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| - The first thing you notice about Cento is the soft gray interior. It's modern and clean but welcoming and warm at the same time. If I was rating my dining experience on the space itself, Cento would recieve five stars. Sadly, I also have to take into account the food.
I've only been to Cento at brunch, so maybe I'm missing some of the charm that seems to entice everyone else. I ordered the onion fritatta, and I have to say, there was no flavor to it. Rubbery yet airy (is that even possible) eggs that were tough around the edges and potatoes that tasted like the burnt ends of a french fry and drenched your mouth in oil. I longed for some salt or pepper, but, as is common today, none was to be found at my table. I had a bite of some of the other dishes on the table. The ragu was nice but the pizza was plain. There are other places in Madison (Grampa's, Sal's, Brutta) that do pizza better and with flavors that really come together.
Drinks were ok. $5 for a mimosa isn't bad in Madison. There were some nice flavors on the menu as well. The Fizz is a great play on a classic punch with prosecco and aperol, and was refreshing and bitter in a good way that wakes you up in the morning. You have to try the lemoncello drink with espresso. It sounds strange but you'll be wanting it again next weekend.
Service was very good. Our server was attentive, kind, and quick to fill up a glass of water and grab a cup of coffee. The bartender was friendly and ready for conversation. All in all, service was more formal than most of the establishments in the area and was a nice change of pace for Madison. I can see why this place has made such an impact in the growing fine dining scene around the capitol.
I'll be back for dinner to see if the food can sway me. One thing to note...if you're going to have the dates stuffed with spicy sausage (ahem...chorizo) and wrapped with bacon in a pepper sauce, do yourself a favor and trek to Avec in Chicago where the recipe originated. They're much better.
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