For my last full day in Wisconsin, my sister and I headed down to Madison. We actually had more recommendations for places to eat in Madison than we had time to eat at those places. Nevertheless, we acquitted ourselves quite well.
one
I didn’t expect much from Sheboygan, especially after our disappointment in Oshkosh. It just goes to show you, don’t make any assumptions based on silly city names.
When we told people we were going to Sheboygan for the Kohler Art Center, at least two people asked if we were going to “that wood-oven pizza place.” I was instantly suspicious; for one thing we were in Wisconsin, and for another there are plenty of wood-burning pizza places that turn out merely adequate pizza. But it’s not as if we had any other restaurants we knew in Sheboygan, so after basking in a wide variety of American art we decided to give Il Ritrovo a try.
none
We headed out to Oshkosh to see the Paine Art Center & Gardens, where they were having an exhibit of great American photographers (somehow Donny was left out!). After touring the house and the gardens, we went looking for something to eat.
Downtown Oshkosh was used in filming Public Enemies, because the main street, Main Street, seems frozen in time. We drove up and down Main St, but didn’t see restaurants that appealed to us. On the outskirts of town we came across a place that looked promising for a snack.
none
We were eager to explore more of Milwaukee, but we found that we had already hit most of the highlights. After a wan continental breakfast at the hotel, we headed out to the historic Old Third Ward, which we had visited the day before, with a specific destination in mind.
Milwaukee Public Market
The Milwaukee Public Market, and in fact the entire concept of the Historic Third Ward District, seems a transparent attempt on the part of Milwaukee’s governing officials to create some kind of “comeback” brand to revitalize run-down areas of the city. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with this, but based on our visit it doesn’t seem to be working. Well, it did attract the two of us, so it works to some extent. Not that we spent any money while there.
3 com
On Tuesday morning we headed out for Milwaukee. We had minimal plans, but they included one art museum and two breweries.
Our first stop in Milwaukee was the Milwaukee Art Museum, on the shore or Lake Michigan. It’s not a bad museum, but kind of pales in comparison to the museums here in NYC. After the museum we headed out to lunch at a place recommended by my sister, as well as a Serious Eater.
none
Before leaving for Wisconsin, I asked for recommendations from Serious Eaters, and they responded in force. Thanks guys! This would be the first day we took their advice, but not the last.
When I think of Wisconsin, the first food I think of is cheese. I knew that when I was there I would like to see a cheese factory, and my sister and I started looking for places that had tours. Luckily we found out about Union Star Cheese, not too far from where my sister lives, and one the way to Chain O’Lakes, our destination for the day.
none| www.flickr.com |
