Bavarian Inn fish fry -- I know, I already blogged about this, but we returned and had an even better experience. Although I still find that single, small piece of fish served on the regular fish fry to be sort of solitary, I can't say I left hungry thanks to the warm bread, corn muffins, soup and salad bar (and the happy hour noshes out in the bar while we waited to be seated). Pianist Jean Rex was accompanied by a zither player and we had a front row seat, much to the delight of our youngest diner, and you can't beat the decor and the atmosphere. Next time, we'll try to get there on a Friday that features the polka band, because I suspect that will change the vibe a bit. --Bobby Tanzilo

The new and improved MLB Gameday -- I don't have enough focus to listen to, much less watch, my beloved Brewers during day games when I'm at the office. Now and then, I tune into the sweet sounds of Bob and Jim, but usually, I just turn it off, as I find myself staring into space (and not working).

Instead, for the last few years, I've logged on MLB Gameday through the Brewers' Web site. This year, they gave the application a substantial upgrade, including free video highlights and some other Web 2.0 increased usability features. I still think it's ludicrous that Major League Baseball doesn't offer live audio and video free -- what they'd sacrifice in revenue would be made up with increased fan interest, which translates into ticket sales. That said, the Web interface is almost as good and dazzles with enough stats to keep even Bill James geeks satiated. Play ball, baby. --Andy Tarnoff

"A Long Way from Tupelo" -- Paul Thorn is the son of a Pentecostal preacher and a former pro boxer who once traded punches with Roberto Duran. Oh, and he's one of the more talented and underrated singer-songwriter-storytellers making the rounds today.

Thorn, who plays April 10 at Shank Hall, is witty like John Hiatt and down home like Joe Ely. He sings a bit like Delbert McClinton. He's passionate like Steve Earle (but less angry). His newest album, "A Long Way from Tupelo" is full of well-drawn characters battling tough times.

From the CD opening "Lucky 7 Ranch" to "All About People," a song about a stripper, Thorn colors his songs with interesting characters fighting their demons against a backdrop of greasy guitar riffs, Hammond organs and clever turns of phrase.

It's a long drive from Mississippi to New Jersey, but Thorn is like Springsteen; when you hear his records, you want to tell your friends so they can tell theirs. --Drew Olson

Café La Scala calamari -- Café La Scala is an open-to-the-public restaurant inside the Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago St. We eat there often with my full-blooded Northern Italian mother and always find the food to be very good. The calamari, however, is exceptional. An order ($7.95) includes a heaping pile of lightly fried squid seasoned with Parmesan, pepper and parsley, a side of rich marinara sauce and plenty of lemon wedges for increased flavor. It's like eating delicious festival food when festival season still seems far away. Café La Scala is open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. --Molly Snyder Edler

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