Love at first bite 🍝

Amara opening in Madison

The sign at Amara, Hilldale's new eatery
The 5,100-sqft space can seat 110 indoors + 50 on its patio. | Photo by @beckinasec
This week, Rule No. One Hospitality Group — known for spots like Merchant + Lucille — opened its newest eatery at Hilldale Shopping Center. City Editor Ryan dropped by opening night “for research purposes,” and the food was a plus too. Here’s what to know about Amara.

🌺 It’s all in the name

Amara comes from the Ancient Amaranth plant — Amáranthos, in Greek — meaning everlasting flower. It also plays on the Italian meaning of Amara — bitter. Together this creates a bitter + sweet balance, one aspect of the restaurant’s ethos.

📝 Know before you go

The eatery offers shareable small plates, handmade pasta, and dishes sourced from local farms. Check out a few of the menus:
608today Amara bar.png

Name a drink, any drink. Surely the Amara bar can handle bespoke requests.

Photo by @beckinasec

🍽️ Contemporary coastal Italian fare

Amara’s menus — both food + bar — aim to evoke the feel of Italy’s coast. The restaurant has curated an oceanic feel that pairs quite well with its contemporary twist on Italian eats. (Think: Pastel blue tones and wooden design elements.) A few favorites of the night included the eggplant bruschetta + the 83-layer lasagna.

👤 608’s pro tips

Parking at Hilldale can be a bit tenuous, however, Amara is located directly next to the mall’s parking garage + other outdoor lots — valet service is available, too.

With a bar stocking hundreds of bottles of spirits, study the drink menu before arriving. The bar program is built to celebrate classic Italian libations. (Think: negronis + spritzes.) City Editor Ryan tried the Rose Sbagliatoyou know, a negroni sbagliato, with prosecco.

Look out for your wallet + stomach during Amara’s cheap date night on Wednesdays from 5-10 p.m.

Ready for a taste yourself? Make a reservation.

Click here to have your event featured.

Today, October 28
  • The Distillery Comedy Tour at Yahara Bay | Fri., Oct. 28 | 7 p.m. | Yahara Bay Distillers, 6250 Nesbitt Rd., Madison | $14 | Hear sets from top-notch comedians traveling the country + performing seven nights a week in 48 states. 🎤
  • Madison Ghost Walk | Fri., Oct. 28 | 7:30-9:30 p.m | Wisconsin Veterans Museum, 30 W. Mifflin St. | $25 | Hear haunted tales of the Isthmus during this walkabout where you’ll stop at many of Madison’s most iconic locations.
Saturday, October 29
  • Trick or Treat on Monroe Street | Sat., Oct. 29 | 9 a.m. | Monroe Street Library, 1705 Monroe St., Madison | Free | Kids in their Halloween costumes are welcome to come and receive a treat while supplies last. 🎃
  • Live Music at The Cider Farm | Sat., Oct. 29 | 6-8:30 p.m. | The Cider Farm, 8216 Watts Rd., Madison | Free+ | Listen to The Phillips Brothers Band play folk and Americana hits + sip on local cider. 🍎
Sunday, October 30
  • Kismet Books Anniversary and Halloween Celebration | Sun., Oct. 30 | 12-4 p.m. | Kismet Books, 101 N. Main St., Verona | Free | Celebrate two events during one party chock full of pop-up + arcade games, snacks, and face painting.
  • Sunday Noon Guitar Solo | Sun., Oct. 30 | 12-2 p.m. | Cafe CODA, 1224 Williamson St., Madison | Free+ | Cap off your weekend with smooth tunes by Harold “Fro” Davis. 🎸
Monday, October 31
  • Halloween Fun Run | Mon., Oct. 31 | 6 p.m. | Fleet Feet, 8440 Old Sauk Rd., Middleton | Free | Tour neighborhood Halloween displays during this three-mile fun run and end the night feasting on treats. 👟
  • Murder Mystery Night Monona | Mon., Oct. 31 | 6-10 p.m. | Buck and Honey’s, 800 W. Broadway, Monona | $55 | Mingle with guests + take on a mystery plot during dinner service.

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather
  • 59º | Sunny | 10% chance of rain
Announced
  • Charlie Berens — Badger alumna + viral comedian — will be the 2022 UW-Madison winter commencement speaker. Known for his characters and bits about life in the Midwest, he’s “bringing jerky and brandy for everyone.” 🎓 (Madison.com)
Community
  • According to local experts, saving on your winter energy bill is rather straightforward — keep air filters clean + make sure windows are insulated. Visit Focus on Energy for free resources to protect and optimize your home. ❄️ (Channel 3000)
Closing
  • Tomorrow, Sat., Oct. 29, Cuco’s Mexican Restaurant on Madison’s east side is closing. Owners Mayra and Oscar Zaragoza are moving to a new location at 1824 South Park St. + will rebrand with a new name. (Madison.com)
Cause
  • Drop by Working Draft’s Halloween party tonight + support the Goodman Community Center. $1 from every full-pour beer sold during the event will go to the organization’s Thanksgiving basket drive.
Drink
  • Cheers, 608. Here’s to Visit Madison’s new Madison On Tap Beverage Trail, a guide to “beer, bubbles, bourbon, and beyond.” Stay tuned for more coverage of what’s on tap for this free road map of 30+ local drinking spots. 🍻 (In Business)
Sports
  • The Milwaukee Brewers’ David Stearns is stepping down as the president of baseball operations for the team. Former general manager + senior vice president Matt Arnold will step in to fill the role. (Associated Press)
Seasonal
  • Last call for fall fun at Enchanted Valley Acres, for this season. Sun., Oct. 30 will be the last day of the fall 2022 season + Christmas tree season will kick off on Mon., Nov. 21. 🎄
DYK
  • Did you know we want to share your Black Friday deals with our 608today readers? Promote your business with us by submitting a deal to be included in our Fri., Nov. 25 newsletter. Pricing varies by market + must be submitted by Wed., Nov. 16.
The Buy
  • Real talk: You’re an adult, and it’s time to say goodbye to those sad, flat pillows and invest in bedding that supports your neck and back. Marlow designed a pillow specifically for side sleepers with customizable firmness, three angles to support your neck, and cooling technology — code 6AM saves you 10%, plus buy-more, save-more discounts up to 40%. ☁️ *
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Last-minute Halloween plans in Madison

Last minute Halloween plans in Madison

608today Halloween cookies
We also wouldn’t blame you for staying in + eating these picture perfect Vicki Cookies. | Photo by @vickicookiesbakery
Halloween weekend is finally here + if you’re anything like us, you haven’t made plans. Whether you prefer a solo adventure, a girls’ night out, or a family-friendly endeavor, check out these non-ticketed events perfect for last-minute planners.

⚔️ “Prancing Pony” Party | Bierock, 2911 N. Sherman Ave. | Sat., Oct. 29 | 11 a.m.-12 a.m.
Don your cloak + journey to a Middle Earth-themed bar for music and ale during this J.R.R. Tolkien-inspired event.

🍫 Willy Wonka Party | State Line Distillery, 1413 Northern Ct. | Sat., Oct. 29 | 6 p.m.-12 a.m.
Enter a world of pure imagination to enjoy fantastical one-night-only drink specials + golden ticket giveaways.

🎃 Garver Pumpkin Party | Garver Feed Mill, 3241 Garver Green | Sun., Oct. 30 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Carve pumpkins, explore during a scavenger hunt, and see City Editor Ryan judging the pet costume contest at 1:30 p.m.

Check out our roundup from earlier this week for even more events.
THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Ryan.

Editor’s pick: After hashing through my experience during opening night at Amara, what I was most impressed by was the cocktail program. The Rose Sbagliato (negroni sbagliato with prosecco, for HBO fans) was the best drink I’ve had in quite a while — I anticipate returning for the Aperitivo Happy Hour soon.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We talked about how it’s easy bein’ green.
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Editorial: Ally Geiger, Ryan Waldman, Dayten Rose, Josh Kranzberg, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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