Well, it’s not currently red, but I have to say, it’s looking better than ever.

 

The other day, my husband and I wandered by Wauwatosa’s Little Red Store. Although it’s far from finished, it’s obvious that someone has spent some significant time on our quaint little landmark. (Darn those vandals that broke one of the windows!)

 

And it’s not a minute too soon, or so it seems based on this article I found on www.WauwatosaNOW.com. On September 10^th, the Milwaukee County Landmarks Committee will meet to determine whether The Little Red Store and two other sites should be designated as Official Milwaukee County Landmarks.

 

If you’re interested in contributing to the restoration of The Little Red Store, click here.

 

In the meantime, I’d be interested to hear what you think should be done with this darling little building. It sounds like the Wauwatosa Historical Society would like to make it a visitors’ center. I’m not sure how I feel about that, given its hard-to-find location. I'm also not sure if the long-term use of the Little Red Store is up for debate.

 

But let's talk about it anyway. Would it be better as a commercial business housed in a historic building? I’m thinking that may be a more reliable way to keep an important structure healthy and viable. Located just off a well-traveled bike path, some people have suggested a candy store or a bike rental shop? Why stop at bikes? Why not cross-country skis and Segways?!

 

What do you think?

    

I’m sorry, but it’s just too early. I don’t care what you say...it is.

 

In fact, I would argue that being this early will mean that some things around your house will be stale...really stale.

 

What am I talking about? OK, so on Sunday August 10^th, we were wandering the aisles of Sentry, picking up a few essentials.

 

Suddenly, just northeast of the produce department, we ran into a GIGANTIC display. I could NOT believe it. I was so stunned that I took a photo with my cell phone. Here it is:

 

 

Please forgive the quality, but what you see there is an enormous display of Halloween candy. That’s right, I said Halloween candy. On August 10^th. Exactly 82 days before Halloween.

 

It's not enough that every neighborhood has multiple dates for Halloween. Now we have to think about those multiple dates nearly three months before they arrive!!!

 

Like I said, it’s just too early.

 

Who says Brett Favre is the only Diva in town these days?!

 

Judging by the hordes of females roaming the Village on Tuesday night, there are a LOT of Divas right here in Tosa. They were there en masse to participate in Diva Night in the Village.

 

Diva night was an evening of shopping, wine and summer desserts hosted by several village merchants. The first Diva night was held in February. Tuesday’s glorious summer weather was the perfect backdrop for this semi-annual girls’ night out.

 

A couple of weeks ago, my friend sent an e-mail to a few of us asking who wanted to be a Diva for a night. Honestly, I didn’t expect very much. For me, it was a good excuse for a night out with my friends. Throw in the fact that it was within walking distance of my house and that sealed the deal.

 

We met at Vino 100 at around 6:30 pm and the placed was PACKED. We snagged a coveted patio table and caught up on news and such with each other. Honestly, we considered foregoing the Diva "walk," where you carried a card and visited 8 of 14 stores for an opportunity to enter your name in a drawing for prizes. But curiosity prevailed and we hit the streets with cards in hand.

 

Village merchants that participated in Diva Night included: Vino 100, Magnolia & Co., French Country Pine & Design, Underwood Gallery, Oro di Oliva, Magpie Jewelry, Little Read Book, Juxt Home and Baby, Blue Lapin, Jilly and George, Urban Laundry, and Salamander. (Sorry - I knew that I missed a few!)

 

All of the merchants opened their doors, displayed their wares and offered food and drinks. Although I live very close to some of these retailers, there were several I had never visited. Diva Night was a great opportunity to check out some new places like Oro di Oliva and some old places that were new to me – Magpie Jewelry.

 

Judging by the conversations that were floating through the streets and businesses, Diva Night was a great success. Many women commented on how they will definitely be returning to these establishments when they have a little more time to shop. Now that’s music to the ears of any business!

 

Bravo to the organizers of Diva Night and especially to Vino 100, which served as the event headquarters both before and after the walk. Here’s hoping there will be many more Diva Nights to come!

 

 

“This is GREAT. Let’s come here every Wednesday!”

 

That was an unsolicited pre-review that one of my lunch companions exclaimed when we visited Tosa’s new Le Reve Patisserie & Café the other day. And that was even before we got our food!

 

Here’s the deep, dark secret of Tosa’s SAHMs (stay-at-home moms): One of our greatest treats is going out to lunch or breakfast…and we’re not talking McDonald’s. Moms all over Tosa are always looking for somewhere fun, light, close and not overly expensive to grab a bite and share tales of motherhood with friends. With this in mind, thank goodness that Le Reve has arrived in Tosa…and not a moment too soon.

 

Loosely translated, Le Reve means “The Dream” and for many who “love to lunch,” Le Reve is a dream come true.

 

Located at 7610 Harwood Ave. (up the hill from Noodles and Bartolotta’s), Le Reve has carved out a charming and surprisingly spacious place in The Village. (Where they found TWO floors of space, I’ll never know, but when you walk in the door, you’ll think it’s been there forever.) The décor features exposed brick accented with dark wood and artsy photos. Overall, the ambience is warm and simple without being overly chic or trendy.

 

Step up to the counter and you have your first problem: You planned to try a light salad, soup or baguette but the desserts…oh, the desserts, look ridiculously good. (I managed to not give into temptation, so I can’t comment on them. But they just have to be good because they look amazing.)

 

I chose the Pan Poulet, which is sliced chicken with parmesan, red onion, tomato, romaine and a roasted garlic sauce on a baguette. It was good… really good. The baguettes are worth the trip alone. Crunchy on the outside and light and airy on the inside. One of my dining companions had the tomato, brie and pesto on a baguette which she said was excellent. Both of us opted for pommes frites (fries) with the sandwich. The fries are served in an adorable little paper cone. Here’s one tiny complaint, they look cute, but they’re really nothing remarkable. Just fries, perhaps a little too salty. At any other restaurant, we’d love them. It’s just that Le Reve raised the bar and we expected a little more. My other friend had a crepe and salad and raved about those as well.

 

Like so many Tosa eating spots, the deal at Le Reve is that you place your order at the counter and they bring your food to you. The service is not fast. We weren’t bothered because we were so busy chatting, but if you’re in a hurry, this probably isn’t the place to go. (Others have told me that their food took a while to be served.)

 

Another teeny complaint: if you sit on the second floor, grab napkins and to-go boxes before you go up because they aren’t available upstairs.

 

Oh and here’s an interesting twist that may be a challenge for some: If you go to Le Reve, leave your soda addiction at home. There’s not a Coke or Pepsi product in the place. That’s right. You’ll have to try one of their gourmet bottled sodas, ice tea or lemonade. This threw me for a loop, but on second thought, I kind of like it. I can have a Diet Coke anywhere, but I can’t get one of Le Reve’s baguettes anywhere.

 

I will definitely go back, perhaps for a breakfast selection – a croissant, a quiche or a brioche? Oh and I must try those desserts…those tempting desserts.

 

Le Reve is open Monday through Saturday, 7:00 am to 8:00 pm.

  

Pssst. Hey - yeah, you. Wanna buy a can of bug spray?

 

Remember last winter? Who doesn’t?! That endless icy blast of Mother Nature that coated our sidewalks and front steps with potential lawsuits. Back then, the toughest find in Tosa was salt (or ice melter.) No matter who you talked to, conversations always came around to: “So, do you know where I can buy some salt?” Neighbors would call each other with hot tips on a bag or two of calcium chloride.

 

Fast forward to today and there appear to be a couple of items that are really tough finds here in Tosa. One is weather-related and one is not.

 

Thanks to the torrential rains of June, our alternate state bird, the mosquito, has overtaken Wisconsin. I’ve been to two outdoor parties recently and the most common activity at both was the slap dance. You know the one where you jump around and hit yourself while trying to have a social conversation? It’s fun…and annoying!

 

Well, if you haven’t already stocked up, mosquito repellant is virtually impossible to find. Target on 124^th and Capitol was completely out. Not a can to be found. Walgreens was down to its last two cans – seriously. You’re going to have to score one in a back alley somewhere…or find a friend who will share.

 

Another hard-to-find item is the newest game for the Nintendo Wii – Wii Fit. This hot new exercise game is getting rave reviews for combining fun and fitness. I love fun, but I’m not so big on fitness, so anything that will combine the two is a winner in my book.

 

The problem is, there isn’t a Wii Fit to be found. Ask at any local electronics retailer and you’ll get an eye roll and a shake of the head. This morning, Target was advertising the game in its Sunday paper insert. My husband and I arrived at 9:00 am. “Sorry, we’ve been sold out since 8:10.” Oh well.

 

So, I’ve been checking Craig’s List and bidding on eBay, but it doesn’t look like we’ll be Wii Fitting anytime soon.

 

As far as the bug spray, well, my daughter just returned from her trip to Appalachia with a couple of extra cans. Hmmm….think I can put those up for sale on Craig’s List?

Sometimes, you’re just in the right place at the right time. That is exactly how I’m feeling  about summer in Tosa. Look around you and there are some awesome dining experiences just waiting to make summer in our town better than ever.

 

We’ll start out west. There’s Locker’s Pointe on 92^nd and North, where you can sit on chairs reminiscent of the UW patio and sip Alterra coffee or grab a scoop of Locker's gelato. Up the street, there’s City Market where the patio is packed on a typical Saturday or Sunday morning.

 

Down in the village, things are really getting fun. Of course there’s Vino 100 where you can sit outside on one of the most charming patios around, sipping wine and, on Thursday nights, listening to live music.

 

Around the corner, you can try outdoor dining at Bartolotta’s, which is decidedly casual and great for people-watching. (Oh and the food’s not bad either!)

 

Now, for something new: Pizzeria Piccola is about to open Piccola al Fresco – a picture-perfect spot for eating their delicious wood-fired pizza outside under the stars. Have you seen it? If not, take a peek, it’s quaint and inviting and will likely be packed on a warm summer night.

 

Last but not least, there’s La Reve, the brand new patisserie and café that looks absolutely adorable! Despite the recent closing of Drew’s (a moment of silence, please), Harwood Avenue has been poised to become the destination gem of the village. The one-of-a-kind shops like Jilly and George, Urban Laundry and Oro di Oliva have been waiting for their moment in the sun. I think La Reve will bring that day from the moment that it opens. (Not sure when that is, but it looks like soon!) The two-story dining establishment has the look of a real winner and the opportunity to lure diners and shoppers from all over Milwaukee.

 

With gas prices well over $4 per gallon, there’s no better time than now to plan your summer days out right here in our fair village. For those of us within walking distance of these great new places, summer just got a little bit better.

Well, the dessert gods must have been listening to our dear, sweet Maddie. Gelato, my dear, is everywhere lately.

 

I too have gelato at the top of my Italian memories. One dish, in particular, stands out. It was called “Death by Chocolate” and it was consumed in the beautiful Piazza Navona in Rome. That memory is now filed in my mind as my “happy place.” I visited that happy place several times during our very long, record-breaking winter.

 

Anyway, back to Tosa and surrounding ‘burbs.

 

It started at Pizzeria Piccola where they offered us authentic Italian from start to finish. Although most go there for the delicious wood-fired pizza, you can also get a scoop of gelato. I have to confess that I haven’t yet tried Piccola’s gelato, but if it’s anything close to their other offerings, I’m betting that it’s worthwhile.

 

Then came Chocolaterie Stam on the corner of 92^nd and North. They make their own gelato, along with their tres elegante bon bons. It looks beautiful, but I have to say, after trying it twice, the Stam gelato is somewhat disappointing. It’s missing the dense, creaminess and high-fat (and delicious!) taste of true Italian gelato. (Perhaps because it’s not Italian?) For the money, Baskin Robbins plain old ice-cream is tastier.

 

If those choices aren’t enough, you can battle the soon-to-come traffic headaches on Bluemound Road and head over to Brookfield Square where Paciugo Gelato has opened its doors right next to Bravo! Italian Cucina. They offer true diet-busting gelato. The gal behind the counter told us that a small cup will add a mere 250 calories to your daily intake. But if you want to cut back, they offer a sorbet version that’s only about 150.

 

And, if you really don’t mind a little extra mileage on your car, a trip to Waukesha’s Divino Gelato is definitely worth the trip! This quaint shop in the center of downtown Waukesha gets packed in the middle of summer, but you won't mind once you taste the gelato.

 

Last, but not least, this just in: The former Loge’s Bakery near the corner of 60^th and Vliet will soon be home to still another gelato establishment! With the Times Theater just steps away, I’m betting this business will be instantly successful. I just hope they don’t skimp on the calories when they mix up their gelato.

 

You know what they say – Molto bene!

 

 

 

So, pretty impressive, isn’t it? My name, right above Oprah’s face. Yeah, let’s just say I’ve got friends in high places…or not.

 

In case you can’t see it, it says: “Karen Waldkirch, if Oprah gave you a bunch of money, but you had to give it all away, what would you do?” Oh and there are probably at least several hundred other Tosa residents that got the exact same message in their issue of People Magazine. Oh snap.

 

The idea is to promote Oprah's new show called "The Big Give" which premieres Sunday, March 2nd on ABC. The premise is obvious and the idea intriguing. No doubt it'll be another tear-jerking blockbuster, a la "Extreme Home Makeover."

 

But it made me think…locally, rather than globally. If that Ms. W. gave this Mrs. W. a bunch of money, what would I do? After the obligatory mani and pedi, of course. (Hey, a girl’s gotta look good on the local news, right?)

 

But seriously, if I could only spend the money right here in Tosa, what would I do? Listen in while I daydream….

 

First, I’d bring back Drew’s…only better. How could I make Drew’s better except to have it come back in all its quirky glory? Well, I’d add a big old-fashioned Soda Fountain! Wouldn’t that just be the best?! I can see it now. Walking in on a hot summer day (remember what hot used to feel like?!), sliding up to a padded spinning stool and ordering a basket of fries and a chocolate malt. Pure bliss.

 

Secondly, I’d extend the bike path on the parkways from one end of Tosa to the other. No more jumping up on the curb to save your life once you hit Swan Boulevard.

 

Thirdly, how about a big, fat paving budget to eliminate the craters and sinkholes on our roadways? While we’re at it, more salt than the dead sea and more plows than Fairbanks, Alaska?! And along with the plows, there’d be a virtual SWAT team of “snow technicians” to jump out and dig out the sidewalks, driveways and front walks that get buried by the plows.

 

I’m sure I could go on, but why not let you, the readers, in on the fun? That’s why we have the snazzy comment feature. If my BFF (best friend forever, for the alphabetically-challenged), Oprah, gave you a bunch of money, how would YOU spend it in Tosa? And while we’re at it, maybe that’s a good question for our mayoral candidates!

 

Speak to me people!

Friday, a friend and I spent the day shopping…at Brookfield Square. Yes, we cheated on Mayfair.

 

Anyway, I noticed a couple of things while conducting retail therapy. First of all, despite all of the renovations and new stores and restaurants, Brookfield Square still doesn’t compare to Mayfair. This is just my opinion, but I was less than impressed by the offerings at Brookfield Square. Lots of repeats and somewhat mediocre quality that add up to just a “wanna-be” mall. Any stores that Mayfair and Brookfield Square share are infinitely better at Mayfair. It seems like they’re targeting the bargain hunter, but for my money, Southridge would be a better value.

 

However, Brookfield Square beats Mayfair AND Southridge in one area – they plow better. If you’ve been to Mayfair recently, you’ll see that their method of snow removal is to compact the snow between the rows of parking spaces, creating narrow passageways that are nearly impossible to navigate. Frankly, it’s several accidents waiting to happen.

 

Brookfield Square completely removes the snow in the parking areas. I have no idea if they deposited it in a corner of a lot, but it was gone and much easier to park.

 

Now, I’m guessing that Mayfair Management will tell me that Mayfair is so popular that they need to make every single parking space available and can’t afford to dump the snow in a corner of the parking lot. Probably true.

 

Look, I have no idea what they should do with all of that snow. All I know is that parking was treacherous the other morning at Mayfair at 9:00 am, 10 days before Christmas. I can’t imagine how bad it will be these next two weekends.

 

Parkers, beware.

Imagine this: You’re knee-deep in shopping lists and you’re wracking your brain trying to figure out what to get your picky teenage daughter when suddenly, inspiration hits. You know exactly what to get her. Let’s say it’s a pair of stretch jeans The problem is where to find them.

 

So, you plan a trip to Mayfair and mentally make a list of all the stores that might carry stretch jeans. But you have a budget and it’s important that you get them in the perfect size. Next thing you do is get in your car, drive to the mall and prepare to spend hours wandering and shopping, right?

 

What if you didn’t have to do that? What if you could search for those jeans online and find out which stores in Mayfair actually carry them? What if you could find out who has them on sale and whether they have the size and color you need? You’re thinking I’ve had too much eggnog, right? Wrong!

 

Shoppers rejoice! Now, thanks to NearbyNow, you can do all of this and more. www.nearbynow.com is being touted as the Google of shopping for Mayfair Mall. (It also works for Brookfield Square and a few other malls around the state…and the country.)

 

Simply go to the website, choose the state and mall you want and then type in the item that you’re looking for. It’s that easy. It will even give you a picture of the item, tell you how to get to the mall AND show you where in the mall the store is located. (Especially helpful for those of us with middle-age brain who can’t even find our car keys.)

 

What if your inspiration hits while you’re already at Mayfair? No problem! Just pull out your cell phone, send a code (Mayfair's code is MF) via text message to NearbyNow, and NearbyNow will send you a mobile menu with results.

 

I don’t know about you, but in the midst of the holiday season, I’m usually short on time. I end up grouping my shopping trips to save time and get more done. Seems to me that NearbyNow has made it even easier so that I can get in and out of the mall in no time at all.

 

Now, if I could only get it to do all my other holiday chores….

 

Once in a while, I encounter a few things that remind me why I love Tosa. Sometimes it’s something small, sometimes funny, sometimes a little sad. Here are a few:

 

Can there be a more fun bakery experience than Cranky Al’s? If I have overnight guests or need to entertain with breakfast or brunch food, Cranky’s is a sure bet. I stopped in over the weekend and there was Al, greeting every guest. “Whaddya want?!” he playfully teased. I walked out with a giant box of donuts and a big smile – a bargain, if you ask me.

 

My average morning starts out with coffee. Lots of coffee. It also starts out with a trip outside so that Millie the wonder dog can “do her business.” Today, as I stood outside in the warm air under a dark sky littered with stars, I heard an unusual noise. It’s very quiet in the pre-dawn hours so I quickly looked around to find the source. There, galloping across my yard, were two deer. It was really cool. Oh and Millie never noticed.

 

Are there enough ways to express the community sadness over the future loss of Drew’s Variety Store? I loved the store, but I also love how the community is embracing this icon of days gone by and lamenting its loss. I guess it’s too late to save the store, but perhaps it’s not too late to save the feeling and know that we need more of it here in Tosa.

 

Sure, it’s a little more expensive than it used to be and yes, some of the sandwiches are decidedly swanky, but John Sandwich Shop is to Tosa restaurants what Drew’s is/was to Tosa retail. A gem - an adorable and quirky little place where you can watch the world go by and greet neighbors and friends. We’d be wise to keep it busy.

 

My kids have friends from many other communities throughout Milwaukee – Bay View, Brookfield, Waukesha, Menomonee Falls, just to name a few. Without a doubt, the village of Tosa is hands-down the favorite hang-out for teens. (And don’t let that scare you folks – I promise these are nice kids.) Sure, they could go to Mayfair, but when given a choice, these kids would much rather walk down to the village and grab a bite at Noodles or Pizzeria Piccola or walk through Hart Park discussing life. I feel really fortunate for this.

 

Treasures abound in Tosa. Little places or small experiences. What makes you love Tosa?

 

Dear Drew’s:

Say it ain’t so! I heard the news today – oh boy. I can’t tell you how sad I am to hear that you’ll be closing your doors in January. And it’s not just me. When I drove carpool this morning, my daughter and her friend mourned the future loss of one of their favorite local retailers. Yes, that’s right – even teens adore you. We parents can’t get that kind of love.

 

Was it because I haven’t been in recently? I meant to, but we haven’t needed poster board or yarn or buttons or strange kitchen gadgets in the last couple of months. But if I did, I would have been there in a flash, happily wandering your aisles.

 

The thing is, what I loved about you is that you were always there – when I needed you and sometimes when I didn’t. Your kitchiness and eclectic mix of homespun and hard-to-find were exactly what we needed in a town where big box retailers are slowly taking over.

 

It must not have been fun for you these past few months with village streets and various construction projects taking their toll on your bottom line. We appreciate your steadfastness through it all.

 

I’m guessing that you didn’t come to this decision easily, but if there’s still room to reconsider, please do. As someone said so aptly in the Tosa Town Square, you are part of the fabric of Wauwatosa. With you gone, there’s a big hole in our village and in our hearts.

 

If it’s a done deal, then I guess all there is left to say is thank you. Thanks for being there for parents, kids and all Tosans. We will never forget you.

 

Your customer,

 

Karen

 

 

Millie (see above) and I took a walk on this splendid, picture-perfect, day. She had a lot on her mind. Here are some things that she was wondering:

 

Millie wonders why some dogs walk their owners versus the other way around. How can that be fun with all the pulling and choking going on?

 

Millie wonders why the bike path/walking path for Menomonee River Parkway begins at the Harmonee Bridge and ends prior to Swan Boulevard. Did they think that people would be too tired to continue?

 

Millie wonders why some people bike, run or walk on the left side of the path.

 

Millie wonders why parking is allowed on both sides of the parkway when soccer games are being played. It seems so dangerous with so many kids running in between cars and across the road and people getting in their cars with little regard for traffic.

 

Millie wonders why I wouldn’t let her consume the old breadstick that she found on the sidewalk.

 

Millie wonders why drivers in Tosa interpret stop signs as “slow down” signs and roll through intersections.

 

Millie wonders if the street repairs at the corner of Milwaukee Avenue and Wauwatosa Avenue will ever be finished.

 

Millie wonders why the Root Commons Park (area in front of Drews) is called the Root Commons Park.

 

Millie wonders if any Tosa mayoral candidates have a chance against joeythelovesponge.

 

Millie wonders if we realize how lucky we are to have Ray’s here in Tosa with its amazing wine selection and knowledgeable staff.

 

Millie wonders if that store near 92^nd and North is really called Wallpaper Wallpaper.

 

Millie wonders if the Times Cinema will ever invest in slightly more comfortable seating to match the great films and great ownership.

 

Millie wonders if The Firefly will ever expand its menu and if it will ever be open for lunch.

 

Millie wonders if and when the new recycling program will start in Tosa and if many of us will get stuck with extra blue bags when it does.

 

Millie wonders why we all can’t just have trick or treat on Halloween (a.k.a. October 31st) from now on.

 

Millie wonders whether your pet is wondering anything about Wauwatosa.....? 

 

I’m not looking for trouble or trying to stir up emotions. In fact, I’m unsure how I feel about it. This is the sign on the west side of Swan Pharmacy at 92nd and North. It seems obvious that it’s in response to the opening of the stores across the street at the new Locker’s Pointe. And although I have applauded the developers of that new project, I can understand how it might bother existing stores to have their parking spaces used by customers visiting another establishment.

 

On the other hand, couldn’t new and bursting businesses be good for everyone within walking distance? Could it be that people that need a cup of coffee, a bouquet of flowers or a box of chocolate might also need a bottle of Tylenol or some decongestant? If we could create more walkable space in Tosa, couldn’t everyone benefit?

 

What do you think? Is this “sour grapes” or just a sensible business practice intended to look out for customers? Should one of these businesses (i.e. Swan, Alterra, Locker’s or Stam) be more flexible and compromise in some way?

 

Please use the comment tool below! I'd love to hear your opinions!

 

I just have to say that I like the look of the new Locker’s Pointe. I haven’t been in one of the swanky condos upstairs. I have not yet been in the newly opened Locker’s Florist or Alterra Coffee Shop but I have visted the new Stam chocolate shop. I’m sure I’ll stop by the other two very soon.

I drive by the corner of Swan and North Avenue every day and I just have to say, this is one of the most inviting and attractive new developments I’ve seen in a long time. They took a local icon (the old Locker’s) and created a neighborhood-friendly retail and residential project that looks terrific.

Bravo!

Wauwatosa now has a swanky new chocolate retailer to add to its swanky grocery stores and upscale restaurants. Chocolaterie Stam opened this past week in the new retail space adjoining Locker’s and the soon-to-be open Alterra coffee shop at 92nd and North Avenue.

Driving home from a school meeting this past Thursday night, our family couldn’t resist the lure of the bright chandeliers and cozy soda fountain façade. Stepping inside, it felt like we had walked into a shop in the middle of Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Could this really be Wauwatosa? Everything was…perfect.

Chocolaterie Stam features gourmet Dutch chocolates and bon-bons that look almost too pretty to eat. And, you’ll pay for that perfection, but I can see this as a great place to purchase gifts for those hard-to-please people that have everything. In fact, I’d imagine that teachers at any of the nearby schools could expect a pretty box of Stam Chocolates this holiday season. The only other Stam locations are Iowa, North Carolina and Holland, so it’s fun to have something unique here in Tosa.

In addition to the beautiful bon-bons, Stam also offers a nice selection of gelato, which is essentially Italian ice cream with 35% less air, creating a much more dense and flavorful product. On Thursday, some of the flavors offered were Crème Brulee, Chocolate, Chocolate Stracciatella and Pistachio. The gelato is made right there in the store, so you know you’re getting a fresh treat. I believe that beverages were also offered, and you can enjoy everything right there in the lovely, and fancy, sitting area.

It will be interesting to see how Tosa embraces Stam in the coming months, especially when the temperatures start to fall. I’d like to think they have a healthy, albeit high-calorie, future.

Having lived in Tosa for more than 15 years, I’ve seen a few businesses come and go. I’ve seen shops that seemed irresistible to me close their doors in practically no time at all. While there have been restaurants with ho-hum menus but lines forming out the door.

So what is it that makes a business successful in Wauwatosa?

To me, the answer is value. Tosans are savvy shoppers and diners. They don’t fall for glitz and glamour without substance. They appreciate a good deal and they like their businesses home-brewed, thank you very much. Contrast that to bursting Brookfield where hardly a day goes by without the opening of another chain store or restaurant.

For example, Mayfair Mall boasts three large and somewhat pricey restaurants on its property – The Cheesecake Factory, PF Chang’s and Maggiano’s Little Italy. For the first year or so after they opened, it was virtually impossible to get a table without waiting almost an hour. Today, the waits are generally short except at peak times. Could it be that we’ve grown bored with dinner served by giant conglomerates? No doubt that the McCormick and Schmick Seafood Restaurant due to open at Mayfair will face the same challenges.

Drew’s Variety Store has thrived for decades with its decidedly lowbrow approach to anything and everything under one roof. Whereas the brand-spanking new Lowes on Burleigh Road has seemed rather empty whenever I’ve visited. I think it may have to do with a combination of trust and habit. We’re in the habit of returning to those places where we’ve had good service and know we can find good products.

Two more recent success stories are Vino 100 and Firefly Urban Grill. Who knew that a wine bar like Vino 100 (which admittedly is part of a chain) could be so popular in tiny Tosa? Visit on a balmy summer night and you’ll find their quaint patio packed with patrons. And Firefly, which rose out of the ashes of the critically acclaimed but rarely crowded Bjonda, has seen brisk business since it morphed into a stylish yet casual neighborhood bar and grill.

And it seems that a little healthy competition between John’s Sandwich Shop and the new City Market down the street has led to bustling business for both restaurants.

Now we have two tiny boutiques – Jilly & George and Urban Laundry - right across from each other on Harwood. Unfortunately, the village pipe construction has likely put a damper on their business this summer. But it will be interesting to see if they do well long-term. Will Tosa fashionistas flock to them?

So what do you think? What makes a Tosa business successful? What new shops or restaurants look like particularly good bets from your experience? E-mail me at westsidestoriestosa@yahoo.com and I’ll share your thoughts. That is, of course, if you do e-mail me – hint, hint.

As you’ve probably heard by now, one of our local swanky restaurants, Bjonda, is no more. That’s the bad news, at least in my opinion. As I’ve mentioned before, we’ve visited Bjonda several times and have had wonderful meals there. It was a great place to bring out of town guests and impress them with gourmet cuisine right in our own backyard.

Alas, not enough people felt similarly and we were always a little sad to see the restaurant rather empty on most visits.

The good news is that the owners of Bjonda, Marija & Vesna Madunic, have transformed this unique location into a brand new unique restaurant, Firefly Urban Bar & Grill. It’s a decidedly casual atmosphere, complete with wide-screen TVs in all dining areas and down-to-earth wooden table tops instead of tablecloths. Further good news is that Chef Ryan Whitman is still running the kitchen and an integral part of Firefly. My family and I visited last night for dinner and although the atmosphere is obviously a work-in-progress, I predict that Firefly has a bright future in Tosa.

The best and most important part of Firefly is the menu. If you want bar food and burgers, go to the Chancery, Colonel Harts or Leff’s. If you want casual dining with a fun menu that is truly one-of-a-kind, definitely visit Firefly.

Be forewarned, you’re going to have to make some decisions at Firefly. Right off the bat, you’ll have to choose cocktails. The list of beers can be overwhelming but intriguing. We might be in a Miller town, but Firefly is offering much more than our local brew. The drinks and martinis are also a twist on the tried an true, including the “Firefly,” a mango-ey Mojito or a White Cosmo made with White Cranberry Juice.

After settling on drinks, you’ll need to spend some time with the menu. Although some of the old favorites are still there, such as Crunch Salad, Micro Burgers or some of the best fries (frites) in town, you’ll find a wonderfully varied yet reasonably-priced selection sure to please any palate.

The most unique part of the menu would be the meats cooked on the smoker and wood burning grill, accompanied by warm flat bread, two sides and 18 sauces from which to choose to accent the meats. The fun part is that you can order the same meat on your next visit, but get an entirely different taste experience by choosing different sauces.

Unlike the trend at many chain restaurants, the portion sizes are manageable and not ridiculous. Still, having ordered salads, an appetizer and entrees, we were plenty full by the end of our meal, unfortunately leaving no room for one of our favorite Bjonda desserts, Warm Chocolate Bombe. Maybe next time.

If you were a regular at Bjonda’s Skylight Room, the classy and hip cocktail lounge appears to be largely untouched by the restaurant change at least for now.

Right now, this is a dinner and drinks only establishment – no lunches at this time. However, I would assume that that might change if Firefly gains in popularity. Last night, the second official night of being open, there was a decent-sized dining crowd checking out the new digs and the new cuisine, which does include a kids’ menu, although we did not get a chance to look at it.

Further good news is that the owners are considering the possibility of rebirthing Bjonda in a new location. I truly think that would be worth doing. Perhaps in Brookfield at the now closed Sticks & Stones on North Avenue?....I can dream, can’t I?

Last week, my family and I decided to do dinner and a movie. Or, I should say, we went to dinner during a movie. We went to Waukesha. To the brand, spanking-new Palladium at the Majestic. We went to see Pirates of the Caribbean 3 – At World’s End. I know, I know – we could have gone to the Rosebud, but we wanted to try something new. And frankly, I’m not so good at eating without a table in front of me.

The verdict? The movie was OK. Better than #2, but nowhere close to #1 – in my opinion. The theater was pretty swanky and I have to say, those people at Marcus really do it in style. I realize they’re still sort of celebrating their grand opening, but a chamber ensemble in the lobby? Now that’s classy. The service during the movie? Not great. Definitely not as good as The Rosebud. The same can be said for the food. Still, it was fun to try a new place and venture out of Tosa.

My husband and I are two of the very few people, apparently, that took advantage of Mayfair’s “dinner theatre” when it used to be open. It wasn’t great, but it was a fun option for weary parents who wanted a night out, close to home. Alas, the “dinner theatre” and birthday parties didn’t last very long, but the megaplex lives on.

The East Side has the Fox Bay Cinema Grill. The western suburbs now have The Palladium. Sure, we have the Rosebud Cinema Drafthouse, but does anyone else wish we had a “real” dinner theatre option again in Tosa?

This past Saturday, I visited our local post office. It was fairly crowded. In case you didn’t hear about it, postal rates have increased again and it now costs 41 cents to mail a first-class letter. It was one of the rare times that I was organized enough to recognize this rate change before it happened, which was yesterday. So, I counted up the 39 cent stamps that I had and headed over to the Post Office on Mayfair Road to buy two-cent stamps. Most people were there to buy one of two things: Two cent “make up” stamps or Forever Stamps.

There was a bit of a buzz among the crowd of people waiting their turn. A few customers were buying Forever Stamps and people wanted to know what they were. Forever Stamps were recently introduced by the Post Office as way to avoid rate increases. These stamps will be good, well, forever! No matter how much first class postage goes up, these stamps will always be valid. I bought a few sheets of Forever Stamps for $8.20 each, but knowing my luck, I’ll misplace them and end up buying more stamps anyway.

One forward-thinking fellow was really intent on avoiding long-term price hikes. Those of us standing in line couldn’t help but hear when the postal employee told the man that his total came to over $1,200! It’s an interesting strategy, but I wondered if his money might be better off in the bank earning interest, rather than sitting in a drawer with the rest of his mailing supplies.