We're running the culinary gamut this week in the editorial office. In addition to some tasty music from Oregon-based Blind Pilot (pictured) and Queen Ifrica, we are dishing up some tasty suggestions for snack food and side dishes as well as a relaxing city park and a way to remove unwanted hair. Got something to recommend? Use the Talkback feature to jump into the action.
These are a few of our favorite things this week:
Blind Pilot -- "Three Rounds And A Sound" (Expunged Records) -- I saw this band open for The Decemberists in May, and bought the CD, "Three Rounds And A Sound," during the break between bands, which is something I almost never do. I am now to the point of fearing burnout with this CD because I play it so often. The Oregon-based group dishes up indie folk at its best, similar to Death Cab For Cutie and Snow Patrol, but definitely with a signature sound. The lyrics are smart and romantic, and although most of the songs are mellow, they'll surprise you with a blast of trumpet. Bind Pilot plays Lollapalooza at 4:15 p.m. Aug. 8 in Chicago. --Molly Snyder Edler
"Legend Larry" chicken wings at Bougey's -- Larry Schaefer began selling his trademark wings at Legend Larry's in Sheboygan. They became so popular that he started selling them at satellite locations around the state, including Bougey's, 16760 W. Greenfield Ave., Brookfield. (The bar used to be known as Rita Rae's). Legend Larry's' has 10 different sauces, ranging from mild up to D.O.A. ("dead on arrival"). The hot garlic, honey barbecue, teriyaki and Caribbean mango are solid choices. Check them out and see why Schaefer routinely wins awards in competition with the wing experts in Buffalo. --Drew Olson
Catalano Square -- Tucked in to the back (south) of the Historic Third Ward, Catalano Square is quaint retreat. With its seating, grassy area, fountain and popcorn wagon, the city park offers nice shade and quite in the middle of one of the area's best neighborhoods. --Jeff Sherman
Queen Ifrica's "Montego Bay" (VP Records) -- The kette drum and Rasta chant of this disc's opener -- "T.T.P.N.C." -- sets the tone. And the fact that it's co-produced by conscious DJ Tony Rebel is another sign that we're in for a bumpin' ride, but one with conscious lyrics rather than gun talk. "Welcome to Montego Bay" is a tribute to Ifrica's north coast hometown and "Lioness on the Rise,"with its live drums and sweet air and tuff lyrics, recalls similar material by Bushman, who often laces breezy beats with cultural lyrics. "Coconut Shell" is a paean to herb, built atop a boney remix of a modern "Satta" cut. The hit here is "Far Away," a pop reggae treat dappled with clavinet and lacey guitar fills. Another tune here that was a hit for Ifrica is "Daddy," represented on this disc with two versions: English and Spanish. This satisfying but fun record has summer written all over it. --Bobby Tanzilo
Grilled pita bread as a side dish -- If you're grilling a steak or a chicken breast and crave something a bit starchy, but not in the potato family, grab a few pieces of pita bread. Slater some olive oil on the side and toss them on the grill for a minute or two. They make a perfect side with your meat entree and salad. --D.O.
Moom hair remover -- I didn't think this organic hair remover would work, but it did, and amazingly well. Moom is a natural, botanical product that's made from chamomile, lemon juice, tea tree oil and sugar. (Arguably, it doubles as a tasty toast condiment.) For about $8 a box, you get a small jar of Moom remover, washable / reusable strips and wooden applicators. This small box will last for months, considering the hair does not not usually grow back for two or three weeks. You can use Moom on any body hair -- legs, face, arm pits and, yes, even "down ‘der." Get Moom at Outpost Natural Foods or the Riverwest Co-op. --M.E.
Watching next season's All-Star Home Run Derby on the DVR -- Prince Fielder's exploits were enjoyable Monday night in St. Louis, the program runs too darn long. Set your DVR and join it about 90 minutes into the action. That way, you can zap through the commercials and catch up in time to see the excitement live. --D.O.
Crab dip from Haus of Prime Meats -- I need to do a full blog on Haus of Prime Meats, and will soon. For now, though, I can't say enough about this place's crab dip. It's simply wonderful and a real treat. Sure you gotta go to "downtown" Delafield for it. But, honestly, its little "downtown" strip is pretty nice and full of shops and scenery. Stop in at Haus of Prime Meats, 622 Genesee St., on your next trip west, buy the crab dip and enjoy. Trust me. --J.S.
American Crew forming cream -- The crew makes fine grooming products for men and the forming cream is a personal favorite. The little puck contains 1.75 ounces and offers strong hold without a greasy feeling. --D.O.
Ken Macha's interviews -- The Brewers dropped eight of their last 11 games before the break, and for some reason can't seem to win a day game at Miller Park. But, when I hear Manager Ken Macha explain things and answer questions, I feel that everything is going to be OK. Contrast this with Ned Yost's media approach and it's simply night and day. Macha has a grandfatherly manner that is calming, assertive, friendly and professional. Leadership requires passion and patience, and I truly like and respect Macha's approach. --J.S.
"Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen" -- OnMilwaukee.com publisher Andy Tarnoff's recent foray into the running -- and subsequent knee problems -- got me thinking about Christopher MacDougall's book about the Tarahumara tribe, a group of Mexican cliff dwellers who run hundreds of miles with ease. The book is dotted with interesting characters, like the reclusive Caballo Blanco (White Horse) and filled with running tips (ditch those expensive shoes) and inspiration. --D.O.
