madcity girl

It’s hard to believe another concert season has come and gone. As many of you know, Concerts on the Square is one of my favorite Madison traditions. It’s a very popular annual six-concert summer series put on by the Madison Symphony Orchestra on the capitol square. Picture this: a beautiful summer evening, picnic blankets covering the entire capitol lawn, families and friends catching up over picnic foods and glasses of wine, and sweet symphony music floating in the air. Seriously, what could be better?

This year, I was able to make it to three of the six concerts. It wasn’t my best record. Attendance was much lower among my friends and I this year compared to last. It was disappointing, but I can certainly understand busy schedules. There were several competing priorities, including softball games, work, triathlon training, and vacations. And for some reason, all of my male friends have decided (amongst themselves, apparently) that the concerts on the square are too feminine for their tastes. So instead, many of them spend their Wednesday nights at bar trivia. Inside. a bar. Which is clearly their loss.

Not to be all Debbie Downer (I promise I’ll get to the good stuff next), but one thing that disappointed me most about this year’s series is that tables were banned. You know that cute little table-in-a-bag from Crate & Barrel that my parents gave me for my birthday a few years ago? The one that gets me loads of compliments and sets the perfect stage for the ultimate concert picnic? Yeah, that one. Well apparently the powers that be decided that tables make unsightly indentations in the capitol square lawn. And that just can’t be.

I found out the hard way during the first concert of the summer. I had carefully set up my table and was arranging food and drinks, as a security guard came up and informed me of the new policy. I couldn’t believe my ears. Instead of making a scene and taking it out on the security guard, the mere enforcer of a stupid rule, I simply nodded and deconstructed my table. Part of me has wanted to stage a demonstration ever since to prove that tables like mine are not responsible for holes in the lawn. I could literally get on top of my table and jump up and and down and there would be no damage to the grass. But alas, I have no fight in me. So I’ve grown to arrange my food and drink on my picnic blanket just like everyone else. But I sure do miss my table in a bag.

Moving on to happier thoughts, my favorite memory from this year’s series involved a local celebrity encounter at the final concert during the first week in August. It was just a small group of us there—Julie, my friend Beth who had driven in from Naperville, and myself. I had taken the day off from work and was able to secure our usual spot under a big tree across from the Old Fashioned. It was a perfect summer night. And because it was also the last concert of the series, people came out in hordes.

Just after arriving for the concert, I looked to my left and noticed Philippe Coquard, the winemaker from Wollersheim winery, sitting next to us with his family. You may remember from past posts that I’m a big fan of Philippe. Fortuitously, my friend Julie had brought a bottle of Wollersheim’s signature Prairie Fume (the concerts on the square special edition) for us to drink with our picnic. Philippe noticed very quickly, and promptly came over to introduce himself as the winemaker. We told him that we knew exactly who he was. He also explained to us that his extended family (some in from France and Italy), about 40 in total, were in town for his daughter’s wedding and thus with him that night. Once Philippe returned to his family, we stared at each other in disbelief and squealed like teenagers.

We decided then and there that we needed a picture with Philippe. And his autograph on Julie’s bottle of wine. Just our luck, I happened to have a Sharpie in my bag. And my friend Beth agreed to serve as our photographer. After a few sips of wine, Julie and I approached Philippe. He very gladly agreed to sign the bottle and take a picture with us. I think his family found it all very entertaining. They, too, stood and snapped pictures of us. Victoriously, we returned to our blanket. And later in the night, as the wine in our glasses slowly dwindled, Philippe swept by to offer us each a pour. It was the absolute perfect way to end the 2010 concert series.

One thing I’ve realized as I’ve grown older is that it becomes increasingly difficult to keep in touch with friends from high school and college. Of my five closest friends from high school, two friends live in Chicago, one in Arizona, one in California, and one Seattle. And everyone’s really busy. Therefore, it’s very difficult to get everyone together in one place at the same time. Lately, the only opportunity we’ve had to fully reunite is for weddings. Our first friend to marry off was Beth, in November 2007. And we’ve had a bit of a dry spell since then.

So it’s a good thing my friend Erin is getting married this September. We’re well over due for a reunion. And Erin found a keeper—his name is Tim, he’s a runner, and an all-around great guy. Needless to say, he quickly received the requisite friend approval.  So Erin and Tim now live in Scottsdale, and are planning a September wedding there, with the reception at the trendy (and mid-century modern!) Valley Ho resort. I’m very excited to celebrate Erin and Tim’s special day, to see their home in Scottsdale, and to catch up with my closest friends from high school. Erin and Tim’s wedding also happens to fall on the weekend after Ironman, so I’ll definitely be ready to cut loose and have some fun. I’ll be on the dance floor for sure.

So last month Erin came back to the Midwest for a bachelorette party/bridal shower extravaganza weekend. We were literally celebrating all over the place for 48 hours straight. All of my closest friends from high school were able to make the trip, except for our friend Katy, who lives in California. We started in Chicago on Friday afternoon with drinks in Wrigleyville, followed by dinner at Socca. From there, we enjoyed a night out on the town.

After a leisurely morning the following day, we drove to Milwaukee to continue the festivities. We met some of Erin and Tim’s family for dinner downtown at Luisa’s. Then we hit an Irish bar for drinks and more good times. I rarely go out one night a week, let alone two in a row, so I was definitely loosing steam by Saturday night. But we all rose to the occasion and had a great time.

After crashing at my parents’ house in Brookfield for the night, the next morning we headed to the lake home of Erin’s aunt and uncle (on Pine Lake), for a bridal shower hosted by her aunts. It was a very classy affair. The lake home itself was stunning—marble floors, beautifully wood-paneled walls, a mind-blowing kitchen, and lake views to die for. The food was equally impressive. I actually felt like I was in a Williams Sonoma catalog, or a movie…it was all just so unreal. I’ve never been to a bridal shower quite like that—it was really impressive. After lunch, Erin opened a seemingly never-ending pile of gifts before we said our sappy goodbyes and headed back to our respective homes.

It was weekend full of festivities and fun. I’m so glad I was able to celebrate Erin and spend time with some of my closest friends. And I can’t wait for our full reunion in September!

Last Thursday’s outing to see the movie Breaking Away as part of Madison’s Bike to Work Week was everything I had hoped it would be. It was awesome to approach the Barrymore Theater and see the film title prominently displayed on the grand marquee in large block text. It was like a trip back in time. Breaking Away? You mean the 1980 Academy Award winner for best screenplay? The most iconic cycling movie in history? Here? Now?…Wow.

Before the movie, my friends and I headed across the street to enjoy pre-movie festivities at Monty’s Blue Plate Diner. The parking lot served as a cycling mecca with complimentary bike maintenance, free samples of Sassy Cow Creamery ice cream, and hordes of bike enthusiasts enjoying the good company and weather. We tasted free samples ice cream before heading into the restaurant for dinner. There, I enjoyed classic diner fare—a burger, fries, and a big slice of peanut butter pie. Adequately fueled, we then headed back across the street to snag good seats for the show.

We were actually one of the first groups to arrive at the theater. I carefully chose seats front and center. We were a little distracted by the powerful scent of mildew emanating from the old theater, but that certainly didn’t stop us from diving into big boxes of movie candy, compliments of a friend who moonlights as morning stock girl at Walgreens. A steady stream of people made their way into the theater until all rows were more or less filled.

Finally the moment I had waited for came to life on the big screen. It was Bloomington, Indiana, circa 1979. The opening scene takes place at a local quarry as viewers are introduced to the “Cutters,” the local gang of tan-skinned, shaggy-hair drifters, who the audience inevitably grows to love. Although I’d previously seen the movie ages ago, most of the scenes seemed new and unfamiliar. Thus, it was as exciting as watching it for the first time. My favorite scenes from the movie include Dave serenading “Katarina” at her sorority house, Dave drafting a semi on the highway, and the Little 500 bike race: Cutters vs. college frat guys. Bet you can guess the winner of that showdown. Let’s just say the theater erupted in applause at the conclusion of the exciting and suspenseful race.

Major props to the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin for hosting a free screening of Breaking Away in Madison and for organizing the entire array of Bike to Work Week events. As always, the events generated great participation and enthusiasm from the entire community.

I’m pretty sure I consumed my body weight in chocolate last Saturday night. My friend Julie and I (along with our very intoxicated friend Kurt), attended a wine and chocolate tasting event at the Olbrich Botanical Gardens. It was definitely my kind of event—$25 all-you-can eat/drink. And you know how much I like to take advantage of those kind of deals.

Julie’s husband Matt was originally scheduled to attend the event as well. But that was before he received free tickets to Bock Fest, an all-day drinking event at the Capital Brewery in Middleton that very same day. Julie adamantly warned Matt beforehand not to drink too much. I kept my mouth shut, but seriously doubted Matt’s ability to keep his sobriety in tact at Bock Fest. With all that beer, testosterone, and peer pressure. It was a lost cause. Sorry, Julie.

So as to be expected, upon pick up at the brewery, Julie decided that Matt was in no suitable condition to attend the wine and chocolate tasting event that night. But to my absolute disbelief, Julie reasoned that Matt’s best friend Kurt (who also attended Bock Fest) would be a suitable replacement. But once again I kept my mouth shut.

Kurt. Where to begin? Kurt is a friend of mine from college. He’s quite the character. A former Bucky Badger. You may also remember him as the star of the recent indie flick “Go West Happy Cow.” Kurt’s a great guy. Always a good laugh. But Kurt most certainly would not come to mind as a sober replacement for a refined wine and chocolate tasting event.

I think Julie and I both knew we were in trouble when Kurt started giving out high fives while we were waiting in line to enter the event. Kurt, this isn’t a sporting event, Julie sneered. We were definitely among the youngest people there. It was mostly a dignified crowd of gray-haired professorial types. What was most interesting to me was watching the older women react to Kurt’s antics—some were visibly appalled (I’m embarrassed for you, one snidely remarked). Others doted on Kurt like a long-lost grandson (oh…honeyyy). But when Kurt said “fuck” for the third time, Julie had had enough. At that point, we parted ways. And so while Julie and I started in on our second loop of wine and chocolate, Kurt wandered off in search of new lady friends.

The event featured wineries and chocolatiers from the surrounding Madison area. Offerings included espresso truffles, cherry port, lemon cardamom-infused chocolate, Lakeshore fume, pecan caramel clusters, chocolate dipped dried Door County cherries, pinot noir, and chocolate chili gelato—just to name a few. All you can eat. And drink. To say I was in heaven would be an understatement.

It was hard to pick favorites among the samples. David Bacco Chocolats and Wollersheim Winery are already among my top picks. Others that I really enjoyed included the liqueurs from AEppel Treow Winery, the balsamic-infused dark chocolate truffles from Maurie’s Fine Chocolate, pomegranate white tea infusion chocolate from TerraSource Gourmet Chocolates, and toffee from James J. Chocolates. We also all really enjoyed the guy from AEppel Treow Winery (pictured, above, appropriately sporting and kilt and silver flask). There were good laughs with that one.

Despite the evening’s rough start, Julie and I persevered for three hours of nonstop chocolate and wine tasting. Because that’s the kind of ironwomen we are. By the end of the night, we were giddy and content with bellies full of wine and chocolate. And Kurt made some new friends. All of which has made for a great story among our friends.

With falling snowflakes, sunny skies, and a thick coat of snow covering the landscape, this past weekend was one of those idyllic Wisconsin winter weekends that people in warmer climates sometimes fantasize about.

It all made for a perfect setting for two of my favorite annual Madison winter traditions. The first of which was the 7th annual Madison Winter Festival, which aims to “promote fun and healthy lifestyles during winter by showcasing snow sports and festive recreational activities.” The event features x-country ski racing, snowshoe events, half-pipe snowboarding, a 5k fun run, and an ice sculpture competition. On Friday night, a friend and I walked around the Capitol Square, watching a team of snow plows working through the night, methodically transforming the Capitol Square into one giant snow playground. Since I live only a few blocks from the square, I was able to make it to the Festival on both Saturday and Sunday to check out the events. I always love watching the professional x-country skiers—their speed and form is breathtaking.

One of my other favorite Madison winter traditions occurred on the UW-Madison campus for 12 hours on Friday. From 8am until 8pm, several members of the UW Cycling Team rode their bikes on stationary trainers in Library Mall to raise money for the Madison Area Safe Kids Coalition, which is a group that provides car seats and bicycle helmets to underprivileged kids in the Madison community.

I remember the event back when I was a student at UW, and it always brought a big smile to my face. You’ve got cyclists freezing their butts off, riding in the heart of campus during the dead of winter, enthusiastically pleading to their fellow students for support. To me, the event represents the kind of students, groups, and events that truly set UW-Madison apart. Students who are not only extremely bright, but community-minded, active, fun, passionate, generous, and hard-working.

If you think we’re hibernating until spring here in Madison, Wisconsin, you must be mistaken. There’s so much to love about winter here. All you have to do is learn how to embrace it.

Fromagination is a specialty market on the capitol square that sells artisanal cheeses and “perfect companions.” A stroll though the quaint, yet perfectly merchandised store, yields an other-worldly experience—with all the charm of old-world Wisconsin and the culinary luxuries of modern times. Certainly the focus of the store is the artisanal cheeses (expertly sourced from Wisconsin and all over the world), which are prominently displayed in large glass cases that run the length of the store. But more than anything else, I’m always drawn in by the “companions,” such as French macaroons, Quince and Apple preserves, Potter’s Crackers, Zingerman’s baked goods, and Dean & Deluca sauces, oils, and spices. It’s truly a foodie paradise.

Which is all to say that I was very excited to learn that Fromagination hosts communal “farmhouse” fondue lunches during the months of January and February. Isthmus food-writer Linda Falkenstein ranked the lunch as “the best thing [she] ate all year in 2009.” She described the experience as a “cheerful, sumptuous, intoxicating February picnic.” So of course, I had to try it myself. With my friend Lauren, we booked our reservation for a Wednesday in late-February and waited patiently for our chance to dip in.

Our seating was at 11am yesterday. Upon arrival, the warm store instantly provided a nice sanctuary from the blustery winter weather. After milling around the store for a few minutes, we eventually took seats with ten other dining companions. Lauren and I sat at the end of the table and shared a pot with two other women, who told us they worked at a local cheese producer. One of the Fromagination employees offered a pour of white wine, which we gladly accepted. After that, our host (the cheese buyer) explained the history and traditions behind Swiss fondue. Then lunch was served. The menu featured Roth Kase alpine-style fondue, a signature salad, Neuske’s smoked summer sausage, fingerling potatoes, roasted carrots, French cornichons, and freshly baked bread cubes for dipping. Dessert included two small chocolate chip cookies and hot spiced almonds. To say I was in foodie heaven would be an understatement.

I found the video below from a diner (Lindsay from 77square) who attended last week’s fondue lunch. Although it’s a short video, I think it helps provide a glimpse of the dining experience and atmosphere.

Words can’t do justice to the fondue lunch—every part of the meal was perfectly executed. At the meal’s conclusion, I was adequately stuffed and undeniably content. My only complaints were that we were not served Kirsh at the end of the meal (there were glasses on the table, but we were never offered a pour). Also, Lauren and I were a little surprised to realize that the glass of wine we had each accepted at the beginning of the meal had resulted in a $6 charge (in addition to the $22 lunch). I think it’s fine to charge extra for a glass of wine, but only if you make that clear to your diners from the beginning. The meal would have been perfect if not for those two hiccups. But I refuse to let them leave a sour taste in my mouth—nope, all that is left is the memory of a magical winter fondue feast.

Although the outdoor Dane County Farmers’ Market On the Square takes a break during the colder months, the spirit of the market lives on through the indoor winter market. There are essentially two sessions of the winter market: early winter and late winter. The early winter market is held at the Monona Terrace on Saturdays from mid-November through mid-December. The late winter market is held at the Madison Senior Center on Saturdays from early-January through mid-April.

Of course I’ve been to countless outdoor markets on the square. I’ve also made it to a few early winter markets at the Monona Terrace. However, this past Saturday marked my first visit to the late winter market at the Madison Senior Center. The best part about the late winter market is that every week a local guest chef prepares an elaborate breakfast spread as part of the “Taste of the Market”—a fundraiser for the Dane County Farmers’ Market.

This season’s guest chefs have included Matt Pace of Monty’s Blue Plate Diner, Tory Miller of L’Etoile, David McKercher of Mermaid Cafe, Jonny Hunter of the Underground Food Collective, and students from Slow Food UW. All of the breakfast ingredients are locally sourced, primarily from the vendors represented at the market. And the breakfast is always accompanied by live musical entertainment—ranging from Folk to Creole tunes.  The price of the breakfast is typically around $8 (there are also kid’s portions and vegetarian options available). Following are two recent menus:

1/23/20: Tory Miller of L’Etoile: Handmade Apple Pancakes with Maple Syrup; Butter Mountain and Driftless Organic Hashbrowns with Hook’s Cheddar Cheese; Breakfast Sausage; Spinach Salad with Bacon Dressing; Café Soleil Pastries; organic fair trade coffee or tea; and apple cider or cranberry juice.

2/6/10: Underground Food Collective and Slow Food UW: Homemade bison pastrami brined in Ela Orchard apple cider, served with a fried egg and tomatillo sauce on Silly Yak bread in a sandwich; salad with Don’s mixed greens, homemade Fountain Prairie and Pecatonica Valley bacon, Driftless Organic shaved carrots and sprouted lentils; Butter Mountain roasted smashed potatoes; and organic fair trade Just Coffee and tea, apple cider, cranberry juice, and milk.

During my visit last Saturday, I was really impressed by both the breakfast and the farmers’ market itself. The breakfast (the menu listed from 2/6) was one of the most satisfying I’ve had in a long time. I particularly loved the salad with mixed greens, bacon, shaved carrots and lentils—the contrasting textures and flavors were spectacular. For the amount and quality of  food, the price can’t be beat—and knowing that proceeds support the market is a huge plus. The one thing to keep in mind about the breakfast, however, is that it is very popular among locals. The Madison Senior Center isn’t the largest venue, so there are people everywhere— in line for breakfast, searching for a seat, and shopping at the market. I’d recommend arriving early (the market opens at 8am) and remember to bring cash.

I was also surprised by the number of vendors at the winter market. Surprsingly, many of my favorites from the outdoor season are there—Bleu Mont Dairy, Grace Cheesecake, Snug Haven Farm,  etc. And so many offerings—fruits, vegetables, baked goods, cheeses, and specialty items (maple syrup, candles, honey, etc.).

Many people only know about the outdoor market on the square. But the winter market is a real treat—you can’t beat a mid-winter gourmet breakfast and your pick from a wide array of local produce and offerings.

There is a snowy, tree-lined trail dimly lit by an endless stream of flickering candles that disappear deep into the forest.  Acutely aware of my surroundings, and in great awe and anticipation of the adventure ahead, I carefully strap on my snowshoes at the trail head. First my left foot. Then my right. Good. Ready. I begin the descent into the forest. The night is quiet and still. But there is laughter and movement. A million twinkling stars ignite the expansive, dark sky. I inhale slowly and my lungs fill with the refreshingly cool air. It doesn’t take long to find a rhythm with my stride. My snowshoes glide over the snow, silently packing the loose snow with each footfall. Occasionally, I pass other snowshoers and hikers. We exchange smiles and graciously move to the edge of the trail to make room for each other to pass. There are families, a toddler riding on his father’s shoulders, dogs, young friends, and older couples. All walks of life on a trail of darkness alive with light.

After a few loops of the trail, my legs become weary and I crave the warmth of the bonfire and a hot beverage. I make my way back to the trail head and quickly slip out of my snowshoes. I join the mass of people surrounding a crackling bonfire. They are roasting marshmallows over the fire, resting on hay barrels carefully arranged around the perimeter, and giddily filling to the brim Styrofoam cups of hot chocolate. With great focus, I immediately navigate my way through the crowd to the hot chocolate station. I grab a cup and greedily dig deep into the bag of marshmallows that I suddenly realize are frozen solid. Nonetheless, I toss several in my cup and pour steaming hot chocolate into the recesses. I find a hay barrel close to the fire and rest back, feeling the warmth of the fire on my skin. I sip my hot chocolate and take it all in—the people and the magical winter night.

To me, there’s nothing that illustrates the beauty of Wiscosnin wintertime more than a candelight snowshoe. Last Saturday night, I attended an event at  Blue Mound State Park. Over the last few years, the Candlelight Ski and Hike Events hosted at Wisconsin state parks, forests, and trails have quickly  become one of my favorite wintertime activities. There are more than 25 events during the months of January through March. Most events begin after dusk, and amazingly, the trails are lit with 200-400 candles per mile. The events are free, but a state park admission sticker is required for entrance to the parks. There are still many events to come in the next few weeks. Even if you don’t own skis or snowshoes, you can rent them or just hike the trails. It’s an experience that will change your view of winter in Wisconsin forever. I promise.

Last night my friend Krista and I attended the first-ever “Pork Off,” a benefit for REAP Food Group’s Farm to School Program, which aims to get quality food in Madison schools. Organized by Weary Traveler chef Joey Dunscrombe, the event took place at the restaurant and featured 10 porcine imaginings from 10 talented chefs representing Restaurant Magnus, Underground Food Collective, Nattspil, Alchemy, Mermaid Cafe, Barriques, and other local favorites.

Krista and I arrived a few minutes before the event’s scheduled 4 p.m. start time. The chefs were well organized at stations surrounding the perimeter of the room, but the rest of the restaurant was mass chaos. Long lines and lots of pushing. Luckily, Krista and I were among the first to pay and make our way around the pork buffet. Each chef briefly described his or her creation while serving us a small portion. Our plates were very small, so finding enough space for 10 pork dishes required a bit of pushing food around and piling things on top of others. By the end of the loop, I had no idea what was what. But I was ready to dig in.

Krista and I made our way to the back of the restaurant and quickly found great seats. We ordered drinks and began feasting on our plates o’ pork. The entries varied from chocolate-covered candied bacon, to curried pork, to Dr. Pepper marinated pulled pork. All were unique and delicious. And of course, no pork off is complete without a serious vote to determine the top chef. In the end, David McKercher from Mermaid Cafe took home top honors for his Babi Guling (Balinese roast pork).

Pork. It’s what’s for dinner.

Are words even necessary?