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| - Two years and 200 trips since my first review, it's time for an update!
(I'm sure I haven't been 200 times in the last two years, but it sure feels like it.)
As you know from my previous review I think their breakfast sausage is something dreams are made of. It's a ground pork sausage mixed with whatever they're feeling at the time, and on my last trip it was tart apple. Awesome.
But in addition to both the butchered items and cured meats, The Underground Butcher has upped their provisions game, now offering a wealth of pickled items, crackers, olives, candied pecans, assorted cookies, a small selection of vegetables, bread, crackers and alcohol. And what's more, most of the specialty items they sell, like macarons, butter cookies and quince paste to name a few, are prepared in Underground's kitchen. You can't do all your shopping here, but if you have five people coming over for some wine time and conversation, it's the best spot on Madison's east side to snag some snackables. And when you add the 8 or so varieties of cured meats and endless cheese options, the place is perfect for assembling a charcuterie board that will make people claim your king of light bites. And if you're not certain what meats to pair with what cheeses and what companions to serve alongside... ask! The fine folks behind the counter are more than willing to give you some guidance, and also have great wine pairing suggestions too.
Also worth mentioning is their fine line-up of sandwiches although I can't speak to any of them other than the Breakfast Sandwich, which I've scarfed more times than I care to admit. A fried egg, breakfast sausage, arugula, cranberry mustard and an onion & 'nduja vinaigrette pile high on a slice of focaccia, though I sub in a demi baguette which holds up better and is easier to hold on to. In the summertime they'd benefit from a few seats outside to devour this monster of a sammie, because it's highly unlikely you'll be able to avoid taking a taste before you get it home.
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