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| - When I happened across an article of top chefs and Tim Dahl popped up in Madison I couldn't resist going to his restaurant. Of course, that would mean I would have to be in Madison and it just so happened I was going there for work.
The place did not disappoint. It definitely had a Chicago feel with the exposed brick and just a simple and minimal interior yet not at all pretentious. I liked the feel of the dining area and the waitress not only put us at ease but she also knew everything and then some when it came to the menu.
I couldn't decide on the entree so the waitress helped with the tie breaker. I went with the braised pancetta, or pork belly. It was the heavier of the options but I was fascinated with the dish and wanted to try it. It was nicely complemented with the potenta, and the other sides such as hazelnuts and grapes. It was simply fantastic and disappeared as quickly as it appeared.
We actually started the dinner with the olives and also the scallops. Both were very good... the scallops came with artichokes so that was a nice surprise (I didn't order it or read up on it). The drink I went with was homemade jam with gin and some other stuff. It doesn't really matter because it was one of the best concoctions I could remember. It had champaign so it had a little fizz but it was also tart, which is completely my style.
i finished up with the Affogato, which is basically 3 little donuts next to a cup of caramel gelato melting in expresso. You dip the donuts in there if you like but they were just great on their own! The combo sounded a little strange but it worked, which, knowing the history of the chefs, you would completely expect!!
Without a doubt, if you have a chance to come, even if it's just for a drink and dessert, then do it!
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