Wisconsin is the Italy of the Midwest

I’m spending the Fourth of July in East Troy, Wisconsin. You may not know this, but you should: Wisconsin is the Italy of the Midwest. So instead of moping about not making it to Italy this summer, allow me to illustrate the ways Italy is just like my home away from home.

• Both have a deep and abiding love of cheese. Italy leans wine and cheese; Wisconsin leans beer and cheese.

• Italy has gelato and Wisconsin has custard.

• Both should be sponsored by Lactaid.

• Both have, at certain points in history, been dangerous for Jews — Italy because of WWII, Wisconsin because of the dairy.

• Both are home to a Lake Como.

• Both are grand purveyors of sausage, and frankly, I’ll take a good brat with sauerkraut over the finest prosciutto any day.

• Both have, at certain points in history, shown an alarming tolerance for fascism.

Happy Fourth! Back next week for more. (Also, if you are in the area the Mars Resort has a mean Friday Fish Fry.)