Pesce e Crostacei

Celebrate the New Year with Seafood and Shellfish at Osteria Papavero in Madison. The 5-course menu will be offered from 5 to 9:30pm on Friday December 31st for $68 per person including a wine pairing for each course. For reservations call the restaurant at 608-255-8376
Here is the menu for the evening:

1st course
IL FRITTO
( Fried calamari and vegetables )
2nd course
IL CRUDO, IL COTTO, IL MARINATO
( Oysters and truffles, crudo of opah, scallop-tarragon-tomato salad )
3rd course
LA PASTA
( Homemade Tagliolini, porcini mushrooms, wild Pacific prawns )
4th course
LA CARNE E IL PESCE
( Poached Maine Lobster, Kobe beef ossobuco, potato and celery root puree )
5th course
IL DOLCE
(Almond Panna cotta w/pomegranate-orange sorbet and candied almonds)

Sardine Family Style Dinners

Sardine Restaurant on Lake Monona in Madison is once again hosting a series of family style dinners this year starting with a "Wisconsin Harvest Dinner" on Monday, November 15th. This 100% Wisconsin Home Grown menu will be served amongst neighbors and friends in a communal setting. The bar opens at 5:30pm with complimentary hors d'oeuvres and dinner is served at 7:15pm. The dinner costs $35 per person and includes a featured beverage, a hearty meal, and dessert. Their will also be live local music from 5:30-7pm. To see the dinner menu, visit http://www.sardinemadison.com/. Call 608.441.1600 for Reservations (they are required).

Bluespoon Monthly Wine Tasting

Bluespoon Creamery Cafe in Prairie du Sac is hosting it's November wine tasting with wines from Rioja, Spain. The event will be help on Wednesday, November 17th and costs $35 per person. The sampling will include some whites, but it’s the reds of the region that bring it fame. Aged longer than any reds in the world, prior to release, you’re sure to enjoy! For more information or to buy tickets visit http://www.bluespooncafe.com/winetasting.php

Pie Palooza

The REAP organization is holding it's 6th annual Pie Palooza this year on Sunday, November 7th at the Goodman Community Center in Madison. This delicious Sunday brunch includes a choice of two slices of pies (sweet or savory), a farm fresh salad and a beverage. Pies are baked by area chefs using local products. All proceeds from Pie Palooza support REAP Food Group programs, which promote the inclusion of healthy, local, sustainably grown foods in schools, restaurants, food stores and home kitchens.

Tickets are sold for three timed seatings to assure good selections and shorter lines for everyone.
Seating times are 9:30-10:30am, 10:30-11:30am, and 11:30am -12:30 pm. Walk-ins welcome at 12:30 (and for other times if not already sold out.)
Advance tickets are $16. Tickets at the door are $18.

Here is a list of some of the pies for this year's event:
Bacon, Potato and Cheddar Quiche/Mushroom, Cheese and Herb Quiche/Greens, Fennel and Feta Pie with yeasted crust/Savory Autumn Vegetable Tart/Autumn Harvest Quiche w/squash, onion, parsinips, spinach, & sweet potatoes/Spicy Crawfish Cheesecake Pie/Mushroom Leek Asiago Strata/Bacon Lardon, Leek, Gruyere, Tomato Quiche/Gluten Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Mousse Pie/Bittersweet Chocolate and Pear Tart/Apple Crisp Cheesecake/Pumpkin Whoopie Pies w/cinnamon cream cheese/Local Raspberry-Almond Tart/Sweet Potato Pecan Pie/Hickory Nut Bourbon Caramel Pie/Cranberries and Cream/Apple Pie with Cheese Crust/Pumpkin Pie with hickory nuts and caramel/Chocolate Pecan Pie

For more information and to order tickets visit Reap Pie Palooza Website.

Wisconsin Cheese Annual Festival

The second annual Wisconsin Cheese Originals Annual Festival will be held on Nov 5, 6, and 7th this year. The event takes place at the Madison Monona Terrace and will include tastings, seminars, meet the winemaker dinners, and a marketplace with a variety of local artisans. Tickets range in price from $12 for the Sunday marketplace to $75 for the special dinners at local restaurants around the city. Buy tickets early as they tend to sell out fast! For more information and to purchase tickets visit http://www.wicheesefest.com/

Crackle

Olbrich Gardens in Madison is hosting their new fall celebration on Saturday October 22 from 7-10pm. Enjoy local micro-brews and a three course meal amongst bonfires and live music. Dress for the weather and bring blankets and chairs. Tickets are available for pre-sale for $20 per person (or $15 for Olbrich members, or $10 for Designated Drivers). For a menu listing and more information visit http://www.olbrich.org/events/crackle.cfm

Fermentation Fest!

For six weeks beginning October 22, the Reedsburg Fermentation Fest celebrates the area's local abundance with a series of tastings, cooking classes, brewing seminars, and farm tours. From savory sourdough techniques to home-crafted beer secrets to pickling made simple, the festival offers plenty to taste and food for thought with this live culture convergence. Enjoy brines, brews, curds and whey, preserves, pickles and more in Reedsburg this fall.
For more information visit http://wormfarminstitute.org/FFindex.html

Food for Thought

The 12th Annual Food for Thought festival benefiting the REAP foundation with be held on Madison's Capital Square on September 24 and 25th. The Food for Thought Festival is a fun, festive forum that explores and celebrates our many opportunities to eat more pleasurably, healthfully and sustainably. Enjoy locally produced food, and learn about sustainability and healthy eating from speakers like Ann Cooper, the "Renegade Lunch Lady". For a festival schedule visit http://www.reapfoodgroup.org/Programs-Events/food-for-thought-festival.html

Farm Stop and Barley Pop

Chef Matt Pace from Monty's Blue Plate Diner and chef Tim Larsen from The Coopers Tavern are teaming up with Furthermore Beer, Black Earth Meats, REAP Food Group, and Otter Creek Farm to bring you an amazing tour and outdoor dining event! Proceeds from this event will be donated to REAP Food Group's Farm to School Program. The event will take place on Sunday September 26th and begins with a bus tour that includes stops at Black Earth Meats and Otter Creek Farm and ends at Taliesin for a very special dinner under the big tent where guests will be treated to a five course meal featuring local foods and farms, each course paired with a Furthermore beer. Tickets are available at The Coopers Tavern and Monty’s Blue Plate Diner for $70 per person. For a schedule and dinner menu visit http://www.montysblueplatediner.com/events/.

Harvest 10th Anniversary

Harvest restaurant in Madison has been supporting the community with its seasonally revolving menu featuring local and organic ingredients. On Sunday, September 19th, they are celebrating their 10th anniversary with a special dinner at 6pm. The cost of the dinner is $75 and includes wine. Experience this James Beard award winning restaurant and congratulate them on 10 delicious years!

Cheese Days

Green County Cheese Festival will be held on September 17-19th in Monroe, Wisconsin. Home to a number of cheese factories, Monroe celebrates cheese, beer, music, and fun. Activities include parades, dairy farm tours, arts and crafts, cheesemaking demonstrations, cow milking contests, cheese and beer pairings, tastings, and polka lessons. For more information visit www.cheesedays.com

Thirsty Troll Brewfest

The 8th Annual Thirsty Troll Brewfest will be held on Saturday September 11th from 1-5pm at Grundahl Park in Mount Horeb. Dozens of microbrews are sampled from over 30 Midwestern brewers. Participating breweries include: 
Ale Asylum | Capital | Crispin Cider | Cross Plains | Furthermore | Galena | Great Dane | Goose Island | Grumpy Troll | Lakefront | Lake Louie | Magic Hat | Minhas | New Belgium | New Glarus | O'so | Potosi | Pyramid | Sand Creek | Stone Cellar | Summit | Tyranena | Vintage | . . . and more!

Taste of Lake Geneva and Wine Festival

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin is known for its clear waters and beautiful lakeside architecture. On September 10th and 11th wine and culinary enthusiasts will gather on the grounds of the beautiful Grand Geneva Resort & Spa. The festival will offer wine seminars, celebrity chef competitions, gourmet dining, and wine pairings. Tickets are available for purchase for the tastings and seminars online at www.lakegenevawinefestival.com
On Saturday, September 10th, the area will also be hosting the Taste of Lake Geneva in the downtown business district from 10am to 6pm featuring tastings from area restaurants, music and shopping.

Taste of Madison

It is time once again for the Annual Taste of Madison Festival September 4th and 5th at the Capital Square. The Taste of Madison showcases more than 80 local restaurants, 20 beverage stands and three entertainment stages. Admission to the event is free and every food item is priced at $1 to $4 so you can afford to try a large variety of food from around the city. For more information visit www.tasteofmadison.com

Free Trapiche Tasting at Barriques

Barriques Market in Fitchburg will be hosting Carla Castorina, the assistant winemaker from Trapiche Winery in Argentina. The tasting will be from 5-7pm on Friday, August 27th and is free to the public! Carla will be pouring a sampling of Trapiche Single vineyard Malbecs and Broquel wines. The wines will also be available for purchase at any of the five Barriques locations around the Madison area.

Potosi Brewery Festival

 

The 2nd Annual Potosi BrewFest will be held on Saturday August 28, 2010 in Potosi Wisconsin. The festival will include samples of some of the finest Craft beers in the region as well as artisan cheeses and locally produced wines. There will also be live music by "The Fever River String Band" from 1-5pm and "Takin the 5th" from 5-9pm. Advance tickets are $25 or $30 at the door. Each BrewFest participant will receive a Potosi Brewing Company 3-color pint tasting glass and FREE admission to the National Brewery Museum, good for the entire day. There will also be rides available with the area to get to and from the festival safely. For a list of participating breweries, wineries, and cheese-makers, visit the Potosi Brewery website here.

Buy Fresh Buy Local-Taste Fresh Taste Local

REAP's Buy Fresh, Buy Local program is partnering with the Madison Club to offer a tasting event featuring dishes from area restaurants and breweries. The club is typically for private members only but is opening it's doors to the public for this tasty fundraising event. A $30 tickets grants you access to all of the tasting options from more than 15 chefs and can be purchased by calling the club at 608-255-4861.

Milwaukee Art Museum Wine Festival

 On August 20th and 21st, the Milwaukee Art Museum on Lake Michigan will be hosting a wine tasting event including samples of over 200 wines, local restaurants, and musical entertainment. Tickets are on sale now for $25 per person for 10 wine samples (10 additional tasting samples can be purchased for $5 more). You can also buy your favorites to take home at a reduced price. The festival schedule is Friday 4-10pm and Saturday 3-9pm. Visit http://www.milwaukeewinefestival.com/index.html for more information.

Taste of the Midwest Beer Festival

The annual Midwest micro-brew beer festival held in Madison will take place on Saturday, August 14th. This popular festival is sold-out, however, there is a variety of pre-festival events on Friday night hosted by area bars and the participating brewery folk. To see a listing of pre-parties go to the Madison Homebrewers and Tasters Guild website at http://www.mhtg.org/. The main event is held on the second Saturday of August each year where over one hundred brewpubs and microbreweries from the Midwest come to beautiful Olin-Turville Park overlooking lake Monona in Madison, Wisconsin to share beer and good times with six thousand patrons. Ticket prices for 2010 were sold on May 2nd for a price of $40 per person with a limit of two tickets per person. They are allocated around Madison at chosen establishments. If this sounds like your perfect Saturday, prepare to stand in line for advance tickets next year before they sell out!

Restaurant Week

The time has come again for Madison's Restaurant Week. This twice a year event (offered in January and July) has become one of the most popular tasting events in the city. For six days, guests can enjoy special sample menus at their favorite Madison restaurants for an affordable fixed price all week long. Participating restaurants will be offering 3-course menus for $25. All restaurants will be offering featured wines along with their special menu and some will provide wine pairings as well. Drinks and Gratuity are not included so please remember to tip your waitress! The summer edition will take place from Sunday July 25th to Friday July 30th but some restaurants choose to extend their menus through Saturday. The event is popular, so if you'd like to attend, book your reservation now and expect the restaurants to be busy. If you don't like crowds, you might want to stay in for dinner that week.
For a full listing of participants and menus, visit Restaurant Week Website

 

Taste of Wisconsin

The second annual Taste of Wisconsin celebrates the best of Wisconsin's food and beverages with a three day festival in Kenosha on the shores of Lake Michigan. This free event will take place from July 30 to August 1st at the Kenosha Harbor. The festival offers fresh-from-the-farm fruits and vegetables from Wisconsin growers, flavorful cheeses, local microbrews and wines and farm-raised specialty meats. Also enjoy culinary demonstrations, gardening workshops, exhibits and live music. Visit http://www.tasteofwi.com/ for more information.

Edible Madison

Edible Madison is a new publication dedicated to celebrating the abundance of local foods in Southern Wisconsin. The magazine is published quarterly with the seasons and focuses on local and sustainable food sources, organizations, and events.
They will be hosting two launch parties celebrating the recent first edition release into the market. The first event will be on Saturday, July 17th at the Oak and Briar Farm in Soldiers Grove, WI. The celebration featuring food, drinks and music starts at 6pm and will be catered by Rooted Spoon Culinary. Camping is available at location.
The second launch party will be on Saturday July 31st at Fromagination on the Capital Square in Madison. The event starts at 6pm and will feature regional cheese-makers and delicious food and drink.
For a subscription of Edible Madison Magazine or to learn about other "edible" communities, visit http://www.ediblecommunities.com/madison/

Black Market Amuse-Bouche Dinner

Black Market is a culinary team led by Gregory Walters from Madison's popular restaurant/bar The Weary Traveler. The team's desire is to showcase their talents and creativity by offering intimate monthly dinners open to the public. Inspired by the Underground Food Collective's successful family-style dinners and Gregory's experience working at Quince Restaurant in Chicago, Black Market is providing the opportunity for food lovers to come together, meet new people and experience a gourmet experience in a relaxed, neighborly atmosphere.
This month's dinner theme is "Amuse-Bouche" which literally translates to "entertain the mouth". The 12 course tasting event will be held on Monday, July 26th at Bon Appetit Cafe on Madison's near-east side. Two seatings of 25 people each will be offered at 6pm and 8pm. Tickets are $40 per person and you are encouraged to bring your own beverage to the table.
Visit blackmarketmadison.com for tickets, details, and menu listing.

Kickapoo's Organic and Sustainability Festival

The Kickapoo county fair is the Midwest’s largest organic food and sustainability festival. The 7th annual event will be held this year on July 24th and 25th (Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 10am-5pm). The festival is located on the grounds of the Organic Valley headquarters in the Kickapoo Valley of LaFarge, WI. The event will include food, music, bike and farm tours, cooking demonstrations, sustainability workshops, theater, kids' activities, dancing, author readings, and speakers. Weekend-pass advance tickets are available for $10. Go to http://www.organicvalley.coop/kickapoo/ for more information.

Stellenbosch and Paarl Wine Tasting

Bluespoon Creamery Cafe in Prairie du Sac is hosting it's next wine tasting showcasing wines from the Stellenbosch and Paarl AVAs in South Africa. South Africa is consistently among the top ten wine producing countries in the world known for it's ability to demonstrate wine distinction between areas. The tasting will be held on Thursday, July 22nd at 6pm. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased through the website bluespooncafe.com or at location.

A Day on the Farm

Madison's local REAP organization has organized a luncheon at the Jordandal Farm in Argyle, Wisconsin (W7977 Sunset Road). The event's hosts Carrie and Eric Johnson and Matt Walter have partnered with area chefs from the Madison Club, Restaurant Magnus, the Dayton Street Grille and Tornado Steakhouse to prepare a picnic-style meal and educational event. The meal of farm-raised ingredients will be held on Sunday, July 18th from 11am to 3pm and will feature a farm tour, kids activities and lessons about sustainable farming practices.

Tickets for the farm tours and delicious lunch will be $20 for adults and $12 for kids under 12 (plus $1.50 processing fee for online ticket sales). Kids 3 and under get in free. Event proceeds will benefit REAP's programs.

"REAP (Research, Education, Action and Policy on Food Group) is a non-profit organization that is committed to projects that reduce and shorten the distance from farm to table, support small family farmers, encourage sustainable agricultural practices, preserve the diversity and safety of our food supply and address the food security of everyone in our community." The organization raises support through events like this one and through projects such as their "Farm to School" program encouraging children's education and awareness.

Learn more about REAP at www.reapfoodgroup.org

L'etoile Restaurant is on the move!

In just a few weeks, a staple of downtown Madison's cuisine is making a big change. From the romantically quaint space we have known for over 30 years, this award-winning restaurant is relocating. It is not moving far, however. In fact, it is moving a couple blocks down the street on the same side of the Capital Square. The new location is in the US Bank glass building with an even better view. 

For the final week at the old spot, L'etoile will be offering a special menu honoring their culinary history. From July 12th to the 17th, fans can enjoy a four-course dinner including wine pairings. The cost of the dinner is $65 per person. The cost of the paired wine flights are $35 per person on Monday through Thursday and $55 per person on Friday and Saturday nights. (Wine pairings are an optional addition to the dinner). 

The new location will be of similar size and style to the old location with the addition of a second menu at an adjacent gastro-pub style restaurant called The Graze. Chef Tory will be running both kitchens fulfilling his commitment to sustainability in the menus. The upscale pub will be featuring Friday Fish Fry, Saturday and Sunday Brunch, and a late night menu.

Visti www.letoile-restaurant.com and www.letoileblog.com for more details.

Summer Fling Dinner

Enjoy a summer night under the stars and city lights with amazing food, fine wine, and good company.
Two of Madison's best restaurants, Osteria Papavero and Restuarant Magnus, are gathering friends and foodies alike for a neighborly cook-off. Chef Francesco Mangano of Papavero and Chef Nick Johnson of Magnus will be serving a bountiful 20 course meal family-style consisting of 10 main courses and 10 side dishes showcasing their specialties. The event will be held on Sunday July 11th at 6pm. Tickets are on sale now at either restaurant location for $55/person (tax and gratuity included). Preview the tantalizing menu at http://www.restaurantmagnus.com/SummerFling.php.

Meet the Winemaker Dinner

Quivey's Grove Restuarant in Madison along with Wollersheim Winery in Prairie du Sac is hosting a wine dinner celebrating the 30 year anniversaries of both the Restaurant and of one of the winery's signature wines: Domaine du Sac. The event will be held on Tuesday, June 29th at 6pm in Quivey's gorgeous outdoor Paddock Tent. Philippe Coquard, Head Winemaker of Wollersheim Winery, will be there to pour his wines and socialize with guests for a tasting hour before the dinner begins and will be presenting the paired wines for each course throughout the evening. The cost is $50/per person with tax and gratuity included. For reservations and payment call 608-273-4900. For a preview of the event's menu go to http://www.quiveysgrove.com/WollerWine.htm

World's #1 Beer and Cheese Tasting Festival

The Audacious Beer Celebration is a two day charity beer, food and music festival on June 25th and 26th at Nixon Park in Hartland, WI.

The two night event kicks off at 3pm Friday afternoon offering 10 beers on tap, six-pack samplers, grilled food, music and fireworks.

On Saturday the festival will host it's exclusive premier tasting event from 4-6:30pm for $40/ticket. Featuring 6 flights of renowned Beers from New Glarus Brewing and Cheeses from award winning Carr Valley. Throughout the tasting will be presentations from Randy Thiel from New Glarus Brewing and Bob Koenig from Carr Valley Cheese. Meet the Brewer and Cheesemaker!

Following the tasting on Saturday night, the beer tent will re-open to the general public from 6:30 to 11pm with beer and cheese sampling, roasted nuts, kettle corn, fudge, grilled food and live music. Fourteen premium select world class beers will be tapped and on sale during the festival.

For more information visit http://www.audaciousbeers.com/Beer-and-cheese-celebration-Hartland-Wisconsin.html

Bicycles and Beer!

The Tour de Fat is a Traveling Bicycle Festival from New Belgium Brewery. The cycling event extends through 13 Western U.S Cities spreading the benefits and joys of bicycles and city-cycling. On Saturday, July 3rd, the festival rides into Milwaukee at Humboldt Park. "Ride this day, every day, and definitely when Tour de Fat heads your way". The festival follows it's own 10 Commandments honoring proper cyclist and festival-attendee etiquette. The event is FREE, however, donations are greatly appreciated in support of bicycle and environmental charities. For details, registration, and schedule information visit http://www.newbelgium.com/tour-de-fat.

*Please Note: New Belgium Brewing is not responsible for the severe amount of fun and gratification you may experience on the tour.

Duck, Duck... Duck.

The Underground Food Collective of Madison will be hosting a class on how to properly butcher, cook, and preserve a duck. The class will be held at the Madison Sourdough on Williamson Street at 6:30pm on Tuesday, June 22. Each participant will receive their very own duck (which you get to take home after class), and learn to make pate, confit, seared breast, stock and sausage. The cost of the class is $70 per person and will include a light meal. To purchase tickets and for more information visit http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/115635.

Beer Lovers Festival

If you live in Wisconsin, you must love beer. On Saturday June 26th, beer lovers of Wisconsin unite! The town of Glendale will be hosting it's first annual Wisconsin Craft Beer Tasting Festival featuring 28 local breweries. Local chefs from over a dozen area restaurants will be working with the brew masters to create the perfect complements to each featured beer. The cost of the event is $50 per person or $90 per couple, and includes an all-you-can-drink-and-eat pass to the event plus a souvenir mug. Festivities will be held from 1pm-5pm rain or shine. Visit www.welcometoglendale.com/popup-feature.php for more information, to purchase tickets and for lodging options.
*Must be 21 to attend.
*Please don't drink and drive!

Participating Breweries

Front Porch Summer Wine Tasting

Bluespoon Creamery Cafe in Prairie du Sac is hosting their monthly wine tasting on Wednesday June 23rd at 6pm featuring this year’s picks for the best summer chuggers. Tickets can be purchased online at

www.bluespooncafe.com/winetasting or at the cafe for $20 and the tasting will include a variety of 12 wines to enjoy. All wines are sold at discount after the tasting so you can take home your favorites. Check back for future tastings each month.