Milwaukee is known for many things, and lately researchers have even called us the next "it" city. Dining and the quality of a city's local, independent restaurants are huge assets to any community. When you add original, innovative cooking, fresh local flavor and names like D'Amato, Bartolotta, Davis, Chitko, Vassallo, Shaikh, Bianchini and others to the Milwaukee mix, do we stand up to other cities? What's your take on the local dining scene? Sound off, then go dine out!

E-mail us at soundoff@staff.onmilwaukee.com and if picked, we'll post your response next Sunday. Only submissions that include your full name and where you live will be considered.

Last week's question: Is Wal-Mart good or bad for Milwaukee?

In response to your question of the week: Wal-Mart = BAD! Just look at your plus vs. minus paragraph. Is it really worth the exploitation of workers here and abroad to save 6 to 10 dollars every time you go? Is it worth the censorship? Does Wal-Mart really do anything good for anyone but the stockholders and upper management of Wal-Mart?

My grandmother was mugged in a Wal-Mart parking lot last year. What was Wal-Mart's response? Sorry lady, we rent the parking lot from the City of Milwaukee and therefore we are not responsible! Legally correct and morally bankrupt ...

Richard J. Kerhin
Milwaukee

Wal-Mart is outstanding! The commercial areas in the city have received a powerful shot-in-the-arm from Wal-Marts being opened. They are popular, they are vibrant, and they draw shoppers that use other stores and businesses in the neighborhood.

Stephen F. Thiel
Milwaukee

Wal-Mart comes into a town with the promise of good jobs and low prices. Work their employees like slaves, little or no breaks for lunch periods. Just read/listen to what is going on in this country alone ... all the class action suites against Wal-Mart. And Wal-mart is loosing. States are going after them for insurance adjustments because their benefits are substandard. The thought of low prices makes people want them in their town, but at what cost?

When Wal-Mart first opened, their ads boasted of American-made products. Good luck finding American-made products now, not when China is cheaper.

Jim Miethke
Cedarburg

I think a lot of people forget that this country is about opportunity. No one wants to see a person work hard, and get poor benefits and pay for it. But there is something called "free will." No one is putting a gun to your head and telling you to work at Wal-Mart. If you don't agree with Wal-Mart, go work somewhere else! Capitalism is a wonderful thing, and it breeds excellence, along with competition. We could complain all day long about corrupt politicians, businesses, and sleazy businessmen. But if you truly want to succeed, and are willing to work hard, go search for your true calling, and job. No one is going to give it to you on a silver platter. I think most people don't realize their true potential. Don't be afraid...go out and get it.

Dan Cook
Milwaukee

Wal-Mart sucks as an employer and has been exploiting young and old for years. I wish the people in Milwaukee had more to say when it comes to having a Wal-Mart in their community. Wal-Mart makes sure their employees don't get benefits by not giving them enough hours so not only do they not have insurance, they hardly make enough money to make ends meet. They exploit the high school students by making them work more hours than they can handle so they don't have to give benefits to the older employees who want the hours.

Diane Sem
Milwaukee

My hometown in northern Wisconsin has a Wal-Mart store. It was built over five years ago. The store is located near a freeway and far away from the business district. The result of the Wal-Mart is that it destroyed the local economy. The town had teo men's wear stores, three hardware stores and I don't remember how many women's clothing stores. They are all out of business. The down town area has progressed to a tattoo parlor, some consignment shops and a few antique stores. The vibrant business area has been shut down. Now Wal-Mart is going to build a "super" store that will effectively close the grocery stores, pharmacy and other local support businesses. Wal-Mart is a plague.

Craig Voskuil
Whitefish Bay