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.