I braved the cold and decided to return to the restaurant to see if the kinks that were ever so present during my first visit have since been worked out. My reaction is mixed.
I am definitely a fan and will be back for a drink (or three) at the bar. The bar staff is super attentive and the drinks on their menu all hit the spot. I am also digging their tap beer selection as they feature some unique and different ones.
I am not, however, sold on their food. At the price points, I expect better executed dishes. As it was cold and blustery, I opted for the Glazed Pork Shoulder that sat on top of a white bean puree, accompanied with roasted apple and bacon lardons. I can respect the farm to table element but for $21, I found the pork shoulder to be a little tough and dry (neither of which I would expect from a Berkshire hog).
I still feel, over time, when the bright shiny feel of a new restaurant wears off in the community, Oliver's will have difficulty pulling in the customer's. Let's face it, there are many places in Madison that espouse farm to table at similar price points which execute and deliver more solidly than Oliver's. I will be back for drinks but methinks not for anything food related.