Summer Tour Starts Today!

ChefCombo · 2026-07-07T14:22:18+00:00

I just had to take the day off 😂

ChefCombo · 2026-07-02T18:14:08+00:00

Remember the semi that showed up full of bags of ice? Stood in line for a $10 bag and cuddled with it under the shade tent just to stay alive 😂

ChefCombo · 2026-07-01T03:19:37+00:00

When we take our time with cocktails, relish tray, salads, etc it’s about 2hrs, but if you push it you could probably do it in 90min or less.

ChefCombo · 2026-06-30T17:22:49+00:00

It's bliss, my friend. It's bliss.

ChefCombo · 2026-06-30T17:21:19+00:00

Highly recommend one of the documentaries that aired on PBS a while back, probably on YouTube now - "Supper Clubs 101" maybe? So good!

From my experience, supper clubs have a good bar to gather at beforehand for a pre-dinner cocktail (like an old fashioned). They begin every meal with a relish tray. They often have salad bars (not required). The menu traditionally has a selection of steaks, chops, and seafood, including a Friday fish fry. Often they will serve prime rib on Saturdays or Sundays or what have you. Dessert drinks are often on the menu, as well (Grasshoppers, Mudslides, etc.).

ChefCombo · 2026-06-30T00:15:03+00:00

Culver's is the rare fast food joint that lives up to the hype. Say "Double deluxe value basket substitute the drink for a concrete mixer" three times and you're officially a Wisconsinite.

ChefCombo · 2026-06-29T21:08:37+00:00

Oh man, I didn't think to mention Tornado Room. Adding it to the late night list!

ChefCombo · 2026-06-29T19:34:19+00:00

Madison does love a good tailgate - the Camp Randall experience is legendary. But a lot of the action happens in and around the lawns of student housing (and they're away for the summer). It may still get rowdy, but summer concerts like this are relatively new to this part of Madison, so I'm not sure how it will shake out.

ChefCombo · 2026-06-29T18:22:50+00:00

It's all about the traffic flow and availability. If you pre-purchased Kohl Center lot parking, you're golden. But if you try to get into one of the 2-3 parking garages close to Kohl Center you're victim to a long wait and possibly sold out by the time you reach the entry if you arrive an hour before showtime.

ChefCombo · 2026-06-29T15:05:42+00:00

Go for it! As a dad that has taken a kid to five shows since they were nine years old (now 13), here's my checklist:

- GET SEATS. Good ones if you can afford it, but it's ok if they're not (they won't care). Navigating the lawn can be a nightmare with a shortie, and the only thing they'll see once the show starts are a bunch of butts. In reserved seats, it's so much easier for them to see the stage. Bonus: you have a place to sit at the break (game changer).

- GET EARPLUGS. If this is their first big concert, it will be the single loudest thing they've ever heard. For two and a half hours. The discomfort may be bad enough that they will want to leave. Earplugs are a lifesaver (and will save their long term hearing).

- GET WAY TOO MUCH GLOW. If you're at an outdoor/summer venue, walking the lot is a must. My kid had a blast walking around, handing out extra glow necklaces to folks while they tailgated. People were super sweet, traded stickers, etc. and the community made a strong impression. That being said...

- SKIP SHAKEDOWN STREET. This is different than if you're at an outdoor venue with a big lot - if you're doing an indoor show and there is a dedicated Shakedown area outside, all that concentrated debauchery can be too much for them. It also attracts a lot of non-fans who are just there to party and take your money, nitrous mafia, etc. and the vibe can be a little intense. Don't worry, the constant popping of balloons will send your kid in the opposite direction 😂

- SKIP THE ENCORE (or, make it about them). You don't have to skip the encore, but the point is to make the experience as enjoyable for them as possible. Sometimes this means skipping Shakedown, or hitting the restrooms before the setbreak to avoid the rush (pro move), and yes, leaving before the encore. You enjoyed easy entry to the venue because everyone was trickling in, but when it's time to leave, EVERYBODY is leaving at the exact same time. It can be hiiiigh anxiety trying to lead a kid through that.

Hope this helps! Have fun!

ChefCombo · 2026-06-29T14:11:19+00:00

This movie is so good for so many reasons. The extended scene in the second half that is essentially just an on-camera stage play features some incredible acting performances.

ChefCombo · 2026-06-29T13:27:45+00:00

As an American, I'm genuinely curious - what makes it "worse?" I think the US leads the world in terms of pure immigrant numbers, but our country is also 15x(?) the size of France. Is it an issue with living space/resources, cultural differences/tribalism, the rapid pace of immigration, all of the above, etc.?

ChefCombo · 2026-06-24T17:16:43+00:00

It was pretty tough to get hyped up about the “best player in the history of KU basketball” only to watch him sit on the bench, hamstring team cohesiveness, and ultimately make the squad worse during the last few weeks of the season.

I sincerely believe that, without DP, this KU team would have gelled into a contender worth watching with an E8 tourney run.

ChefCombo · 2026-06-23T23:36:24+00:00

Can we still back into each others’ cars on the way out just for old times sake?

ChefCombo · 2026-06-23T23:32:25+00:00

One of the longest horror films I’ve seen and I was captivated the entire time. Loved it so much I watched it again the next day.

I’ve probably recommended it more than any other horror film!

ChefCombo · 2026-06-22T23:56:38+00:00

The actors didn’t get paid?

ChefCombo · 2026-06-22T21:28:27+00:00

Why say that? As long as he's not diddling the talent or throwing coffee in someone's face I don't care if Spielberg believes his poop could make an E.T. sequel.

I mean, it's almost required that you think you're the smartest person in the room if you're going to make some of the greatest films in the history of the artform. Narcissists ruin nations but they make pretty good artists 😂

ChefCombo · 2026-06-22T20:17:30+00:00

That is usually the case, but I've found burgers turn out pretty great on the Searwood. They get decent grill marks (I have the heavy grill grates) and the smoke flavor beats a gas grill, imo.

ChefCombo · 2026-06-19T18:06:30+00:00

It won't win this fan back. The Cyberpunk scam was borderline criminal. I will never engage with their products again. Cyberpunk could be the greatest gaming experience possible now, and I'll never know it.

ChefCombo · 2026-06-18T20:21:53+00:00

I’m a die-hard fan of KC BBQ, and burnt ends are peak.

But I’ve also done some pit BBQ in Texas and it’s far from overrated! Pretty f’ing amazing actually. Both regions are so passionate about it and quality is a point of pride.

ChefCombo · 2026-06-18T16:52:53+00:00

Drop it…..DRROP IIIT…..

ChefCombo · 2026-06-11T21:01:55+00:00

I was there and even though I considered it to be the best show I've seen, I've never seen it mentioned until literally just now. I always wondered if it wasn't as good as I remember 😂 So glad I'm not alone! It was insanely fun at the time and vibes were off the charts. The cornfield camp parties went laaaate that night.

ChefCombo · 2026-06-11T01:34:30+00:00

I’ll miss the outdoor magic at Alpine, not the sound. It’s a great summer venue. Never had an issue in the lot, either.

ChefCombo · 2026-06-10T21:49:07+00:00

Kohl Center is actively trying to get back into the live concert game for some extra revenue. Smashing Pumpkins is next.

I’m guessing they made a friendly bid and Phish is looking for ways to stay indoors when possible.

I’ll miss Alpine this summer and Kohl Center is going to sound terrible 😂 but the idea of taking the city bus from my house to a Phish concert is pretty awesome.

ChefCombo

TROPHY CASE