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:
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 Sbagliato — you 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.
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 amonthly 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.
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 byWorking 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+ localdrinking 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 saygoodbye 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%. ☁️ *
Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.
Culture
Last-minute Halloween plans in Madison
Last minute Halloween plans in Madison
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.
Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.