These are a few of our favorite things this week:
Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps -- Dr. Bronner's isn't exactly a local product, though its creator, Emmanuel Bronner, lived in Milwaukee in the '30s, and the current VP, Ralph, lives in Menomonee Falls.
But the crazy soap that claims it can save the world is pretty awesome stuff. The company was creating organic, cruelty-free, sustainable products before anyone knew what that meant. It's the versatility of this super-concentrated liquid soap that makes it so special: if you have the time and energy to read the slightly insane ramblings of the 3,000-word label, you'll see that Bronner claimed his product could be used for 18 different cleaning projects.
In reality, you can use it for shaving cream, shampoo, brushing your teeth, doing your laundry, soaking in the bath, and of course, as soap. It comes in six scents, but the best are peppermint and lavender. The peppermint literally tingles, while the lavender leaves you mellow and calm (and makes your bathroom smell good). Don't get too hung up on the cultish propaganda, but do lather up for a special soaping sensation. Available online and locally in better grocery stores like Outpost and Whole Foods. --Andy Tarnoff
The Chicago Dogg at the Dogg Haus -- Sometimes you just need a quick lunch, and fast food won't do it. Thus, if I'm out and about and anywhere near Brady Street, the Dogg Haus does it good. Their Vienna Beef Chicago Dogg is only $2.49 and it's loaded with onions, tomatoes, relish, mustard, a big pickle spear, two sport peppers and a little dash of celery salt all on a steamed poppy seed bun. I'm a pretty loyal Usinger's customer and occasional Klement's dog at the ballpark kind of guy, but these things are great for a grab and go snack or lunch. The Dogg Haus is at 1433 E Brady St., with other locations on Marquette's campus and East Wisconsin Avenue. --Jeff Sherman
Fischberger's Variety -- This family-owned business, 2445 N. Holton St., features all the much-missed parts of an old-time variety store. There is the attentive-but-never-obnoxious service and cute, organized departments such as housewares, toys, sewing notions, books and stationery all under one roof.
The stock includes vintage items and hand-selected thrift clothes along with a spectacular selection of new wooden and tin toys, arts and crafts, fabulous fabrics, ‘zines and fun novelty items like patterned shoestrings straight from the ‘80s and roller derby bubblegum cigarettes. (Owner Sarah Ditzenberger is on the Bruise City Bruisers roller derby team.)
A longtime Riverwest resident, Ditzenberger is committed to expanding her business to provide the neighborhood with an alternative to Wal-Mart. At the very least, Fischberger's is the ideal one-stop gift shop for adults, kids or to treat yourself. On a recent visit, I walked away with tin Curious George flashlights for my kids and rosewood knitting needles from India for myself. Next time, I'm buying the "Everybody Needs a Sugar Daddy" Sugar Babies lunchbox because, well, it's true. --Molly Snyder Edler
G2 -- It's a wonder that it took so long for the folks who bring us Gatorade to produce a lower-calorie version. Athletes (and couch potatoes) need hydration off the field, but the carbohydrate content in G2 isn't optimized like it is in the regular version. As a result, an 8-oz. serving contains just 25 calories. The flavors I've sampled are tasty and the idea is solid. --Drew Olson
El Rey restaurant -- Every few months, my sons and I stop at the colorful Mexican mercado, El Rey, 916 S. Chavez Dr., for Latin baked goods, Virgin Mary candles, peppers, banana leaves, rare Central American six packs (Famosa from Guatemala is my favorite) and to nosh at the delicious café. The authentic menu items, prepared on premises, are always delicious and affordable. The best part, however, is the salsa choices. Every table features three bowls of salsa -- medium, hot and hotter -- and bottomless baskets of homemade El Rey tortilla chips. The tough part is not munching too many chips and remembering to save enough room for a burrito, torta or plate of tacos con pollo. --Molly Snyder Edler
The Café at The Pfister -- This has become one of our most visited breakfast stops. Why? Friendly service, convenient location, quality food, cool little jam containers and good coffee (much better than years ago). I love The Pfister, and always have. And breakfast there is great. Omelets are large, but not greasy and are served with toast and hash browns. If you're into sports, on weekends you'll probably see someone you recognize. We've seen Rick Majerus and several baseball and basketball players there nibbling their morning meals. --J.S.
The Bucks' new banners -- Championship banners are the trophy case of a sports arena. Last season, the Bucks finally got around to honoring the franchise's 12 division championships by hoisting new banners to the Bradley Center rafters, along with new ones commemorating the 1971 World Championship and the 1974 Western Conference title.
This season, in honor of the team's 40th anniversary, the seven players whose numbers have been retired by the team are coming back for rededication ceremonies. So far, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Sidney Moncrief and Junior Bridgeman returned to see their numbers "re-retired." (Bob Lanier's turn is Wednesday).
To mark the occasion, the Bucks have hung a new banner featuring a replica of the jersey worn by each player. The new banners are classy, and the upgrade was overdue. You wonder how long it will be before Marquette and the Admirals upgrade theirs. --Andrew Wagner