity to talk with local farmers, hear about their growing practices and learn their Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) subscription options (local deliveries of boxes of farm-fresh produce and more).“You’l.... Read More
