Blog entries for jkashou

Yummy lunch at Yaffa

jkashou — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 22:12:43 GMT

I urge everyone to get out of the office for an hour to grab some lunch and take a stroll on Milwaukee's beautful Rverwalk while the weather is still nice. The rejuvenating effects are innumerable. I'll just save you some time and tell you the best place to eat - Yaffa.

Luckily, we chose a perfectly sunny 75 degree-day to snag a table on the patio. We started our meal with the falafel, which owner John Chitko jokingly claims is a traditional Polish recipe passed down from generations. Seasoned perfectly on the inside with a crispy outside, they were well complemented by the soothing and traditional tahini sauce. You'd never guess that Chef Chitko was fair-skinned with blue eyes; he cooks like an Arab with a fresh, experimental twist.

The lunch menu is moderately priced, with salads $7 and sandwiches ranging from $7 - $9. I ordered the Fattoush salad with mixed field greens, cherry tomatoes, scallions, cucumbers, sun-dried tomatoes and figs. The creamy feta dressing on the side was phenomenal. I even soaked up the extra with some warm, seasoned pita bread. It was a hard choice because the beet and goat cheese or watermelon and feta salad salad sounded equally exotic and delicious.

My dining companions opted for the popular Strauss lamb schwarma and the chicken schwarma. They were served with crinkle-cut french fries dusted with paprika and parmesan or a cous cous salad. Definitely a good choice for a hearty appetite.

The lunch menu offers other popular appetizers from thier dinner menu including calamari, mussels, bacon-wrapped stuffed dates, mediterranian flatbread and hummus.

Although not a normal noontime tradition, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Yaffa's amazing cocktail concoctions. They have an extensive and creative martini and mojito list ($5 and $4, respectively, during Happy Hour, 4:00 -6:30 pm on Tuesday - Sunday). The warm colors and modern ambience envelop the bar and dining room, making this the perfect cozy place for a date or just cocktails into the fall and winter.

Activities Abound August 22-23 at the Lakefront

jkashou — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 20:14:51 GMT

Looking for something to do this weekend? Head east and keep going until you can almost taste the cold water of Lake Michigan. Two of Milwaukee's cultural gems are hosting big events this weekend with something for everyone (particularily foodies, winos and shoppers like me).

Sneak out of work early on Friday to start the wine sampling at the 4:00 pm opening bell for the first annual Milwaukee Wine Festival held on the grounds of the Milwaukee Art Museum. There will be over 150 different wines to sample plus food, cooking demonstrations from top local chefs and live music until 10:00 pm. The festivities continue on Saturday from 2:00 - 9:00 pm. I will be working all weekend selling a delicious local product called Kangaroo pita chips. If you stop by and tell me that you read my blogs (and love them), I will give you a free bag! Find ticket prices and a complete schedule of entertainment and exhibitors at the website listed below.

Right next door at Pier Wisconsin, groove, samba and Salsa to the sounds of local Latin band, De la Buena from 6:00 - 8:00 pm as part of the opening reception for the Discovery World Artisan and Entrepreneur Market. If 150 wines sounds a little daunting, or if you have to drive home, check out the Vino 100 wine tasting of South American wines for $10 over at DW. Numerous local artists will be selling a plethora of intruiging art, gifts and crafts from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm on Saturday too.

If you need another reason to soak up the shores of Milwaukee's beautiful Lakefront, check out Mexican Fiesta at the adjacent Summerfest grounds this weekend. Plenty of autentic fare, tunes and traditions will having you hailing "Ole." Also, Saturday morning there will be a 5K fun run and walk to benefit the Make a Wish Foundation.

Poco Loco: Crazy good Mexican food

jkashou — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 14:56:26 GMT

If you find yourself stuck outside of the city, searching for a decent meal among a sea of terrible chain restaurants and corner pubs, check out Poco Loco.

Poco Loco opened in September 2005 and took over the former space of the Vilage Coffee Shop, nesteled right off Brown Deer Road, just west of Hwy 57. It is truly one of very few good restaurants outside of the city offering upscale cuisine in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.

The casual restaurant's concept is fresh, easy Mexican food from the grill. If you can't find a table on the newly expanded outdoor patio, snag one of only twenty seats around a breakfast counter encircling the grill.

The menu is fairly small, offering tacos, burros (burritos) and a few entrees and appetizers. I recommend the guacamole, calamari ceviche and the chipotle shrimp skewers to start. The steak and Strauss lamb tacos are also popular favorites.

On my last visit I ordered the red snapper, which was on special and requested it atop the house salad served with black bean and corn relish, toasted pine nuts and a light, creamy cilantro dressing ($18). Everything tasted so fresh and the portion was so big that I took half the entree home for lunch the next day.

My dining companion ordered the blue crab quesadilla ($12), which was also a special. Two crispy flour tortillas engulfed the crab meat with loads of gooey, melted cheese and a smattering of jalapeno peppers. Delish!

Chef Lupe Ferrer is constantly concocting new salsas, specials and seasonings for fresh fish, beef, pork and even lamb. His speciality is the chicken mole ($11) slathered in the traditional mole sauce that includes chocolate, peanuts, chipotle peppers and about ten other secret ingredients .

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the tart and tangy margaritas made with fresh squeezed lime juice ($6). I didn't have one on my last visit, but since i first tried one, I refuse to drink margaritas any other way.

Whether you find yourself in that particular neck of the woods or just crave authentic Mexican food, Poco Loco is definitely worth the trip.

Rustico Pizzeria, Zarletti's new venture

jkashou — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 23:26:11 GMT

The only thing better than a picturesque summer night on Milwaukee's riverfront is enjoying a delicious, authentic, Italian pizza while sitting on the riverwalk.

Since it was a warm Friday night, a few friends and I visited the new restaurant Rustico, that replaced Riverwalk Bistro on Water Street in the Third Ward. The interior had been renovated beautifully to have a rustic, Italian feel (consistent with the namesake). Not to overlook the spacious and unique interior, but the riverwalk is prime real estate for those three warm months we get in Milwaukee so we snatched up the last remaining outdoor table.

We ordered the quattro-stagioni pizza with artichoke, mushroom, olive and red peppers (substituted for anchovies) and the house salad. The salad consisted only of mixed greens coated in a balsamic vinaigrette, but the balsamic had such an amazing, distinct flavor, additional ingredients would have littered the plate. The pizza was thin crust and non-greasy, which is always a plus. It was very good, but not the best I have ever had. Maybe I was just disenchanted because our server was not very friendly or attentive. It's alright, I understand that everyone has a bad night.

The menu is small, so if you are not in the mood for their signature menu item, I'd suggest go elsewhere. They offer a few paninis and pasta dishes, but its obvious that pizza is what they've opted to perfect.

Aside from the potate pizza (sliced potato, rosemary and proscuitto), they didn't offer anything exceptionally different. Fried calamari, meatballs and Muffolatas are standard fare at any Italian restaurant.

They offer a happy hour Monday through Friday with complimentary antipasto and $1 off wines and tap beer. I recommend checking it out if only for the ambiance.

MKE folds to the pressures of the digital era

jkashou — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 21:09:28 GMT

The newspaper? Who reads the newspaper anymore? I do, but sometimes I get to certain sections a day late. Much to my surprise on this sleepy Friday afternoon, I flip open the chalky, matte pages of the cumbersome print edition of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Thursday's edition) to learn that MKE, a free weekly lifestyle publication produced by Journal Sentinel Inc., will be publishing their last issue on July 10.

Closing up shop just four years after its inception, the free publication was unable to garner sufficient advertising. Advertisers are focusing their dollars on the preferred method of on-line news gathering. Could it be true? Is onmilwaukee.com putting others out of business by riding the wave of the future and catering to a younger generation of tech-savvy hipsters?

Journal Sentinel distributed 50,000 copies of MKE weekly at various locations throughout Milwaukee county in an effort to attract young readers. What a timley follow up to my recent blog, The A.D.D. Generation, predicting that the digital revolution is changing more than just they way we live and do business. The attitude shift of a wide demographic of consumers is rumbling loud and clear. We don't have time to read the paper; we stare at a computer screen all day and that glowing abyss is the only place you are going to reach us.

Maybe the better explanation is that onmilwaukee.com just has better news and features than MKE does. Keep up the good work!

The A.D.D. Generation

jkashou — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 16:48:42 GMT

Straddling the gray line of GenX and GenY, I am torn as to where my loyalties lay. I relish in the advancements from the tech-savvy Generation X, but cannot identify with the stereotypical reputation as being apathetic, cynical or a slacker, like members of GenY. Allow me to make my case on behalf of the generation on the cusp, who embodies the best and the worst of both generations, but most characteristically, possesses a tinge of attention deficit disorder.

We are a generation of instant gratification. With zeal, I document all of my experiences on my digital camera, simply erasing whatever image I want to forget and manipulating it with a swift click of a mouse. I am able to access information immediately via wireless networks invisibly intertwined throughout the city. With the deluge of such advancements as GPS, spell check and wikipedia, we no longer need to think for ourselves.

In my mind, a typical "Cusper's" life if broken down into three to four-year modules. This could constitute a professional job, a term in graduate school, humanitarian work such as the PeaceCorps or Teach for America; or even a European tour to find oneself. By contrast, the generations before us diligently followed a rigid path from education to vocation to retirement. We are independent, empowered by the world at our fingertips and optimistic about the future thanks to a secure upbringing and slight detachment from the realities of the world.

In terms of the current uncertain economic climate, dwindling social security and the mass exodus of the baby boomers from the work force in the next few years, a legitimate anxiety has emerged in regards to the lack of qualified workers to sustain our economy. "Cuspers" lack loyalty in the workplace and see no harm in bouncing from each chapter in their life, living in the now. Each module satisfies a desire or even a whim, but the general ambition is to find the next best thing, quickly, or one moves on.

Not to knock my own generation, but it is as if we all A.D.D. and don't feel enough responsibility for the task at hand to stick with it. However, there are plenty of "Cuspers" with ambition, optimism and altruistic values set on improving the world and not just making a buck. Has 21st century society and the cultural values of the digital revolution created our generation of hyped-up techies and dreamers who think we can save the world?

One thing is certain, this is a whole new generation that is unclassifiable. We are not the work force of our parent's generation, but we are working alongside them, expected to fill their shoes any day now. I have no doubt that although A.D.D., my generation is destined for big things, and quickly!

Supermarket faux paux

jkashou — Sat, 31 May 2008 00:45:26 GMT

With gas surpassing $4 per gallon, I thought that now might be a good time to jump on that going green bandwagon. I've been taking baby steps by switching to energy efficient light bulbs, walking to work more often and carrying reusable grocery bags. Have you noticed that some places like Whole Foods actually charge for paper grocery bags now? Bags are a paltry 10 cents, but in terms of gas per gallon, it actually adds up.

So, last weekend I was shopping at Trader Joe's in Whitefish Bay and I bought a couple of red, branded, reusable grocery bags made from recycled plastic. I was so excited about the convenience of these spacious bags with long handles to sling over my shoulder, I failed to notice that they were just one more scam to pray on the new converts to the green lifestyle like me and promote brand loyalty.

Trader Joe's is mostly a specialty foods store, so I went to Pick n' Save on my next shopping trip to restock the essentials. Trendy new red bags in hand, I flew through the aisles and when the cashier muttered "paper or plastic?" I proudly and politely replied, "Oh, I brought my own bags." The cashier took one glance at the large, logo-clad bags and donned a sarcastic smile of pure annoyance.

It suddenly dawned on me; had i just committed a major faux paux? Was it an unwritten rule that you shop at one supermarket and one supermarket only? More important, was I rubbing it in their face by bringing better bags from a different store?

It was as if I marched into my regular salon and deliberately occupied the chair next to my stylist, tipping his associate twice as much and showering him with praise on my new avant-garde hairstyle. All the while, I was just trying something new or following my conscious.

"So much for going green, I am a sucker," I resigned, and hid my red bags under the sink until the next time I shop at Trader Joe's.

A Culinary Tour at La Merenda

jkashou — Tue, 20 May 2008 19:45:16 GMT

Dining and sharing a good meal with friends is definitely one of the great pleasures in my life.

Last weekend, I went to La Merenda with some new friends, one in particular who is often known as the “Milwaukee Maestro.” He has a distinctive palate and true adoration for good food, which make him a delightful dining partner. Co-owner and Executive Chef Peter Sandroni uses his influences cooking in many Asian and upscale American restaurants, his Italian heritage, and his wife's South American heritage to create the ever-changing menu of international tapas. Sandroni runs the restaurant with his wife Sonia and co-owners Nick and Melissa Cataldo.

Tapas, derived from the verb “tapar” or “to cover” got its name from the legend that in old Spanish taverns, slices of bread, then small plates with snacks were used to cover sweet sherry to prevent fruit flies from getting in the glasses in between sips. The idea is that the small portions are so flavorful and rich, they fill you up. The trend is catching on in the U.S. and this European way of dining just might be America’s answer to the obesity epidemic. I think it is highly unlikely though, especially if Sandroni keeps whipping up these amazing concoctions that make you crave more.

We started the meal with a smooth and fruity Argentinean Malbec (one of the house red wines, only $19 for the bottle!) and then we continued to chirp out requests to our waitress until we had ordered just about everything on the menu. The items that really stand out are:

Ravioli - stuffed with sweet potato and prosciutto (it was a special that night)

Sambal Goreng Udang - Fresh shrimp sautéed with tomatoes, coconut milk, ginger and sambal, served with coconut mashed potatoes

Veal Osso Buco - Braised veal shank served with a roasted red pepper risotto

Argentinian Style Beef - Grilled beef tenderloin marinated in chimichurri sauce, served over mashed sweet plantains with crushed walnuts

Humba - Tender pork shoulder braised with mushrooms, fermented black beans, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, soy sauce and Klisch beerRight in my own home town, being able to taste so many different exotic flavors and cuisines is truly a wonderful experience. It was like taking a world tour with your senses and never having to leave your seat.

Maxies A Bit of Southern Charm

jkashou — Thu, 15 May 2008 17:44:24 GMT

I recently made my first visit to the restaurant Maxie’s Southern Comfort, specializing in Creole and Cajun cooking from scratch. It has only been open for about a year, but has certainly made a name for itself among West Side and Downtown diners.

Located directly north of the 68th street exit from I-94, Maxie’s is a smoke free restaurant serving dinner until 11 p.m. Monday-Thursday, midnight Friday and Saturday, and 9 p.m. on Sunday. Most enticing is the raw bar of shrimp, clams and oysters flown in fresh five days a week. Happy hour decendents upon this cozy, yet modern and upscale spot every day from 4-6 p.m. offering half priced oysters, clams, shrimp and fried green tomatoes as well as one dollar off all beer, wine and cocktails.

For starters, we sampled the steamed littleneck clams in a garlic-butter broth, which were absolutely delicious. For my entrée, I ordered the halibut special served with a roasted potato and hearts of palm medley, finished off with a garnish of a light creamy dill sauce. In addition, we nibbled on the roasted red grape and watercress salad with goat cheese, crispy onions and bacon lardoons tossed in brown sugar vinaigrette. Our third dining companion ordered the classic fried chicken with tasso gravy and mashed potatoes.

In true Southern fashion, the portions are generous; bordering huge and a seemingly healthy dish such as salad is complemented with fried onions and bacon lardoons. Everything was flavorful and fresh, combined with a friendly atmosphere that made for a lovely dining experience. We even received a visit from the owner who took the time to extol his favorite southern traditions and provide some recommendations, making his passion truly evident.

I will definitely return, probably for happy hour to indulge my love of seafood and for another taste of that southern hospitality.

Lace up your sneaks!

jkashou — Tue, 13 May 2008 01:08:10 GMT

One of the easiest ways to support others struggling with debilitating conditions in addition to your own physical health is to participate in one of the many run/walk events for charity during the summer months. It’s the easiest form of philanthropy, satisfying your altruistic and athletic goals. Whether you are a first-time race participant or seasoned marathoner, get out and get moving at one of the many races at Milwaukee’s beautiful lakefront and beyond.

Here’s your 2008 guide to Milwaukee’s summer/fall races:

June
Laura’s 2nd Annual 5K Smile Mile

Date/Time: Saturday, June 7@ 10:00 am

Location: Veteran’s Park on the Milwaukee Lakefront

Event Type: 5K run

Benefits: the Wisconsin Ovarian Cancer Alliance and Milwaukee Bombers Australian Rules Football Club

http://www.badgerlandstriders.org/

Epilepsy Foundation Brainstorm

Date/Time: Sunday, June 29 @ 9:00 am

Location: Veterans Park Downtown Milwaukee next to Marina

Event Type: 5K run, 3K walk

Benefits: Epilepsy Foundation

http://www.badgerlandstriders.org/

July
Storm the Bastille

Date/Time: Thursday, July 10 @ 9:00pm

Location: The corner of Jefferson and Wells St.

Event Type: 5K run, 2-mile walk

Benefits: East Town Association

http://www.easttown.com/article/pdf/5/EntertainmentBro07.pdf

Wheels & Heels Rush on Festa

Date/Time: Thursday, July 17 @ 6:00 PM

Location: The lakefront; corner of E. Michigan St. and N. Harbor Dr.

Event Type: 5K run, fun walk

Benefits: The National Spinal Cord Injury Association of Southeastern Wisconsin

http://www.nsciasew.org

620 WTMJ’s Bill Michaels Run/Walk for the Hungry

Date/Time: Thursday, July 24 @ 7:00 pm

Location: North gate of Summerfest

Event Type: 5K run/walk

Benefits: Hunger Task Force

http://www.germanfest.com/festinfo/run.html

August
Hank Aaron State Trail Run

Date/Time: Saturday, August 9 @ 8:30 am

Location: Miller Park, near Klement’s Sausage Haus

Event Type: 5K run/walk

Benefits: Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail http://www.hankaaronstatetrail.org/Hank%20Aaron%20State%20Trail%205k%20RunWalk.html

Run/Walk to Irish Fest

Date/Time: August 14-17 *not yet specified

Location: North gate of Summerfest

Event Type: 5K run/walk

Benefits: Arthritis Foundation

http://www.irishfest.com/contests/runwalk.htm

**Watch for 2008 Run/Walk to Irish Fest Information

21st Annual Make a Wish Run to Fiesta Walk & Run for Wishes

Date/Time: Saturday, August 23 @ 10:00 am

Location: North gate of Summerfest

Event Type: 5K run/walk

Benefits: Make a Wish Foundation

http://www.walkforwishes.com/

Badgerland Strides 20K

Date/Time: Saturday, August 30 @ 8:00 am

Location: Estabrook Park, Picnic Area #5

Event type: 20K run

Benefits: n/a

http://www.badgerlandstriders.org/

September

31st Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk

Date/Time: Saturday, August 30 @ 8:00 am

Location: 10th & Wells St.

Event Type: 8K run, 5-mile walk and 3-mile walk

Benefits: Children’s Hospital

http://www.alsrun.com/display/PPF/DocID/32413/router.asp

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

Date/Time: Sunday, September 28, 2008

Location: 10th & Wells St.

Event Type: 8K run, 5-mile walk and 3-mile walk

Benefits: Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

http://www.komenmilwaukee.org/rftc/default.aspx

October
Grape Stomp

Date/Time: early October, usually on a Wednesday evening

Location: Milwaukee Art Museum

Event Type: 5K Run and 2-mile walk

Benefits: Friends of the Milwaukee Art Museum

http://www.mam.org/calendar/events/

28th Annual Lakefront Marathon

Date/Time: Sunday, October 5 @ 8:00 am

Location: starts at Grafton High School

Event Type: Marathon (26.2 miles), Relay teams available up to 4 people (registration full!)

Benefits: n/a

http://www.badgerlandstriders.org/lfm/index.html

Lakefront Discovery Run

Date/Time: Saturday, October 25 @ 9:00 am

Location: War Memorial

Event type: 15K run, 5K run

Benefits: n/a

http://www.badgerlandstriders.org/

The MOCT original sounds in Milwaukee

jkashou — Thu, 08 May 2008 00:32:50 GMT

The MOCT (pronounced most, which is Serbian for bridge) has long since been a fashionable addition to the diverse fifth ward. The industrial-looking, open space blends progressive art, design, architecture and music with creative cocktails and crowds. With the barrage of posh, upscale bars opening in the third ward, the MOCT provides a respite from the long lines, VIP lists and dress codes.

Friday evening happy hour provides appetizers and drink specials from 5 – 8 pm. Every Friday and Saturday ladies drink free Finlandia cocktails from 9 – 11 pm and local and nationally-known DJ’s spin house, hip hop, electronica and everything in between. The musical offerings are truly unique and some of the best in Milwaukee.

The MOCT also showcases artwork from both professional Milwaukee artists and students from the nearby Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design. My favorite design feature is the garage-style doors that open up and expose the entire outer wall facing Pittsburg street; perfect for a summer evening.

Visit the MOCT at myspace.com for a current schedule of events and DJ’s.

Viva Espana!

jkashou — Wed, 07 May 2008 23:04:25 GMT

The moment I stepped on the plane to leave Spain was the moment I began planning my return. I spent a long semester in Seville during my junior year of college and still regard it as a vital, life-changing experience. It literally gave me new eyes not only about the world around me, but also about myself. It seems like such a strange concept to pack up and live in a foreign country for a while, almost responsibility free. This is also another reason why college is the best time of your life.

Fast forward four years and I finally made it back. The plan was this: arrive in Madrid to catch up with an old friend from college, explore the Calatrava museums in Valencia and visit old friends and sites in Seville. I travelled alone and spent two days in each city, soaking it all in at a rapid pace, contrary to their lethargically paced lifestyle.

One of my favorite parts about the Spanish culture is the warm and welcoming people. Friends who I haven't seen or talked to in four years opened up their hearts and homes to accommodate me and immerse in the nostalgic and new: tapas bars, flamenco music, art museums, shopping, churches and of course…the vino.

Although I had lived there in the past, I did experience a little bit of culture shock. I noticed right away many glaring opposites between the American and Spanish culture. The most obvious difference is quality of life. Although people might not be wealthy and possess fancy material goods, they truly enjoy life. They savor the taste of their food, they saunter down the street not worrying about the time of day, they kiss and hug and laugh out loud all the time. There is an ironic and shallow fascination with the newness of the architecture and amenities in the United States. Spaniards neglect the antique, historical, breathtaking buildings on every corner and the quaint cobblestone roads.

For being such a small country, the differences between the regions and cities are huge. Just going from Madrid (cosmopolitan) to Valencia (modern) to Seville (traditional) I hardly felt as if I was in the same country. I encountered different dialects, fashions, traditions, cuisine and entertainment.

Of course this wasn’t the same Spain as I remembered it, but I learned that a second impression of a good thing gives you a new perspective. Not disenchantment, just fresh eyes, or a more objective view of both sides of the coin. I learned to appreciate the comfort, but revel in the unfamiliar. Never stop craving adventure, even if it is just leaving your comfort zone slightly. Fulfill promises to yourself and nourish your curiosity.

Spain will always hold a very special place in my heart, but I can no longer call it home as I one did in my more transient college years. Spain won't fill the void nor will it solve the confusion and frustration that I might feel from time to time with my daily routine. Home is where your roots are and it always feels good to come back to a place that truly feels like home.

Balzac: Better than Before

jkashou — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 19:04:49 GMT

Brady Street has always been home to an eclectic mix of dwellers and establishments ranging from classy to creepy in a matter of a block or two. That’s all part of its unique charm.

Back in 2005 when Nomad and Trocadero owner, Mike Eitel, opened Balzac, I was skeptical because it took over the space that was formerly Watermark, an amazing seafood restaurant. I reasoned that the only thing better than an upscale seafood restaurant is a cozy wine/tapas bar. Also, in my mind, the man responsible for the Nomad and Trocadero could do no wrong. I was appeased, to say the least, but less than impressed upon my first few visits. The variety of wines was limited, neglecting to offer any South American wines, which are some of my favorites. The food was average and overpriced, definitely nothing to make a meal of.

I recently returned on a Saturday night and snagged the last two seats at the bar. My dining companion and I shared the crab cakes with a spicy chipotle aioli and the seared scallops with a madeira mirin glaze and grilled asparagus. Both dishes were so good that we had to put our forks down after each bite to allow the flavors to saturate our taste buds and mumble a low “Mmmmm…..” in unison.

Offering starters, small plates, pizettes (just a cute name for small, thin crust pizzas), wine flights paired perfectly with artisan cheeses, and desserts, their menu is sure to please any palette. A typical American might scoff at the small portions, but the rich combination of flavors is both exciting and satiating, reminiscient of the European style and artistry of food and dining.

The wine list reads like a bible even to the most amateur connoisseur. Organized by red, white, rose and sparkling; then classified even further into interesting reds, interesting wines and vintage ports, sherries and dessert wines. Both the comprehensive and educational menu, and the friendly wait staff provide great recommendations. Wine by the glass ranges from $5.50 to $13 and bottles range from $21 – $280!

Balzac has great weekly specials such as the 555 happy hour from 4:00 to 8:00 pm, Monday through Friday, which offers $5 selected glass pours, martinis and small plates. If you have never been or haven’t been in awhile, give Balzac another chance. It’s a perfect addition to the classy, casual and comfy vibe that makes Brady Street a Milwaukee gem.

Style with Substance

jkashou — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 02:57:09 GMT

Soho 7 is not just another pretty face. Actually, its inconspicuous façade make it a bit difficult to find. Don’t be fooled, this exclusivity is not the vibe upon entering. An oversize, sunglass-clad Audrey Hepburn greets you and exudes a fierce femininity admired and adored by both men and women. The professional staff, unpretentious crowd, diverse musical offerings, and impeccable décor indeed make this a welcome addition to the Milwaukee nightlife scene.

The name, a reference to one of New York’s trendiest neighborhoods, might give people the wrong impression. This is an upscale lounge, but alas, a classy watering hole with style that lives up to its image. Soho 7 is a true lounge in every sense of the word. Warm candlelight allows you to navigate the dimly lit space. Rich dark wood, chocolate suede sofas and crème accents match the iconic class, beauty and cool of your hostess, Ms. Hepburn.

Soho 7 caters to the quarterlifes through the forty-somethings. Depending on the night, the crowd varies, but don’t expect to see anyone wearing a UWM hoodie. The music is not the typical mainstream hip-hop that you hear at most every other bar. Regularly rotating local DJs spin and remix hits for the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s reminiscent of every great mix tape you ever made.

We might always be tied to our manufacturing and brewing roots responsible for Milwaukee’s blue-collar charm, but there is no harm in replicating a New York posh nightclub scene, as long as there is substance behind the style.

This might just be my favorite new bar.

7 Rules for 7 Days with 7 Women

jkashou — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 22:39:34 GMT

The time-honored tradition of spring break came early this year and in rare form. As a new grad student, I felt the prerogative to indulge and seek some sunshine for a week; however, this was not the normal co-ed drunken hook-up Daytona Beach spring break. I escaped to Naples, Florida for some much-needed R&R&R (rest, relaxation and rejuvenation). There was just one catch – I shared my vacation with six other family members.

Imagine if you can for a moment seven women, ages 24 – 58, sharing a condo for one week. Estrogen wafted through the air at dangerously high levels like delicate soap bubbles waiting to burst. Luckily, the layout of the condo positioned allies to opposite corners like boxers in a ring. Physical space and adherence to a few simple rules allowed for a happy and harmonious week, completely free of disaster.

If you ever find yourself in a situation like this, please take heed my advice and follow these vital rules:

Two rental cars are a must – It is almost impossible to get seven women interested in the same thing at the same time, let alone actually mobilize them. A vacation is a respite from the routines and obligations of daily life, so there should not be any obligations to participate in group activities.
Money doesn’t matter– There is no use in worrying about getting ripped off or sticking to a budget. There is no easy way to divide a bill in a big group. Try to get your hands on a company credit card if you can.
Now is not the time to quit smoking or give up any vices – No matter how well you get along with the people you are with, seven consecutive days is a lot of face time. You can combat someone else’s annoying habit by indulging yours to preserve sanity.
Every hour of the day is fair game for happy hour – If it is a true vacation, you will lose track of time and relish in it. Besides, even if its 11:00 a.m., pina coladas just taste better on the beach.
Assign everyone a job – Natural talents will emerge and you will find a chef, a driver, a jester, a cleaner and a mediator in every group. Go with it and stay out of each other’s way.
Have mercy on the white girl - There is always a fair-skinned girl in the bunch that might not be able to handle six hours of direct, scorching sunlight, so you must be accommodating. Enjoying an olive skin-tone, I recently learned that umbrellas are not only used for rain.
Nothing is sacred - Common courtesy and discretion no longer take precedence. Be prepared to see more skin than expected and use physical force to get some bathroom time. Check your suitcase for valuables, as there is bound to be not only a streaker in every group, but also a klepto.

Is it spring yet?

jkashou — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 00:37:30 GMT

In my mind, spring should technically start in March, but not here in Milwaukee. The tenth-worst winter in history (but most intense in my memory) ravages on. It is obvious that the extended winter is starting to get to everyone. People in all arenas that I have come in contact with lately; bank tellers, store clerks, bus drivers, and even bar tenders are short tempered and a lot less friendly than usual.

I, for one, share in this collective sentiment; this is well beyond frustration or the winter blues. I am starting to feel a deep resentment this ambient force known as Wisconsin weather. The indignation crawls up my back like a spider and nestles in between my shoulder blades; all eight legs tapping a nerve that reverberates and lays heavy. Okay, so I am being a little dramatic, but I reached a new low yesterday- literally. I slipped on a snow-covered patch of ice and landed hard on my shoulder. As I waited a minute to catch my breath and process what had just transpired in a quick wink, I felt the cold, wet snow seeping through my yoga pants. No trip to the gym that day- I spent the rest of the afternoon pouting, engaging in retail therapy and icing my shoulder.

The moral of the story is this: spring is just a fleeting farce here in this great city. We obviously only live here for the crisp and colorful fall and the sunny, festival-filled summer. If it weren’t for St. Patrick’s Day, I’d say let’s abandon the city for the month of March.

The Spirit of the Marathon

jkashou — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 05:46:48 GMT

Some call it a monster, a force to be reckoned with; while others simply see it as a test of so many intangible human emotions. Is this infectious, inanimate 26 miles and 385 meters really worth the countless hours of training, pain, sacrifice and discipline that millions of Americans are participating each year? I don't know... not just yet...

In deseperate need of motivation, I agreed to see a documentary on the Chicago marathon entitled "Spirit of the Marathon" with my training buddy. Let me start by saying, I am not a natural runner; naturally athletic, yes, but a real, talented runner benefits from the genetic gift of long, lean limbs, lungs of steel and tremendous focus. Sadly, I possess none of the aforementioned qualities. I began running seriously about four years ago as a personal challenge and a way to stay in shape. I have progressed through the encouragement and accompaniment of a good friend who is also a semi-novice runner. I've ran countless charitable 5K, 10K and 15K races, along with a half marathon last spring. Despite sometimes feeling tortured while in en route, after most every race I feel an indescribable euphoric high. Just like any natural or chemically engineered high, you crave more and more. Each additional mile I rack up, I want to continue running, just to see if I might be able to complete the ultimate challenge of a marathon, even just once.

A self-diagnosed A.D.D. sufferer, the thought of running, let alone doing anything for four hours straight bores me to tears. The film changed my perspective by showing people of all shapes, sizes, ages and abilities conquering the beast each for a different reason, but reveling in the same sheer satisfaction and feeling of invincibility. It was a thorough portrayal of both elite and novice runners; old, young, short, fat, slow and fast. There were runners from all over the country and world navigating the viewer through the training process and finally, the marathon. Despite their differences, each individual attests that once you run a marathon, you can do anything.

So for now, I am going for the glory since it is the next step in my natural progression to self-fullfilment, enlightenment and overcoming my A.D.D. They say at about mile twenty, most runners hit an inevitable wall and your body undergoes intense physiological changes. I am banking on the fact that I will stop feeling my legs and allow either adrenaline or that state of euphoria to carry me the rest of the way. If that doesn't work, I still have an intense competitive edge that calls to me and begs: if a 70-year-old can do it, then so can I!

Lackluster love

jkashou — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 19:50:24 GMT

The results of my unscientific, arbitrary poll are in. The general morale in regards to Valentine's Day is at an all-time low. My research subjects have mainly been the people I come in contact with on a daily basis. A stranger on the bus summed up the aforementioned collective sentiment: "Valentine's Day, who cares about Valentine's Day, I expect to be shown love everyday of the year!" As we all know, Valentine's Day is just a scam, a ploy to sell junk, making singles feel bad about themselves for being single and inevitably sending a few boyfriends to the doghouse who couldn't get their hands on a dozen roses or a box of assorted chocolates at the last minute. This is perhaps excusable since consumer spending drives our capitalistic economy and this might just fend off our impending recession. Nah, I don't put that much trust in cupid.Is it true that men and women alike are searching for that googley-eyed romantic love that just might drive one to participate in such a preposterous holiday? My “research” suggests just the opposite. Searching for love is impossible; the take-your-breath-away love fades and at the end of every cold, February day, the love that sticks around is found in friends, family and life partners – chocolate and roses or not.

No Butts about it....enough already!

jkashou — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 02:26:15 GMT

It's starting to seem like a cruel joke; most major (and not so major) cities including New York, LA, Chicago and Madison have adopted the smoking ban, so why can't Milwaukee? This is proving to be one of the most intense, wacky winters in a long time and it has given me a bit of cabin fever leaving me with no choice but to quench my thirst for social interaction at one of the many fine watering holes in this great city of beer. The only problem is that with the doors and windows frozen shut, the same stale smoky air circulates and permeates your skin, eyes, clothes and hair, causing a non-smoker to wake up the next morning smelling like an ashtray and feeling like she has developed the black lung.

I understand that are two sides to the debate and smoking goes with drinking like peanut butter and jelly, but doesn't the medical research showing the detrimental effects of second-hand smoke count for anything? There are disadvantages for succumbing to any vice; a shopping addiction drains your bank account and gluttons face the threat of obesity. If smokers choose to feed their disruptive habit, standing out in the cold for two minutes should be the least of their worries given tobacco's track record in causing yellow teeth, premature wrinkles and cancer.

I have been deterred from entering a bar or restaurant many times, especially during the six-month Wisconsin winter, solely to avoid the nuisance of second-hand smoke. I am not criticizing smokers, as we all have our vices, but at least shopping doesn't make you less attractive and jeopardize the health of others.

Growing up a half-breed

jkashou — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 16:31:54 GMT

When people ask me what ethnicity I am, I respond without hesitation – Palestinian; however, the truth is, I am only 50 percent Palestinian. My father, the rock and roll rebel child of the sixties immediately abandoned aspects of his native culture in an effort to assimilate in an era of the Beatles, blondes and bellbottoms. So what does he do next? He finds himself a petite American beauty to marry; smooth, white skin like milk and clear green eyes like a cat.

My mother is of Italian, German and Irish descent, but to my father she was as American as apple pie. Better yet, she fearlessly rose to the challenge of trailblazer among four other Kashou children who had no problem finding other Palestinians to marry. When met with initial speculation from the matriarch, her selfless attitude, strong values and dedication to family proved that her heart was in the right place and that she’d fit in just fine.

The rest is history – love, marriage and then I come along. The half-breed: that’s what my cousins call me and my sister. Sure, a playful moniker, hard to dispel with my green eyes and light olive skin, but offensive nonetheless. I still identify with my father’s Arab heritage and try to fit in best as I can, but there are a few aspect of this dominant culture where I just don’t measure up.

1.) Language - to my grandmother’s disgrace, I am fluent in Spanish. I speak words and phrases in Arabic, mostly vulgarities, none of which come in handy in trying to lace together a proper sentence.

2.) Food – Most Arabs drink coffee as thick as tar and eat traditional fare so heavily laden with onions and allspice that it seeps out of their pores when they sweat. They all have stomachs of steel, which my father attributes to the consumption of tremendous amounts of the olive oil, whose protective golden aura has lubricated the intestinal tract. Unfortunately, my weak stomach and recurring digestive problems enslave me to a pretty bland diet.

3.) Family – My first mistake was completely unavoidable – I was born a female and not able to carry on the Kashou name; however, since the familial unit is all-important, the least I could do is get married and support the proliferation of this great legacy. I decided to first go off to college, see the world and focus on a career, which has been delaying my baby-making responsibilities and provoked quite a bit of anxiety.

I do feel fortunate to live in the United States, a.k.a the great melting pot of cultures, races and ethnicities. On the contrary, does the lack of a national, unified culture ultimately dilute the American experience? Since no American is really 100 percent American, we borrow traditions from our ancestors to enhance and give meaning to our lives. For this reason, I choose to relish in the exotic lingo, spicy, aromatic cuisine, and the nagging and prodding from all 62+ cousins, aunties and umos. So when asked what ethnicity I am I proudly declare: Palestinian.