Sweet potato fries w/ chive crème fraîche at Maxie's Southern Comfort -- There are two things you must know about this delectable delicacy from the kitchen of a very fine restaurant at 6732 W. Fairview Ave. First, you should know that one order, which costs $5.95, is easily enough to feed 2-3 people. Second, you should know that the things are so addictive that you may hamper your appetite for one of their delicious entrees. Sweet potato fries can't be easy to make. The sugar can caramelize and make the fries lumpy, squishy or tough to dip. These deep-fried beauties strike a perfect balance between snap and sweet. They hold up perfectly to the chive crème dip, which is good. Next time, though, I'm asking for some barbecue sauce and really going to town. --Drew Olson
"Joy Division" -- Director Grant Gee's documentary (from The Miriam Collection/Genius Products) about landmark post-punk outfit Joy Division understandably focuses in tightly on late singer Ian Curtis who committed suicide at the height of the band's success. The film also captures the way in which the band changed the face of pop music in the late 1970s and how it affected its hometown of Manchester, England. With interviews with fellow band members, managers, friends, music journalists and others, Gee's 90-minute film -- written by veteran rock scribe Jon Savage -- is compelling and about as moving as a "rockumentary" can be. There's great footage of the band playing live, too. -- Bobby Tanzilo
The Dreamsicle -- Fill a glass with ice, pour a shot or two of vanilla vodka followed by orange juice, and you have a "dreamsicle" that's way more fun than the kind served by your local ice cream man. Plus, the vitamin C just might proactively combat the notorious summer cold. --Molly Snyder Edler
Early morning walks/runs through Downtown -- This summer I've taken to an earlier rise and do my best to walk and / or run in the morning. There's just something cool about Downtown at 5:30 or 6 a.m. Its vibe and energy, its people and sense of readiness all are intriguing. I love Downtown at about any time of the day, but mornings are special. Try it for your next walk, run or bike. The Riverwalk is a great place to start your early morning adventure. --Jeff Sherman
Feather earrings by Heavy Meadow -- My new favorite earrings are currently crafted locally by artist Amelinda Burich under the ever-so-clever moniker Heavy Meadow. She pieces together gorgeous, one-of-a-kind ear decor from complementary combinations of large and small feathers. They are the type of accessory that all the girls will ask about. They are available for the very fair price of $24 at Freya Salon, 2318 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., and for the cyber space set, they'll be up on Etsy.com soon. For Friday's Gallery Night, Heavy Meadow is dressing the neckline with a new line of feather-inspired necklaces at Freya. --Julie Lawrence
The Demon roller coaster -- I just spent the day at Great America and went on almost every roller coaster at the park, including the new Dark Knight Coaster. However, I still like the double-looped Demon the best. It was introduced in 1976, but it continues to be a fun and thrilling ride, without the unnerving stress and queasiness of a super steep drop like the American Eagle. --M.E.
Milwaukee-themed gifts from George Watts & Son, Inc. -- Co-worker Molly Snyder Edler wrote about these cool Milwaukee gifts in 2004, but the range of watercolorists Chrisanne Robertson's Milwaukee works has expanded from plates to ornaments and even umbrellas. All items make perfect wedding gifts, or just gifts for those that miss Milwaukee. The plate is only $75 and features Lake Michigan with a montage of Milwaukee's crown jewels, including the Basilica of St. Josaphat, "The Domes," the Hoan Bridge, U.S. Bank Center, the orange sunburst sculpture, the Wisconsin Gas Light Building, the Quadracci Pavilion and Burke Brise Soleil at The Milwaukee Art Museum, Cudahy Tower and the North Point Lighthouse. --J.S.
