They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Several weeks ago I stumbled upon Andre Darlington’s blog where he listed 50 things that are quintessential Madison. And then last week I discovered this blog and a woman named Holly who took Darlington’s list on as a challenge. It’s a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it. And that somebody is not me (too meat-centric). However, I have decided to riff on their idea and simultaneously one up them with my list: 51 Meatless Things to Try in Madison Before Lake Mendota Thaws. And because it is one of my favorites, I will borrow Darlington’s #15 and make it my #1.
51 Meatless Things to Try in Madison Before Lake Mendota Thaws
1) Walnut Burger at Harmony Bar (add blue cheese and fried onions)
2) Veggie Ramen at Umami Ramen and Dumpling Bar
3) Blueberry Scone at Lazy Jane’s (or Raspberry or Blackberry)
4) Whiskey Old Fashioned Press at Weary Traveler
5) Three Cup Tofu at Natt Spil (the best tofu dish in Madison, in my humble opine)
6) Peanut Butter and Jelly Bar at Batch Bakehouse
7) Sweet Potato Fries with Tarragon Mayo and Jalapeno Blackberry Jam at Alchemy
8) Margherita Pizza at Pizza Brutta
9) Popcorn at Graze
10) Cesar’s String Cheese at Willy Street Co-op
11) Black Bean Tacos at Burrito Drive (don’t forget to add pickled onions!)
12) Any Tapper (preferably post-Packer victory) at Laurel Tavern
13) Butter (really more like savory frosting) at Tornado Club (bread optional)
14) Spinach Nan at Taste of India
15) Bottle of Miller High Life and Bag of De-lish-us Chips at Old Duffer’s (a hop, skip and jump from Madison out Highway 18/151)
16) Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Avocado at Lazy Jane’s
17) Plantains at Cafe Costa Rica
18) Big Country Bread from Cress Springs Bakery at Dane Co. Farmer’s Market (tastes even better if you take it home and eat it while listening to ‘In a Big Country’ by Big Country)
19) Warm Beet Salad at Graze
20) Frites at Jacs
21) Margarita at Pasqual’s
22) Asian Slaw at Restaurant Muramoto
23) Pineapple Curry with Tofu at Lao-Laan Xang (Atwood location)
24) Rejected Truffles (any flavor) at Gail Ambrosius Chocolatier (free samples!)
25) Macaroni and Cheese at The Old Fashioned
26) Sardine Caesar* at Sardine (*has anchovies, which technically could be considered meat… I guess I like to live on the edge)
27) Bottomless Cup of Tanzanian Peaberry Coffee (and a game of cribbage or Scrabble) at EVP
28) Wedge Salad at Tornado Club
29) The Ramblin’ Vegan’s Chili at Weary Traveler
30) Sake Bomb at Karaoke Kid (where I once witnessed a rousing rendition of aforementioned ‘In a Big Country’ in the VIP lounge)
31) Bella Burger at Alchemy
32) Steamed Tofu Dumplings at Ha Long Bay
33) Dark & Stormy at Cafe Costa Rica
34) Aloo Chana at Taste of India
35) Onion Bagel at Bagels Forever
36) Sexy Fries at Mickey’s Tavern
37) The Smell at Fraboni’s (just walk in and inhale.. you’re welcome)
38) Frozen Cheese Pizza at Crystal Corner
39) Kale, Lemon, Green Apple and Ginger Juice at Willy Street Co-op Juice Bar
40) 2% Latte at Bradbury’s* (*only attempt if you have the moxie to attempt the maze of hipsterdom)
41) Maize Salad at Alchemy
42) Egg Sandwich (hold the bacon) at Crema Cafe (so good I had to eat it twice this weekend)
43) McLovin Irish Red Ale at Vintage Brewing Co. (go on a Wednesday and check out the Madison Blues Co-op blues jam!)
44) Vegetarian Antipasta Platter at Greenbush Bar
45) Whole Wheat and Cheddar Scone from Cress Springs Bakery at Dane Co. Farmer’s Market
46) Mediterranean Plate at Jacs
47) Red Beans and Rice at New Orleans Take-Out
48) Veggie Empanada at Victory
49) Cucumber Salad at Sa-Bai Thong
50) Gruyere-Filled Roll at Batch Bakehouse
51) Rathskeller Ale and Bag of Popcorn at Memorial Union (watch the ice thaw)
Did I forget anything? Please add any favorites in the comments!
WISCONSIN FUN NEXT EXIT 