rev:text
| - There is no place in Madison that has as much history with me as Paisan's. Years (like lots, and lots of years) ago in high school we would eat there after our state forensics meets - we drove 4 hours from Northern WI to get to Madison, and this was the highlight of our trip (well, that and getting to stay in a hotel without our parents, score!). In college we went to their University Square location after every concert and recital because it was a short walk across the street from the Humanities building. My roommate used to use her fake ID to buy their sangria. Once, I even went to eat just in the hopes of catching glimpse at the guy I was crushing on (now my husband) who was there with a friend that night. Paisan's has history for me.
I don't love their new location as much as the old. Even with the transported booths, it doesn't have the character as the original, but they tried. I've had amazing servers and so-so servers. All of that aside...what I love about Paisan's is their consistency. Their manicotti remains in my top 5 foods of all time...because it NEVER changes. It's always served in the same plates, the same way, with an olive on top. The sangria. The mozzarella cheese bread. The porta salad. It's all exactly the same as it was when I was a fresh-faced 15 year old, excited to be in Madison for the first time. To some people this might be frustrating, but to me, it's nostalgic and perfect. No, Paisan's may not be the very best Italian food you can get in the Madison area. But it's good - and will always be one of my favorites!
|