Welcome to another installment of "OMC Recommends," a periodic look at cool things that we like and think you should know about.

Use the Talkback feature to let us know what you think of our picks. If you'd like to add some of your own, e-mail them to omcrecommends@staff.onmilwaukee.com.

“Everybody Hates Chris” -- It’s the only sitcom on network TV that’s TIVO-worthy in our household.  Now on the network called the CW, “Everybody Hates Chris” is consistent, funny and unique.  It’s hip and retro at the same time, and the acting is strong, but not overdone.  Co-written and narrated by Chris Rock, the show has a great vibe and it’s just pure entertainment.  The father, played by Terry Crews, gets special props for his style and great father character, Julius. http://www.cwtv.com/shows/everybody-hates-chris - Jeff Sherman

Joanna Newsom's latest album "Ys" -- She's a harp playing, elf-like folk singer who has crooned and cooed her way into my heart with her sweeping ballads and old-timey poetry. In simplest terms, she's a pint-sized combination of Bjork's quirk and CocoRosie's near yodel -- although she confidently carries her own uniqueness with charm and grace. Her new album, "Ys," is a boldly beautiful masterpiece that is nearly an hour long, despite its short track list of five songs. The San Francisco-based Newsom is on tour now and is playing at the Logan Square Auditorium in Chicago on Wednesday, Nov. 8.  – Julie Lawrence.

Asian slaw at Cafe Lulu -- When the server asks "Chips or Asian slaw?" there are two ways to answer that question:  "Asian slaw, please" or better yet, "A little bit of both, thanks."  For two side orders that seem pretty simple to make, the fine folks at Lulu (2261 S. Howell Ave.) do it to perfection.  As great as those homemade chips are, I'll usually take the full order of slaw: ramen noodles, a little soy sauce, some cabbage and a few other ingredients I can't readily identify.   It just goes so well with the East Indian chicken pita.  -- Andy Tarnoff.

Kiss My Face Peaceful Patchouli body wash -- I have always liked the earthy, sweet smell of patchouli oil, but rarely wear it anymore because so many people associate it with the smell of pot, and as the mother of school-aged children, I’m trying not to smell like illegal substances these days. Hence, Kiss My Face Peaceful Patchouli body wash is a very subtle scrub with just a hint of that classic patchouli smell that doesn’t make you reek of Phish tour. --  Molly Synder Edler.

Villa Giada's "i Suri" -- Barbera d'Asti popped up locally at Outpost and some other retailers last year and the ruby red wine -- which in Piedmont would be called vino nero or black wine because of the depth of its color -- is a real treat. At first, 2003s were here but they've now been replaced by 2004s and at under $15 a bottle -- which is at the high end of what the wine is retailing for here in the U.S. -- you'd be hard-pressed to find a more drinkable, balanced Italian red. It is also refreshing for Barbera fans since it's not oaked -- a rarity these days -- and therefore has true Barbera character. Wow your friends with trivia: Suri is the Piemonteis language word used to describe the slope of a hill that gets a lot of sun.  --  Bobby Tanzilo

Bar Louie's fried zucchini -- It's so tasty, so good. You'll be craving the green veggie weeks after your last visit. The accompanying onion ranch dipping sauce is equally tasty. – Heather Lesczewicz.