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| - First things first: Shout out to yelp events! I've been to two of them this week and they were both a blast. Not to mention, I would have no idea this place existed otherwise. I was a plus one at the elite yelp event and beer dinner at the Paoli Schoolhouse, but I'm going to yelp my way to elite status just so I get more invites to these things.
Now, without further ado, my glowing review:
The Paoli Schoolhouse staff told us all about Gwen, the school teacher's ghost that haunts this former one room schoolhouse turned cafe and boutique gift shop. Gwen apparently likes to light up unplugged christmas trees and make appearances in turn-of-the century garb. The stories were entertaining, and believable for one reason. If I died today, I would drive my ghost car directly to Paoli and join Gwen in the schoolhouse for an eternity of delicious food, a cozy environment, and wonderful staff.
We were told that Chef Krista is new to the restaurant and the profession in general. After eating the 4 courses she prepared for us, and being blown away by every dish, I found it hard to believe. Sure enough, she introduced herself after the meal and is a recent grad from the MATC culinary program. As an employee of a very young company myself, I suppose I should recognize that talent is not always exlusive to the expierenced.
The cafe is small and intimate, with just two rooms of tables. The fireplace and patterned wallpaper add to the cozy atmosphere. Maybe it's just my style, but it really made me feel at home. I think some time around course #3 was when I started getting decorating ideas for my own apartment, but that might be because it was also when we started beer #4.
Paoli isn't that far outside of Madison, but it's definitely off the beaten path. I don't know how a restaurant that feels like it's in the middle of nowhere ended up with such phenomenal service. Maybe it's small town hospitality? In any case, I think Gwen and I will have a really great time haunting such a friendly group of employees.
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