Archive for tag Family fun
January 17, 2012 at 05:17 PM · Posted under Entertainment, Nancy Neylon
Happy New Year to everyone!! Are you looking for something to do this upcoming weekend now that we have snow on the ground? Click here to check out some ideas.
Some of the fun events taking place:
- Community Art Project on Saturday, January 21st from 11a.m. to 4 p.m. (Free)
- Teen night-Indoor Ice Skating, Saturday, January 21st 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (There is a fee)
- Participate in trying to break a Wisconsin record by having the most number of dancers dancing at the same time (Free)
- Ice sculpting contest
- Pancake Breakfast
- A.C.T. Live Talent Show
- So much more!
Bundle up and enjoy the weekend in Waukesha!!
Posted by: 
Nancy Neylon
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December 08, 2011 at 05:27 PM · Posted under Entertainment, Nancy Neylon
There are so many things to do during the Christmas season and I just wanted to remind everyone not to forget about the great theatre and music we have in Milwaukee! Take a night out to see a favorite show, i.e.:A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker or maybe something different/new.
Other websites to check out for their productions in performance now and in the future:
Enjoy the season and the show!!
Posted by: Nancy Neylon
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November 30, 2011 at 12:01 PM · Posted under Nancy Neylon
Are you looking for somewhere to take the children for "Breakfast with Santa?"
There are many local communities getting in the holiday season and this weekend Santa is going to be visiting!
- Breakfast with Santa at George Watts and Son-December 3, 10, 17 & 24th -they will also be having their First Annual Holiday Open House!!
- Breakfist with Santa at The Pfister -December 3, 10 & 17th
- Breakfast and Lunch with Santa at the Milwaukee Zoo-December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 & 18th-Breakfast on Saturdays only, Lunch Saturday and Sunday
- Breakfast with Santa at the Villa Terrace-December 4th only
These are just a few that are going on around Milwaukee. Check your local paper for other visits from Santa!
Posted by: Nancy Neylon
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October 31, 2011 at 05:25 PM · Posted under Nancy Neylon
If your mouth doesn't drop open when you walk into the room, nothing much surprises you any longer!! All I could say was "wow" and I kept saying it throughout our dinner!
Let me set the stage for you... You walk into this beautiful dining room, you look down and a chef in his white cap is below you saying "hello," and a heavenly smell is filling the air. What is that smell you ask? It's the butter which is browning underneath the delicate, large white scallops he is sauteeing for the guests. You stand on the stairwell for a moment to try and take in everything you see. The gorgeous wood paneled walls, the elegant tables with their settings, baskets of flowers displayed on the tables above a vast amount of trays, all filled with different food items, each calling my name!
We stand at the top of the stairs for a couple minutes and we finally realize we are all just gazing down in admiration, but realize the need to move... the hostess is at the bottom of the stairs awaiting our descent and we provide our reservation information and are seated immediately. The waitress is not far behind her and she introduces herself and asks if we have ever dined at the Wisconsin room before. We (the three of us) all say "no." She explains the buffet, describes some of the mouth watering food available to us, takes a drink order and sends us on our way. She even offers a lobster bisque prior to going to the buffet, but each of us declines as we don't want to fill up on "just" soup (that will be for another visit). Each of us, I notice, heads to a different area of the buffet. Personally, I head right over to the desserts, I need to see what options I have prior to eating too much of the "nutritional" items on the menu so I know how much room I need to save. I then make my way over to where the salads are. There is an option of both a Caesar salad (lettuce was crisp as was the croutons, dressing was light, creamy and flavorful) and a mixed green salad (passed this up-nothing real "unique").
In the same area as the salads were the choices of fish. The Beer Battered Blue Gills were outstanding, one of the best examples of Blue Gill I have ever had (if you ask me what is my favorite, it was my grandpas recipe-he cooked them the best)! The beer batter was light and had a great taste, the fish themselves were fried to completion and not overdone. I also tried the Skate Wing which can also be, at times, overcooked easily but this was flaky, with a great texture to the outside. The Tempura Shrimp and BBQ Eel Maki Roll was excellent, as well with your choice of wasabi, pickled ginger and a soy sauce on the side. The Calamari and Clam Strips were "typical," but the Cilantro-Mango-Sweet Chili Sauce was delicious and different (would love the recipe). I acutually used this for my Maki Roll.
As you can see by the picture provided, there is also an additional table with a great selection of cheeses, sausages and crackers... What Wisconsin buffet would be the same without a Wisconsin tradition? The Prosciutto and Pear Crostini was the only sample I tried, which left me disappointed. "Bland" is how I would describe it.
Okay, so before I move onto the desserts which everyone knows is my favorite part of any meal, I have saved the best entree for last... Remember what I described in the beginning of this blog.. What was the cook doing? He was sauteeing, what I had perceived by my eyes and nose, to be a mouth watering delicacy.. AND I WAS RIGHT! The Scallops were sauteed to perfection and had a small drizzle of Wasabi Hollandaise Sauce on a small corner of the scallop. I could have truely just dined on scallops for the entire evening! Kudos to the chef, they were the highlight of the buffet!!
And now, I come to the dessert table. What a great selection for the finishing course! Each of us at the table had a nibble of the desserts and I think we all agree on the two outstanding winners... First was the Roasted Butternut Squash Bread Pudding with a Brandy, Caramel Sauce. Wow, that's all I could keep saying... "Wow." So many bread puddings which I have tried are so dense, dry and difficult to finish, this one was none of the aforementioned. It was moist, flavorful and "airy..." Yep-airy!! The other clear winner was the Lemon Lime Tart. The crust was buttery and flaky, with no difficulty in using one's fork to break into, but not so flaky you couldn't pick it up with that same fork. The Lemon Lime filling was creamy and the perfect tartness. It was a delicious and light dessert, with no "sugar" factor (you know those desserts with a crunchy-too much sugar issue). We also tried the Flambeed Apples with a Rum-Eggnog sauce, with a small scoop of fresh whipped creme on top. The apples were delicious and crispy, and the rum eggnog sauce had a hint of flavor but was not overpowering and the whipped creme just added the right extra touch. There was also Raspberry Linzer Torte and Dark Chocolate Cappuccino Mousee Torte. The Mousse Torte was excellent with our coffee, a great combination always. I did not try the Linzer Torte, I figured I would try it the next time (oh yes, there will be a next time!). So, come hungry and plan on trying many of the offerings!!
Make sure to make reservations as the dining room did fill up quite quickly and they take large groups as there was a birthday party of approximately 25 individuals which came in right before we left. What a great way to spend a birthday!
Click here for pricing (it's not "$" it's "$$$" and well worth it), to view a menu, directions, and to make reservations.
Bon Appetit!!
Posted by: Nancy Neylon
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October 24, 2011 at 07:05 PM · Posted under Nancy Neylon
I met a couple of my college friends, Meg and Tracey, for dinner on Friday night. We love getting together to touch base and we always try to go someplace different each time. This time we decided on Zak's Cafe, located at 231 S. 2nd Street and it is literally a "hidden gem." If I didn't know where I was going, I would have driven right past it and had no idea it was even a restaurant. That is the unfortunate for passerbys who are looking for someplace to eat, but don't know what they are looking for. And so, I felt it necessary to write and let all of you readers know about this fantastic restaurant. Zak's is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We were there at 5 p.m. and didn't leave until after 9 p.m. I couldn't believe this quaint, well decorated place was not "filled to the gill's." It was perfect as my friend Meg stated, as we had all the time in the world to talk. There are two levels of seating and they allowed us to choose our spot.
The menu looks fantastic and has a great selection of appetizers, entrees, etc.. We started with an appetizer of Tomato and Goat Cheese Bruschetta and it was delicious. The tomato mixture was fresh and the goat cheese was the perfect amount. The balsamic drizzle was just that, a "drizzle," it did not drench the plate or the bruschetta. The bread itself was soft and easy to bite into. Two other appetizers I would like to try in the future are the chicken spring rolls and the walleye bites. Both descriptions sound "to die for."
AND, of course, with it being Friday and being in Wisconsin, all three of us gravitated to the Fish Fry, which alone takes up a page on the menu. From the usual Cod Fry, Perch Fry and Shrimp, to choices of Scallops, Trout and Surf and Turf. Tracey and I both went for the Combo Fry which consisted of cod, perch and shrimp, and Meg had the broiled cod. We all agreed the portions were typical (two pieces cod, two perch, and two shrimp), the beer batter was light, fried to perfection and not overpowering and the cole slaw was not over "mayonnaised," it had great consistancy. Price was comparable to other restaurants in the Milwaukee area and is very reasonable. The chef even assisted in carrying out the entrees!
The waitress was cute, courteous and attentive. She was patient with our delay in ordering(remember we were catching up), she checked back with us several times, and she personally talked to us after the meal was finished for several minutes.
They have a chalkboard by their espresso machine with a list of hot drinks available and this caught my eye when I went to the restroom. Unfortunately, you could not see it from where we sat so my friends were not privy to the opportunity for such delicious drink options. To "quench" my sweet tooth, I had a hot caramel apple cider for dessert. A gentleman, who did not identify himself (I assume it's Zak?), came over to find out how our meal was and served my drink request. To be honest, I wish Zak's was closer to my work because I think I would be in there almost every day trying a new hot drink. It was smooth, sweet, but not overly done. The drink itself consisted of apple cider, caramel, cinnamon and whipped cream. The perfect fall drink!!
Click here to check out the restaurant, it's menu, hours, and directions.
I'm hoping the quietness of Friday was a fluke, as this is indeed a "hidden gem" and look forward to visiting it in the future for breakfast, lunch and dinner again!
Posted by: Nancy Neylon
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October 10, 2011 at 04:56 PM · Posted under Nancy Neylon
If you are as into Wisconsin history as I am, here is a great site to check out!
Make sure to have your kids handy for the fun questions, which they have on their home page.
Examples:
- "How was Wisconsin originally spelled?"
- "Did Railroad Hobos really create their own language?"
- "What century long war ended in 1967 in Wisconsin?"
Do you know the answers? Do your children?
I have obviously written about a couple of the places to visit, but there are many others I have (yet). I will be visiting them in the next year or so as well!
It's a great excuse to go out and see the fall colors, take a scenic drive and spend some time with family and/or friends!
Posted by: Nancy Neylon
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October 03, 2011 at 12:44 PM · Posted under Entertainment, Nancy Neylon
Okay, you have just spent your past weekend raking leaves and trimming your sidewalk and driveway...AND, you don't want to stay home this coming weekend. You want to be able to get out and enjoy the fall colors and weather!
Well, I have a great suggestion for everyone! I have done this for several years now, and I have found great Christmas and birthday presents, along with meeting new people and yes, enjoying the fall season!
You are able to actually visit many of the artist in their studios, watch them as they work on new material and talk to them about any questions you may have! You can purchase their pieces as you browse the merchandise.
There is also an artists reception and auction on Saturday night. Check out the Covered Bridge Studio Tour, which is going on October 7th to 9th.
Make sure to fill your gas tank, have your walking shoes on, and bring some cash to purchase from the artists. Remember to save your appetite so you can stop at one of the fantastic restaurants along the way, such as: Morton's Wiscons Inn (Cedarburg), Farmstead (Cedarburg), Harvey's (Mequon), Water Street Brewery (Grafton), etc.
Also, don't forget about the great carmel apples with different chocolates and toppings which both Sweet Trio (Grafton) and Amy's (Cedarburg)-it is almost always a necessary staple for every Fall Adventure! There are also many pumpkin patches, farmer's markets and apple orchards along the way to stop and get your favorite take home treats!
Have fun, if you see me make sure to say "hi!"
Posted by: Nancy Neylon
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September 27, 2011 at 05:44 PM · Posted under Entertainment, Nancy Neylon
I know I have written about the Gallery Night and Day activities in the Third Ward, but I don't believe I have mentioned the MIAD Student Alumni Art Sale, which takes place the same weekend. I became aware of it last year, and I'm not sure if that was the first year or not. It was exciting to see MIAD student's exhibit their talents and have the opportunity to purchase their art. Click here for information, and here for Gallery Night and Day in the Third Ward information. They will provide you with information on who is all participating, a map to help you search out the artists you want to see and the dates and times.
While in the Third Ward, don't forget to bring your appetite with you. There are so many great restaurants to choose from, including the newest on the block: Cafe Benelux. We had brunch there about a month ago on a beautiful, sunny Sunday morning. It had a large crowd of hungry patrons, the service was excellent and the food was good (not great). Milwaukee Sail Loft is another new restaurant and a great view if it's nice out. Four of us had lunch there and it was warm enough that day to sit outside. The menu isn't huge, but enough to choose from. I had the Herb Crusted Cobia and it was excellent. Everyone who was with me enjoyed their meal and we all agreed we come back again. The service was "ok," hoping it was slow because it was busy...
There are oldies, but goodies as well: Coquette Cafe (love their whole menu-try to choose something different every time), The Wicked Hop (BEST Bloody Mary around, great atmosphere!), Water Buffalo (love their black bean burger!!), Tulip(anything on their appetizers), Palms(awesome menu, fun atmosphere!), etc.
Hoping it's a nice warm Fall weekend to enjoy the outdoors and some great art!!
Posted by: Nancy Neylon
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August 05, 2011 at 04:17 PM · Posted under Entertainment, Nancy Neylon
On August 6th, a fun festival is happening: Third Ward Jazz Festival. It is only Saturday, so try to get to the Third Ward! There are a lot of activities going on:
- Iron Bartender 2011 champion (3 p.m.)
- Chefs of the Ward mixed basket competition (noon)
- Taste of the Ward-food from local restaurants provided throughout the day
AND, of course, since it is a Jazz Festival, there is music throughout the day. Click here for details!
On August 6th and 7th, bring your family to the Milwaukee lakefront to see the Milwaukee Air and Water Show. The water show starts first and is early, per the website, it starts at 9:15a.m. The Air show starts at 11a.m.
The State Fair has started as well, and is going on this weekend. I have written about the State Fair in the past, including some of the fun foods available. See what is new this year (country fried bacon with gravy!?!?!)
Whatever you decide to do, have fun!
Posted by: Nancy Neylon
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July 29, 2011 at 05:33 PM · Posted under Nancy Neylon
Who would have ever thought Vince Lombardi and Milwaukee Theatre would be in the same sentence? The man who knew his football and was loved by all (at least today) is now being honored in a Broadway play. I have said from the beginning of hearing about the play that I wanted to travel to NYC some time to see it. I have heard it is a great performance. Well, we can now see it here!
"Lombardi" is coming to Milwaukee (not the same cast, of course, as NYC). I already have my tickets ordered, as I assume there will be sold out nights. If you watched the Super Bowl, you would have had the opportunity to get a "glimpse" of the play, and that not only intrigued me, but gave me goosebumps. Anyone who has a love affair with the Packers, knows the history of Vince Lombardi and his incredible impact with the players and the game, and loves the theater should be in line for tickets.
Click here to order and view additional information on the play.
There are other plays that sound interesting in their upcoming season, including "Ten Chimney's." If you have never heard of the estate in Genesee Depots, which was owned the famous actor's, Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne, click here to learn more. The Rep is going to be putting on a theatrical performance apparently based on their lives at the estate. Take a tour of the home and grounds at Ten Chimneys and then take in the show.
One that I have seen already a couple of times in my life, and can never get enough of is"To Kill a Mockingbird." First a famous novel, turned into a famous play.
And, of course a play that no one tires of "A Christmas Carol." What would Christmas be like without this masterpiece?
Again, please go to the website, as there are many others coming up too! Enjoy the show!!
Posted by: Nancy Neylon
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July 19, 2011 at 05:07 PM · Posted under Entertainment, Nancy Neylon
I wrote about Old World Wisconsin in the past, (view October 1, 2009) and one of the fun activities they have is Vintage Baseball games. Well, they aren't the only ones! Another really neat place to visit for a summer day or weekend is the Wade House in Greenbush, Wisconsin.
I have been there a couple times with my son Zach in the past and really enjoyed the visit, but also the drive and the scenery going to and from Greenbush. You are taken back, like at Old World Wisconsin, to a bygone time, when there were stage coaches, horse drawn carriages, blacksmith shops, and sawmills in every town. One of the fun activities to watch is the 1860's "Base ball" game (it was two words back then). Can you believe in that time period there were no strike zones and the players didn't wear gloves?
Well, if this has peaked your interest at all, there is going to be a game played, July 24th (Sunday) at 1:30 p.m. rain or shine! Take your kids and show them how the game started, and they may be amazed to realize how far it has come since the 1860's!!
Click here for more details.
The Civil War reenactment is also a family fun experience, which the Wade House offers in September, another great part of our United States history to be shared and experienced with the children!
Have fun!!
Posted by: Nancy Neylon
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July 14, 2011 at 12:49 PM · Posted under Nancy Neylon
Looking for a restaurant to try which serves "American" cuisine?
OpenTable states these are the Top 10 to try:
- Geneva Chophouse
- Buck and Honeys
- Mason Street Grill (been there, it is excellent food and service!)
- North Star American Bistro-Shorewood (Great Fish Fry!!)
- North Star American Bistro-Brookfield (Great Crab Cakes, Try any of their Soups and Salads for lunch!)
- Rock Bottom Brewery-Milwaukee (have been to this restaurant too many times to count, have never had a bad meal! Great apps, salads, sandwiches and desserts!)
- Timmer's Resort (I was there prior to the rebuild and it is an absolutely beautiful place. Service is good, the food is as well. Great place to have a special celebration.)
- Smyth at The Iron Horse Hotel (Great atmosphere!)
- Water Buffalo (Another one that I have been to often.. Great Food-my favorite is the black bean burger and for dessert the baked choc. chip cookie that comes in a pan!!)
- Envoy
Have fun trying these restaurants as they are in different parts of Milwaukee and surrounding areas, a great excuse to take a drive on a sunny day!
Posted by: Nancy Neylon
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June 20, 2011 at 12:00 AM · Posted under Nancy Neylon
Just a quick reminder from my past year's blog about Strawberry Festival in Cedarburg. It is a fun all day activity for the family. It is coming up on June 25th-26th.
Also, if you want to paint, no matter if you are an "accomplished artist" or enthusiast, the Cedarburg's Plein Air contest is happening.
The Adult Contest: June 24th-26th
The Youth Plein Air Contest: June 15th -24th for ages 13-17 and June 15th-26th for 5 & under. Click the link and look under the special events area for details.
Hoping they are going to have some local strawberries available to buy and eat!! Have fun!!
Posted by: Nancy Neylon
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June 17, 2011 at 08:16 AM · Posted under Nancy Neylon
I was talking to my coworker, Kenna, yesterday and we were discussing going to Summerfest.
I told her I had the "to do" list... "Must have," "Must See," "Must Do." Anyone who has ever been there can understand what I'm saying... What does your list consist of? Mine? Well...
"Must Have:"
I gotta have several of the same food items every year:
- Saz's Mozarella Sticks-my once a year indulgence!! THIS IS MY APPETIZER!! It is located at the Northwestern Mutual Children's Area/Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram and Fiat Sportzone.
- NEXT is my main course-now this has changed almost every year, but each time I have enjoyed the food. Depending on where you are in summerfest when you decide you are really hungry and ready for your "big meal," I would suggest:
- Mader's, Rupena's (Miller Lite Oasis), Usinger's Wurst Garden (Ethnic Village), Greek Village(a couple different areas). I have been to the restaurant "La Perla" and love their food there, so I can just imagine it is just as good at the Summerfest Grounds.
- For dessert it's a given. I usually go for two different places. Cedar Crest (ice cream), which is back to the Northwestern Mutual Children's area and also the Strudel that is made right there. I'm not sure if the company's name is Rudy's? I know they are from out of state and so I make sure I get several different kinds and take them home for future enjoyment.
Okay, for "Must See," that changes every year depending on the bands.
- This year I am definitely going to be there to see Meatloaf perform! I grew up listening to his albums (yes, back then it was albums.. and 8 tracks- and yes, I just dated myself!!). I can hardly wait to see him finally live (though his hair is cut and he has lost a lot of weight-not the same Meatloaf)!!
- Other oldies, but goodies-REO Speedwagon, Panic! at the disco, George Clinton, Styx, Maroon 5 (!!!awesome!!!), Loretta Lynn.. I could go on and on. Click here for the best place to look for the complete lineup.
And last, but not least-"Must Do:"
- I love going over by the US Marines area to watch the guys and girls try to do pull ups. I was an athlete, but was never good at doing them, so I am always impressed with anyone who can do more than one!!
- And, the most fun thing to do anytime of day and night is going on the "ski lift." Going from one end of the grounds to the next and looking over everything is so much fun!!
Whatever you have, whatever you see, and whatever you do, I'm sure you will have a blast!!
As always, your feedback is welcome!!
Posted by: Nancy Neylon
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June 14, 2011 at 02:32 PM · Posted under Deborah Benavides
Usually, our heated pool is opened by April 15th and closes after a seven month season by November 15th. This year, we got a late start with the cooler weather here in the Midwest, but are making up for the lost month with extreme pool parties!
Last week, we hosted our first pool overnight with 15 kids. There is nothing better than coming home on a Friday night, throwing on some (Johnsonville) brats, and playing lifeguard until the Doritos and Twizzlers are gone. With our pool light, the boys did decide to do a little midnight swim...those poor chipmunks didn’t get any sleep! This past weekend, with air temps in the 60’s and guests on their way, we heated the pool to a comfortable 82 degrees and never wanted to get out!
Five years ago when we built our pool, we decided to go with a salt water generator. This chlorine generator converts salt to chlorine and has been so easy to maintain. Our last pool was a chlorine pool and the pump was constantly going to keep the algae and pH balance safe. Our salt water is easier on the swimmers eyes (with about 1/10th the content of the ocean – its like swimming in saline solution). The lack of chemicals helps preserve clothing and makes your skin feel softer. The kids think you can float better in it (not sure if that is true…)
So, if you are looking for a new home in Wisconsin, don’t be afraid to dive into one with a pool. Our swimming seasons are long enough, and it’s nice to know where your kids are and who their friends are too. A pool keeps everyone close to home.
Posted by: 
Deborah Benavides
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