Cover story: Raising the bar Once upon a time, eating on a bar stool meant you were probably noshing on burgers and fries, or maybe pickled eggs and peanuts. No longer. Restaurant bars have taken up the experience more than a few notches.

On the cover: seared duck breast with figs, served with truffle polenta cake, sauteed garlic spinach and Spanish roasted potatoes.

Photo by C.Taylor.

downtime
Threeview: Joey's
Threeview: 'Casino Royale'
In your ear: The New Loud
Bartender of the week: Christine Platzer of Scooter's Pub
Weekly food and drink specials
Beer and blue states Death Cab bassist talks about his fave things

how we live
It's a mall World Holiday shopping season has arrived. The new retail frontier: Bayshore Town Center.
New store on the scene: Four Corners of the World

in the know
Profile of Nick Waraksa: His 'Wounded Line' designs represent pride - and multiple passions
When I was 30 of Doc Severinsen: Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra pops conductor doesn't look back

online features
Ask Mom: To love him or leave him
MKE Exposure Photos, photos, photos. And photo archives.
MKE blogs Staff ramblings, as well as those of a few contributing bloggers
MKE blog directory: 1000 voices A directory of the local blogging community