City Cast Madison
📝 Pass on the salt
January 17, 2024
Good morning, Madison!
In case you haven’t noticed, it’s very, very, very, very cold outside.
And while some of us (like me) have spent these past few days wrapped in mountains of blankets, others have rejoiced that the true sign of Madison winter has finally arrived: frozen lakes.
The State Climatology Office declared Lakes Mendota and Monona have officially frozen as of Monday.
Here’s your general warning that just because the lakes are frozen, doesn’t mean they’re 100% safe. Always practice caution and avoid thin ice. Check out these tips from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources before your next frozen lake adventure.
— Hayley
What's CITY Talking About?
📚 The Search for MMSD’s Next Leader
- The Madison Metropolitan School District has narrowed down its search for superintendent and plans to have the new role announced by the end of the current school year.
- Some context: Former MMSD Superintendent Carlton Jenkins announced his retirement last year and stepped down in July. He led the district for about three years.
- Next steps: Finalist interviews will take place Feb. 6 and 7 and will be live-streamed and recorded for public viewing. [MMSD, WORT]
🛒 From Strip Club to Grocery Store
- Gooh Grocery has officially opened in the former home of Visions strip club on East Washington Avenue. Pronounced "go-oh," the store carries all the produce and pantry staples you’d expect, as well as a large offering of West African and Southeast Asian foods and ingredients.
- The store, owned by State Rep. Samba Baldeh and Jerreh Kujabi, is the result of almost five years of planning. Prior to its opening, the only other grocery option in the East Side neighborhood was a Kwik Trip. [Wisconsin State Journal]
🚒 Shovel Your Fire Hydrants!
- Since snowfall in Madison went from zero to 60 in about a day (figuratively), here’s your reminder to help Madison firefighters by clearing snow away from the fire hydrants near your home. Every second counts when it comes to emergencies. [City of Madison]
🥡 Looking for a Taste of Something New?
- Winter Restaurant Week is right around the corner and you might notice some new names on the roster. Dozens of restaurants opened in 2023 and there are more to come in 2024. Here’s a little look at what’s here and what’s ahead.
- Newly open: Draper Brothers Chophouse, Niji Asian Cuisine, and Zen Ramen.
- Coming soon: Butterbird, Les Delices de Awa, Rooted In Sanity Kava Lounge, and The Wedge.
- Changing: Mint Mark is moving to The Standard Madison building on East Washington this spring, Oishi at 532 S. Park St. is the new name of Japanese restaurant Edo, and Salvatore’s Tomato Pies in Monona opened its dining room this month. [Cap Times]
What To Do
Wednesday, Jan. 17
- "Advancement of Women in STEM Fields, Academics, & Leadership": Badger Talk, virtual
- Brews and Q's Taproom Trivia at Young Blood Beer Company - North Street
- Dan Maguire at Red Rooster Madison
- Italian Supper Club at The Deliciouser
- Geezer Gamers at Noble Knight Gaming Hall
- Gully Boys, Mio Min Mio at The Bur Oak
- Public Health Madison & DAMA Closing Reception at Garver Feed Mill
- San Damiano Project public input meeting at Monona Grove High
- True Blues in the Garver Atrium at Garver Feed Mill
- Weekly Swing at Café CODA at Cafe CODA
Today on City Cast
How Madisonians Can Help Gaza
More than 24,000 lives have been lost in Gaza since the war began more than a hundred days ago. That’s more than the entire population of Middleton. Here in Madison, protestors have staged rallies at the State Capitol and on the UW-Madison campus, while activist groups urge lawmakers to demand a ceasefire. One of those groups is the Madison Rafah Sister City Project.
Thanks to City Cast Madison editor Molly Stentz!
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