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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)