Welcome to another installment of "OMC Recommends," a periodic look at cool things that we like and think you should know about.
Use the Talkback feature to let us know what you think of our picks. If you'd like to add some of your own, e-mail them to omcrecommends@staff.onmilwaukee.com.
"The Wine Bible" -- After years of being an avid wine drinker, I finally justified the hobby by purchasing "The Wine Bible" by Karen MacNeil. I've been told by wine snobs, I mean enthusiasts, that this is an amateur book, but as a starting point, I find it fascinating, not to mention chock full of information that is new to me. The 910-page "bible" provides a solid overview of the most famous wine regions, teaches how wine is made, explains what flavors each grape is known for and more. Maybe I will be one of those wineglass sniffers and swirlers one of these days. -- Molly Snyder Edler
El Rey's bean tamales -- You get six for about $3.36 at the El Rey at the Milwaukee Public Market. Don't eat the cornhusks, but enjoy these amazing tamales for lunch and save two for dinner. They come in chicken and beef, too, but the bean variety more than satisfies. Nothing artificial either -- just pinto beans, peas, corn, carrots, green beans, jalapeno peppers, Monterey Jack cheese and salt. -- Jeff Sherman
Christian Williams's "Built with Bones" - The disc showed up on my desk with the genre label "gothic country music." Huh? The accompanying bio sheet further explained that this Milwaukee resident's music is as much influenced by country and folk as it is by Southern Gothic literature. The results are lyrical tales of wandering spirits, mortality and the darker side of love. Sound interesting? Check him out Friday at the Circle A or March 3 at Bremen Café. -- Julie Lawrence
The Knot -- I don't drink much Irish whiskey, opting instead for the peatier single malts from across the North Channel in Scotland, but a co-worker shared a bit of this caramel-colored 100-proof whiskey infused with butterscotch. I know, that made me shudder, too, but it's barely perceptible in the taste and then only in the finish. The Knot tastes good and that's all that matters.-- Bobby Tanzilo
Taylor and Dunn's corned beef sandwich -- Step aside Carnegie Deli it is Milwaukee is blessed with two of the greatest corned beef sandwiches in the world. Jake's on North and now Taylor and Dunn's in Mequon. Located at the corner of Hwy 57 and Donges Bay Road, T&D's serves up a corned beef sandwich that can only be described as a religious experience. It's tender and juicy with just enough fat to give it a flavor that could make an Irish Catholic forget about his Guinness and pass on the fish fry every Friday during Lent. Words do not do this sandwich justice; you have to try it for yourself. After the first bite, you'll order a second to go. Trust me on this one. You won't be disappointed.-- Kevin Brandt
"Doctor Who" -- This BBC show may not be at the same cinematography quality of most Hollywood shows, but the story is more than interesting. The doctor travels through time in his spaceship along with his companion, combating crime. "Doctor Who" has been on the air in various forms since the 1960s. They're on Doctor No. 10 with David Tennant, who is witty and a bit rude. The show doesn't air often, but when it does it's on the Sci-Fi Channel. Otherwise, Netflix has a season available and YouTube can give a taste of the newest season. -- Heather Leszczewicz
Kleenex brand Cottonelle with ripples, double rolls -- I used to be a "buy the cheapest brand of toilet paper" guy, but in recent years I've become a passionate fan of Cottonelle. This is one fine butt wipe. Soft, thick and absorbent, unscented, no inks or dyes and a nice double roll that lasts a while. The triple roll is a bit too large for our dispenser, though. Now, let me warn you the Ultra and Aloe Cottonelle varieties are not as nice on the behind. Not sure why, I think they just try too hard and truly don't merit the extra cost. So, if you are looking for a new bathroom "pleasure?" Who isn't? Try Kleenex Cottonelle Bathroom Tissue with Ripples. Bonus -- it seems to always be on sale at Target. -- J.S.
