Price-5; Quality-4; Flavor-5; Authenticity-4; Service-4. TOTAL: 22/25

You know it’s going to be a good week when you only have two, maybe three days of classes ahead of you. You know it’s going to be a really good week when, once classes are done, the rest of the time will be dedicated to eating lots of delicious foods. I was feeling great on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving because I only had one class left and my thoughts were already studded with corn and cranberries. When lunchtime rolled around, I decided to start my celebration of food a little early. I had heard Ian’s would be featuring a Thanksgiving slice loaded with mashed potatoes, turkey, gravy, cranberries and stuffing. I like Ian’s, and I love Thanksgiving, so I was pretty sure I didn’t want to miss out on this pre-feast.

I arrived at the Langdon location around noon and entered through the red canopy-covered storefront. Lines were not too long, which was awesome because I was hungry! I got to the front of the line and the “specials” chalkboard read: “Thanksgiving Pizza,” and it was written next to a picture of a perky turkey looking very thankful it hadn’t yet become part of a slice. “I’ll have one of those,” I told the flustered but friendly man behind the counter. When he crinkled his face, squinted his eyes, and drew in a fast breath, I knew something wasn’t right. “We’re out,” he apologetically exclaimed. “We ran out of mashed potatoes an hour ago. Come back in a little bit and we’ll have more.”

I didn’t have a little bit, and I figured they couldn’t make me a special Thanksgiving slice minus the mashed potatoes. Since Ian’s shortage had put me at a disadvantage, I concluded it would only be fair to put their employees to the test. I asked the counter guy for a recommendation. He suggested a slice with fresh mozzarella, tomato and basil. I said I’d take it, and proceeded to hand over my three dollars and fifty cents. I hoped the counter man’s recommendation wouldn’t let me down!

Once I got past my disappointment that I would actually have to wait until Thursday to get my hands on some Thanksgiving grub, I was quite excited about the slice I ended up with. I’d never had this slice before, and when I smelled it, I wondered why. I found a seat near the window as a group of young businessmen filled in and unashamedly ordered two steak and fries slices each. Not only did my pizza smell good, but it also looked good. The deep-red tomato sauce was covered with layers of fresh mozzarella and half moons of fresh tomato slices, topped with several fresh basil leaves and a light drizzle of oil and pepper. If there’s one thing you can always count on Ian’s for, it’s that you’ll never be left with a sparsely topped slice. This baby was loaded. Not to mention it was bigger than the paper plate it was placed on.

Time to dig in. The crack of the crust with my first bite reassured me that Ian’s was up to its perfectly crispy crust standard. The fresh mozzarella melted in my mouth and I knew it couldn’t be anything but fresh. The tomato slices—the tomato slices! They were red and meaty and flavorful—a very hard thing to come by in Wisconsin, especially in the middle of November. I was impressed, and will eat a slice topped with only tomatoes next time if they offer it (I know, I know…). The basil was no let down either. The whole leaves proved pungent and brought the slice together in a flavorful frenzy. The flavor combination of fresh mozzarella, tomato and basil always makes me think of the best tastes at the height of summer. If Ian’s can pull off summer this well year round, I would part with my three dollars and fifty cents just about any day. Bring on a Wisconsin winter!

So, I didn’t get my Thanksgiving On A Slice, but as I reluctantly threw my paper plate and plastic fork in the trash (really? come on Ian’s!), I decided that maybe it had been a good twist of fate. Let turkey shine in its rightful place on Turkey Day.

As I wandered back to campus through the wind and rain for one last class, I realized there were a few things I was quite thankful for: Ian’s, their fresh tomato mozzarella and basil pizza, and the counter guy who recommended it. What more could I ask for? Except maybe another slice.

Authenticity-5
; Service-4
; Flavor-4
; Price-5
; Quality-4

. TOTAL: 22/25

Pizza isn’t just pizza at Ian’s! Several kinds of weird combinations of toppings and spices are not only made possible here, but they are also created on a mass scale every day of the week.

When I went to Ian’s Pizza to participate in the Eaters Digest “Battle of the Slice” event, I ordered the Buffalo Chicken pizza and was not disappointed. When I first heard about buffalo chicken on a pizza, I was incredibly skeptical about a chef being able to pull this off. Ian’s uses just enough chunks of delicious chicken tossed in zesty buffalo sauce to make you forget that you are actually eating pizza and not wings. For an added boost, they also have bottles of the sauce on side, and finish this already perfect slice by scattering real bleu cheese curds on it.

Ian’s Pizza is a uniquely Madison experience and it is fast, cheap, and delicious. It is therefore a perfect place to eat and hang out at for the typical college student.

Authenticity -5; Service -4; Flavor – 3; Price – 3; Qualitiy -4. TOTAL: 19/25

For a restaurant that is on top of a run down building, Wasabi actually was aesthetically pleasing.  As soon as I walked through the doors I felt as if I had left Madison and entered an authentic Japanese sushi bar.  For a relatively small restaurant, the tables were separated very nicely and the food was served on colorful platters.  I enjoyed how the staff didn’t supply us with forks; I had to work my way through the meal using chop sticks, which made the meal much more exciting.

My roommate and I chose to grab a late dinner on a Friday night, hoping to miss the crowds.  Being sushi virgins, we had no idea how to order.  The menu was full of options and there was even a separate menu for ordering just sushi.  Sensing our frustrations, our waitress immediately came over and explained to us how the menu worked and what came with each dish.  Suddenly it became much clearer and we were able to decide what to order.  The staff was more than happy to help us with our order, and this certainly made our new experience more pleasing!

For dinner, we decided to order a california roll (real crab, avacado and cucumbers), a new york roll (shrimp and avacado), and an order of stir fried veggies.  The food came out quickly and was served in an orderly fashion; the sushi was carefully placed on the plates and the side dishes were neatly stacked on the sides.  Being new to sushi, I am unaware of what “good sushi” tastes like, but the food was quite enjoyable.

The rice surrounding the sushi was the perfect consistency, and there was just enough fish on the insides.  I must say, I enjoyed the new york rolls much more than the california rolls, but neither dish was bad.  I wouldn’t say they were mouth-watering good, but that could be due to my lack of experience.  The stir fried veggies, however, were rather disappointing.  They were a little overcooked and the cabbage didn’t taste too fresh.

One of the main disappointments of the night was the price of the meal.  Compared to other sushi places though Wasabi is considered decently priced. Between the two of us we paid over $30 and left feeling unsatisfied and hungry. To me, the price of the food was not worth it because it doesn’t leave me feeling full.

Overall, the quality of the experience was good.  We had great service, learned new things and, although we spent a lot of money, had  fun trying new foods.  While I don’t particularly love sushi, I think Wasabi does have something to offer those who do love sushi.  It does have a nice, authentic atmosphere, the staff is wonderful, and the food is beautifully displayed and cheaper than other sushi places. I would recommend Wasabi to anyone who loves sushi and wants a nice place to chill with friends and chat.

Authenticity: 5; Service: 4; Flavor:4; Price: 2 Quality: 3. TOTAL: 18/25

Aesthetically, Sushi Hut is a pleasing new addition to the array of ethnic restaurants lining State Street. While it only features a very limited dining space, this actually adds to the intimacy of the experience (the sushi bar is only a few feet away from the farthest table in the restaurant). The tables, plates, silverware, and lighting all blend pleasantly together for a different dining experience than one would generally find on State Street; they are all reminiscent of New York sushi restaurants and those found in Japan.

However, the aestheticism of Sushi Hut is where the dining pleasure ends. A quick look at the menu will confuse even the most regular of sushi patrons. Those looking for either dining specials or large platters will be sorely disappointed. There are only there sushi lunch “specials” which pull off the impressive feat of costing more than the dinner I ordered. $13 is more expensive than the average ethnic dinner entrée on State Street, and while they have some comparatively cheap hibachi lunch specials (still priced at what would generally be considered dinner prices) the hibachi meal that we tried at dinner was extremely bland. Many of the portion sizes are also questionable. While the hibachi chicken we ordered was a decent size (as it should be at $12.95), the miso soups, at $2 each, might as well have been served in shot glasses.

That all being said, the rainbow roll that I ordered was actually quite good, even if it did cost $10.95 for eight pieces. The fish was soft and fresh, and the roll was extremely well put together, especially given all that it was made of (tuna, salmon, yellowtail, and whitefish, all compiled onto a California roll). The rainbow roll by itself actually made for a decently sized dinner, although more serious eaters may find it to be lacking.

The real downfall of sushi hut is the pricing. The only truly affordable items on the menu are the udons, which are not commonly ordered dinners at the restaurant. With a total dearth of sushi specials, deals and platters, it is hard to tell whom exactly Sushi Hut is catering to. A dinner for two can easily exceed $30, and the lunch specials are arguably even more expensive. This is not a restaurant for college students, and yet, it will not satisfy sushi connoisseurs either. Those looking for an affordable dinner will be disappointed, and those looking for an expensive treat have many, far better options on State Street. Sushi Hut is outmatched on almost every level by its nearby competitors, and it will need to decide who exactly its targeted patrons are before it can become a truly successful new addition to State Street.

Authenticity: 4; Service: 5; Flavor: 5; Price: 5; Culture: 5. TOTAL: 24/25

Since opening up in 2005, The Old Fashioned has quickly become a Madison institution.  Known for its home-style, Wisconsin-cooking, margarine is certainly a four-letter word in this dining establishment.  The pride for the state is evident not just in its menu, which abounds with Wisconsin dishes made with Wisconsin ingredients, but also in its décor.  Maps of the state line the walls along with ads for Wisconsin products from Door County Cherries, to everything dairy.  Don’t forget about the beer either as they have over 150 from Wisconsin.  With its emphasis on tradition and taste, along with a total disregard for calorie counts, the Wisconsin culture is definitely a 5 at The Old Fashioned and so I went with high hopes for a Wisconsin style fish fry.

Unusual for The Old Fashioned, there was no line and I was promptly seated.  What wasn’t unusual was the quick presentation of the menus and excellent service, for which I’m awarding them a 5.  The waitress was friendly, prompt, and attentive without being overbearing or annoying. She took drink orders and went over the special, which on Fridays is of course, the fish fry.  The Old Fashioned doesn’t just have one type of fish though; they have all three typically found at a Wisconsin fish fry.

A beer battered cod special is $9.95.  2 oversized pieces of cod covered most of the plate and came out steaming!  It was so hot from the fryer it literally couldn’t be touched.  Grease oozed with every bite in the most delicious way possible.  All of this is served on a heaping bed of just incredible fries with a side of tartar sauce and coleslaw.  Some may want to add salt to the fries, but personally I like mine less salted and was happy to leave the shaker on the table where it was.  The tartar sauce on the side was simply delightful with a hint of lemon and capers.  If you wanted more lemon, freshly sliced wedges were on the side.  Then there was the coleslaw.  Normally, I hate coleslaw.  This, however, was not a typical, mayo slathered, droopy mess of sad looking cabbage.  The cabbage was crisp and fresh.  The dressing was light and clear.  Plus, the poppy seeds combined with just a hint of horseradish, made it truly delectable.

Flour dusted perch is a little more expensive at $12.95 and its also a little different because its flour dusted instead of beer battered, which is an option I liked having available.  Also, instead of 2 oversized pieces, there were 8 or 9 smaller pieces.  Don’t worry though as they added up to a pretty substantial portion of fish.  The perch didn’t ooze oil the way the cod did, which might help ease your mind about calories because it doesn’t feel as greasy; but it’s probably just as bad.  It certainly had the taste of delicious grease and the flavor of the fish also came through a little more than with the cod. All of this sits on top of a big bed of fries with coleslaw, lemon-caper tartar sauce, and fresh lemon wedges on the side.

Beer battered walleye is $13.95 and you definitely get what you pay for.  The walleye was definitely my favorite of the three fish available.  It had the same brown, crispy outside as the cod, but the inside was a little firmer and the fish almost had a little bit of a buttery flavor to it.  Fries, coleslaw, and fresh lemons finish the dish to perfection.  It’s certainly the priciest fish option and for those looking to experience the flavor of the walleye fish fry at a lower price, try the #36 Beer battered walleye sandwich for only $8.95.  That’s also offered on the regular menu so it’s available throughout the week instead of just Friday.  All 3 fish get a 5 for flavor.  They are just great.

As for the last criterion of authenticity, every bone in my body wants to give The Old Fashioned a 5 for authenticity.  Nothing is more authentically Wisconsin than this restaurant.  They source their ingredients locally and are unabashedly pro-butter.  But, the fish fry at The Old Fashioned is not all you can eat and a truly authentic Wisconsin fish fry is.  They don’t give small portions.  I would challenge most people to tell me with a straight face that they are still hungry after finishing one of those portions.  But, there are some people though; who will live up to that challenge and for that The Old Fashioned loses one authenticity point.

Overall, The Old Fashioned provided an excellent fish fry experience.  The atmosphere is great.  The prices are reasonable.  The food is absolutely incredible.  The wait staff is friendly and knowledgeable.  On top of all of this, they offer a lot more than just fish fry and for those looking for something lighter, there are some salads and sandwiches that certainly don’t skimp on the flavor.  Don’t go during any normal eating hour if you are in a big rush though as The Old Fashioned does not take reservations and it is highly unusual for them to not have a line.  They do offer carryout though.

Authenticity: 5; Service: 4; Flavor: 5; Price: 4; Quality: 5. TOTAL: 23/25

Price: Dinner: $8.00 – $16.00

When I was first confronted with doing a fish fry review for the month of October I hesitated due to my natural disgust for fish.  However, when I was informed I would be writing a review about Brocach’s Irish Pub, I quickly forgot my hatred and decided I couldn’t resist an opportunity to eat at this upbeat and authentic place.

I chose a Madison “Fish Fry Friday” for my Irish feast and was welcomed into the restaurant with the roaring sounds of live music and friendly chatter.  The walls were covered with antique black and white photos of Irish landscapes and people, giving you a genuine old Irish feel.  Across the top of the bar were various phrases etched in Gaelic, inviting all to the unique and social culture of Ireland.

Although there was a wedding reception that night and the place was packed, I was nonetheless immediately seated and attended to by a waiter.  One of my biggest pet peeves is when a waiter is constantly by your side and never stops asking you how your food is; this waiter, however, was anything like that.  He appeared only when my friend and I really needed him and frequently filled our drinks without disturbing our conversation.  The only problem with our service is that it took forever to bring out the check. Overall though I enjoyed our service and didn’t feel rushed.

The food arrived quickly and was neatly presented.  I ordered the unlimited fish fry that came with two fried fish strips placed on a platter of fries and served with a scrumptious co slaw that contained raisins and a sweet sauce.  Despite my hesitance, I loved the fish and ate every bite of it.  I was impressed by the mix of salty and sweet flavors in the dish and absolutely blown away by how wonderfully the fish was prepared.  I went with a fish connoisseur who equally shared my love and agreed that it was the perfect texture.

Between the two of us, we spent no more than $25, which included two drinks and unlimited fish fry.  Although it is a little pricier than a quick eat on State Street, it is well worth it and you get much more than what you pay for.  I would recommend Brocach to anyone looking for an enjoyable place to hangout over a delicious meal and listen to traditional Irish music.  In fact, I would advise coming when there is a live band to get the authentic Irish feel, but anytime is a good time to go to Brocach’s Irish Pub.

Slánte!

Authenticity:5; Service: 4; Flavor: 4; Price: 4; Culture: 5. TOTAL: 22/25

The Avenue Bar is a fixture of the Madison pub scene, having been featured in Todd Blackledge’s “Taste of the Town” during ESPN coverage of Wisconsin football games.  The clientele seem to enjoy the 1950s décor and laid-back atmosphere of the place, which has two large rooms, one that features a full bar and lunchtime seating and another that opens for dinner.  Wisconsin athletic paraphernalia line the walls, providing a glimpse of the history and tradition of the state.  Most importantly, however, this establishment undeniably calls itself home to one of Madison’s finest fish frys.

Fish frys are a Friday tradition here in Wisconsin and the Avenue Bar has been serving it’s fried cod as long as its rival fish fry establishments.  In addition to the fish tasting fresh and being perfectly breaded, it is served in a uniquely Wisconsin setting, giving all customers, myself included, an authentic Wisconsin experience.

The two oversized strips of cod are delectable and definitely the best in Madison.  The fish is always tender and tastes high quality.  The breading, without a question, is what sets this place apart.  Crispy, brown and beer-battered, rather than crumby, the breading is comprised of distinct layers, each filled with oily grease.  The filet is juicy and liquid oozes out with each bite – truly scrumptious. The “chips,”, however, as they are, leave much to be desired.  They amount to a pile of gratuitous, overcooked, nondescript French fries.  Fish ‘n’ chips without good chips cannot receive a 5.

At $11.95 for the dinner special, the meal is very reasonably priced.  The drinks and appetizers are also priced very competitively.

The staff at the Avenue Bar is generally friendly and will never hesitate to offer you a beverage (or several).  My waitress at dinner demonstrated good knowledge of the bar and made great recommendations.  It is not the place to go if you’re in a hurry, though, as the wait time for food can be long when the restaurant is crowded.  Nonetheless, the cod is worth the patience and you can nibble on their excellent cheese curds while you wait!

Authenticity: 5: A good ol’ hearty Wisconsin farm fresh breakfast

Service: 4: The waitresses all seem friendly enough, and the food comes out quickly.

Flavor: 5: Every bite is delicious and flavorful.

Price: 5: Extremely reasonable (again, $.75 for a cinnamon roll!).

Quality: 4: Food is of high quality; silverware not so much…still works though!

TOTAL: 23/25

When I walked into Mickey’s Dairy Bar on Monroe Street (directly across from Camp Randall) I immediately noticed its good ol’ fashioned charm: circa 1950s, the male Bucky Badger in one corner of the restaurant over the men’s restroom and the female Bucky Badger in the other corner over the lady’s restroom. Moreover, I noticed a large wall-menu taking up nearly the entire wall on the far side of the restaurant between both bathrooms, and how the restaurant did not use paper menus. Kudos to Mickey’s for going green long before anyone else!

After waiting to be seated for about one minute, the waitress then quickly came to the table to take my order. I ordered a cinnamon roll, a medium rare steak, two over-easy eggs, a generous helping of yanks, and two pieces of wheat toast.

The best part about the cinnamon roll was that it was only $.75!  It had a mysterious light brown frosting on it that I believe was maple flavored – tasty, but nothing to write home about.  The steak was slightly over cooked, but hey, it was a breakfast steak, and nonetheless tasty.  The eggs were perfectly cooked, with soft yolk seeping out ever so gently with each fork stroke. And to answer the common question, “what the hell are Yanks?”, they are the team we all love to hate, but they are also Mickey’s renowned and delicious, trademark version of hash browns, served in generous portions.

After devouring all of this food, I ate two pieces of wheat toast.  I know that toast is usually a nondescript part of a meal, but not in the case of Mickey’s.  The toast, as I mentioned to my lactose-intolerant companion during our meal, must have had some special, sweet kind of butter on it.  It was absolutely fabulous, and although I could not talk my friend into trying it (for obvious reasons), I hope that I can persuade future customers at Mickey’s to have a slice or two!

When a friend, family member, or even a complete stranger tells you to go to Mickey’s Dairy Bar, you better listen!  GO TO MICKEY’S. The food is delicious and satisfying.

By: Sharifa Sulaiman Riyami

Authenticity: 5; Service: 5; Flavor: 5; Price: 5; Quality: 4. TOTAL: 24/25

Breakfast at Sunroom Café, particularly Sunday Brunch, is as crucial a part of UW tradition as attending the football games and sliding down Bascom Hill on a food tray. This cute café, artistically wedged between Campus Street Sportswear and GameStop on State Street, offers a wide selection of yummy breakfast items ranging from creative omelets to great-tasting pancakes.

In order to truly put Sunroom to the test, my friends and I tackled different parts of the menu. I started off my meal with a surprisingly delicious bran muffin, followed by a Turkey-Swiss Omelet. This omelet is not part of the menu, but I was craving it and they were kind enough to oblige. My omelet was served with the famous Sunroom Potatoes, which were also delicious. Finally, I topped off my meal with a wheat pancake that didn’t taste healthy at all, and was indeed, scrumptious.

My two friends each chose the fruit bowl and the Mexican Omelet-a crowd favorite- and they were both satisfied. After enjoying our insanely large proportions, several cups of refillable coffee, glasses of orange juice and spoonfuls of gossip, we were all more than happy to dish out a mere 11$ each for a breakfast fit for a king (or queen).

The best part about Sunroom, though, is it’s ever-changing art. Every week or so, a new artist is featured on the walls, and this can range from Persian tiles to car bumpers. It is safe to say that Sunroom doesn’t lose its small-town charm and the Staff is always timely and friendly. On some Sundays, though, the line is a little too long, but it moves pretty fast and it’s well worth the wait!

The only downside is that the tables are on the smaller size and since the café is short of space, it can get a bit too snug for my comfort. I wish that Sunroom would consider extending its breakfast menu to an all-day breakfast- after all it is the most important meal of the day!

By Abe Berkley Vigil

This past week I had the pleasure of eating at Tutto Pasta on State Street. My review of Tutto Pasta was based on five categories provided by Eaters Digest: authenticity, quality of food, service, price, and taste. I was moreover given the privilege to discuss my overall impression of the restaurant.

I feel that Tutto Pasta was successful in dominating all of these categories, and definitely proved itself to be one of the best restaurants in Madison. Coming from Chicago, authentic Italian food is important to me. When I think of authentic Italian food I think of specific staple dishes that are common in most Italian restaurants such as pastas, pizzas, and poultry or meat dishes. Tutto Pasta succeeds in having great staple dishes in these three food categories, and my favorites from each are ravioli with marinara, margarita pizza, and chicken Parmesan. Since authenticity is striving for the best aspects of a nation’s dishes, it is easy to see how this goes hand in hand with the quality of food.

Great Italian food should have rich colors, distinct flavors, and unmistakable freshness. The dish I tried this past week was rigatoni norma, a rigatoni, or tube shaped pasta dish with eggplant, marinara, basil, parmesan and Romano cheese. I enjoyed this dish because the marinara had a strong tomato flavor and was also a little sweet. The rigatoni was a great choice of pasta for the dish because it held the marinara and flavor. I furthermore loved the taste of basil in the dish, and I fully associate the strong taste of basil with freshness.

The service was another strong spot for Tutto Pasta. When I arrived at the restaurant they gave me a basket of warm bread right away and asked if I wanted more whenever I had eaten it all. The food came out quickly and there was no lag time in trying to get the bill after the meal, which at other restaurants sometimes takes almost as long as the eating itself.

In regard to price, Tutto Pasta is generally a little more expensive than a lot of other restaurants on State Street and for the average college student on a budget. However, the great food, great service, and large portion sizes certainly compensate for the price. With that being said, all of the food tasted great from the bread they give you while you wait, to the main course. I have been to Tutto several times and have tasted a variety of dishes. I am always impressed by how they are able to successfully execute all five categories. Tutto pasta is definitely one of the best restaurants in Madison and I give it a 24 out of a possible 25 on the scale provided by Eaters Digest. I recommend Tutto Pasta to anyone who is a fan of great Italian food in Madison.