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| - When my parents asked me to meet them for dinner in Mount Horeb, I was skeptical. Both have discerning tastes that lead them to mostly eat in because they live at least 20 minutes from a good restaurant, and my mother is a very good cook. I guess sometimes your parents are right, because I've been coming back to Bistro 101 every time my parents are in town, or I have an excuse to eat in Mount Horeb.
First of all, the people who work there are wonderful. After one dinner, the next time I came in, Marco remembered my name and that I love seafood, so would I like to try the halibut tonight? (Yes, you want to try the halibut if it's available) The bar features a limited wine list (but standard for the area), but Marco is generous with his pours, which is great for catching up with family over.
Bistro 101 is the only place outside of Madison that my father will order steak. Maybe this is in part because they let him choose the filet before they cook it. This is a restaurant that is about more than fantastic food - it's also the friendly atmosphere cultivated by the staff.
I am partial to seafood so I usually order the halibut or crab cakes, though I know they plan to branch out into difference cuisine in 2014. The sides are a more standard pilaf, but the roasted vegetables served in the winter are a wonderful accompaniment to most of the dishes. My family is partial to sharing so I've had steak and it was perfect; I've tried it rare and medium well, since mom and dad differ on how they prefer steak cooked, and both ways are delicious. The wait staff and kitchen are accommodating to any special requests, and most of the menu can be made gluten free.
The aesthetics of the restaurant are such that you'd swear you were in Madison: heavy on wood and white tile accent which are reminiscent of a time past. The prices are Madisonian as well, but worth it.
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