We aren't about to let a stealth snowstorm or the mid-week, mid-winter blahs stop us from sharing things we think are cool right now. This week's submissions include wonderful Woodman's Market (pictured), a tasty breakfast sandwich, a classic cover song and a good spot for late-night eats.
These are a few of our favorite things this week:
Woodman's Market -- I'd heard about how great it was from just about everyone in my immediate social circle, yet driving down to Oak Creek to go grocery shopping never seemed to make it into the daily plan.
Finally, as I was driving home from Chicago the other night, I pulled off the Interstate and decided to give the place a whirl. I was craving homemade mac and cheese and needed supplies. To begin, I like that the company is employee-owned and Wisconsin-based. More than that, I was impressed with how easy it was to navigate, despite its seemingly intimidating immensity. I liked how it was specifically organized -- rather than a "dairy" section, each item (butter, cheese, milk, even soy milk!) had it's own signage. Very helpful.
The only misstep I discovered was the faux hardwood floors (or was it meant to look like cobblestone?) Either way, it made for a bumpy and rather noisy journey with the shopping cart. But, the floor to ceiling wonderland that is the Woodman's liquor department more than made up for any slight noise violations I encountered during my visit. Wow. --Julie Lawrence
Kangaroo Pita Natural Omelet Sandwiches -- I've never been a fan of breakfast foods that come from the freezer. Pre-made waffles or breakfast burritos don't do it for me, so I was surprised when I tried Kangaroo's breakfast omelet pitas after the Milwaukee-based company delivered a case to our office. I brought home a box of the Santa Fe variety, and honestly, they were really good. After about 90 seconds in the microwave, the sandwich came out warm and juicy, the peppers giving this juicy egg and cheese pita just enough kick. The fact that this family-owned local business has been making pita products since 1979 is even better. (Just writing this, I'm craving another omelet.) Kangaroo also dropped off a bunch of their pita chips, and I went to town on the sea salt flavor, noshing my way through a bag in a few afternoons. Their products are available at grocery stores all over Milwaukee. --Andy Tarnoff
"Final Edition" at RockyMountainNews.com -- I've always been - and probably always will be -- a newspaper junkie. I know it's a dying industry, but it still made me feel a little down Thursday when it was announced that the Rocky Mountain News would cease publication the next day. This video, still available on the Web site, is an amazing glimpse into the newspaper's final days; from the announcement that owner Scripps was putting it up for sale, up until the final issue went to press last Friday. Check it out. --Andrew Wagner
George Strait's "River of Love" -- George Strait's latest, "River of Love," marks the singer's 80th top 10 track on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart. It's a catchy blend of old and new-school country that gets into your head and stays there. I love this tune. Strait plays Summerfest on June 29.
-- Jeff Sherman
The Blind Boys of Alabama's version of "Many Rivers to Cross" -- I saw these gentlemen open a show for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers a few years back and was impressed enough that I borrowed a friend's copy of the CD "Higher Ground" and still have it (sorry about that, John). The highlight of this collection of gospel songs and covers is a version of Jimmy Cliff's classic "Many Rivers to Cross." I always loved that song and love that the Blind Boys chose it. --D.O.
D3Hoops.com -- The big boys in Division I are still jockeying for tournament position, but the Division III dance gets underway this weekend -- with four state teams involved. Pat Coleman and friends let you follow all the action at D3Hoops.com, an amazing site that covers every possible aspect of Division III basketball. Game stories, live play-by-play and a nation-wide forum make this a one-stop-shop. For the record; UW-Stevens Point, UW-Whitewater, UW-Platteville and Lawrence are the four state men's teams trying to earn a trip to the Final Four. On the women's side, UW-Eau Claire, UW-Whitewater, UW-Stevens Point, Ripon and Concordia are in the 63-team field. --A.W.
Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie Low Fat Fro Yo -- I'm a huge fan of Ben and Jerry's work, but this dish is particularly delicious. Buy it in the pint container and try to control yourself while you're communing with the DVR. --D.O.
Mykonos on Van Buren -- I'm trying -- desperately and often in vain -- to eat healthier and on a normal schedule. But I still like to indulge in the occasional post-bar meal with friends. Following a solid night out last weekend, the crew skipped Real Chili, didn't feel like heading back to George Webb and passed on yet another late-night order from Pizza Shuttle or Chopstix. Instead, we stopped at Mykonos, 1014 N. Van Buren St., for some quick eats. It was a wise choice; my late-night burger was fresh and tasty, the better half's cheesesteak got good reviews and the rest of the party seemed to enjoy their gyros. It was cheap, it was fairly quick and it was fresh. Just what I needed to end the night (and guilt me into a pre-Mass trip to the Y on Sunday morning). --A.W.
