Wow we are not good at posting our thoughts of late. A couple days ago we went to the Essen Haus in Downtown Madison (on Blair street at John Nolen Drive). It serves German food, German beer and Polka Music. It has some American bar food (wings, fries, etc) but the main courses are all German influenced. I had some kind of Sausage and Chicken pasta that was smothered in cheese. A couple CDC members down from me had some kind of the caserole smothered in cheese. Normally, smothered in cheese is a very good thing. And this time is no different. The problem is, the rest of it was not great. I am not a fan of the noodles to say the least.
As most people in Madison know, the reason to go to the Essen Haus is the beer. In particular the boot of beer. This is absolutely true. A two liter (plastic) boot is filled with a german beer of your choosing. The boot is then passed around the table with participants following a number of time honored traditions (rules) making it all a game. The two most famous, the boot may never touch the table and whoever drank last before the person who finishes the boot, buys the next boot.
There are a number of extra rules and variations out there, but those two rules are the standards everyone abides by. Everyone has there strategies and stories, of which I will not divulge mine (in case we are ever at the same table).
Conclusion:
I recommend the Essen Haus (or its neighbor the "Come Back In") for beer and polka music. It is great for a night with a large group of friends (5 or more). I even recommend the pretzels (although Great Dane's are better). Finally, I recommend staying away from the German food, stick with the wings or fries, or simply eat before you arrive. But please eat, this place serves lots of beer and we don't want you getting sick (or driving after drinking the boot).
Friday, July 24, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Catch up!
So...we've had quite a few dinners since the last blog. We ate at The Brocach for March in honor of the IRISH. It was the first time I'd ever had Shepherd's pie. I would definitely recommend it. Although don't think you're going to eat anything else. I was stuffed! We had some wine and a great pineapple vodka drink on the rocks. It's their specialty. I would highly recommend it.
February we visited Africana. The service wasn't great, but the food was interesting. I can say I have never eaten traditional African food, but it was worth it for something different. In the end, we ended up having a spice off competition between two of the people who came to dinner. One of the contestants couldn't talk for about a half hour. So, we'll just leave it at that. All of the dishes had some level of spice to them. Thus, if you don't like spice, it might not be the place for you. I would, however, suggest it if you were looking for something different. All of the food was of good quality and the restaurant brings a different scene to Madison.
Today, we ended up at Samba! Yes, despite the recession, we all opened up our wallets for a more intimate dinner as there were only 5 of us. We all left more than stuffed. I think I heard someone say they may have cracked their diaphragm they were so full. The salad buffet seems to get better and better. At least it had since the first time I was there. Everything is roasted and very fresh. In comparison to some of the churrascaria's in Chicago, the meat selection isn't the best. I have to admit I'm a bit spoiled at the meat selections at these types of restaurants in Chi-town though. For the Madison area, its a nice addition to the restaurant scene. They have some interesting drinks and a WONDERFUL new pineapple surprise. This whole pineapple comes out on a stick and is crusted with cinnamon and sugar. When they cut off a piece of the pineapple, you aren't expecting much, but this pineapple made three of us dance in our seats and one break into some mild showtunes! It is absolutely amazing. There were also garlic mashed potatoes hiding to the side of the veggie bar which were a nice surprise. Keep your eye out for those. By far, the best meat on a stick that came out was the flank steak.
More to come as the months roll on. Next month we are heading to Glass Nickel Pizza. An ol pizza fav in Madison. We're going to try and take up all the seats in the small restaurant on Atwood!
February we visited Africana. The service wasn't great, but the food was interesting. I can say I have never eaten traditional African food, but it was worth it for something different. In the end, we ended up having a spice off competition between two of the people who came to dinner. One of the contestants couldn't talk for about a half hour. So, we'll just leave it at that. All of the dishes had some level of spice to them. Thus, if you don't like spice, it might not be the place for you. I would, however, suggest it if you were looking for something different. All of the food was of good quality and the restaurant brings a different scene to Madison.
Today, we ended up at Samba! Yes, despite the recession, we all opened up our wallets for a more intimate dinner as there were only 5 of us. We all left more than stuffed. I think I heard someone say they may have cracked their diaphragm they were so full. The salad buffet seems to get better and better. At least it had since the first time I was there. Everything is roasted and very fresh. In comparison to some of the churrascaria's in Chicago, the meat selection isn't the best. I have to admit I'm a bit spoiled at the meat selections at these types of restaurants in Chi-town though. For the Madison area, its a nice addition to the restaurant scene. They have some interesting drinks and a WONDERFUL new pineapple surprise. This whole pineapple comes out on a stick and is crusted with cinnamon and sugar. When they cut off a piece of the pineapple, you aren't expecting much, but this pineapple made three of us dance in our seats and one break into some mild showtunes! It is absolutely amazing. There were also garlic mashed potatoes hiding to the side of the veggie bar which were a nice surprise. Keep your eye out for those. By far, the best meat on a stick that came out was the flank steak.
More to come as the months roll on. Next month we are heading to Glass Nickel Pizza. An ol pizza fav in Madison. We're going to try and take up all the seats in the small restaurant on Atwood!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Doug's Soul Food Cafe
Amazing!!! That's all I have to say. We had another small crew together for this dinner, but it didn't matter. Everything was great!
When you walk into Doug's Soul Food Cafe, you aren't quite sure what to expect. We went to this place on a referral of a crew member...so we figured it was good...but you never know. We weren't disappointed. The Cafe is located in a strip mall about a mile off Fish Hatchery Rd. When you walk in you are greeted by an extremely friendly server and sit down dinner style. We sat at a table, but you can also site at the counter just like you could at the old style dinners and grease pits back in the day.
Although we knew we were in Madison because it was exceptionally cold, you would have thought we were transported to the South and were in someone's kitchen at home when the food came. I ordered the southern fried chicken which comes with two sides (mine were candied sweet potatoes and mac n cheese) and a side of bread (your choice). I took the corn bread. I also had to order a side order of hush puppies as I couldn't pass them up. Plus they were only 50cents for an order! The food was exactly what you would expect from a southern kitchen. It was great, the chicken was juicy, the food was plentiful and quickly delivered.
If you're looking for a place to have a relaxed and very casual meal which is guaranteed to be good, this is a great place. They also have take out available which they will make while you wait if needed.
When you walk into Doug's Soul Food Cafe, you aren't quite sure what to expect. We went to this place on a referral of a crew member...so we figured it was good...but you never know. We weren't disappointed. The Cafe is located in a strip mall about a mile off Fish Hatchery Rd. When you walk in you are greeted by an extremely friendly server and sit down dinner style. We sat at a table, but you can also site at the counter just like you could at the old style dinners and grease pits back in the day.
Although we knew we were in Madison because it was exceptionally cold, you would have thought we were transported to the South and were in someone's kitchen at home when the food came. I ordered the southern fried chicken which comes with two sides (mine were candied sweet potatoes and mac n cheese) and a side of bread (your choice). I took the corn bread. I also had to order a side order of hush puppies as I couldn't pass them up. Plus they were only 50cents for an order! The food was exactly what you would expect from a southern kitchen. It was great, the chicken was juicy, the food was plentiful and quickly delivered.
If you're looking for a place to have a relaxed and very casual meal which is guaranteed to be good, this is a great place. They also have take out available which they will make while you wait if needed.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Jolly Bob
This month the CDC experienced the Caribbean cuisine at Jolly Bob's on Williamson Street. It was a smaller than normal crew, but it included a new member. Hopefully the new member will make participation a monthly occurrence. Especially next month, seeing as he suggested the location.
But I digress, back to Jolly Bob. The restaurant was fairly empty but considering they only have one server, that is a good thing. The server had more than one table, so I realize we were not his only customers. But the service still ranked in the unacceptable level. Drink orders were not filled until he was reminded multiple times. Often while the drink sat on the server mat at the bar awaiting pick up. He did not discuss specials (maybe there were none) nor do I remember any offer to discuss the menu. But service does not make a restaurant, the food does.
The drinks and the food were both strong and good. I ordered the jerk combo (chicken and pork) platter. Not as spicy as I hoped, but well balanced and tasty.
Once again, I feel a little like I was deprived growing up. My family never went Jolly Bob's or any other Caribbean restaurant. So my only prior experience was a "Trinidad and Tobago" restaurant in D.C. At that restaurant I always ordered the curried goat, simply for shock factor. It was good, very good in fact, but I ordered it mainly because no one in my social circles eat goat. Jolly Bob does not serve curried goat (or any unique meats) simply the normal stuff with Caribbean seasoning.
I will give them credit for serving excellent salad dressing on the side salads, but other than that it seemed mediocre. Good food, and different food. But nothing that created a desire in me to return.
If you have a craving for Caribbean spices, or strong drinks, Jolly Bob's is adequate. If you are looking for a great culinary experience, this is not going to excite you.
But I digress, back to Jolly Bob. The restaurant was fairly empty but considering they only have one server, that is a good thing. The server had more than one table, so I realize we were not his only customers. But the service still ranked in the unacceptable level. Drink orders were not filled until he was reminded multiple times. Often while the drink sat on the server mat at the bar awaiting pick up. He did not discuss specials (maybe there were none) nor do I remember any offer to discuss the menu. But service does not make a restaurant, the food does.
The drinks and the food were both strong and good. I ordered the jerk combo (chicken and pork) platter. Not as spicy as I hoped, but well balanced and tasty.
Once again, I feel a little like I was deprived growing up. My family never went Jolly Bob's or any other Caribbean restaurant. So my only prior experience was a "Trinidad and Tobago" restaurant in D.C. At that restaurant I always ordered the curried goat, simply for shock factor. It was good, very good in fact, but I ordered it mainly because no one in my social circles eat goat. Jolly Bob does not serve curried goat (or any unique meats) simply the normal stuff with Caribbean seasoning.
I will give them credit for serving excellent salad dressing on the side salads, but other than that it seemed mediocre. Good food, and different food. But nothing that created a desire in me to return.
If you have a craving for Caribbean spices, or strong drinks, Jolly Bob's is adequate. If you are looking for a great culinary experience, this is not going to excite you.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Giza of Tokyo
The Capitol Dining Crew (CDC) strikes again. This month our fearless leader made the reservation at Ginza of Tokyo on Madison's east side. This is one of the few parts of Madison with an access road. Highway 151 is called East Washington Avenue on most of its east side track, yet by Interstate 90/94/39 the access road is East Washington Avenue.
Once again I arrived extremely early. And sat around studying Federal Income Tax law and waited. Five minutes before our reservation time I noticed a fellow member of CDC exiting her vehicle. She parked at LaBamba, but I doubt they cared. We went in, found one other CDC member, and went to the bar to wait for the others. The bar keep offered to retrieve drinks, and didn't bat an eye when only one person purchased something.
Ginza refuses to seat people until their entire group is there. This is only fair considering the style of the restaurant. It is as much entertainment as food. Dinner is cooked on a flat top grill at your table. The Chefs cut and season your meal with flair. This cannot be done one meal at a time, and only by seating an entire table at once can the restaurant accomplish this theme.
Once all the attending CDC members arrived the hostess escorted us to our table. The night seemed oddly quiet. The group talked about it for a minute (yes we talked about not talking as much) and realized the reason. The regular vociferous members were absent. This peaceful dinner was short lived, the normally quiet members quickly took up the task and a lively conversation about, who knows what, entailed. I think we talked about one members assignment at work. Something none of the others had experienced but were more than happy to dissect.
Finally we ordered. Most ordered the dinner for two with Steak, Chicken, and shrimp. With my significant other missing in action, I chose the Shrimp and Scallops meal. A waitress took the order and then brought soup and salad for everyone. The soup is mostly (95% or more) broth. Very good broth, but still broth. The salad had kind of a weird dressing. Lumpy would be the best description.
As the last of the salad disappeared, the chef appeared. He pushed out an aluminum cart with all the ingredients he needed for our meals. First up, fried rice for one CDCer and shrimp for everyone. Lots of movement, steam and even some fire ensued. leading to fried rice on one plate and 4 shrimp on every plate. The shrimp was excellent. It had spice but not too much. The flavor was excellent.
Then the chef began on the individual entrees. Starting with the sea food and moving onto the terrestrial meats. I ordered the shrimp with Kagane sauce. I saw an egg in the ingredients, but I also saw the word sauce. To me, the word sauce me fluid. This was not the case. The shrimp came in a yellow foam that most resembled an omelet. The "sauce" was fairly tasteless and the shrimp was good, but not great. The scallops? Well the scallops did not dissapoint. Not too chewy and yet with a slightly browned exterior. Well seasoned (I am not an expert but I like it) and not overpowering. The meal included mushrooms, which, to be frank, were mushrooms. I was not impressed, but not disappointed either.
My fellow CDCers seemed to like their terrestrial food, and it look good to me. Cooked to order and full of the juices that make steak and chicken worth eating.
Finally, well after all others finished eating, the last member of CDC arrived. He had sushi waiting. I am not sure if it was good, because he barely stopped talking about his recent tour. Very, Very entertaining and interestig stories. No info on the food. Finally, after all other costumers left, the lights over all but out table were extinquished, the group departed.
Conclusion: Ginza of Tokyo provides great entertainment and good food. The price is moderate ($30 total with my coke). This is a good spot to go for a group dinner, but not for culinary reasons. The food was good, but nothing to get excited about. Ginza, in my opinion, is a family resturant of the Denny's quality, only with Japanese cuisine.
I am glad we went, I enjoy the entertaining meal as much as the next guy. Now a month of frozen food until the next time an evite excites my pallat.
Once again I arrived extremely early. And sat around studying Federal Income Tax law and waited. Five minutes before our reservation time I noticed a fellow member of CDC exiting her vehicle. She parked at LaBamba, but I doubt they cared. We went in, found one other CDC member, and went to the bar to wait for the others. The bar keep offered to retrieve drinks, and didn't bat an eye when only one person purchased something.
Ginza refuses to seat people until their entire group is there. This is only fair considering the style of the restaurant. It is as much entertainment as food. Dinner is cooked on a flat top grill at your table. The Chefs cut and season your meal with flair. This cannot be done one meal at a time, and only by seating an entire table at once can the restaurant accomplish this theme.
Once all the attending CDC members arrived the hostess escorted us to our table. The night seemed oddly quiet. The group talked about it for a minute (yes we talked about not talking as much) and realized the reason. The regular vociferous members were absent. This peaceful dinner was short lived, the normally quiet members quickly took up the task and a lively conversation about, who knows what, entailed. I think we talked about one members assignment at work. Something none of the others had experienced but were more than happy to dissect.
Finally we ordered. Most ordered the dinner for two with Steak, Chicken, and shrimp. With my significant other missing in action, I chose the Shrimp and Scallops meal. A waitress took the order and then brought soup and salad for everyone. The soup is mostly (95% or more) broth. Very good broth, but still broth. The salad had kind of a weird dressing. Lumpy would be the best description.
As the last of the salad disappeared, the chef appeared. He pushed out an aluminum cart with all the ingredients he needed for our meals. First up, fried rice for one CDCer and shrimp for everyone. Lots of movement, steam and even some fire ensued. leading to fried rice on one plate and 4 shrimp on every plate. The shrimp was excellent. It had spice but not too much. The flavor was excellent.
Then the chef began on the individual entrees. Starting with the sea food and moving onto the terrestrial meats. I ordered the shrimp with Kagane sauce. I saw an egg in the ingredients, but I also saw the word sauce. To me, the word sauce me fluid. This was not the case. The shrimp came in a yellow foam that most resembled an omelet. The "sauce" was fairly tasteless and the shrimp was good, but not great. The scallops? Well the scallops did not dissapoint. Not too chewy and yet with a slightly browned exterior. Well seasoned (I am not an expert but I like it) and not overpowering. The meal included mushrooms, which, to be frank, were mushrooms. I was not impressed, but not disappointed either.
My fellow CDCers seemed to like their terrestrial food, and it look good to me. Cooked to order and full of the juices that make steak and chicken worth eating.
Finally, well after all others finished eating, the last member of CDC arrived. He had sushi waiting. I am not sure if it was good, because he barely stopped talking about his recent tour. Very, Very entertaining and interestig stories. No info on the food. Finally, after all other costumers left, the lights over all but out table were extinquished, the group departed.
Conclusion: Ginza of Tokyo provides great entertainment and good food. The price is moderate ($30 total with my coke). This is a good spot to go for a group dinner, but not for culinary reasons. The food was good, but nothing to get excited about. Ginza, in my opinion, is a family resturant of the Denny's quality, only with Japanese cuisine.
I am glad we went, I enjoy the entertaining meal as much as the next guy. Now a month of frozen food until the next time an evite excites my pallat.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
ADD Here.. and that Taint Su Chi
Werd. First Blog EVA for the CDC. And holding true to my name... It's ADD time.
Wow... Faust is like the furriest little kitten ever. Sooo Cute.
Speaking of cats... We ate at Ginza of Tokyo tonight. I'm really not qualified to review this place. I mean, I was stuck in meetings most of the night and only got to hang out for a while... but man the grass on my boat was so not good grass.
I'm so happy I don't have to cut grass now. Snows coming and that is going to suk.
Ok. I might have ate about 10000000 times at Ginza... Here is my summary of the experience that I didn't have this time.
Su-Chi is Good
Drinks are Cold
Service was Excellent... Hell I served myself... before I was even there!!!!
Overall a great place to have a good bite and a bit of the Su-Chi eats... I just hope they did that whole bananna thing....
ADD Out
Wow... Faust is like the furriest little kitten ever. Sooo Cute.
Speaking of cats... We ate at Ginza of Tokyo tonight. I'm really not qualified to review this place. I mean, I was stuck in meetings most of the night and only got to hang out for a while... but man the grass on my boat was so not good grass.
I'm so happy I don't have to cut grass now. Snows coming and that is going to suk.
Ok. I might have ate about 10000000 times at Ginza... Here is my summary of the experience that I didn't have this time.
Su-Chi is Good
Drinks are Cold
Service was Excellent... Hell I served myself... before I was even there!!!!
Overall a great place to have a good bite and a bit of the Su-Chi eats... I just hope they did that whole bananna thing....
ADD Out
Monday, November 3, 2008
Icon on State Street
The adventure begins with an Evite from "Thing 1." The dinner location is set, same day and time as always. This month reservations are made at Icon on State Street. A quick Internet search reveals Icon is a contemporary tapas restaurant. The salivating begins.
Arriving early I step up to the bar and order a beer from Capital Brewery. Whenever possible I choose a beer from a Wisconsin Brewery, and in Madison this task is always achievable. The bar tender hands me a (at best) half pint of beer and says "four dollars" as he grabs the five dollar bill I placed on the bar. "Four Dollars!" I think silently. I am use to paying $6 for a pint in D.C., but half a pint in Madison, highway robbery I tell you. Oh well, it is the atmosphere I am hear for, if beer was cheap the place would be crawling with undergrads.
As the rest of the group arrives the fun begins with pitchers of White Sangria . The Sangria does not disappoint.
The food at Icon is Tapas. Eating at a Tapas place always reminds me of going to a sports bar and ordering a meal of appetizers. Normally ordering one item off the menu will satisfy one person. And sharing items ensure everyone gets a variety and plenty to eat. Portions at Tapas do not meat this expectation, one item will not fill you up.
The group ordered at least four rounds of food. Everything from Talapia to chocolate mousse. Everything was absolutely delicious. I ate a little of every dish we ordered and wanted to eat all of every dish we ordered.
(Consensus opinion: the flat bread is a must order).
With drinks and food (including tip but not including the $4 beer at the bar) the total came to $26 each. The perfect price for dinner with friends. The quality of the food at Icon is hard to beat. Nothing disappointed in the taste and presentation categories.
I eat at Tapas restaurants regularly, both in D.C. and Madison, and normally I don't leave hungry. Icon is the exception. After four rounds (more than a dish per diner) most of the group left hungry. My recommendation, eat a late lunch when planning an evening at Icon. Three members of the group continued the night at the Brass Ring on East Washington and ordered food there to fill the remaining void.
Conclusion: Icon is a great restaurant offering excellent food, martinis and Sangria. The presentation is first rate and as for taste, every bite is better than the last. I highly recommend Icon for a first date, or any other occasion where filling up is not the ultimate goal.
Arriving early I step up to the bar and order a beer from Capital Brewery. Whenever possible I choose a beer from a Wisconsin Brewery, and in Madison this task is always achievable. The bar tender hands me a (at best) half pint of beer and says "four dollars" as he grabs the five dollar bill I placed on the bar. "Four Dollars!" I think silently. I am use to paying $6 for a pint in D.C., but half a pint in Madison, highway robbery I tell you. Oh well, it is the atmosphere I am hear for, if beer was cheap the place would be crawling with undergrads.
As the rest of the group arrives the fun begins with pitchers of White Sangria . The Sangria does not disappoint.
The food at Icon is Tapas. Eating at a Tapas place always reminds me of going to a sports bar and ordering a meal of appetizers. Normally ordering one item off the menu will satisfy one person. And sharing items ensure everyone gets a variety and plenty to eat. Portions at Tapas do not meat this expectation, one item will not fill you up.
The group ordered at least four rounds of food. Everything from Talapia to chocolate mousse. Everything was absolutely delicious. I ate a little of every dish we ordered and wanted to eat all of every dish we ordered.
(Consensus opinion: the flat bread is a must order).
With drinks and food (including tip but not including the $4 beer at the bar) the total came to $26 each. The perfect price for dinner with friends. The quality of the food at Icon is hard to beat. Nothing disappointed in the taste and presentation categories.
I eat at Tapas restaurants regularly, both in D.C. and Madison, and normally I don't leave hungry. Icon is the exception. After four rounds (more than a dish per diner) most of the group left hungry. My recommendation, eat a late lunch when planning an evening at Icon. Three members of the group continued the night at the Brass Ring on East Washington and ordered food there to fill the remaining void.
Conclusion: Icon is a great restaurant offering excellent food, martinis and Sangria. The presentation is first rate and as for taste, every bite is better than the last. I highly recommend Icon for a first date, or any other occasion where filling up is not the ultimate goal.
Intro & Review of Casa Del Sol
On a monthly basis a group of friends gets together to try a new restaurant and new type of cuisinein the Madison, Wisconsin area. The prices range from everyday cheap such as $6-10 a plate all the way to moderately expensive at $35-50 a plate. We are from all walks of life and include a core set of reviewers who live in the Madison areas as well as some guest reviewers from outside the Madison area. This ensures we offer you real, honest and fair points of view on the restaurants we visit. We guarantee our feedback will be helpful as you decide on your next restaurant of choice.
Our first review is of Casa Del Sol which is located in Fitchburg, Wisconsin about 15 minutes from downtown Madison. This restaurant does not have a legal relation to Casa del Lara in downtown Madison, but you will find the food to be similar.
During this visit, it was still warm out. So, all 20 of us piled outside to their patio which overlooks a man made pond and Fish Hatchery road. Although the road was close, it was not too loud. We were able to enjoy great, well-poured margaritas and some chips and salsa. The chips were not salty at all. I'm not a huge fan of that as I love salt! I ordered a beef enchilada and had more then enough food. The food was good but nothing overwhelmed me other than the margaritas! The service was good. The server could tell we were there for a longer night of dining (more than an hour) and didn't make us feel rushed at all. They also were happy to run credit cards and cash for each of us which made paying very easy for a group.
Overall, I would recommend this restaurant for families as well as any size group getting together for a meal. I consider it an everyday restaurant where I would go if I was looking for decent, consistent food like at a chain restaurant.
Hope this helps...stay tuned for the next restaurant.
Our first review is of Casa Del Sol which is located in Fitchburg, Wisconsin about 15 minutes from downtown Madison. This restaurant does not have a legal relation to Casa del Lara in downtown Madison, but you will find the food to be similar.
During this visit, it was still warm out. So, all 20 of us piled outside to their patio which overlooks a man made pond and Fish Hatchery road. Although the road was close, it was not too loud. We were able to enjoy great, well-poured margaritas and some chips and salsa. The chips were not salty at all. I'm not a huge fan of that as I love salt! I ordered a beef enchilada and had more then enough food. The food was good but nothing overwhelmed me other than the margaritas! The service was good. The server could tell we were there for a longer night of dining (more than an hour) and didn't make us feel rushed at all. They also were happy to run credit cards and cash for each of us which made paying very easy for a group.
Overall, I would recommend this restaurant for families as well as any size group getting together for a meal. I consider it an everyday restaurant where I would go if I was looking for decent, consistent food like at a chain restaurant.
Hope this helps...stay tuned for the next restaurant.
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