Good Things Brewing

Much of Noel Alvarado’s work is rooted in fashion, and his custom-painted sneakers are true marks of modern style. He sees Milwaukee as a collection of passionate individuals who combine to make a greater whole. “The best way I can define Milwaukee is one big melting pot that brings this uniqueness to our city,” Alvarado said. “No matter your ethnicity, religion or political views, Milwaukee has something for everyone.”

He sees no better example of this togetherness than the Sherman Phoenix. The small business hub hosts more than 25 businesses, everything from barbers to bakers, restaurateurs to massage therapists. “Being part of a tight-knit community that is welcoming and engaging gives us that feeling of belonging and togetherness,” Alvarado said. “Community plays a huge role in Milwaukee becoming a great place to visit and a great place to live."

The two-time James Beard award-winner is one of the country’s most respected chefs and restaurateurs. And though Paul Bartolotta can tell you all about running a Vegas restaurant or being named an ambassador of cuisine by Italy’s president, he’d just as soon explain why his heart and soul remains in Milwaukee.

“The people are everything. They are truly the soul of this city,” Bartolotta said. “Milwaukee rivals any city in the world with hospitality, and that is what I love most about it.”

He remains, of course, a champion and promoter of Milwaukee’s dining scene. “From cultural mom and pop shops to impeccable fine dining,” Bartolotta said, “Milwaukee’s ever-growing culinary scene is poised for national and international recognition, and I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of it.”

Mexico native Sandra Dempsey moved to Milwaukee in 2002, and the media professional marvels at the amount of transformation she’s seen the city undergo since then. “There is a feeling of freedom and openness to start and try new things,” Dempsey said. “This translates into individual confidence when creating, innovating and offering the community new products, services and experiences.”

She thinks Milwaukee excels at finding the delicate balance between embarking on new developments and retaining what makes it such a special place. “Growing and evolving comes with challenges and rewards, so it’s important to preserve what has made us stand out,” Dempsey said, “and continue to have the vision to be a top city to work and play.”

First-generation Mexican American Jesus Gonzalez and business partner Sean Phelan transformed an empty gravel lot into Zócalo Food Truck Park, the first of its kind in Milwaukee. Its blend of street food and diverse culinary culture makes it one of Walker’s Point’s most popular attractions.

Gonzalez believes Milwaukee’s character stems from the hardworking immigrants who built the city and how they welcome visitors into their neighborhoods. Out-of-town friends often tell him that Milwaukee feels like a warm hug.

“This warmness is evident in the creative and small business community,” Gonzalez said. “They are proud of the spaces they’ve created, are willing to share their struggles and success, and genuinely care about the communities they’re in and the memories they can help create.”

Derek Mosley spent 20 years as a Milwaukee municipal judge before joining Marquette. The self-described foodie enjoys having a seat at the table for Milwaukee’s award-winning restaurant scene. Moreover, he loves the city’s diversity, and how it makes this a place with something for everyone.

But for all of the development through the years, Mosley is particularly thankful for what hasn’t been developed. “We’ve created green spaces next to the lake,” Mosley said, “so it can be enjoyed by people and not high rises.” Milwaukee is home to more than 150 public parks, including three designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, who also happened to design New York City’s Central Park. They are gems not to be missed.

DJ Shawna’s soundtracks are music to the ears of Milwaukee Bucks fans. While the team is winning on the court, she’s hyping up the fans in the stands. And she’s all too happy to hype up Milwaukee at large. “This is my home,” Nicols said. “I have been fortunate enough to live all over the globe, but always found myself coming back.”

She keeps returning because she believes Milwaukeeans are some of the best people in the world and they’ve created a place unlike any other. “One of the brilliant aspects of Milwaukee is the unique neighborhoods that make up one incredible city,” Nicols said. “My vision is for Milwaukee to be a place for everyone to feel that this is their city, their home and their favorite travel destination.”

He’s known for making larger-than-life murals, like the three-story-tall downtown homage to Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. And Mauricio Ramirez sees this city as the perfect canvas not only for creating art, but also for creating community.

“I love how Milwaukee has embraced public art into its landscape and fabric,” Ramirez said. “It shows how everything is so interconnected. For instance, sports support the arts, and the arts support community storytelling.”

Such stories can spring from anyone and anywhere, Ramirez said, whether out at a game or on a stool at the corner bars that reflect the city’s many neighborhoods. “Genuine conversations are naturally started without it being weird or odd,” he said, “and that’s something that you just can’t find anywhere else.”

Samantha Timm’s curatorial art career includes stops at the York Art Gallery in the United Kingdom and New York City’s Guggenheim Museum. So she knows the ingredients of a cultured art scene, and she sees them all right here in Milwaukee.

“There is art and culture around every corner of the city,” Timm said, “and much of it is accessible and open to the public.” That includes everything from the world-renowned Milwaukee Art Museum to Wisconsin Avenue’s public art installations to the striking pieces Timm brings to Saint Kate.

Equally important, Timm said, is how Milwaukeeans continue to elevate the arts scene. “People in the arts community go out of their way to support each other and collaborate,” Timm said. “They’re constantly building each other up and inviting those new to Milwaukee to participate in what they are working on.”