Cosi

We happened into Cosi quite randomly really. With no intention to actually eat there, we found ourselves starving after a full morning of protesting (it really takes a lot out of you). Wandering down state street, we passed restaurant after restaurant stuffed full of other protesters. Approaching Cosi, we saw some empty tables and took advantage! I had been there once years earlier and didn't remember much about it; except that it was a lot like Panera. And it WAS like Panera. But first, I should tell you that it also appeared to be a Scott Walker support hang out (eek). We looked around and saw far too many signs in solidarity with our squirrel-y governor. We preferred signs like these. Brave souls that we were we felt the midwestern civility would prevail. Plus, we were starving.

I'm realizing that this post is not really about Cosi. But honestly, there is not all that much to say. Food options were mostly soups, salads, and sandwiches. They had plenty for vegetarians and meat eaters alike and the food tasted fresh and tasty. We both ordered sandwiches (me a tuscan pesto chicken) and it was good, especially the bread, but then again, anything panini-ed is a win in my book. Prices were good, service was speedy (despite a super busy dining room) and overall, it was a nice place to stop for lunch. But, it definitely feels like a chain and there is nothing outstanding about their food. So, bottom line is, hungry protesters can't be all that choosy.

Taste of the Market Breakfast

Yes, I know that the Dane County Farmer's Market Breakfast is not a restaurant. But from January through April, it might as well be. Every Saturday morning from 8:30 until about 11, DCFM sponsors a community, "taste of the market" breakfast at the Senior Center. It's $7.50 for adults, half that for kids, and worth every penny. Each week a local chef along with student, farmer, and community volunteers prepare and serve the meal. Not only is the food good, but it's usually creative and of course for those of us who struggle deciding with a big menu, this one's easy- your only choice is to identify yourself as a vegetarian or carnivore. I can handle that.

I also like the feel of the breakfast. Lots of people- always busy, communal tables, and if you get a seat on the first floor you can literally reach out and grab some produce from the market stands. It can be cramped and crowded for sure and the system for dropping off your trays drives me nuts (seriously, would a little efficiency hurt anyone?) but it's all in good fun. Local musicians play for a bit in the morning which help it feel all the more lively.

This past weekend was a mediterranean theme:

-Pork and lamb meatball pita with red bean hummus and root vegetable slaw, including beauty heart radishes, carrots, and beets (veggie option was chevre fritters instead of meatballs).
-Wheat berry celery root spinach salad finished with a sumac vinaigrette.
-Apple hickory nut pastry.
-Organic fair trade coffee or tea and cranberry juice.

I opted to be a vegetarian on Saturday which I felt was a good choice- I have a hard time turning down goat cheese. Bob was the meat eater and I think we both came away very happy. I was pleasantly surprised with the tastiness of the sumac vinaigrette. Kudos to Chef Dan and Jason (of the Madison Club) for the good food and good times (though part of that good time is owed to the spectacular people watching available at these things).

The best part? Each week different food, different chefs, different experience.

Dobra Tea

I love tea. And as a tea drinker, it's tough to get respect in a city full of coffee houses. Enter Dobra Tea. I met a friend there tonight and I am already planning my next trip. It's some kind of tea heaven. Of course, it's also the kind of thing that would wind up on stuff white people like. But I don't care. It's still great. It's cozy, with little nooks and crannies to talk, to study, to ready, and of course, to drink tea. Other plus- it did not appear to be crawling with students. It was refreshing.

It's casual and relaxed with the right amount of hippy trippy. We sat on a raised platform on the floor with one of those little short tables and plenty of cushions. It's the only way to enjoy tea. The menu is huge, with teas from around the world. Their menu itself is kind of fun- rich, flowery descriptions and a clever system to detect the number of refills you get (you'll just have to go and decipher it for yourself). Plus, they give you a little bell you're supposed to ring when you're ready to order. There can be nothing bad about a place that asks you to ring a bell when you need service. LOVE.

We ordered herbal rooibus chai- something I did not know existed and the experience of the whole tea service was so fun. Cute little pot, cute little cups, great tasting tea. I wish I could have stayed hours longer and tried more and more and more tea. I think for me, tea houses are 99% ambiance.

We also got some food- couscous casablanca and hummus. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality. I see no reason to make couscous any other way from here on out. Perfectly cooked, filled with nuts and fruit, and a sweet taste (probably due to the honey).

I'm not sure I have anything negative to say about Dobra. They did forget to bring our hummus for awhile, but I'm so over it. I'll be there again soon! Save a cushion for me.

Capriotti's Sandwich Shop

Capriotti's sandwich shop. Yes, it's a chain. In fact, this is the second one I've been to (the first was in Las Vegas). Looking at their map, they're spread out around the country for some reason. So let's make this a short one.

This is basically fast food, like a glorified subway. It's a little far for lunch or else I'd probably go there instead of the Library. The normal sandwiches and subs look pretty ordinary, again, same kind of thing you'd get at subway. But it has some specialties that are unique and delicious, including a general slaw-on-sandwich theme, which fits well into a sweet-topping-on-meat theme. It makes for a unique feel and specialty feel despite having locations in 11 states.I had the "Bobbie." Cranberry sauce, stuffing, and shaved turkey on a sub bun. It's a Thanksgiving sandwich, and if the Pilgrims had it, they wouldn't have needed any help with the food situation.

The Old Fashioned

We have frequented the Old Fashioned many times in our tenure here. But recently, if we want their brand of comfort food, we hop on straight 2 your door and have it come to us. Because that place drives me nuts. It's always packed. More than packed. And loud. And they don't take reservations so if you're hungry on a Friday night forget about it. God, do I sound old yet? But honestly, I love the food. I'm just glad I can eat the food in the comfort of my cozy living room.

The Old Fashioned is very Wisconsin and seems to celebrate all that is this state- there is no shortage of meat, beer, and cheese. Which I imagine most natives are probably gaga over. I usually choose the Mac and Cheese..for many reasons. It's got sharp cheddar, sarvecchio, and topped with toasted breadcrumbs. That should be enough reasons. Any number of their sandwiches are also top notch- pulled pork, smoked turkey, build your own burger. Yum. They have some good nightly specials and if they ever aren't stuffed to the gills with locals, it could be a fun after-work spot. It can get pricy but it's high end tavern food and a fantastic location right on the capital square.

I hear they now serve breakfast on the weekdays which I am excited to try- a new adventure for them...and for me!

Indie Coffee

Indie Coffee has always been a coffee house highlight in Madison. However, coupled with a glorious snow day AND waffle wednesday, it has gone above and beyond typical coffee house fame. Thanks to a grand conspiracy between Biddy Martin, Scott Walker and Mother Nature, the city was pretty shut down today. Meaning not only were we two twenty-somethings with a day suddenly free but we were also starving because our microwave broke and we have ungodly amounts of left overs.

Off to Indie we went, trudging through the snow and wishing we had 1) skiis or 2) snowshoes. We were greeted with a friendly face exclaiming "it's waffle wednesday!" Meaning you get $1 off your waffles if you get a hot beverage. I'm still trying to decide if this is actually a good deal or just a clever way to use alliteration.

However, we both got waffles (I the red and white (aka strawberries and whipped cream) and Bob the grasshopper (aka walnuts)) and a hot beverage and sat down. Personally I love sitting by the window so we can play tic-tac-toe on the fogged up windows.

The food did not disappoint. The waffles were fantastic! And so are their breakfast sandwiches. And so are their biscotti. The variety of choices in Indie has always been great- and for a coffee house to have such good food is a rare treat. It's also just a very cozy place. This tea lover loves Indie. And so should you!