Lifestyle

Dining in Wisconsin means experiencing the intersection of timeless comfort and experimental flavor. As the state’s culinary landscape evolves, our beloved cheese curds become dearer to us while James Beard Award nominated chefs continue to put Wisconsin on the map.

Alice Choi’s Hip Foodie Mom has a substantial following on Instagram, serving a curated feed of tasteful recipes and photographs of perfectly plated meals. Food blogging isn’t new, but it’s changing how people dine.

Culinary trends come and go. Some have more influence than others (e.g. kale), and some are Instagram-born trends (e.g. smoothie bowls).

Located in Milwaukee’s fifth ward is Snack Boys, a funky snack bar that lives up to its motto, “Pure Chaos with some food and booze.”

From football players to recording artists, plant-based diets are now the norm — and the dining industry has capitalized on the trend. Wisconsin restaurants have added vegan items to the menu and the state has observed an influx of plant-based eateries.

Supper clubs — the establishments that time forgot in many small-town Wisconsin communities — continue their resurgence among travelers, foodies and craft-cocktail enthusiasts. Quintessentially Wisconsin, the retro decor, relish trays, brandy old-fashioneds and oversized portions feed the belly and the soul.

Food trucks are revamping the way people interpret casual dining. These mobile eateries ingeniously deliver new food experiences straight to the hotspots, neighborhoods and festivals around Milwaukee. With a smorgasbord of local vendors, global food styles and creative themes and decor, food trucks can offer something for anyone from quick lunches to late night snacks.

Few eateries are as unique or versatile as steakhouses. From celebrations to business gatherings, old fashioned to cutting edge – here are a couple favorite Wisconsin steakhouses:

The Wisconsin 100 spoke with Orry Léon, owner and general manager of Amilinda, about what made Milwaukee the ideal location for his Spanish and Portuguese inspired restaurant.

How does a small farm town become a major Midwest food destination? Ask Luke Zahm, chef and owner of Drifltess Cafe in Viroqua. A La Farge native, Zahm was no stranger to the local food bounty that defines Wisconsin’s Driftless Region.

Trixie’s in Ephraim serves locally sourced meals with perfectly paired wines with the help of local farmers and growers. In addition to promoting organic and fresh produce, Trixie’s also prides itself on supporting women-owned businesses within the restaurant industry.

Why is your office empty? Oh yeah, everyone ran out for a good old-fashioned Starbucks pumpkin spice latte.

Jump on the plant-based food chuck wagon and eat vegan, organic, gluten-free, dairy-free, raw and local food with the vanilla bean app.

What is the recipe for Alaska? Tons of glaciers, a dash of adventure, a pinch of good luck with the weather and miles of untouched beauty. While all those ingredients make for a memorable vacation, it turns out you can also find Alaska inside a martini glass.

Summer is a time for relaxing with family and close friends. Although many individuals remain hard at work, there is almost nothing better than retreating to the family cottage or finding some spot of sun-kissed sand.

Our end-of-summer staff picks:

Wisconsin sports fans live for September’s triple-threat season, where weekends are devoted to the Milwaukee Brewers, Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers.

If you need a vacation away from the capital, head out west. Prairie du Chien has been Wisconsin’s hidden gem for centuries.

Located in Wisconsin’s Driftless Region, Spring Green is an agricultural hub with an artsy flair. Just over two hours from Milwaukee, this eclectic community has much to offer, including the following:

Enjoy a road trip by bicycle through the Northwoods on a 100-mile loop through the northern half of Vilas County. Begin and end at the Discovery Center, located just north of downtown Manitowish Waters, then ride over paved bike trails, county highways and country roads as you make your way past lake-lined roads, rolling hills and dense forests.

Clean your beer stein, grab your dirndl and celebrate at one of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations in the Midwest. Oktoberfest USA will host its 58th annual festival starting Sept. 27 in La Crosse.

Enjoying a good brew by the flickering light of a bonfire is a perfect fall activity. But what if you added a beautiful garden?

Just outside of Milwaukee you’ll find a one-stop shop for all your seasonal and traditional fall activities. Apple Holler, a family-run business since 1987, offers 78 acres of orchards for exploration, 40 different varieties of fruit to taste, a restaurant serving home-style cooking and a bakery offering fresh pastries.

Nonprofit organization Wisconsin Scottish Inc., will host its annual Wisconsin Highland Games over Labor Day weekend at the Waukesha Expo Center. Whether you’re interested in axe throwing, caber tossing, traditional dance, clan dueling, dog herding, live music, pub activity or cultured cuisine – the games host an impressive array of authentic scenes, celebrating culture from across the British Isles and all Celtic nations.

Take a drive over Labor Day weekend to check out the Ho-Chunk Native American tribe’s semiannual, open-to-the-public powwow in Black River Falls, an hour south of Eau Claire. The powwow celebrates the Ho-Chunk culture and serves as a festive, educational and diverse gathering of individuals who travel from across the country.

Every Labor Day, thousands of motorcycles ride through Milwaukee and its surrounding suburbs for a rumbling rally. This year, the event coincides with Harley-Davidson’s 115th anniversary, making celebrations that much more spectacular.

From Erin Hills to Whistling Straits, Wisconsin is becoming a regular on the Professional Golf Association’s list of destinations. The U.S. Open came to Erin in 2017, which served as the centerpiece for one of the sport’s toughest tournaments. To get the course ready and up to PGA standards, hundreds of volunteers worked the grounds.

Interns are a subtle component to any thriving organization. Whether responsibilities vary from seemingly insignificant coffee runs to drafting an extensive communications deck for a central client, interns are always seeking insightful opportunities on the job.

Marquette University senior and Milwaukee native Audrey Taylor identifies as a “Midwest girl through and through,” but cannot deny the invaluable experience she’s had this summer interning in New York, finding her niche in communications work and gaining experience as she nears her 2019 graduation.

Have you always dreamed of working with hot dogs? If your professional pursuits are in the marketing industry, your answer should be a resounding “yes.”