Get a taste of the 608 📍

Madison, WI James Beard Semifinalists Tour

two loaves of bread
Sourdough can blur the line between art and food. | Photo by @madisonsourdough
The 2023 James Beard semifinalists have been announced, and some local chefs are putting 608 on the foodie map.

Want to try these nationally-renowned eateries? Why not make a day of it? We’ve put together a list of excursion-worthy stops within walking distance of each semifinalist’s spot.

Madison Sourdough | 916 Williamson St.

Nomination: Outstanding Pastry Chef/Baker, Andrew Hutchison
What we’d order: Quiche Lorraine and a fruit Danish.
In the area:

Ahan | 2262 Winnebago St.

Nomination: Emerging Chef, Jamie Hoang
What we’d order: Chèvre wontons and phở tái
In the area:
  • Madison Circus Space | We’re not sure if it’s best to eat before or after a flying trapeze class.
  • Barrymore Theatre | If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, catch a post-dinner show at the Barrymore.
bowl of soup

In the winter months, soup is a must.

Photo by @ahanmadison

Fairchild | 2611 Monroe St.

Nomination: Best Midwest Chef, Itaru Nagano and Andrew Kroeger
What we’d order: Deviled eggs and pappardelle bolognese
In the area:
  • Milward Farrell Fine Art | Got downtown earlier than expected? Take a walk through this locally-owned fine art gallery before your reservation.
  • Wingra Park | Come May, kayak rentals will be available for a sunset paddle after your romantic dinner.
chef plating food

Head to Fairchild for fine dining paired with a moody ambiance.

Osteria Papavero | 128 E. Wilson St.

Nomination: Best Midwest Chef, Francesco Mangano
What we’d order: Burrata and piadina al prosciutto
In the area:
608 Papavero

Make your coworkers jealous with lunch takeout from Osteria Papavero

Photo by @papaveromadison


Click here to have your event featured.

Today, Jan. 27
  • Annie Lederman | Friday, Jan. 27 | Comedy on State, 202 State St., Madison | $25 | Enjoy a set from this comedian known for her podcast “Trash Tuesday,” Comedy Central, “Chelsea Lately,” and “Borat.” 🎭
  • Monsters of Destruction | Friday, Jan. 27 | 7:30 p.m. | Alliant Energy Center | $20-$38 | These loud, fierce, and unpredictable trucks will keep you at the edge of your seat.
Saturday, Jan. 28
  • Know Your Rights Training | Saturday, Jan. 28 | 6-8 p.m. | Social Justice Center, 1202 Williamson St., Madison | Free | Learn about your rights and the law through live skits and audience participation.
  • Black Girls Don’t | Saturday, Jan. 28 | 2 p.m. | Hawthorne Library, 2707 E. Washington Ave., Madison | Patricia Clifton will share her story of overcoming society putting young Black girls in a box and what it really means to create your own path in life. 🎤
Sunday, Jan. 29
  • Winter Market | Sunday, Jan. 29 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Badger Prairie Needs Network Kasieta Center, 1200 E. Verona Ave., Verona | Free | Stock up on local goodies at Verona’s seasonal farmers market. 🛍️
  • Learn to Play Hockey with Madison Capitols | Sunday, Jan. 29 | 9-11 a.m. | Tenney Park Ice Rink, 402 N. Thornton Ave., Madison | Free | Madison Capitols team members will demonstrate skating techniques and hockey maneuvers to kids aged 5-15.
Monday, Jan. 30
  • Air Guitar Summit | Monday, Jan. 30 | 7-11:30 p.m. | High Noon Saloon, 701 E. Washington Ave., Madison | Free | A head-banging evening of rock n’ roll trivia, air guitar workshops, and prizes. Imaginary axes provided. 🎸
  • Tropics in the Tundra Dog Party | Monday, Jan. 30 | 5-10 p.m. | State Line Distillery, 1413 Northern Ct., Madison | Free | Bring Fido along to enjoy a tropically themed night of fun, photos, and free prizes.
We have a calendar filled with events and 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
  • 35Âş | Morning snow | 52% chance of snow
State
  • Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance will be ceasing direct rent and utility assistance on Tuesday, Jan. 31. The program was started to alleviate costs for those who lost employment during the pandemic. Dane County’s similar program, CORE, will continue with relief payments while its limited funds last. đź’° (WKOW)
  • The nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau estimates that Wisconsin will end the fiscal year with a $7.1 billion surplus. That’s $524 million more than Gov. Evers’ administration projected a few months ago. The bureau said the state has more money in its Medicaid fund than expected and got a bump in tax collections. (Cap Times)
Cause
  • Gilda’s Club, a local cancer support community, is bringing back its Family Night program in February. This free program offers a place for kids, teens, and families to connect with and support one another through the various ways that cancer can impact a family. đź’ž (Channel 3000)
Plan Ahead
  • Madison’s 2023 Frozen Assets Festival, benefiting the Clean Lakes Alliance, kicks off this weekend. Activities at this free-entry festival include ice sculpting, pond hockey, a frozen lake 5k, and even a visit from Bucky Badger. Get in on the fun Saturday, Jan. 28-Sunday, Feb. 5. (NBC 15)
Announced
  • Madison will remain the host city of the 2024 NOBULL CrossFit Games. This year’s games were previously intended to be the last hosted in the 608. However, CrossFit states that our city’s blend of natural beauty, culture, and recreational opportunities make it a perfect fit for the event. đź’Ş
Award
  • Biztimes Media has named Jane Blain Gilbertson as one of 2022’s Most Influential Business Leaders in Wisconsin. The Blaine’s Farm and Fleet CEO/President was acknowledged for her philanthropy, employees’ quality of life and diversity, and her advocacy for women in the workplace. (WKOW)
Finance
  • Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*
Traffic
  • What we’re buying for our cars: Dash cams. The REDTIGER Dual Dash Camera captures both the front and rear of your car and can be a lifesaver when it comes to contesting traffic violations and recording evidence of collisions. Plus, it connects to your mobile device. 🚦*

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(Civic) duty calls 🗳️

2023 Spring Primary

"I voted" stickers
Fort Mill, SC is one of the fastest growing cities in the country, strengthening its importance in regional politics. | Photo by ©Element5 Digital via Canva.com
The 2023 Spring Primary Election is right around the corner. We’ve outlined some basic information and helpful resources to help you be prepared and informed.

This primary determines who will be on the Spring election ballot in April. We’ll vote on:
  • Supreme Court Justice
  • Mayor
  • Alderperson for
    • District 2
    • District 3
    • District 4
    • District 9
    • District 10
    • District 12
    • District 14
    • District 20

Resources 🔎

Property Look-up | Find out which Aldermanic district you live in.

Sample ballots | Get a sneak peek at what your ballot will look like come Tuesday, Feb. 21.

Reach out | Contact Maggie McClain at the Clerk’s Office with any unanswered questions regarding the primary election at clerksocialmedia@cityofmadison.com.
THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Ally.

Editor’s pick: Follow us on Instagram where I’ll be posting everything I ate at each of the Madison restaurants nominated for a James Beard Award. Let’s call it... market research (definitely not just a good excuse to eat great food).

Missed our last newsletter? We check out Madison’s new City Planning model.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Ally Geiger, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Ana Gibson | Advertise with us.

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