Madison, WI

Madison, WI is known for the University of Wisconsin and for being the Capitol of the State.  I was here in June and after asking around I learned the East side of downtown is where the up and coming new restaurants were opening.  Since I am always seeking a unique experience I was referred to a place called:

“A Pig in a Fur’s Coat”

This is a very small establishment and it is setup with bench style setting all are around the edge of the restaurant with a large open table in the center.  The design allows you to have your own seat but really encourages a community table environment.

I started with an amazing appetizer:  “Rabbit Rillette”.  I paired this with a Montelpucliano d’Abuzzo wine.  Both can be enjoyed alone but together they made the start of the evening incredible.

Next, I went for grilled Octopus and Mussels.  Many wine choices to match with this dish but after careful consideration I chose a French Rose from Provence.   After tasting both together I was very pleased with the paring.  Since the octopus was grilled the hint of strawberries was a perfect accompaniment to the dish.

Please visit this hidden little gem if you are in Madison.  You will not be disappointed!!!

Seattle, WA

I have so much to catch up in my Blog but for right now I want to recommend a restaurant in the Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle called "How to Cook a Wolf".  Strange name?  Maybe...or maybe not.  It is named after a cookbook with the same name and no there is no wolf on the menu.  You will find small plates meant to share with a very impressive wine list covering all regions of Italy.  I do not have any pictures to share but will tell our story.

To start we paired grilled octopus and porcini arugula salad with a beautiful Montefalco wine.  Next we moved on to bruschetta and a mixed salumi plate with a wonderful Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.  Both complemented each other perfectly bringing out the best in each other.

Mix the wine, neighborhood crowd, small intimate setting and stories told from our high school days and it made for a perfect evening.  I thank my friend Heath Haley for introducing me to this wonderful small trattoria.

https://www.facebook.com/howtocookwolf

Tonight could be even better?!?  More later and pictures to follow!

Saturday night did prove to be an amazing culinary experience.  We visited a place called "Canlis" which is probably Seattle's best fine dining restaurant.  Amazing wine list with so many choices.  Plan to spend a little money there but it is worth the dining experience.  The hours will melt away as you sample local cuisine and enjoying looking through their wine book...or as they refer to it wine menu.

Thanks again Heath Haley for the wonderful company.  Enjoy...we sure did!