Some artists are made in a way that they excel in many mediums. They are not held back to one single thing that drives and propels them onward. Or sometimes, as it happened for Susan Richter-OConnell, you begin with one medium and find another that draws you in until you ultimately make a choice about which one will sustain you to the end.

Second generation steakhouse co-owner Dan Delaney knows a thing or two about serving good food, selecting great wine, and offering excellent customer service. Growing up at Delaneyshe started on the table-bussing staff in 1992 when he was 16 years old and is now general managerDan and his seasoned team have carved out a reputation as being one of the best restaurants in Madison.

Long before the American Egg Board created its catchy Incredible Edible Egg slogan, Manna Caf & Bakery owner Barb Pratzel discovered the power of a good egg dish.

One day I was reading Julia Childs cookbook and discovered her directions for making a scrambled egg. It changed me forever, Barb says. Creamy, custardy eggs, with nothing addedjust using her cooking techniquewill make the best eggs youve ever had. And thats the only way we make them.

Its quite apparent we love our lakes. Visit Madison in the summer and youll find paddleboarders exploring Lake Wingra, rowers in Lake Monona, and, of course, crowds of people relaxing with pitchers of beer and a view of Lake Mendota on the Memorial Union Terrace. In the winter, Madisonians enthusiasm for the lakes is undeterred by the freezing temperatures: ice fishers dot Monona Bay, skaters fill the Vilas Park lagoon, and if its cold enough, walkers brave the long trek across a frozen Lake Mendota.

Lori Jolin starts a meeting with a new client by asking them to list what is not working with their home. Along with lack of storage space, almost every homeowners list includes rooms that are too small or too dark. Sunlight is universally appealing, enhancing a homes comfort and appeal. Allowing natural light to play across interior spaces is an effect so important to Lori that she has developed several techniques to amplify its effects.

Spice up your landscape with splashes of annual flowers. Annuals are defined as herbaceous plants that live for only one year. Bedded out en masse, used in containers or interplanted between perennials, annuals add unmatchable color and vibrancy to the landscape.

Lakes and rivers from glacial times define Dane County. They served as highways and trails and sources of food for the Native Americans, the first to live in the area. European settlers and farmers found a supply of water to sustain their activities from growing crops and orchards to emerging industrial activities.

Prior to a major election, the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin office is awash in phone calls. Andrea Kaminski, the state executive director, fields calls from reporters asking about the impact of state voter ID legislation and court cases. Prospective voters contact the office with straightforward questions about how to register and where to vote, and with questions involving unique registration or voting issues. In addition, the office serves as the headquarters and call center for League-trained election observers statewide, and connects callers with local questions to one of Wisconsins 17 local League offices.

With a reputation for being an active and adventurous city, it is no surprise that Madison is home to many outdoor gear shops. But perhaps none are as beloved as Fontana Sports Specialties. Fontana has been a favorite shopping stop for downtown pedestrians since its grand opening on the 100 block of State Street in 1972. Since then, this family-owned business has offered a large selection of high-quality gear and apparel for nearly every type of outdoor enthusiast.

Ulla Eyewear proves glasses are one of the newest and most stylish fashion accessories. For more than 15 years,
the family-owned shop has offered a curated collection of handmade exclusive eyewear with a European flair. Ullas frames are bold and colorful, with a wide array of both eyeglasses and sunglasses for women, men, and children. At Ulla, theres a pair of glasses for everyone and every personality, says Brittany Graber, owner and president. Glasses are no longer just a medical necessity. Theyve transformed into a means for self-expression.

So whats your favorite wine? A question wine professionals, bartenders, and servers hear quite a lot both on the job and outside of work. Talk about a simple yet complex question. The answer depends on the season, ones mood, and budget, and lets not forget the accompanying cuisine. Many wine drinkers have a go to varietal, and when asked why we love this particular type of wine we have a quick-fire answer.