Jac's Dining and Taphouse

The history of the space that this restaurant currently occupies is curious. When we first moved to Madison, it was an Italian place- Papa Phil's. Then, shortly after it became Monroe Street Bistro. While we enjoyed Papa Phil's and it's excellent italian food- we really enjoyed Monroe Street Bistro. It felt very european, the food was always good (especially the frites) if not super meat-y, and the ambiance felt intimate.

Recently we noticed that while the restaurant looked the same, the name had changed. It was now Jac's. The most popular rumor that new management wanted to start fresh with a new name and new menu. And, it is quite different. First of all, the menu is much bigger. But they still have frites so we are good there. The food, while described as rustically european, is high quality. Put roasted beet salad, quail, and mac 'n' cheese on the same menu and I'm impressed. It's not cheap though so plan accordingly.

Jac's feels much more "Madison" than Monroe Street Bistro did; they support local farmers, use local produce (and shout about it), and give back to the community in various ways. So, not only do you get a good meal, but you can leave feeling morally superior. Bonus!

A final note- the bar at Jac's is worthy of it's own praise. While we've never gone in just for a drink- the Belgian beers on tap and wine list are pretty exciting. Enough to make you stop in for a nightcap.

Sunprint Cafe

Here it is. Another not so great review. I just can't get behind Sunprint Cafe as much as I want to. It has all the elements of a good lunch spot. It's right off the square, just down the street from work, and the dining room is surrounded by windows looking out on the streets and the capital. Plus, they cater and have delivered to work on a few occasions for meetings. And that is quite convenient.

BUT, not only is it pretty overpriced- the food is just "ok." I don't mind paying more for some food in the capital area, but this is over the line. I've gotten this strawberry salad more than once (I'm not sure why) and the dressing is SO sweet I can't even eat it. And I LOVE sugar. Like, a lot. I've also gotten several sandwiches- a turkey pesto panini, a ham apple panini and a southwestern turkey burger. And often, their special is a quiche which I have selected more than once. All have been fine- but lacking a wow factor. I have had success with their "express" lunch line- getting a pre made sandwich or salad, some yogurt and a snapple and taking it out to eat on the grass or picnic tables near my office. So, there's that.

Perhaps Sunprint is a victim of being within spitting distance of some truly incredible restaurants and I'm giving it an unfair comparison but....that's life.

Someday, I will try their breakfast and give a more comprehensive review.

I like the food, I don't love it. It's pretty good, not great. It's not insanely expensive, but still overpriced. That's all folks.

Burrito Drive

To start, I suppose it's fair to say that we have never actually been INSIDE Burrito Drive. But we've gotten take out so many times that we've decide it's warranted a review.

Besides the fact that delivery can be a little slow and our food has more than once been cool, it's still really good. And we keep ordering, so that must say something. It's "new" Mexican food, as they say, and while I'm not entirely sure what that means, I do know it's good. And it's unique- but I'm entirely unsure how authentic it is. So be warned if you go. But if you actually know authentic Mexican food, let me know how this one ranks. I'm curious.

My favorite thing on the menu is definitely (dried) cranberry salsa. It's delicious- it goes on quesadillas, tacos, burritos and chips. And those quesadillas, tacos, burritos, and chips are all pretty good too. I usually get a cheese quesadilla (with cranberry salsa) and a create-your-own taco with chicken, asadero cheese, lettuce (and cranberry salsa). Bob has tried numerous burritos including the Hungry Hippie (Mexican slaw and tater tots), Carnitas (pork and sweet potato puree), and the Sheh-meh-neh (sweet potato puree, pickled onions, and bacon).

See what I mean? It's pretty unique- it's almost as though it has a Madison twist. I'm not sure Mexicans would throw bacon in willy nilly as Madisonians do. But the food is good and filling and the prices are really reasonable. We have really never been disappointed with a meal we've gotten here. Someday perhaps we'll actually go TO the restaurant and eat in. But don't count on it.

Chipotle

Hmmm...not too much to say about Chipotle. Not exactly unique to Madison. But hey, it's a restaurant and we are on a mission.

That being said, I don't feel compelled to say too much. I love Chipotle. Even though it's always filled with college students, even though lines are often out the door, even though it's owned by McDonald's and even though one meal could set you back 1,000+ calories (seriously).

It's good fast food and I like it. I always get soft tacos and have never gotten anything else. Sure, most people get burritos but have you ever tried to eat one? They are tricky devils. Anyway, the tacos (ask for a little rice on them- makes all the difference!) are great, and if you're feeling adventurous get some chips and guac. You won't be disappointed.

Also, they have a pretty awesome fish bowl for your business card. And I have won...twice!! It's pretty much the greatest feeling ever.

Tacos, drawings, cheap.

Muramoto

A new lunch place! Discovered! Across the street from work! It's Muramoto, which I would describe as (and quite accurately I think) Asian fusion. They have a great lunch special menu that includes a variety of tasty sounding entrees for $9 ranging from seafood to beef to tofu. I got the deep fried tofu, which was served with peanuts in a spicy coconut sauce with red onion and bell peppers.

It came piled high on a plate with rice. I would say that with the exception of the tofu, everything on the plate was excellent. The sauce was spicy but not too much so (at least for me) and the peanuts and vegetables had a nice kick. The tofu had some sort of funky texture, but perhaps I just didn't "get" the dish.

Overall, good lunch spot, feels fancy inside, tofu is kind of mushy. Try the chicken.

Taste of Madison

chocolate chip cookie dough egg roll.

falafel with yogurt sauce.

beer battered cheese curds with paprika dipping sauce.

frozen chocolate banana.

tuscan pork sandwich.

roasted corn.

Just a few of the delicious food items at the most recent Taste of Madison. Also, the ones we happened to eat. The perfect way to spend labor day weekend, the Taste of Madison features more than 75 local restaurants- all offering small portions of their signature (or just tasty) dishes. There was just so much more we wanted to try. But all we go through was the above. Really, there is something for everyone. It's a bit pricy but there's food, beer, and live music. A winning combo for most Wisconsinites.

Zuzu Cafe

Zuzu Cafe. Say it with me. Zuzu cafe. It's fun, isn't it? It's also right across the street from Vilas park and the free Madison zoo, which ensures it's busy on sunny summer weekends with families and mostly cute young kids. Otherwise the neighborhood is entirely residential, so it feels like a corner cafe for the community. The inside is small and cozy, but brightly decorated and full of light. It's also got a few outside tables on a mostly quiet street and sidewalk. So it's got a nice atmosphere during the weekend to sit and people watch over a cup of coffee. And during the week, when it's not nearly as busy, it's a great place to do some work.

But the food is also surprisingly good. We've had the breakfast sandwiches often (fried egg on toast, with optional veggies and bacon), and besides the standard lunch menu, there's typically some kind of tapas meals. My personal favorite are the Gyros, which are the best I've had in Madison. Granted Madison probably isn't a Gyro hotspot, but they hold up well enough to get them repeatedly. They also have desserts, which look good, and ice cream, which is the only thing I've been disappointed by. At any rate, everything is priced below the quality level, so you certainly won't come away disappointed.

Inka Heritage

Inka Heritage is probably the best Peruvian restaurant I've ever been to. I don't think I have to finish that joke. Okay, so it's unique. But it's quite good at their specialty, Central American seafood. I had some fried fish fillets, served with a chunk of rice in a square and sauteed vegetables. But every time I go, I end up jealous of the meat dishes my wife gets, which are typically served on a bed of quality french fries. Yum.

The food may be a little bit overpriced (they've raised the prices recently), and a little on the salty side. But you can always walk right in to good food and a warm atmosphere.

Blue Moon Bar and Grill

For the record, I love blue moon beer. However, I'm really not a fan of this restaurant. I've eaten there before and had a fairly positive associations. BUT, that could have been because I used to work near the hospital and there are just no other options for a good lunch (except the gas station subway).

So, Bob and I met there for dinner one night. It's relaxed and just what you might expect for a casual bar and grill. The menu is small (which I always consider to be a good thing) and looks ok at first glance. But if you're not in the mood for a burger, then forget about it. Why are you here? I opted for the spanish burger and honestly, it was disappointing. The meat was kind of dry and crumbly and it just tasted too greasy to be super yummy- but I really feel it had potential.

Bob had the california reuben and reported it to be "soggy and gross." Well, that sums it up. If you're in a spot and need food, Blue Moon will provide sustenance. But you can do better- just across the street even.

If you want a fun place for a beer or for happy hour- this might be perfect. I would stay away from the food. Although, the more beer you drink, the better things might taste.

Graze

It's a restaurant, a verb, and a favorite pastime of ours....and I fear, of cows. Oh well. Of all the things Graze is, it is also a really excellent new gastro pub on capital square. We decided to do the inaugural tasting during brunch, and I think we made an excellent choice. The menu was small, tasteful, and featured local, fresh ingredients. Options ranged from "totally breakfast" options (pancakes, french toast) to "totally lunch" options (steak, beet salad) which is a good thing. I like options and at 11am on a Sunday who knows, I could go either way.

However, I went the way of the breakfast because as I glanced down the menu I saw something so delightful I immediately knew I would order it- nutella stuffed french toast with blueberries, red raspberries, and smoked almonds. Say no more- I'm sold. And it was everything I imagined it would be- actual french bread, light on the nutella, heavy on the seasonal fruit. It was delicious. Bob got something else- I think it was pancakes- but I was too entranced and could not bother to notice.

But here's the thing- Graze is owned by L'Etoile, a fancy pants french restaurant (also serving local produce). And we've always been a little put off by the fancy pants nature of L'Etoile, though we've only eaten there once. It feels a little more on the stuffy side and a little less on the "food to the people" side. So I was a bit concerned about Graze. But it was comfortable, relaxed, very open and bright (huge glass walls on 2 sides) and didn't feel stuffy at all. I could have done with more homage to the local farms and farmers in the menu descriptions and the waitresses' spiel but perhaps now I'M the one who's being stuffy. Hard to say.

We enjoyed our visit and will definitely go back- I think that means it was a winner.

The Library Cafe and Bar

It's called the Library, but it's not actually in a Library. It has books, but they're mostly crap and they're all there for show. So don't concentrate on the first part of the title. It is, indeed, a cafe and bar. But it's more as well. Witness the following facts:

1 - There's a fireplace with a fake fire going at all times. Also, on top of this fake fireplace is a counter on which you can eat on barstools. This is in the very middle of the cafe.

2 - Around the fireplace are couches, as if this were a cafe in the coffeeshop sense. It's not.

3 - On the walls are televisions tuned to espn, cnn, and who knows what other airport suitable station. This makes me think it might be a bar. But then again, I'm eating there for lunch, so it's not.

4 - There are tables as well, and when you order at the counter you are given a number to display proudly at the table. In this sense, it is a typical cafe.

The food is mostly burgers of various types and several varieties of fries. The Texas burger is a favorite, and one I used to like, until I read an unfortunate Times piece on the ground hamburger industry. Now I tolerate the portobello mushroom sandwich, with pine nuts, pesto, and roasted peppers. A great idea in theory, but often overly oily. Anyway, I'm never disappointed by the spicy fries, so that's something. Also, my alternative for a nearby lunch is subway, the ICU Deli, or QQ Asian Buffet. So not high praise, but praise all the same.

Lazy Jane's Cafe and Bakery

Lazy Jane's is packed every weekend at brunchtime. It's packed because it's got a great brunch. Since we had Friday off, we decided to go see what a non-packed Lazy Jane's looked like. It looks, well, non-packed.

Unfortunatly, it might not be packed because the lunch wasn't as good as the brunch. Perhaps I should have known this going in, but sandwich with Bruce Willis as it's namesake is an open-faced cheese and bacon mess. Unfortunately, I don't think Lazy Jane's is up to Bruce Willis. It seemed more like a Stephen Baldwin, different, not too bad, but somehow, unpracticed.

I suppose I go to Lazy Jane's looking for something worthy of Alec Baldwin, which is what they serve for brunch. The menu of delicious veggie-filled omelets, frittatas, good coffee, great pastries is polished and classic, but somehow maintaining an obvious appeal to the young and hip, which of course means me. I know not everyone agrees, but for me, I'd rather wait for a good Alec than walk right into a Stephen.

Jamerica

It's Jamaica meets...America. Obviously. It's also simplicity, taste, and relaxed. We've done the whole take out thing from Jamerica a couple of times but Bob informed me it didn't count until I ate IN the restaurant. So recently, a co-worker and I went for lunch. Take that!

The best thing about lunch? Small menu (printed on small cards). And actually, it's smaller than you might think as there are very few "dishes"- but each comes with chicken, beef, salmon, or tofu. I had the mango rundown tofu and was not disappointed. But I am a sucker for ANYTHING mango. I can not resist. I might also have gotten the mango rundown chicken. or hey, even the mango rundown beef. It had a great flavor and add some red beans and rice? Filling and satisfying. Plus, just being in the place feels very...well...chill (the reggae probably helps with that). Posters on the walls of Bob Marley, Bob Dylan (and Brett Favre- it IS Wisconsin), postcards from around the world and pictures of the owner, families, and guests.

To top it off, as we were getting ready to pay our bill, a staff member stopped by to ask if we wanted to be friends (with the restaurant). If so, we could show our lasting bond by displaying a Jamerica bumper sticker on our car. We gladly took the gift and left.

I have no doubt there will be more Jamerica outings- good food. good people. good prices.

Francesca's

Ok, besides being fun to say, Francesca's is also the newest little lunch place on the square- or at least, newest to me. I ate there today with two co-workers- and was not disappointed. They have great lunch specials (Mondays are spaghetti and meatballs; though I didn't try it) and decent prices. I got the pizza special- flatbread pizza with arugula, parmesan, olive and truffle oil. YUM. Unable to finish it (the curse of the pre meal bread) I have some for lunch tomorrow- excellent.

The space is really the highlight here. It's a GREAT location- lots of light, lots of windows, huge open dining area. There's the usual Madison patio seating, though on a day like today, I'll take the air conditioning. But the view of the capital and the Monona Terrace is hard to beat. It's also right in between a Starbucks and The Ocean Grill, which is also a fabulous place, so we'll see how it does. But location is everything and it's got that in the bag.

I heard good things from both of my fellow lunchers about their meals and while the waitress had a bit of trouble keeping our orders straight when it came time for the bills, it was overall a great experience. I would definitely go back. Perhaps for dinner as their wine list looked good- and apparently state employees aren't supposed to drink during workings hours (puritans).

Johnny Delmonico's

It's restaurant week! And that means select restaurants in the city put together a prie fix menu of three courses- $15 for lunch, $25 for dinner. It's a great opportunity to go to new places and taste the best at each!

My friend Jill and I went to Johnny Delmonico's for lunch. A steakhouse (one of two in the same block) and not a place I might have thought of for lunch. It's right off the square and actually, I had never seen it. But now I have! And I think I would go back. I had a greens salad with a nice lemony salad dressing, the pasta of the day, lamb ragu, and a mini creme brulee. I was a happy diner. I tasted some of Jill's fried calamari- served with a tangy citrus sauce- and while at first, I was unsure, I really enjoyed it.

The decor was a little posh- we sat in the "library." but it was relaxed, and well lit, and by taking a peak at the regular menu, reasonably priced (at least for lunch). Good to add another lunch option for the capital area!

Sardine

We are kind of conflicted in our review of Sardine. We went during restaurant week so it's hard to say if that gave us a typical experience. Let's start with location- it's wonderful. Overlooks Lake Monona and tucked back behind Machinery Row. In fact, I have NEVER noticed this place before despite biking by on my way to work almost every day. I'm sort of paranoid this is becoming a theme. Oh well.

We made reservations and were seated right away. Turns out our waitress was someone I knew- we took a class together a couple of summers ago. So it seemed that all would go well. Cool building, great location, a meal out together during a busy week. But there were a few bumps along the way. Service was fairly slow- and while glancing about, we realized that all tables had a bread basket and a water carafe- we had none. And we never got any. Ok, ok. I can let that go. But it did take awhile to get our first course- I had a House salad (mixed greens and bibb lettuce, shaved shallots, crispy chickpeas, roasted beets and sieved egg in tarragon champagne vinaigrette). It was nothing short of amazing, especially given the crispy chickpeas and roasted beets. YUM. My faith was renewed again. Though without water or bread it was a leap of faith on my part.

Next course was roasted chicken with balsamic butter sauce, frites, and a petite frisee salad. Bob had the duck breast with aged balsamic vinegar, roasted figs, and summer vegetables. These were received well though I think we both decided mine was a bit better. It may have been too much chicken (a whole half of one) but it was really moist and tender. The duck, we decided, was "ok."

Finally, we got our dessert. I got a vanilla bean and berry pot de creme while Bob ordered a key lime meringue tart with coconut rum sauce and toasted coconut. Bob insists he "won" the dessert round but mine was just so tasty. A custard creme brulee masterpiece. Though I will admit the lime tart was excellent.

After dessert I was feeling fairly positive about Sardine but while our food was good, I'm just not sure we loved it enough to go back. EXCEPT I have just learned they offer a mean brunch on the weekends; we may have to give it one more go just to get a more well rounded experience. And to eat overlooking the lake.

Dane County Farmer's Market

Another "not technically" a restaurant. But it IS a good place to get food. Enjoy food. And buy food. Sounds like a restaurant to me.

Most people who know about our farmer's market know it's the biggest (dare we say best?) one in the country. Every Saturday around Capital Square dozens and dozens of vendors share their delicious local produce. We go regularly, sometimes just to eat (try the hot, spicy cheesebread!) or sample cheese, or people watch. But of course we also go to prepare for a week's worth of meals. The fare varies depending on season but you can always get home baked pies, bread, pastries, and have I mentioned the hot spicy cheese bread?

The experience is so unique and special- definitely a very "Madison" experience.

Expect to get samples of cheese, sauces, and the occasional raspberry. Plan to spend your cash on the freshest produce and while you wander around the square listen to the street performers and pick up some literature on the latest political controversy. There's really something for everyone. And if you go late enough, you can get some bargains from vendors desperate to get rid of their wares before their trip back home.

Ancora Coffee

Does a coffee shop count as a restaurant? I don't really care, I was just asking. Ancora is down the street from where I work so if I want a snack, a chai (not a coffee drinker) or lately, a tasty sandwich, Ancora is perfect.

Everyone in there is so nice- 1 point. The food and drinks are always fresh and high quality- 1 point. It's a waaayyy better place for a meeting than my office building- 1 million points.

I usually get a chai latte with soy milk (to walk; I really love saying that). I've also been getting the mediterranean panini. wow. they grill it for you, wrap it up in foil and i take it back to my desk and enjoy a hot sandwich with olive tapanade and mozzarella cheese.

Ancora also sells yogurt and fruit parfaits, various scones and muffins and big fat yummy cookies. Plus, all that coffee stuff. Including the clover- an insanely expensive coffee machine (seriously, it's like $11,000) that produces the best coffee ever. or so they say. again, not a coffee drinker.

But Ancora has great variety and while a bit on the pricy side it's a winner. Good food. Good drink. Plus, if you bring in your own mug (which they highly recommend) you get a discount.

Pizza Brutta

We've reviewed pizza places before. But Pizza Brutta is a lot more than a pizza place. First of all, the pizzas are made in a wood fired oven. Kind of feels like you're in Naples (Italy that is). And you can get pizza with arugula, buffalo mozzarella, roasted vegetables, sundried tomatoes, fresh basil, spiced salami, the list goes on. All high end ingredients. We often get a pizza bianco (made with an olive oil base; who says all pizzas have to include red sauce?!); either the prosciutto arugula or caprese. Never been disappointed in either.

The salads are also delicious. And while I'm thinking of it, so is the gelato. And if you go during lunch, they have a separate menu with amazing sandwiches like the tonna or mozza. yum.

Overall advice: get a glass of wine (another reason it's a step above a regular pizza place) and relax. I also definitely recommend sharing a pizza- they are a bit big, though having extra for lunch the next day is not a bad thing.

Samba

Samba labels itself as Brazilian. I don't know if that's true or not, but whatever it is, it's unique among restaurants to which I've been. The first thing that strikes you on the upstairs dining room is its enormity. The upstairs itself has a ceiling tall enough to accommodate a mezzanine. There is also a stage for Jazz performances during dinner.

All these structural elements compliment the theater of the meal itself. You begin with the cold "salad bar." I say "salad bar" because most salad bars are uninspiring collections of, well, things to make salads. At Samba, the salad bar is a magical place. It's placed around a large four sided column with a huge floral centerpiece on top. The magic comes from the variety and quality of food, with different themes on each side. I've on the cold salad side, I had sweet potato salad and calamari salad, both flavorful and delicious. I also noted the balsamic goat cheese, pickled beets, fresh sauteed vegetables (the asparagus looked especially good).

After the salad bar comes the reason all go to Samba: the Rodizio course. Essentially, waiters (dressed ridiculously... do they dress like jungle guides in restaurants in Brazil?) circulate around the room with roasted meats and pineapple taken directly off spits. They cut small chunks of the meat directly onto your plate. And the meat, well, it's delicious. Always cooked perfectly, often a little crispy and spiced on the outside and amazingly juicy in the middle. My favorites are the flank steak and the chorizo, and the cinnamon pineapple is good as well. You can start and stop the flow of meat at your whim using a simple table indicator. I must admit I felt like a king with this thing.

Bring me more meat!

La Mestiza

In the small, charming space La Mestiza currently occupies, used to be a...Subway. Wow, talk about an upgrade. When I heard they opened up so close to where I work, I was, to say the least, excited! I went for lunch with a friend and was satisfied. I took Bob for dinner soon after that, and both of us recently had lunch there again after a hot afternoon during Art Fair on the Square.

It's colorful and affordable- two qualities I enjoy. I think the food is "good" not "great" but I really do like the trio de tacos. One steak, shredded pork, one chicken. All good. Throw in some cilantro, some pineapple and onions and it's really a respectable (and cheap) lunch. Besides, with the thick and crispy chips and two types of salsa, you'll have more than enough food. Though, why not get a horchata? I'm not sure. You should get one. It's delicious.

Bob had the platter mexicano and I literally did not even see it disappear off his plate. Apparently it was that good- a taco, a flouta, and a quesadilla. And lots of goodness.

With two locations, it really poises itself as a decent Madison mexican food joint. We've already discussed the downfalls of La Hacienda and the wonders of Tacqueria but if you're in the capital area and want a relaxing, higher than mediocre lunch, stop by and see the super friendly staff at La Mestiza. Get a drink. Enjoy the chips and salsa and pick from a great menu of traditional (with a bit of an anglo flair) options.

Ellen's Stardust Diner

Confession. This restaurant is not really in Madison. And by not really I mean not at all. But I recently went there while meeting a friend in NYC, and the experience was so entertaining I felt the need to share. Overall, let me just say I am GLAD such a place does not exist in Madison.

At first, it just looked like a fun glitzy diner in the heart of time's square. I waited outside for my friend Meredith and after a "it's SO good to see you!!!" hug we went inside and sat down. No one really noticed. Especially the wait staff. They were too busy singing and dancing on tables. Seriously. After a minute, one of the staff grabbed the mic and said something to the extent of "This is no regular diner. Because besides serving you food we also entertain you!" Panic starts to ensue for both of us. "We are all theater, acting or singing students here in New York and we are putting our talents to work here for all of you!" Oh. dear.

And they did. Though talents might be a wildly generous term. They alternated singly- loudly and on top of your table. Then they passed around an obnoxious tip jar. Then they sang AGAIN! But hey, at least they took requests. Finally we flagged down someone to give us menus and take our orders. The flagging had to continue as we rudely interrupted the show several times.

Here's the thing. This might have been a fun experience for someone with "deer-in-the-headlights-first-time-in-the-big-city" syndrome but for two friends trying to catch up it went from annoying to just hilarious :).

We had a good time- I mean, we were together we talked over the singing, and we made the best of it. But i have never been to a restaurant with quite so much stimulation. Not sure who Ellen is but she should consider less stardust and more customer service training.

La Hacienda

Here it is. The Mad Sampler's first negative review. It took us awhile but I think we've found a worthy candidate. Hey, it's not our fault that Madison not only has tons of restaurants but that it has TASTY restaurants.

La Hacienda should be a great place for us- we can walk or bike there, it's just right down the street, they have nice outdoor seating and considering it's located in a highly Latino part of town, one has some expectations of quality! Am I right? Mexican food is one of our favorites, so we were excited to find the best Mexican food in town.

Well, La Hacienda is not it. It's not that this is a terrible restaurant, it's just "ok." And in Madison, ok can't get you all that far. The food was bland (especially compared to a FANTASTIC mexican restaurant down the street a bit- see last sentence) and the menu was too huge (I really hate that- just tell me what you're really good at making!) and basically that sealed the deal. I got the tostadas and was pretty disappointed. Not much flavor but unfortunately piled so high on my plate (another annoyance- I'm here for 1 meal, not 8!) I enjoyed sitting outside and MAY give it another try but if you're looking for authentic Mexican food- Taqueria Guadalajara does NOT disappoint.

Glass Nickel Pizza

A pizza joint is usually nothing special. You crave grease and cheese, you call a special number, some is delivered to you. And there are plenty of good pizza places in Madison. But there are three that rise to the top. And today it's about Glass Nickel Pizza. You'll just have to wait to hear about the other two top notch pizza places (ok fine, it's this one and this one).

Glass Nickel has so much variety. It's always a tough choice to pick your pizza. And it's not just pizza- I have enjoyed a calzone (the size of my head), breadsticks, cheese bread, AND cinnamon nubs. Which are as good as they sound. Pizza is so so much more than cheese and sauce at this place. It's a higher art form. The Mediterranean is my favorite, though I always get it without olives. But the Thai Pie is unlike I've ever tasted before (seriously, it feels very strange at first to taste spicy thai flavors on a pizza) and I mean that in only a good way.

The ingredients always taste fresh and online ordering, for whatever reason, really makes me happy. I think your goal should be to work your way through the speciality pizza list. It's all worth it. So what, you'll gain 20 lbs. At least you'll be happy.

The other great thing about the Madison West location is that they offer a new speciality pizza each month. This month? Mac n' cheese. I can't WAIT to check it out.

Taj

As the locals say- you can't swing a dead cat in Madison without hitting 4-5 Indian restaurants. The Taj is the closest to us- tucked in between...well, basically nothing. It's this odd strip mall and it's the only thing in it.

We love Indian food and the Taj is no exception. The big story about the Taj is not really the food, it's the atmosphere and ambiance. The food is good- we almost always get naan to start (the ginger and garlic varieties are our favorites) and then I get a mango lassi (ALWAYS get mango lassis at Indian restaurants). We have tried several things on the menu like the mango chicken, aloo chole, channa masala, and many of the lamb dishes. The portions are kind of big and we usually take some home with us- which really isn't a bad thing.

As I said, the big story at the Taj is the ambiance. It's decorated for many of the Christian holidays which is kind of amusing- but regardless of the holiday a big disco ball hangs in the bar area. Oooookkkkk. Also, there is never less than 10-15 staff working in a restaurant that we have never seen with more than 4 other people. This means that "attentive" is an understatement. They fill your water glass immediately after one sip, someone different brings each course, someone else comes to light your candle, etc. The rest of the staff stand around at the front of the restaurant looking fairly unhappy. It's so bizarre.

But, this means it's not only a meal it's entertainment.

Flat Top Grill

I'm not feeling very verbose about Flat Top Grill. It's a create-your-own stir fry restaurant. Not sure what else to say. You go in, you get the 411 on the system, you go up and fill your bowl with tasty stir fry makings. Vegetables, beef, chicken, tofu, sauces, spices, etc. Then you drop it off to the cooks with a little flag in it with your name or table or something. You can throw in plenty of other flags to indicate other kinds of add ons. I do like the system- it's clever and there is no shortage of vegetables and sauces. It's a little overwhelming- but if you want something on your stir fry- you got it!

The thing is- it's kind of a fun experience but I'M the one cooking. Kind of defeats the purpose of going out. My stir-fry is pretty good but I want GREAT stir fry. Throw me a bone here people!

It's worth checking out- plus it's in swanky Hilldale so you can rub elbows with Madison's elite after you're finished.

The Great Dane

I have eaten at the Great Dane so many many times. It's right across from work; and it's a popular lunch spot for me and my colleagues.

The food is good, served quickly, reasonably priced, and if you are lucky to go during non working hours, the beer list is great (it's a micro-brewery; need I say more?). It's pretty typical pub food- sandwiches, salads, wraps, soups and what not. I have quite a few favorites:

chicken caesar wrap

mayan chicken wrap

wisconsin style cheddar mac

west african peanut stew

hot soft pretzels

I just really enjoy eating here. It's a fun atmosphere (at night too- lots of pool tables and rowdiness), friendly staff and a fabulous outdoor seating area called the Garden. I've gone there for working lunches, for happy hours, for drinks, for dinner with friends; it's a quality all around kind of place. I think if I never worried about my cholesterol I would get the cheddar mac each and every time- mostly for the crispy sourdough crumbs on top and the side of hot soft pretzel. But since I DO worry, or at least care, I usually opt for a wrap in the summer and a soup in the winter.

The Hilldale location is rumored to have a great weekend brunch; but I have yet to check it out. However, I'm really satisfied with the near by-I'd-go-there-everyday-if-I-wasn't-poor-and-afraid-to-be-judged 'dane.

La Baguette

Have you been to France? Well, the good news is you don't have to go anymore. Instead, you can go to La Baguette. Take it from someone who HAS been to France- this place is authentic. Not only do the staff speak French, but other french people hang out there, the "feel" is french, the food is french, and they don't have a website- how quaint. I absolutely love it and am immediately transported back to a Paris cafe as soon as I walk in the door. A Paris cafe here in Madison, Wisconsin. Not too shabby.

It's pretty easy to miss this place- it's in a strip mall out by West Towne Mall. We drove by for years not really noticing it until some friends mentioned the divine-ness of it. So we checked it out. The ONLY downside (and it's so so small) is that it's cash only and I never have cash. Oh well, the ATM search is worth it.

The portion sizes are more American-like but the flavors and options are very european. Always fresh quiche, amazing artisan tarts and pastries, croissants, and of course, fresh baguettes. There is coffee and cappuccino and once you order and sit down a waitress brings you your food on a cute little tray.

We have only been for breakfast but as that is the most important meal of the day I don't see a problem with this. We usually each get a cappuccino, a piece of quiche and then split an irresistible tart- usually one with strawberries. If I can scrounge up the money, I like to leave with a baguette- it just seems right. The place is just plain relaxing and any francophile would feel right at home.

Having said all that, the food isn't really what makes this place so great. The food is good, really good (especially the bread), but the best part about La Baguette is how truly representative of France it really is.

Mediterranean Cafe

Arabic tea. I almost feel as though I can stop with this review right now. The Arabic tea is THAT GOOD. Man, I wish I had some right now. I don't even care that it's summer or 85 degrees. And if you knew me; that's saying something.

Anyway, while the Arabic tea is amazing (and I still haven't found a recipe online that satisfies me) the restaurant is pretty great too. The first thing that really strikes you is the all the postcards when you walk in. People all over the world send postcards to Med Cafe to say hi. Pretty friendly place. You order first, sit down second and the line is almost always out the door. If you're going for lunch, go early. There are very few seats and very many options on the menu.

Whatever I order comes with hummus; whether it be chicken, lamb, or falafel, and the warm pita bread is pretty amazing. The falafel plate is spicy and will be sure to please vegetarians. Of course, the lamb hummus plate will NOT please vegetarians but is good anyway. I do wish they accepted credit cards (I never have cash on me...warming to you potential muggers) and it would be nice to have a little more room. But the food is really worth it- and the decor. Feels very european. Though, if you don't like to hang out with students (it's near campus and quite a favorite) I would avoid going during....waking hours.

Cooper's Tavern

Small (or perhaps big?) disclaimer. I know and work with one of the owner's of this place. And she is amazing. But, let's be serious. So is the food. The ambiance. The beer and wine list. The snug.

Cooper's opened back in January and I'm proud to say I'm working my way through the menu pretty well. Several lunches, many dinners, a few happy hours. It's a warm inviting place with beautiful wood paneling and bar top. The staff is friendly and the owner is often there, welcoming guests with a pretty charming irish accent.

My favorite: the turkey sandwich. It has a heavenly pear slaw that we have tried to recreate on our own. I dream about that stuff. Other dreams are full of frites and yummy soup in a shot glass. Bob says great things about the reuben and each and every salad was fresh and flavorful (amy's salad probably took the cake for me). So finding something to eat is not exactly difficult. The menu is not overwhelming or too big- and it has a nice balance of local ingredients (and local favorites).

Want someplace to hang out? Watch a soccer game? Get a drink? Enjoy outdoor eating on the capital square? Go to Cooper's. Be happy. We were!!

Daisy Cafe and Cupcakery

Happy Birthday to me! Everyone should celebrate their birthday at Daisy Cafe. Mostly because it's a cupcakery! That's right. A cupcakery. A place dedicated to cupcakes. AKA heaven.

Apparently they serve actual food and apparently it's good. But the cupcakes? Are just amazing. Recently they sold their 100,000th cupcake since opening in May 2009, and I am proud to have be a part of 4 of those. (only two were mine, in my defense- Bob also ate two).

The cupcakes are different daily (I like to imagine that it's all based on the whim of a Keri Russell-like from Waitress) and are fruity, chocolately, lemony, cheesecakey, and the list goes on. They are all made in house, of course, and besides being delicious, they are beautiful! Artistic, delicate, almost too good to eat. Almost.

Barriques

Barriques- not just for coffee anymore. There's wine, lots of wine, sandwiches, pastries, and a cozy space with steamy windows.

We really like Barriques- for many reasons. At first, it was their Wall of 100- 100 wines under $10. GOOD wines. It was there I discovered the most incredible Malbec. It's not only fun to just browse around and try out some new vintages from time to time, it's a GREAT place for gift shopping. Gifts for weddings, for Christmas, for "thank-yous-for-watching-our-dog,", etc. It feels especially rewarding to get such a good wine for such a good price.

Anyway, after our success with the wine- we went on to their coffee, chai and steamers. It was always fun to stop in (it's just a couple blocks from home) for a drink to warm up and chat. The baristas know what they're doing.

But one time, it was time for lunch and we found ourselves on Monroe Street. It was a hit! The sandwiches were good- the soups were excellent- and the hot beverages, as usual, were delicious. It's pretty impressive that a little coffee shop can cater to so many types- the students with their laptops and books, the ladies night outs- with their bottles of wine, and the families with their kids and cookies.

Besides the fact that once our car was towed while we were inside (we had driven with Bob's parents to get a couple of cases of wine) it has always been a great experience.

Lao Laan-Xang

It's very difficult to say what my favorite restaurant is here in Madison. It's much easier to say X is my favorite "african restaurant" or Y is my favorite "mediterranean restaurant" or even Z is my favorite "asian fusion restaurant." But FAVORITE favorite restaurant? So tough. But I really think Lao Laan-Xang is up there. Perhaps it's the fact that I had never eaten Laotian food before moving to Madison. And I really like the fact that if ever I had a craving for Laotion food I could get some in about 10 minutes. Madison is pretty amazing like that.

Granted I do not have other Laotion food to compare this to, but I can say that the food is fantastic. I usually get the pineapple curry and I swear, it's heavenly. It's SO flavorful-with a complexity that doesn't really confuse me just satisfies me-and the perfect combination of spicy and sweet. Usually I find it impossible to get off the fruit train when I'm there so I also get mango juice and for dessert- sticky rice with fresh mango. WHAT?! Amazing. Bob tends to go much more adventurous (the spicy ratings are timid, careful, adventurous, and native Lao) and has tried various soups (which people rave about) and the duck. All had high praise. Bob has a pretty high tolerance for spicy food and usually the spicier the better but even he has topped off at "adventurous" so be warned if you're trying to decide how hot to order your food. And if you get "native Lao" good luck to you and godspeed.

We have heard complaints of slow service but have not really noticed. But then again, we're rarely in a hurry. So if you are, get take out, it's much quicker, but otherwise, just relax already.

Finally- my recommendation is this. Next time you order tickets to a show at the Barrymore get there early and stop in for some dinner. It's popular on show nights so watch your timing as there might be more of a crowd, but it's such a nice way to start or end an evening on Atwood Ave.

Cafe Costa Rica

It's never a wasted trip going to see the Mango Man at Cafe Costa Rica. It's a tiny little place with a very tiny "dining room" and some rickety outdoor seating. The specials are always tasty so if you go, don't be put off by the simple and small menu- get the special.

Here's the thing. I had no idea what Costa Rican food was like before this place. I figured it was Mexican with a twist. I was wrong. And yet, I was a little right. Costan Rican food is...more...well...tropical. Seriously, it tastes more tropical than Mexican food- but you get the usual tacos, burritos and what not. Except they are not usual! They are delicious.

Now, it's not the most vegetarian friendly place- but you can get pretty full on spinach empanadas. Which by the way, are my absolute favorite thing on the menu. Well, that and the cheese empanadas. And the potato empanadas. Ok, fine, it's a tie.

While you may refer to it as a hole in the wall, it's got good food and winning specials (though I think most things are overpiced so be warned!). So why not go and enjoy the Mango Man and his delicious cooking. And get dessert- I've never had dessert and I really want to know what it's like.

Crema Cafe

Bob here.

I cannot walk to the Crema Cafe from my house. It would even be a longish bikeride, along not-necessarily bike friendly roads. This separates it from most restaurants in Madison. But aside from proximity to my house, Crema distinguishes itself with delicious, delicious sandwiches. You can check out their menu online, but I had the aptly named ArtiMelt. It's true, it contains artichokes, but it's also artisan, in the sense that it's crafted by skilled sandwich artists.

But hold the phone, you say, there's so much else on the menu. There's breakfast and "supper," deserts, and coffee. All true. And while I've only tried the ArtiMelt, the breadth of the food contributes to the informal atmosphere, where Glenn Beck and Kieth Olbermann can both find exactly what they want. Then they can sit down outside across from Lake Menona, and scream past each other while John Stewart orders dessert and takes notes.

Husnu's

Sometimes, no matter what you eat at a restaurant or even how much you eat, nothing can overshadow one really spectacular dish. And at Husnu's that's the hummus. It was so memorable, and smooth, and had the perfect kick.

But in general, Husnu's is a fabulous restaurant. It claims to be a Turkish and Mediterranean blend of tasty goodness. And it is. We've eaten their several times in the 5 years we've lived in Madison and it just doesn't disappoint. Options for meat eaters and herbivores alike, the spices and flavors really stay with you (oh, did I mention the hummus?). The cultural comfy-ness also stays with you as you feel at home but also as if you're not in Kansas anymore.

The location is perfect- lower State street, fantastic outdoor seating in nice weather. Also, apparently it was Madison's first Turkish restaurant (and unless I'm missing something; it's only Turkish restaurant?)

Tutto Pasta

Our very first restaurant experience in Madison was Tutto Pasta, the day we arrived in August 2005. After a long hot day of moving and unpacking, Bob's parents took us out for Italian.

Now here's where you have to remember that we had recently moved from the Boston area. And if was any place that could do Italian food (outside of our native Cleveland suburb) it was the North End. Expectations were pretty high. Besides, growing up where we did, you couldn't swing a dead cat without hitting a dozen or so little italian ladies who could cook circles around you.

But it was a hot day and any place with air conditioning met our expectations. Bread and wine arrived and were devoured instantaneously. Entrees arrived and were tasty but HUGE. if anyone has actually been to Italy they would notice that Italians do not eat 2 lbs of pasta in a single setting. Anyway, we enjoyed the meals- good flavor, menu had great variety and staff was friendly and pleasant. Not too high on the wow factor but it was a good way to start our culinary journey.

the bottom line: it's a fine restaurant with fairly traditional italian cooking and we bet you'll enjoy it (unless it's really crowded then we'll bet you find overhear lots of personal information from the people sitting (practically) on your laps).

Our Mission

August 2005. That's when we first moved to Madison, WI. We thought we had moved here for graduate school. But we realized that what we REALLY moved here for was the food.

Madison claims to have the most restaurants per capita than any city in the United States. While there are others also touting such fame (darn you San Francisco, Louisville and Dallas), we can be pretty sure that we have about 437 restaurants...and about 225,000 people. Not too bad. From Tibetan to Italian, from Russian to Mexican, from French to Peruvian, from East African to Laotian, there is truly not a corner of the world unexplored here.

Determined to find our favorite we have been slowly trying ALL restaurants in the city. A little late to blog about our journey, a friend recently suggested we share our experiences. And so we are. Some of these are places we have tried years ago (and our reviews are admittedly, based on recall but believe us, food is something that leaves a lasting impression!), some are new, and some are on deck (you can see those over on the right hand side of the page).

We'll give you our honest reviews, opinions, memories, and perhaps even throw in some "do (or sometimes don't) try this at home" recipes we have recreated.

Thanks for reading and enjoy!