January 20, 2022 - Winter Restaurant Week roundup + Hilldale expansion

Hello Sunday.

January 30 2022

Calling all foodies — Madison Restaurant Week is soon to be upon us. Make plans to visit 20 local spots from Sun., Jan. 23–Fri., Jan. 28 for a taste of three-course prix fixe menus all over town.

Restaurant week 2021 at Migrants Madison | Photo by @wisconsingourmande

Not sure where to go or just want some recommendations? Here are the top three restaurants on your city editors’ lists.

Ryan’s picks:

Delaney’s Steaks Seafood Wine | 449 Grand Canyon Dr.

While Ryan has not dined at Delaney’s, he’s eager to demonstrate how this spot embodies the idea that food is one of life’s greatest joys — opting for the 6 oz. filet paired with the hot fudge sundae.

Salvatore’s Tomato Pies | 912 E Johnson St.

Living close to Salvatore’s has made Ryan a regular at the tomato pie shop. While he normally opts for the Woodsman pizza, he’s got his eyes set on the Cubano pie this time around.

Villa Dolce | 1828 Parmenter St., Middleton

Italian food is a weakness for Ryan, or maybe a strength? The whipped ricotta + gnocchi are piquing his interest and demanding a visit during restaurant week this year.

Audrey’s picks:

Tavernakaya/Umami | 27 E. Main St.

Between the lunch and dinner menus, Tavernakaya and Umami are offering 30 unique plates to choose from. After dining here during restaurant week 2021, Audrey is excited to try a few new dishes like the veggie ramen + tofu buns.

Migrants Madison | 2601 W. Beltline Hwy., Suite #106

As a guru of local vegetarian eats, Audrey is keen on trying the vegan huevos rancheros. For just $15, this dish plus a Colectivo coffee makes for one satisfied city editor.

Eno Vino Wine Bar & Bistro | 601 Junction Rd.

As to be expected from a Madison dining staple, Eno Vino has a tight, yet inclusive menu offering this year. While Audrey is contemplating the impossible empanadas, her heart is already set on NY cheesecake.

PLENTY MORE TO EAT THIS WAY

Use the buttons below to share this story with your foodie-BFFs, your neighbors who’ve tried every spot in town, and anyone else who loves eating around the Isthmus.

EVENTS

Today

Prognosis Negative Duo | Thurs., Jan. 20 | 6-9 p.m. | Come Back In, 508 E. Wilson St. | Free | A night of stripped-down covers — hits from the 60s to today. 🎵

Friday

Rainforest Rhythms | Fri., Jan. 21 | Times vary | Olbrich Botanical Gardens | $4+ | Watch Wisconsin Surma perform as part of the Rainforest Rhythms series — celebrating authentic performances of music and dance from rainforest regions around the world.
Bing Bong | Fri., Jan. 21 | 7 p.m. | The Bur Oak | $10+ | Join in for a raucous night of late-70s and early-80s guitar rock. 🎸

Saturday

What the Constitution Means to Me | Sat., Jan. 22-Sun., Jan. 23 | Various times | $39+ | A play by Heidi Schreck about the Constitution + how it will shape the next generation. 🎭
David Landau: Kids in the Rotunda Digital Performance | Sat., Jan. 22 | 9:30 a.m. | Virtual | Free | Join former teachers and award-winning musicians for music + movement.
Robert Finley | Sat., Jan. 22 | 8 p.m. | High Noon Saloon | $20 | Join the singer + songwriter for a night of expressive country music. 🪕

Sunday

Houndmouth | Sun., Jan. 23 | 8 p.m. | Majestic Theatre | $27.50+ | A night of music from the American alternative blues band.

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.

KEEP THE GOOD TIMES GOING

Note: COVID-19 protocols are changing rapidly to curb the spread of the Omicron variant in Madison. Please make sure to check event listing pages + venue websites for the most up-to-date information.

NEWS NOTES

Weather

10º | Sunny | 10% chance of snow ☀️

Civic

Madison City Council has delayed a vote on a proposed body camera pilot program for Madison Police. The proposal has been tabled until April allowing for MPD to comply with an ordinance adopted in 2020 regarding the use + purchase of this type of equipment. (Wisconsin State Journal)

Development

Madison City Council has signed off on a future expansion for the Hilldale Shopping Center. Plans may include additional retail space, an outdoor plaza, and potentially a hotel or other housing. 🚧 (Wisconsin State Journal)

Biz

Raven Software — a Middleton-based video game developer — has been purchased along with its parent company Activision Blizzard as part of a $68.7 billion acquisition by Microsoft. Learn more about the deal + history of this legendary, local gaming giant. 🎮 (Wisconsin State Journal)

Cause

Imbibe + help support Fetch Wisconsin Rescue all at the same time by purchasing the January Community Cocktail at Gibs Bar — where a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the organization supporting local at-risk animals.

Try This

Learn how to make pizza the Lucille way with a private pizza-making class led by executive chef Jennifer Schwarzkopf. Or, take a bartending class from the Lucille mixologists to learn the art of making craft cocktails. 🍕

Ranked

Today is National Cheese Lover’s Day — and you happen to live in the No. 7 ranked city for cheese lovers. We’re sure you know what you’re doing, just in case though, check out our guide to Madison’s best cheese curds + local cheese shops around town. 🧀 (LawnStarter)

Arts

Join MMoCA for the “Caja de visiones” closing celebration on Sat., Jan. 22. Make custom cartonera booklets + participate in a guided exhibition tour. Register ahead of time to reserve a seat at the free event. 🎨

Job

We’re hiring a Sales Executive to lead our advertising relationships in Madison. This exec would manage the entire 608 territory, pitching the most relevant and modern media offering in town while earning $100,000+ with unlimited PTO. Want more info? Learn more + apply.

*This paid content, brought to you by our advertising partners, helps make this newsletter free.

POST OF THE DAY

Snow way you haven’t tried this

📸 @wi_dnr

Did you know — Wisconsin is the birthplace of the snowmobile?

In 2021 alone, nearly a quarter of a million snowmobiles have been registered to trek the 25,000 miles of trails zigzagging around the state. If this isn’t one of our favorite winter pastimes, we’re not quite sure what is.

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REWARDS

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THE WRAP

Editor’s pick: City Editor Ryan here 👋 earlier this week I checked out Boulders Climbing Gym. After the 608today team included them in our round-up of ways to stay active indoors this season, it was a must-do. From extremely kind + knowledgeable staff to minimal beta spray, we highly recommend you check out this spot.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We talked about exploring Atwood + Lake Geneva Ice Castle tickets.