West Side Stories
A Tosa resident for almost 20 years, Karen is a mom and freelance writer, addicted to playing tennis. When not on the tennis court, she spends the fall and winter in the stands at Green Bay Packer and Marquette basketball games.
Karen is the author of “Grab a Bite,” a dining out column and the former community columnist for the Wauwatosa NOW newspaper.
Dave & Buster's Opens a New Location and a Can of Worms
It’s difficult to explain to people what Dave & Buster’s is. Their tagline is “Eat, Drink, Play” which is pretty accurate for a business that is part restaurant, part bar and part arcade. I visited the new Dave & Busters at 2201 N. Mayfair Road on a Thursday night, just days after its grand opening. Overheard on that night, was this exchange:
Checkout Charity, Parking Protection and the Write Stuff
A few years ago, we had lots of solicitors at our front door – religious groups, kids selling candy, grown men looking for donations, people with petitions. Not a week went by when someone didn’t ring our doorbell for a cause. I wasn’t a fan of these unannounced visitors. My solution was a “no soliciting” sticker that I found at Puhl’s Hardware Store. I put it on my front door and we’ve been blissfully “solicitation-free” for quite a while.
Pizzanomics
The other night, having once again found myself at the end of the day without dinner on the stove, my husband, daughter and I went to Balistreri’s on 68th Street. Being Thursday night, it was fairly busy.
Can Restaurants AND Retail Thrive in Tosa?
There’s been a bit of hoopla recently about new businesses, specifically restaurants, in our village. First there’s Le Reve Patisserie and Cafe which has been going gangbusters since it opened last summer. Then there’s Café Hollander which is due to open in early summer once Zimmerman Design Group moves on.
No TV Dinners, Please
If you know me (and most of you don’t), there are two things you know: 1) I love TV. I watch a lot of it. More than I should, but at this age, some things won’t change. Unlike Tom Gaertner, I have cable and lot of it. 2) I’m easily distracted. I probably can’t walk and chew gum. If you’re talking to me and have some spinach in your teeth, I will not hear a word you’re saying. (Primarily because I will be having an internal argument with myself about whether or not to tell you.)
Intermodal Station – It’s For the Birds
I recently visited the brand spanking-new “Intermodal” (i.e. Amtrak/Greyhound) Station in downtown Milwaukee. I was pretty excited when I heard about the renovation because the old station was, um, a dump. I have to say, the remodeling was a success. The place looks gorgeous, with its floor to ceiling windows.
Right Time to Live in Tosa
Sometimes, you’re just in the right place at the right time. That is exactly how I’m feeling about summer in Tosa. Look around you and there are some awesome dining experiences just waiting to make summer in our town better than ever.
Vliet Street Border Eats
“Uh oh. I sense a new blogpost coming,” said my husband during a recent dinner out.
The Scoop on Gelato
Well, the dessert gods must have been listening to our dear, sweet Maddie. Gelato, my dear, is everywhere lately.
McCormick & Schmick’s – Mayfair Dining Goes Under the Sea
For no good reason, other than thinking it’s St. Patrick’s Day and everybody is at Mo’s, the family and I dined at the new McCormick & Schmick’s restaurant which opened their Mayfair location on Monday.
I Heart Tosa
Once in a while, I encounter a few things that remind me why I love Tosa. Sometimes it’s something small, sometimes funny, sometimes a little sad. Here are a few:
