We're all about the little things this week. Find wine, relaxation and more in this week's OnMilwaukee.com Recommends.
Ricossa Barbera d'Asti – Though the Ricossa family got its start in the business in Portacomaro, a place I know well, just north of Asti, the brand is now part of the MGM Mondo del Vino portfolio and the grapes for this purple gem are grown near Nizza Monferrato and Agliano Terme, south of Asti. I'm partial to barbera and I drink more of it than any other varietal, so you won't be surprised to hear that I like this one, with its strong cherry and raspberry notes, its medium body and its trademark acidity, which I find very pleasing. I'm happy to see that this and Ricossa's Moscato d'Asti have arrived in Wisconsin via Touchstone Wines. I'm tasting the moscato soon, so I'll report back on that one, too. – Bobby Tanzilo
"Footsie Wootsies" on festival grounds – I don't know how many times I have walked passed the foot massagers on the Summerfest grounds without giving them a second glance. This week, however, my kids asked for quarters to feed the foot massaging machines and I said OK. I dug around for quarters in my coin purse, and still had one left after doling 'em out to the kids, so I decided to try them out, too. At first, I thought they provided too much vibration, but about 15 seconds in, I realized how effective these coin-operated "massage therapists" really are. Take a load off, Manny, and give these a try. – Molly Snyder
Bonus feta – Grabbing a gyro on the Summerfest grounds? Make sure you ask for feta. It doesn't come standard, but if you ask nicely they'll throw in a little cup of it on the side for you to top off your Greek treat (This proved successful at the Greek Village on the south side of the grounds). Double bonus: it doesn't cost extra. – Renee Lorenz
The sports scene – Need a breather from Summerfest? The sports scene in and around Milwaukee is popping, beginning this weekend with the Milwaukee Brewers returning home to Miller Park after a road trip. The Crew hosts Arizona this weekend, and Miami beginning Monday. If you're looking for something to do heading into next week, I definitely recommend visiting the U.S. Women's Open up at Blackwolf Run in Kohler, beginning Monday. – Jim Owczarski
Ian's Pizza – I am a traditionalist in almost everything. I like my beer cold, my steak rare and my Christmas trees real. I also like my pizza with sausage and cheese. But the other night I went to Ian's on North Avenue and was almost knocked over by the variety. I was also suspicious. I mean a mac and cheese pizza that the guy in front of me in line called "one of the best things ever"? Well I went for an unusual pepperoni and blue cheese slice and a chicken and something else I had never heard of. It was delicious. I still like my steady diet of traditional stuff, but as a change of pace the food was imaginative, well prepared and inexpensive. Hard to beat if you want a little bit of kinky in your life. – Dave Begel
