These are a few of our favorite things this week:

Usinger's store -- Of course, no one needs an introduction to Usinger's top-quality, old world-style sausages, but have you been to the Downtown shop lately? Located on 3rd and State Streets, the place is true old Milwaukee, with great tile floors and an episodic mural around the top perimeter of the walls showing presumably German elves selecting a hog, chasing it down and making sausage out of it. You can tell it's old, because no one would paint that now, in an age in which we're so far away from the sources of our food. My grandparents always took us to the Usinger's shop when we visited Milwaukee as kids and I take my son there, too, to see the miniature German village, the pig chasing elves and to sample the wares. While Milwaukee is looking more and more like every other American city, Usinger's is a reminder of the kinds of places that used to make us unique. --Bobby Tanzilo

Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers -- Friday night in Milwaukee represents a springtime example of something I like to call it "the Summerfest dilemma." That's what happens when two bands that I like and want to see live play simultaneous sets on different stages at the Big Gig. Friday night, The Hold Steady is playing at Turner Ballroom. I'd love to see that show, but it will be difficult (and expensive) if I also try to catch a set by Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers at The Rave, where they are opening for Hanson.

"Glassjaw Boxer" was one of the better albums released last year and Kellogg is one of the more talented writers I've come across of late. The music draws comparisons to early Wilco, Counting Crows and even icon Tom Petty. As anyone who caught the show a year ago at the Miramar can attest, Kellogg and the Sixers are tremendous in concert. If you can't catch the show, check Stephen and the gang out on iTunes. You'll definitely want to sample the song "Milwaukee," which includes some great lyrical turns (and no reference to A Great Place by a Great Lake).

And I'm sorry you got sick, and that I wasn't there
And if I acted like a dick, it didn't mean I didn't care

And I've been chasing dreams in magazines the last ten years
And the way you treat your mother's up to you
But it can't feel all that good to be so angry
I guess I've learned that too

This is going to be one of those "flip a coin" propositions, but it's also a win-win. --Drew Olson

"The Real Dirt on Farmer John" -- Seeing as it's Green Month on OnMilwaukee.com and I recently joined a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm, I wanted to see this documentary about the farmer, John Peterson, whose family farm became Angelic Organics, one of the largest CSA farms in the United States and a forerunner in today's thriving organic farming movement. Director Taggart Siegel follows the eccentric young Peterson for 25 years as he experiences heartbreak, the loss of his father and economic struggle before discovering his true calling as an organic farmer. --Julie Lawrence

The weekend omelets from Aladdin -- Tastes of the East -- The last time I recommended omelets from a vendor at the Milwaukee Public Market, the place (Field's Best) closed two weeks later. Call it the Sherman jinx. Not scared though, I'll recommend another omelet. This one too, from the Market. This time, though, it's from Aladdin -- Tastes of the East. Of course when you think omelets, you don't think Middle Eastern food. But, owner Azmi Alaeddin has filled a void with made-to-order omelets that are satisfying, healthy and tasty. Made with olive oil, never butter, you choose the ingredients and he'll garnish with an orange and toast for less than $6. A simple and an easy grab-and-go option for your weekend walk to the Milwaukee Public Market. --Jeff Sherman

Sanuk footwear -- Sanuk sidewalk surfers are the most comfortable shoes I've owned. Now, I've only had them for about one week and they aren't battle tested (Summerfest, long walks, etc.) but I'm hooked. No coils, springs or high-tech material, my "You Got My Back" slip-ons feature a khaki canvas upper so they look like shoes but with their natural sandal bottoms -- they feel like sandals. Sure, they are a bit earthy (made and designed by surfers) but I love 'em. At about $50, they are a summer necessity. Bought mine at Ma Jolie / Footgear on Downer Avenue, but you can find them at many places online, too.
--J.S.

"Many Shades of Black" by The Raconteurs -- NPR's Bob Boilen graciously shared this song with us on the April 3 edition of "All Songs Considered." With a palpable Queen influence, the song is one of the most ballad-esque tracks on the new "Consolers of the Lonely," which came out March 25 on Third Man Records / Warner Bros. Hopefully, the band can get Jim Jarmusch to direct one of the many videos it'll probably commission for the song, a la "Steady As She Goes." --J.L.

Recipes from Roots -- I'm always on the look out for new, interesting recipe resources. While tooling around the menu section of Roots' Web site, I discovered a section where Chef John Raymond shares a couple of his secrets. I'm not sure if they change from time to time, but the current offering includes detailed directions for making "braised spring lamb, goat cheese, mixed green and charred asparagus" and "strawberry zinfandel soup with candied pecans and lilac whipped cream." --J.L.

Natural tampons -- You know it's Green Month at OnMilwaukee.com, already, so I'll risk venturing into "TMI" territory and recommend natural, organic tampons. They work just as well as the potentially toxic, plastic ones -- some brands even come with an applicator -- and they are made with natural, biodegradable materials. Get 'em at Whole Foods, along with a carton of organic chocolate ice cream. --Molly Snyder Edler