Word of Mouth: Sept 17

Where we're shopping

Hillary Gunn, marketing coordinator at Majestic Theatre:

I almost don't want to tell you about this place because it's like my own secret treasure trove full of vintage and strange goodies, but Retro-Revolution on East Washington is a must visit. This past weekend I was able to find an old toy my mom was looking for from her childhood, plus fulfill all of my Halloween decoration desires. They're also pretty entertaining to follow on social media.

What we're reading

Bob Koch, Isthmus calendar editor:

Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI, a 2017 book by David Grann, is not something to read if you want to feel good about humanity. But it is an important and telling story about how our country was built, one that should be in the history books but isn't. In the early 20th century, Osage Nation members who became rich due to oil reserves under land they had purchased in the 1800s were systematically taken advantage of, to the point of attempts to murder entire families to get control of land rights. While a nascent FBI managed to obtain convictions of a few people, Grann's research reveals that they didn't go nearly far enough to provide justice for the Osage.

What we're eating

Stephen Coss, Isthmus advertising assistant:

Catch me devouring a cilantro chicken bowl from FreshFin Poke –– aka my newest food obsession. Packed with chicken, edamame, carrots, kale, Thai chili ginger, cilantro lime and crispy onion, it's the perfect portion of food for weekday lunch and a much healthier option than other spots I frequent. I like to add some pineapple to add a little sweetness and because I like to live adventurously. Create a bowl with your preferred poke ingredients and thank me later!

What's on our agenda

Sponsored Content

Crossroads of Ideas talk on Sept. 24

Mainstream economic wisdom has been challenged by a wave of disruptive trade policies. Join us for Crossroads of Ideas at the Discovery Building on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 7 p.m. as professor Thomas Rutherford and Praveen Dixit of the Department of Commerce explore the models used to study trade agreements. Find more info here.

What we're eyeing

Jeff Haupt, Isthmus publisher:

I grew up a big fan of the Brady Bunch and HGTV regularly fills the background in our house. The two coming together for A Very Brady Renovation is truly must see TV. All your favorite HGTV stars, the six Brady kids, and some amazing design and engineering make this show a hit.

How we're moving

Lindsey Bushart, Isthmus advertising rep:

It's officially Madison Fitness Week and I am pumped up! This week is designed to bring the Madison fitness community together and gives class junkies like myself the opportunity to try classes at participating gyms, plus a portion of the cost goes to United Way of Dane County (win, win). On my list so far: Barre Code, Jules Pilates Studio and REFORMadison.

What else we're eating

Candice Wagener, Isthmus contributor:

Apples are just about the most September-ish food out there, in my opinion. And one of my favorite fall activities is apple picking. I am in love with both Door Creek Orchard and Sutter’s Ridge, with their different varieties of apples, delicious cider, and picturesque landscapes. See you by the apple trees.

What we're watching

Sponsored Content

Food for Thought with chef Tory Miller

The next episode of Food for Thought comes out Sept. 29! Host David Rodriguez joins chef Tory Miller at the Dane County Farmers' Market. Food for Thought is a new web series highlighting sustainable food systems throughout Wisconsin, connecting Madison chefs and the public to the producers who thoughtfully raise and grow what sustains us. The series is brought to you by Metcalfe's Market; additional support is provided by Sitka Salmon Shares and Square Wine Company. Watch the trailer here.