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| - A friend that's native to Madison recommended this restaurant for an early Saturday dinner, and I owe him thanks for that.
This very unassuming, yet simplistically charming place boasts great food and service. It's in a place that may have been an old corner store or deli years ago. One must traverse a large set of brick stairs from the street to access the dining room.
The layout is a bit odd but appears to have been confined by some immovable structures. What results is a small front dining room and a smaller back dining room with a bar. But the outdoor patio deck is certainly the coveted location. It's a beautiful oasis and you won't even know you are in the city. More simple decor, like the interior, creates a warm and inviting environment.
Cocktails were pretty fantastic. My friend ordered a Vodka and Tonic ($6) for a tall with call Vodka from local darling Yahara Bay. And my Bloody Mary ($7) had a great depth of flavor. There was a definitive garlic taste but that was nicely balanced by worcestershire and celery salt. A sold cocktail for sure.
The friend I was dining with is celiac, and we had no problem ordering within those limits. Our server was very knowledgeable and extremely accomodating to our questions.
We started the meal with an order of Gorgonzola Chips ($6). Thick cut house made potato chips are topped with a melted gorgonzola cream sauce built with cream, white pepper and basil. This version of this dish fared much better than others that I've had elsewhere. This sauce did not seize and stayed creamy and decadent the entire time we noshed. And the basil was added in the perfect amount to been seen and tasted, but not to steal the show from the bold blue.
Our second starter was the Vegetarian Trio ($10). Three spreads; white bean and herb hummus, black olive tapenade and mihara were served aside house pickled grapes and carrots, goat cheese stuffed dates, figs, gluten free crostini and rice crackers. The spreads were all great, each with a very deep and distinct flavor. The pickled items balanced the richness of the spreads well. And the figs and dates added just a touch of needed sweet. It was very apparent that this was a very well thought out dish and for that we were very appreciative.
Our shared entree was the Poor Man's Paella ($16). Large shrimp, spicy chorizo, and basmati rice were seasoned by a blend of fresh diced tomatoes, bell peppers, paprika, fresh garlic, chili paste and fino sherry. The base flavors were good but the overall dish was slightly overcooked and dry. Just a tad more tomato and a bit less cooking and it would have been perfectly delightful.
All three dishes were very plentiful and we could have been satisfied ending out meal there. But two words changed all that: Panna Cotta. Specifically Homemade Mango Panna Cotta with Coconut Cream ($6). This was one of the best panna cottas I've ever had! The consistency was nearly that of flan and mango permeated every delectable bite. The coconut cream topping was comprised of a lightly toasted coconut that brought out the richness which was a nice compliment to the naturally sweetened mango. It was a great choice that I would make again in a heartbeat.
With great service and a nearly flawless meal I will certainly make the choice to return here next time I'm in town. And within minutes of leaving we were certain to send a message of gratitude to our friends that made the awesome recomendation, so I'm happy to pass that favor along to you and encourage you to check this place out.
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