Madison Hot Spots

Where do we think is the best place to eat and drink in Madison right now! In no particular order here it goes

Nostrano- if you have not been here you are missing some of the best food and cocktails in the city. Just had lunch today and the meal was amazing. The head cheese and country pate with the assorted pickled goodies was a great way to start the meal for the four of us. Then I moved onto the smoked pork shank sandwich…an open face beauty! It was served with some delightful greens. The pork is succulent and moist with crisp pops of a spice gardinera. We have had cocktails here on several occasions – one of the best sazaracs any place as well as the cognac old fashion both incredibly well crafted cocktails. And since Nostrano is owned by two pastry chefs, dessert is not to be missed. Trouble is deciding which of the 5 mind blowing ones to try – give the Afogado a whirl – tender pillowy donuts with caramel gelato melting in rich warm espresso. So if you only want dessert this is the place, but it is great anytime for any meal and the service is crisp and professional unlike some of the other spots around town.

Coppers Tavern – looking for the best Rueben in town – it is here – house made corn beef, dark marbled rye topped with in-house braised sauerkraut (cabbage slow cooked in Lake Louie Scotch Ale) it is off the hook. Great selection of beers on tap as well as a stellar selection of Whiskies and a fine bloody mary

Green Bush Bar– like thin crust pizza – here is the best in Madison. The wine selections are updated on a regular basis with the "by the glass" program always yielding something new and different. Ask for a taste before you buy it – they are always happy to provide that special service. Looking for the most comprehensive selections of scotch, bourbon and assorted whiskies, Green Bush delivers without breaking the bank. And recently they added flights of whiskies for a reasonable price with 3 – half shots to compare and enjoy

Lombardinos – what can I say winter is a great season for enjoying all things porky that Patrick has on the menu and specials list. There are too many great things to mention. If you are not eating here on a weekly basis you do not know what you are missing. Get in and say hi to Matt, Patrick and the whole gang.

Umami – looking for a great food experience this is it. There are some really unique dishes off a tightly focused menu that is executed well. The pork bun, the tuna poke and the arugula salad are all stars from the starter menu. They are known for their dumplings (very good ) and ramen something we have not had yet. Only issue is the inconsistent service we have had on all occasions

Hopefully that tempts you to get out and check out what is happening in the local scene in Madison, one of the best food towns around with some of the most talented people dishing up tasty treats!

Cheers

Pizza Night!!!!

When we want the best pizza in Madison we head to the basement of the Italian Labors Hall to Greenbush Bar. They serve the best super thin crust with just the right amount of toppings and have a stellar wine list too. Last night was Monday night an evening that is usually a slow one but with the Lady Badgers playing and everyone out because the temps were warmer it was a zoo!!! We chose not to wait for a table but bellied up to the bar and had a glass of wine while we waited for our delicious pizza - a large with sausage, mushroom and banana peppers - yum! The pizza here is not super filling so you can share a whoel pie and not feel stuffed but really satisfied with the flavors and texture. It was so busy that they had run out of Cabernet, Tempranillo and Zinfandel - wow we settled for a Shiraz that was very nice just right with dinner. One of the best things about the Greenbush is that they serve until late - 11 PM they are part of our late night dining club ..more on that in another post. Service is usually friendly and prompt -even on a busy night the bartender did a very good job of keeping everyone happy! So if you wan to try the best thin crust in Madison - head over to the Greenbush Bar - open after 4 PM - except on Sundays they are closed.

In a special side note - Greenbush Bar has one of the best and most affordable selections of Scotch & Irish Whiskys and Bourbons in Madison. If you can't find it here it is not in the city of Madison. And the prices - pretty unbelievable too.....go have a drink and relax!