Since leaping off the vegetarian wagon a year ago, I've made up for a lot of lost time (10 years!). I've started my quest for the perfect reuben and ate every steak that gave me a sidelong glance. But the Midwest institution of Friday Nite Fish Fry had yet to capture my gastronomic imagination.
No longer! The Monk's Retreat in Cross Plains has it! Wow, who would think that battered and deep fried cod could be so delicious?! I'm beginning to think that Madison cuisine doesn't really have that much to brag about! (Save so many SE Asian joints that they all begin to seem the same) Do yourself a favor when you're in Madison. Make the 20min drive to Cross Plains and you'll be rewarded with crispy batter, juicy and firm cod coupled with the best coleslaw I've had this side of the Mason-Dixon.
Be prepared for a wait though. It gets busy and the quarters can be a little cramped. But if you're looking for a great fish fry, this would definitely be my recommendation!