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| - My wife and I made a jaunt up to Madison, and spent a significant part of Saturday at the Allen Centennial Garden, which I can't recommend highly enough. They have an edible section of the garden, and also an herb garden, and there was a little sign directing people to "Graze" where the herbs are used in their cocktails. Sold!
Actually, the "10 Babcock Drive" wasn't that good of a cocktail. It talked a big game about the herb infusions and an herb-tincture, so I was expecting to be blown away by a garden-fresh experience. There was some aroma, but the overwhelming taste was lemon juice; I think they could do better on this one-- I know I could.
We "grazed" our way through various appetizers including the pork buns, beet salad, and deviled eggs. Portions were on the small side, but tasty.
So why 4 stars? Well, partly it was the ambience (extremely high ceilings, surprisingly cosmopolitan decor-- plus, feel under the seats for foam that helps keep the din to a dull roar), partly it was the company of my lovely wife, and maybe some of my satisfaction was sunstroke-based (I should have worn a hat at the garden), but actually I've got two words for you: pickle board. Somewhere recently, maybe Lucky Peach, I was reading about the rise in sort of "vegetarian charcuterie". I scoffed, because to me charcuterie means meat, and it's sacrilegious to say otherwise, but some of those photos looked pretty fun, I *do* like pickled daikon, and I've found lately with charcuterie boards that I can have some vicious heartburn afterwards, so I figured I'd best keep an open mind.
After having had several fairly small plates, we were pleasantly surprised to find ample portions of each of the half-dozen pickled vegetables. All were uniquely tasty, with different levels and different types of brine. My wife declared that she was full after a couple nibbles from each plate, but then couldn't stop picking up her chopsticks to get more. Highlights of the board included the earthy and spicy kim-chee, and the pickled ramps, which were crisp, sweet, and tangy. My wife finished those off.
It was a little pricey, but we had a great time, and I'd definitely go back. Maybe next time we'll take a stab at the $21, Rachel Ray approved, burger ...
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