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.