First of all, let me say this: Madison has a significant brunch selection. Among our favorites is Graze (for the varied menu and great view of the capitol through a huge plate-glass front), La Baguette (for their amazing Quiche), Zuzu (because it is around the corner and has a breakfast egg sandwich special that's pretty cheap), Lazy Jane's (for the Willy Street hipster in us), and most recently, Sophias (for the pastries and sweets).
All that being said, Madison Sourdough stands out. First, it looks like it's in an old car repair garage. It has two huge front windows that fill the bay doors and let in lots of light. Second, it's fundamentally a bakery, and so their breads are the best. When we go back, we're going to make sure we require bread so we have an excuse to... um... buy their bread.
Thirdly, their breakfast sandwich. It's a breakfast egg sandwich. Like Zuzu. Except amazing. Part of it is the croissant, which would have been a great brunch even on its own. But the chessy-eggy goodness inside was just as important. If I had to visit the places we've already been for brunch, I would go to Madison Sourdough, Madison Sourdough, Graze, Madison Sourdough, La Baguette, Graze, Madison Sourdough, and Madison Sourdough. I'd do that 100 times, and then go to Zuzu, to remember what normal food tastes like, kind of reset the palate.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Monty's Blue Plate Diner
I love diners. And so, it would stand to reason that I would love Monty's. Plus, the last time we went we ate at the counter on stools. How diner-y is that?! So, that part was great though in general, I have to admit that Monty's is a little over rated. People in this town rave about it and while I can't quite work myself into a frenzy over this place I do think it's a solid (and unique) Madison food experience.
The menu is super diverse ranging from mac n cheese to salads to vegan sandwiches to breakfast burritos (yes, they serve breakfast all day) to plain old burgers (which really, are anything but plain or old). Usually I am annoyed when a restaurant tries to do too much with the menu. Just pick what you are good at and make that reallllyyyy good. However, I think Monty's pulls it off pretty well.
Bob always gets the Heathen Vegan which apparently is delicious. I try to mix it up a little and this last time ordered a hot chocolate (which came with a tower of whipped cream. seriously, a tower), the mediterranean plate (which Bob and I split) and something off the "local" menu- beet salad with apples, goat cheese, and walnuts. I was most excited about the concept of a local menu and I NEVER pass up the opportunity to order a beet salad. I am drawn to beet salads like a magnet. Sadly, I was a bit disappointed by it (a word of caution- I am super picky about my beet salads and because I've had a million of them, it takes a lot to measure up to the truly great ones). The beets were slightly undercooked and the dressing lacked a little flavor. I did enjoy the goat cheese crustini but I think I would have preferred the cheese IN the salad not on a piece of bread next to the salad. I totally sound snobby now so I will stop.
The mediterranean plate was great- hummus had "stuff" in it- like carrots- which we liked and the tabouli was a tasty complement. The only thing I regret is that it was too much food and we couldn't finish everything- portions are pretty sizeable here.
Overall I will say that the food was good (if not a little overpriced) and we will certainly go back. Plus, it's part of Food Fight Inc and you kinda can't go wrong with those guys.
The menu is super diverse ranging from mac n cheese to salads to vegan sandwiches to breakfast burritos (yes, they serve breakfast all day) to plain old burgers (which really, are anything but plain or old). Usually I am annoyed when a restaurant tries to do too much with the menu. Just pick what you are good at and make that reallllyyyy good. However, I think Monty's pulls it off pretty well.
Bob always gets the Heathen Vegan which apparently is delicious. I try to mix it up a little and this last time ordered a hot chocolate (which came with a tower of whipped cream. seriously, a tower), the mediterranean plate (which Bob and I split) and something off the "local" menu- beet salad with apples, goat cheese, and walnuts. I was most excited about the concept of a local menu and I NEVER pass up the opportunity to order a beet salad. I am drawn to beet salads like a magnet. Sadly, I was a bit disappointed by it (a word of caution- I am super picky about my beet salads and because I've had a million of them, it takes a lot to measure up to the truly great ones). The beets were slightly undercooked and the dressing lacked a little flavor. I did enjoy the goat cheese crustini but I think I would have preferred the cheese IN the salad not on a piece of bread next to the salad. I totally sound snobby now so I will stop.
The mediterranean plate was great- hummus had "stuff" in it- like carrots- which we liked and the tabouli was a tasty complement. The only thing I regret is that it was too much food and we couldn't finish everything- portions are pretty sizeable here.
Overall I will say that the food was good (if not a little overpriced) and we will certainly go back. Plus, it's part of Food Fight Inc and you kinda can't go wrong with those guys.
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