I can give this spot 4 stars because I tried quite a few things on the menu all in one go. This is a great low key spot with fresh made breads, soups, salads and pastries. My colleague suggested this place for a take out lunch, so we ventured over. The interior has this semi-rustic, semi-shabby-chic feel with mounted chalkboard menus, Ball glass jars for hot drinks and homemade jams, wooden tables and chairs and decided antique iron accent pieces throughout the place.
I scanned the menu for the veggie/pescatarian options and came across a few things that sound appetizing. Because it's turning cold here in Madison, it was between the grilled cheese with tomato pesto and spinach, the tuna melt with capers, and the house veggie burger with tomato pesto, spinach and fontina cheese. I went for the burger on the half and half special with a potato leek soup; it comes with a spinach and romaine side salad.
The burger had great flavor and texture, with a balance of ingredients. One thing that does veggie burger in for me is the overuse of an ingredient in an attempt to keep the patty form, like black beans or beets. This one was nice, and the pesto and cheese set it off. The potato leek soup was a bit more liquid than I'm used too, but again, the flavor was solid without being overwhelming. I also ordered a morning bun, which is apparently a popular breakfast pastry. It's a puffed croissant with cinnamon sugar dusting all over. Goodness. it's good. Butter is your friend. I can see this with a good hot cocoa! I also tried their iced pomegranate green tea, unsweetened. Also very nice and refreshing.
The waitstaff was friendly and helpful with menu options. It was clean, and though there was a bit of a wait for the food we ordered to go, it wasn't overcrowded for the lunch hour. I enjoyed it.