07.24.2023

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Today’s Forecast

35º | Cloudy | 15% chance of sleet | Sunrise 7:28 a.m. | Sunset 4:39 p.m.

🎬 If we produced “Top Chef”...

Our readers’ suggestions for Season 21 of “Top Chef” in Madison

The Dane County Farmers’ Market is a 608 staple. | Photo by DCFM

Someone get the “Top Chef” production team on the line — the 608today subscribers have nothing but good ideas for the Madison leg of Season 21. Check out our previous “Top Chef” piece to learn more about the show and its structure.

We asked our readers what restaurants and challenges they want to see during the Madison leg of “Top Chef” Season 21, here’s what y’all have to say:

Restaurants

bowl of soup — Ahan has been recognized by the James Beard Foundation. | Photo by Ahan

Challenges

“As the capitol of Wisconsin, Madison embraces the state motto more than any other city: “Forward.” Craft a dish that propels the traditional Midwest forward.”

"[Chefs] have to make a dessert, but a beer from Young Blood Brewery has to be in it.”

“Cook a dish using Limburger cheese.”

“Bibimbap challenge with farmers market food, or something with Stella’s cheesy bread.”

“Pasture and Plenty offers something new and interesting: each week, meal kit subscribers receive one ready-to-eat meal, one frozen meal to reheat and one kit ... coming up with meals that fit those criteria would be interesting and difficult.”

“Contestants prepare an innovative take on outdoor festival food (cheese curds, brats, pretzels) and serve at a Forward Madison FC game.”

“Cheese curds meet fish fry meets foraging for mushrooms.”

“Farmers market. 30 minutes. No meat.”

“University dining hall quickfire! Create your take on a college dining hall classic.”

“True Farm to Table, showcasing all steps of the culinary journey including the art of butchery!”

Feel free to keep the conversation going over on our Instagram, and stay tuned for more “Top Chef” updates.

Events

Monday, July 24

Scoops and Stories | Monday, July 24 | 4-4:30 p.m. | Grand Crossing Park, 6320 Inland Wy., Madison | Stop by for a free storytime and $1 ice cream.

Tuesday, July 25

Summer of Making | Tuesday, July 25 | 1 p.m. | Central Library, 201 W. Mifflin St., Madison | Free | A drop-in crafting session geared towards children aged 5 and up.
East Side Farmers’ Market | Tuesday, July 25 | 4-7 p.m. | McPike Park, 202 S. Ingersoll St., Madison | Cost of purchase | Shop your favorite local vendors.

Wednesday, July 26

175th Anniversary Launch Day Celebration | Wednesday, July 26 | 4-10 p.m. | Memorial Union, 800 Langdon St, Madison | Free | Kick off a yearlong celebration of UW–Madison’s 175th anniversary.
Queer Night at the Dane | Wednesday, July 26 | 4-11 p.m. | The Great Dane, 123 E. Doty St., Madison | Cost of purchase | A portion of proceeds from the specialty cocktail will go to local groups that support the LGBTQIA+ community.

Thursday, July 27

Chazen Café | Thursday, July 27 | 8:30 a.m. | University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1207 Seminole Hwy, Madison | Cost of purchase | Meet a friend at the Chazen Café to enjoy charcuterie and wine before exploring the free galleries.
Thirsty Thursday | Thursday, July 27 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | The Deliciouser, 931 E. Main St., Madison | $50 | Celebrate National Scotch Day with small plates and sips.

Friday, July 28

Summer Nights at Segoe | Friday, July 28 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Segoe Park, 502 S. Segoe Rd., Madison | Free | Stop by for live music and food carts.
An R-Rated Magic Show | Friday, July 28 | 8 p.m. | Overture Center, 201 State St., Madison | $28-$60 | Comedy magician Grant Freeman brings his unique, raunchy show full of surprises to Madison.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Giveaway

Sports

👀 Hey Madison, want to win a Harley-Davidson?

Presented by a 608today Partner

closeup shot of a parked harley-davidson motorcycle on the street

Who had “win a free motorcycle” on their summer bucket list? | Photo via Pexels

Yes, you read that right.

For the month of July, Potawatomi Casino Hotel has teamed up with the House of Harley to give away one brand-new 2023 Harley-Davidson motorcycle per week (plus tons of other cash prizes) to celebrate the iconic brand’s 120th birthday.

This week marks the last Thursday in July, which means you have one last shot to rev your engines, gear up, and win big.

Here’s how it works:

When you play with your Fire Keepers Club Card at Potawatomi, you’ll automatically earn entries into the competition, and the opportunity to advance to the 8 p.m. final to win thousands of dollars in cash prizes + the motorcycle grand prize on Thursday, July 24.
You must be present in the casino at the time of the prize announcement to win, and any games played that day will earn triple points.

May the odds be ever in your favor, Madison.

Vroom vroom

News Notes

Weather

The Climate Prediction Center forecasts a moderate to high risk of excessive heat in southern Wisconsin this Friday, July 28 through Thursday, Aug. 3. Actual temperatures will reach the mid-90s, but may feel hotter due to the dew point. (Channel 3000)

Health

The American Heart Association invites Madisonians to join the Madison Heart Walk at McKee Farms Park on Saturday, Sept. 16. The event aims to promote physical and mental health through healthy habits, and raised funds will benefit medical research. Individuals, teams, and companies are encouraged to get involved.

Arts

The Overture Center has announced its Changemaker Speaker Series. Coming in the 2023/24 Overture season, guest speakers will share stories about their professions and life experiences. Grab your tickets to hear from a Nikon Ambassador, NASA’s lead principal engineer, and a whale photographer.

Active

Register today to volunteer or ride during the Free Bikes 4 Kidz South Side Slow Roll on Saturday, Aug. 5. This 3-mile bike ride promotes inclusivity, community, and bicycling in the 608. The event will feature food carts, post-ride activities, and repair services.

Arts

🕺 Dance the night(s) away

A Season of Togetherness in Madison with Dane Dances

Let the music move you at this free dance series. | Photo by Dane Dances

Dane Dances is returning to the Monona Terrace rooftop starting Friday, Aug. 4. This free outdoor music and dance series will take place every Friday in August.

This year’s series — “A Season of Togetherness” — aims to bring Madisonians together through music to foster celebration and respect for our diverse community.

Itinerary

Each night will be structured like so:
4:30 p.m. — Gates and bar open
5:30-6 p.m. — Beats by DJ Francis Medrano + free dance lessons
6-7:30 p.m. — Performance No.1
7:30-8 p.m. — Beats by DJ Francis Medrano + free dance lessons
8-9:30 p.m. — Performance No. 2

Friday, Aug. 4

The Associates Band
Mike Dangeroux Orchestra

Friday, Aug. 11

Orquesta SalSoul Del Mad
Luisito Rosario

Friday, Aug.18

Friday, August 25

Aurra and Slave
Angel Melendez and the 911 Mambo Orchestra

Note: In the case of inclement weather, the event will be held indoors on-location, and at the Alliant Energy Center on Friday, Aug.18.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Ally

From the editor

I’m looking forward to finding out the actual “Top Chef” itinerary, but — and I might be biased — I think the production team could take a note or two from our readers.

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