Eating, Drinking, and Shopping...Oh My

Let the fun begin
Aria and Barb in front of the State Capitol Building

Saturday at the Farmer's Market

Although this time of year it might be more logical to call it the "Dane County Gardening Market," with starter plants just about outnumbering food products, it's the largest producer-only farmers’ market in the country. All items are produced locally by the vendor behind the table. No resale is allowed. The Farmers' Market will be held on the Capitol Square every Saturday from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., rain or shine, through November 7th.

The Dane County Farmers’ Market is one of the largest farmer's markets in the country. It extends the full perimeter of the Capitol Square. We circled the perimeter twice,checking out all the wonderful sales. Lots of samples of fresh home-made cheeses, honey, flavored oils, breads, fresh baked multi-flavored scones and beautiful, locally grown produce including lots of interesting morel mushrooms. Dozens of stands sold starter plants for herbs and veges and lovely spring flowers. Go early, this sidewalk was very crowded by the time we left at 10:30.

Aria buys her bread from this baker every Saturday. This time he gave her the loaf free because he said it had an air bubble inside and the baker didn't want to charge her for it. Pretty lucky.



Touring State Street the main street leading from the Capitol to the University of Wisconsin campus

Kabul Afghanistan Restaurant

There’s a great array of all Middle Eastern food, not just Afghanistani food. They start you out with some flatbread that has a couple of great dipping sauces, followed by either a salad, or the Afghani soup. Fun stop for lunch between shopping on State Street.

541 State St, Madison, WI 53703-1010

Fresco, We enjoyed drinks and dinner here on a Friday night. Walking up the glass staircase was dizzying and that was before drinks. We decided to take the elevator down after dinner. This place has great atmosphere and ambiance, especially at night.

Located on the rooftop of the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, Fresco is a modern dining space boasting panoramic views of the Capitol and State Street. Enjoy exceptional views of Madison while relaxing with martinis in the all-glass lounge. Dine indoors alongside a glass wall overlooking the museum’s 7,100 square-foot sculpture garden, or sit at the garden’s edge and enjoy dinner al fresco. Fresco's menu consists of contemporary American cuisine made with fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients.

Fresco: 227 State St. Madison, WI 53703

Hours:Sunday – 5pm - 9pmMondays – ClosedTuesday – Thursday – 5pm - 9pm

Friday & Saturday – 5pm - 10pm

Barriques Coffee Bar

Aria's coffee house of choice to study ...Barriques Coffee Trader is located 1 block west of the state capital building in the old Loraine Hotel at the corner of West Washington and Fairchild. They offer a full service coffee and espresso bar that opens early each morning. In addition to their irresistible fresh from the oven bakery, they have a light sandwich and salad menu to take care of your tummy. For evening enjoyment they serve several tap beers, wines by the glass and a limited cocktail menu. Plus you can pick up a bottle of your favorite wine from the infamous Wall of 100. (Which we did!) Free wireless internet access is provided.

We made several stops here for coffee, snacks and wine!

Bradbury's Coffee, Espresso, and Crepes

Isthmus127 N. Hamilton St., Madison, WI, 53703; 204-0474

Located in a nearly all-glass triangle on the ground floor of the Capitol Point condos, it's visible as you round the outer ring at the Hamilton-Webster-Dayton area. This small, bright space, enlivened by hip track lighting and earthy wooden chairs, is devoted to serving a good espresso and celebrating the underappreciated art of the crepe. Whether you choose a sweet or savory crepe you'll be fully satisfied. This is Aria's regular breakfast stop every Saturday after the Farmer's market. We followed suit after our saturday outing to shop for veges. This is just between the Capitol and Aria's apartment. A very convenient location.


The Old Fashioned

located at 23 N. Pinckney St.Madison, WI

We stopped here for a late night dinner on Saturday night. Was a lively place and great food and beer.

Located in the shadow of the state capitol, The Old Fashioned stands as a meeting place for friends and family, as well as a vibrant testament to Madison's downtown revitalization.

Cafe Continental

Another stop for us on Monday...The Continental Cafe again.

Fromagination

Fromagination is a new specialty cheese market celebrating Wisconsin Artisanal Cheesemakers and highlighting artisan cheeses from around the United States and the world.

Fromagination located at:

TWELVE SOUTH CARROLL, MADISON, WI 53703 • 608.255.2430

Stay tuned, tomorrow's post, "Mother's Day Brunch"