Mel Trudeau: Summer Restaurant Crawl
Warmer temperatures and balmy nights are in sight, and downtown Madison has no shortage of superb al fresco dining to amplify the fresh flavors of the season. If you’re looking to supplement your visit to Overture Center and satisfy your summertime cravings, look no further!
We tapped into the culinary expertise of Mel Trudeau, Overture’s director of events, health and hospitality. Mel brings to the table 20+ years of experience in the restaurant industry. In her current role at Overture, she loves providing exceptional guest experiences in Overture's remarkable spaces. Whether it’s a prelude cocktail or a decadent post-show dessert, be sure to consult Mel’s Picks next time you’re here for a performance or exhibit!
Mel's Picks
Springtime in Madison is anxiously anticipated, and I know summer has finally arrived when sidewalk cafes pop up throughout downtown. As an avid al fresco diner, I am impressed by the array of outdoor options and love seeing the sea of sidewalk seating spread across the city – Genna’s Lounge, Canteen, DLUX, the corner of the Capitol that is now covered with patio chairs from The Coopers Tavern and Rare, and everything that is happening on and around King Street. Here are some of my outdoor dining tips and favorites...
Appetizers
Many of you will be familiar with my first mention – Madison's stalwart of Nepali cuisine, Himal Chuli. Yes, Himal Chuli is still a favorite Madison restaurant and, yes, they still have sidewalk seating on State Street. They also still serve one of my favorite appetizers in town - their delicious momos, ground chicken and turkey dumplings with bright tomato coriander sauce. This sauce is so delicious you may want an extra side just for sipping. Speaking of sipping, if wine is more your speed, I suggest grabbing your appetizer course on the patio at Cento. Cento’s kale salad and beef carpaccio are tasty first courses made better with a chilled glass of Sicilian wine – try the Romeo del Castello Allegracore Etna Rosso.
Light Entrées
If you are looking for something light and cool with a little kick, check out the adorable backyard patio at Hutong and order Fu Zhu (Tofu Skin Salad) prepared with wood-ear mushrooms and the perfect amount of numbing Sichuan peppercorn. In the mood for noods? I suggest Hiyashi Chūka from Morris Ramen – a dashi broth soup with tons of market vegetables, nori and house-made pickles. This cold ramen is served with seasonal kimchi, currently made with rhubarb.
Full Entrées
If you have not dined in The Grotto at Tornado Steakhouse on a summer night, please do so immediately because it is an entire vibe. This cozy outdoor space is a collection of perfectly kitsch features – a birchwood forest, faux fire pit, string lights, flag stones and hot jazz piped in through a single speaker. Order filet au poivre and some deep-fried shrimp and absorb the ambience.
Dessert
Anyone reading this is most likely on their way to Rare Steakhouse for bananas foster, which you can enjoy on the house when you present your Overture ticket stub (complimentary dessert coupon on the reverse side). For a delightful second choice head to Osteria Papavero for budino di caramello (aka butterscotch pudding). This delicious custard is topped with whipped cream and cocoa powder and can be enjoyed in one of the restaurant's open-air window seats, paired with grappa and fresh summer air.
Cocktails and Libations
Settle Down Tavern is perfect for outdoor drinks and people watching. They usually have a solid rosé by the glass, and their creative kitchen and bar use fresh ingredients (celery juice! rosemary! cucumbers!) to create classic and seasonal concoctions.
Insider tip: Get to Overture Center early for a pre-show drink. Courtesy of Catering a Fresco, Overture offers a full bar, local craft beer and ciders, and themed seasonal specials for every Broadway show. The strawberry mint vodka cooler we are serving during “Tootsie” in June is *chef’s kiss*.
Hungry for more? Stay tuned for the fall edition of Mel’s Picks!