One of the best places for real Mexican food in the Fox Cities is a place most of you might not have noticed at all. La Michoacana (or Restaurante Michoacán) is hard to spot as a restaurant when you drive by--sign isn't all that clear. But they are there at 2188 South Memorial Drive, Appleton, near the old Valley Fair Mall across from the large Express convenience store, just north of the Hmong-Lao Partnership building. The place is clean and the food is great. Perhaps the most authentic Mexican food in the area, according to one Mexican friend of mine. Also some of the most affordable. From the state of Michoacan in southern Mexico, corn tortillas are the norm here with terrific flavoring. You'll find some items you've probably never seen before, such as the torta ahogada, a wet sandwhich covered in chili sauce. I loved it! But the less challenging tacos, tamales, burritos, enchiladas, and other dishes are also great and surprisingly inexpensive. Oh, and they serve horchata, a Mexican drink made from rice, sugar, and a touch of cinnamon. Please give this place a try!

For great dessets, I'm happy to recommend Neenah's new ice cream shop, Cherry on Top. At 130 West Wisconsin Avenue, the black and white Holstein cow motif on the building makes it easy to spot. They offer real hand-scooped ice cream that can be served as cones, sundaes, shakes, etc. They also offer real fruit smoothies, some of the best you'll find, and a few other treats. One thing I like is the presence of a water fountain in the shop since good ice cream often makes one thirst. Tip: a single scoop can be split into two flavors, but they half-scoops for each flavor are big enough to count as one scoop in my book. Very friendly staff, great quality ice cream, and good prices. Nice place to take the kids or your date for a treat.