Olbrich Biergarten, Madison, WI

If you've ever been to Minneapolis, one thing (among many) the cities do very well is outdoor beer and food options near their lakes and bodies of water - Minnehaha Falls (Sea Salt), Lake Minnetonka (CoV), Lake Calhoun (Tin Fish), etc. They have a culture of being outside in the summer (and winter), gathering when the weather is nicest and enjoying good food and drink with friends and family.

I was a bit surprised to find out, there really wasn't anything like that in the Madison area. Of course, it wasn't long until someone got the great idea to do something about it. Their location happened to be across the street from where I reside too.

The Biergarten at Olbrich Park has opened up this past July and it already seems like it's going well. I was impressed by the organization, size and scale of the establishment. It's not only friendly for adults that like beer, but also families with parents that like beer... they have lawn games and a huge sandbox for the kiddos, plus don't forget it's on Lake Monona, go fishing even.

They also seem to keep a close eye on patrons as they leave the place, not only to protect the boundary of the beer garden and the neighborhood at large, but also to keep an eye on their nice glasses. You can't take them with you and they're watching like hawks to make sure no one leaves the grounds with beer or their steins.

They offer a few small bites, and a couple non-alcoholic items too. It's definitely not the place for a big meal or bring a group of diverse eaters, but perhaps food trucks or local food delivery is already taking note.

I have to get back there after dark and have a beer under the lights.

Chicago Eats!

I thought I'd just post a quick review of a recent 24-hours in Chicago. The city is amazing in the summer and the food matches the big shoulders of the city too.

A refreshing, comp'ed Arnie Palmer as I sat in the lobby of the hotel waiting for friends, thanks, Aloft.

Lunch has begun! Revolution Brewery's restaurant was a fine first stop. 5 samplings, one and a half donuts and a breakfast burger later and I was full.

Espresso-Chocolate, made on-site in their 2nd floor bakery, along with all breads served in the place.

Love an egg on a burger.

A quick afternoon stop at Links on Milwaukee provided us with a great spot to try some new beers. A pretty "connected" bar, they had Untapped reviews streaming live above the beer list, kinda cool.

Though I've missed anything from the dinner that night at Little Goat Diner, I did manage to have enough patience to take some pics of brunch at Beatrix the next morning...

Steak Chimichuri & Eggs, with Shishito peppers - perfectly done, so good.

Aloft Hotel (River North), Chicago, IL

This is a vibrant bustling hotel in the heart of Chicago's River North neighborhood. It's very accommodating, friendly, full of interesting aspects and easily a place I would stay again.

They have a Lettuce Entertain you restaurant attached, called Beatrix. They match the vibe and service of Aloft very well. Like the hotel, I would eat here again in a Chicago minute.

I Love Chicago's Elevated Train Lines (aka, The "L")

There's nothing better for getting around, even to O'Hare. I've spent a long time over my years riding these rails, and I don't think I'll be stopping any time soon.

This trip was a Blue Line run from Rosemont, out west, to the city for a weekend visit.

Next to the Slinky, I think this is the most iconic spring in use in the world today.

Panoramic View of Collectivo Coffee (Lakefront), Milwaukee, WI

I couldn't help but take a long picture of this very unique location and always busy coffee hotspot, down on the lake front in Milwaukee, WI. They seem to have a unique combination of upbeat, patient personnel, old and new food and drink options, and people watching for days. Not to mention they're located in an old water facility on the lakefront... it's a great place to get some refreshment or get some work done.

Local Fungi, Madison, WI

It seems like mushrooms have been more common this year than I can remember in years past. I noticed many posts about early spring morels on social media, and I seem to keep seeing them growing wild almost anywhere I venture. It has been consistently damp in most places, so that might be a factor. I found the big guys below a couple blocks from home, growing on someone's front yard. They certainly caught my attention. I don't know enough to know which ones to eat and which ones to leave. Better not try if I'm not sure.

I have a medium-sized hand

Quote of the Day.

"Only when we allow others to be who they are, rather than who we want them to be, will we have peaceful relationships."