Be MKE: Tickets for riding scooters, a new brewery and Scott Walker's connection to the Russia investigation

Who we are. Where we go. What we need to know.

People keep asking me about this, so let's get it out of the way. Yes, riding one of the Bird scooters is technically illegal in the City of Milwaukee. It could get you a $98.80 citation. Woof. But I have yet to hear of anyone actually getting fined. A police department spokeswoman didn't know. Ride at your own risk. 

The big deals this week: Record low Summerfest attendance, a new brewery (and then a new wine bar), and how Scott Walker is connected to the Russia Investigation. 

Sign up for Be MKE and have it delivered to your inbox every Wednesday.

Let's talk business

Drink Wisconsinbly has some big plans in the works. The state's unofficial lifestyle brand is expanding its offerings beyond T-shirts and its pub in Walker's Point. Expect to see new apparel, gifts, consumer packaged goods and hospitality offerings. "It’s all Wisconsin," said a company chairman. "There’s an essence to Wisconsin that right away connects people. Wisconsinites are more loyal than any other state in the union." 

I first heard about this in-home massage company on a podcast that talks about "The Bachelor." Shocking, right? Well, Zeel launched in Milwaukee this week. Through the Zeel app you can book a massage to come to you. A 60-minute massage costs $105. 

I never made it to Summerfest this year. I know, I'm lame. It started raining while I was at a bar waiting for the shuttle so we opted for staying dry and hunkering down with a beer. Seems like I wasn't the only Summerfest no-show. Summerfest recorded its lowest attendance in 25 years. 

Boozin'

Vennture Brew Co. opened last week and it's selling all the brews — coffee and beer — at 5519 W. North Ave. I like both those things! They sell some bakery items, otherwise, customers can bring in their own food. They have a half dozen beers on tap right now: a couple saisons, a Berlinerweiss, an IPA and a stout. Some people commented on Vennture's Facebook page that the owners look too hipster. L-O-L

A wine bar — Voyager — is coming to Bay View at 422 E. Lincoln Ave. The focus will be on European wines and then food from Fauntleroy tied to the wine regions. They'll have cocktails too. Voyager owners hope to open in September.

Don’t go hangry

The rock 'n' roll French restaurant from the Dans of DanDan has an opening date. Fauntleroy will open July 26 at 316 N. Milwaukee St. Entrees will be about $16 to $25. The menu is still being finalized. 

Meraki is back from its summer break with a new menu. The restaurant at 939 S. 2nd St reopened with some new dishes like seared duck breast with Georgia peaches, and Chinese-style pan-fried dumplings.

That arena

Sure, the new still unnamed $524 million Bucks arena will have a Chick-fil-A. But it will also have some local favorites like The Laughing Taco, Iron Grate BBQ Co., Drink Wisconsinbly and Sobelman's. Get the full list here. 

Bowling, shuffleboard, Skee-Ball, karaoke, food and drinks will be in the Bucks entertainment block. The team announced Punch Bowl Social will be one of the block's key tenants.

Here are the talkers

One of the people charged as part of an alleged Russian plot to interfere with U.S. politics met with Gov. Scott Walker during his short-lived presidential bid. The woman tried to make connections with politicians to influence policies toward Russia, according to the court documents. She attended a Walker launch party in Waukesha. There are even a photo and some Facebook posts. 

We need to start brainstorming what to call non-dairy drinks because almond-infused water really doesn't roll off the tongue. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner said he plans to enforce a rule that anything labeled "milk" is something that comes from a cow. 

A new YouTube reality show "Camp Wannakiki" will feature eight drag queens from Wisconsin and Illinois. The contestants will compete in camp activities and participate in a nightly talent show. You just need to watch the trailer. 

My purebred mutt Nala is living her best life on my Instagram @HauerSarah. Keep up with my gif game on Twitter @SarahHauer. You can always go old school and send me an email at shauer@journalsentinel.com. 

Be MKE,

Sarah

Sign up for Be MKE and have it delivered to your inbox every Wednesday.