Our writers are spending a lot of time on the Summerfest grounds this week, but that's not going to keep us from recommending more cool stuff for you to buy and try. From a cool hangout and a tasty sandwich on the festival grounds to some cool music and a delicious, patriotic cocktail (pictured), we've got you covered.
These are a few of our favorite things this week:
"ZEN, White & Blue" green tea liquor cocktail -- If the Kentucky Derby gets its own signature drink, then the Fourth of July deserves one too, right? The folks at ZEN Green Tea Liqueur were kind enough to send me a bottle of their product just in time for "National Iced Tea Month," and though I waited until July 1 to try it (one day late, sorry), I think I stumbled upon something great. They sent along a few recipes, so my colleague, Caroline, and I walked across the street from our office to Twisted Fork to try one out. Feeling festive, we picked the "ZEN, White & Blue," which mixes 1½ parts green tea liqueur, 3 parts steeped white tea, 1½ parts raspberry vodka, and 3 parts muddled fresh blueberries. Kylie, Caroline's friend and a bar manager at Twisted Fork, was kind enough to muddle up this cocktail and garnish with fresh mint. It was delicious. Even though we couldn't taste the alcohol, it packed a punch. Interestingly, this drink was invented by James Labe, America's first tea sommelier -- and he made a winner. This year, I know how I'll be toasting America's birthday. --Andy Tarnoff
"Woodstock" and "Woodstock Two" (Rhino) -- Depending on your perspective, Woodstock represented either everything that was right with or wrong with the 1960s. As the 40th anniversary of the biggus giggs on Max Yasgur's farm approaches -- yes, I've already seen the commemorative merch at Target! -- Rhino Records dishes up perhaps two of the only legit means of marking the event: reissues of the two multi-disc records that came out in 1970 and '71. The first record is the more famous and was also the soundtrack to the Woodstock film. The chart-topping three LP set featured the high-profile performances, like Hendrix playing "The Star Spangled Banner," Country Joe McDonald doing "The 'Fish' Cheer/I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-To-Die Rag" and songs from CSNY's second live performance, including, "Sea of Madness," a Neil Young tune never recorded elsewhere. The second disc was a double LP with more from Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane, CSNY, Melanie, Mountain, Canned Heat, Joan Baez and The Butterfield Blues Band. The discs are in lovely digipak sleeves, complete with liner notes and photos. The only drawback is that there are no extra tracks. --Bobby Tanzilo
Water Street Brewery's upper deck -- I attended Summerfest countless times and yet it wasn't until this year that I took my beer and my date to the upper deck of the Water Street Brewery on the south end of the grounds. There is plenty of seating, but we decided to lean against the low wall and people-watch the sea of humanity while sipping our brews. It gave us an interesting, unique perspective of the Big Gig and it felt relaxing to be above the fray for a few minutes. --Molly Snyder Edler
A quick meal from Martino's at the ‘fest -- It doesn't get as much publicity as Saz's or Venice Club, but Martino's is a solid choice for a quick, delicious meal at Summerfest. Famous for Chicago style hot dogs, Martino's also offers a delicious Italian beef sandwich and excellent fries. --Drew Olson
Spoon's new "Got Nuffin" EP -- I saw Spoon perform at Summerfest this week and was lucky enough to get a preview of all the material the band's been cranking on since the release of "Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga" in 2007. The new jams sounded great Monday night and frontman Britt Daniel pleased the crowd with his announcement that his new EP, "Got Nuffin" (Merge Records) was coming out Tuesday on iTunes. The three-song single, featuring the title track, "Tweakers" and "Stroke Their Brains," should be able to tide fans over until the full-length surfaces. --Julie Lawrence
"Every Mouth Must Be Fed: 1973 to 1976" (Pressure Sounds) -- Now that Blood and Fire is dormant, Adrian Sherwood's Pressure Sounds is the only label consistently reissuing fine '70s roots reggae, usually of the rarest breed. This 20-track set examines the history of Pete Weston's Micron Records output. Highlights are three tunes from the inimitable I Roy and one from the daddy U Roy. There's also a rare toasting track from singer Junior Byles (who also contributes a tepid cover of "I Wish It Would Rain" that, however, comes with a killer version mix). Jah Stitch's 1977 "Conference at Waterhouse" and the accompanying Tubby dub -- based on Horace Andy's "War Is Ugly." As always, fine art and informative liner notes complete the package. Essential roots, iya. --B.T.
Homemade trail mix -- You can purchase very fine trail mix in stores, but it's a lot cheaper (and more fun) to make your own. Buy a jar of peanuts, a bag of regular M&Ms, a big container or raisins and go to town. If you want to get fancy, toss in pretzel sticks, Wheat Chex, a couple marshmallows or whatever else strikes your fancy. Keep a big container on hand and you may be able to ward off those salt / sweet-tooth cravings. --D.O.
