Posts Tagged ‘American’

The Rigby Pub and Grill

Sunday, November 6th, 2011

During its final months, the Casbah was in such disarray that some days it was open, others closed, then open, then closed again, that I was glad something finally replaced it. That something is the Rigby Pub and Grill, a Beatles-themed establishment located a block from the Capitol.

I’m a sucker for burgers named after a restaurant, so of course I started with the Rigby Burger ($8), which is topped with onion straws, melted cheddar cheese and “magical mystery sauce,” which was a tasty mayonnaise-based sauce (I suspect). I enjoyed the combination of flavors. As with all the sandwiches, you get your choice of potato chips, coleslaw or potato salad on the side.

The Bigger Than Caesar Wrap ($7.25) was hearty with the grilled chicken and came in a spinach and herb wrap. Other items include the Dear Reuben ($8), Lonely Hearts Turkey Club Band ($7) and the Let it BLT Wrap ($6.25).

I also had the onion straws ($5) as an appetizer, along with the And Your Curd Can Sing ($6.50). I actually prefer these types of fried cheese curds with the crispier exterior. I could take or leave the accompanying buffalo ranch sauce, though it went well with the onion straws.

The Rigby has daily food and drink specials and a DJ on Saturdays. The upstairs can be rented out for private parties and includes a pool table.

Rigby Pub and Grill on Urbanspoon

The Egg and I

Sunday, October 16th, 2011

The Egg and I opened last month in the same development where Bonfyre is, near American TV. The chain restaurant is similar to a Denny’s or Perkin’s, except it only serves breakfast and lunch.

While the food was good, the terrible service left a bitter taste in my mouth. For some reason, the Egg and I had four hostesses at the entrance (plus the manager), yet I only counted three waitresses. We sat at our table for almost 10 minutes without any contact, which forced me to tell a hostess that we hadn’t been visited by a waitress yet.

Our waitress apologized to us without a decent excuse; I heard her apologize to her other tables as well. During the meal, which took a staggering 25 minutes to arrive (it’s just eggs, after all), two other waitresses dropped trays of dishes. I’m recommending that you wait another 3-4 months (if this place is even still open) to give the staff more time to train.

Now, on to the food. The corned beef hash ($8.79) was very good and definitely not out of a can. It was served with two eggs and a side of Hollandaise sauce, which surprisingly complemented the corned beef hash quite well. I added a side of bacon, and it was perfectly cooked in the seemingly hard-to-reach medium between too crispy and too soggy.

The waffles also were good–moist and tasty. In addition, I was pleased that there were a few flavors of coffee, all freshly ground and bottomless. I enjoyed my seasonal blend.

I would not recommend the Wisconsin Scramble ($7.29), which was three eggs scrambled with Swiss, Monterey Jack, Cheddar and cream cheese. It may sound good in theory, but in actuality, the dish is too soupy. Other skillets and scrambles include the Texas (includes steak) and the Athena (includes feta cheese and spinach).

The rest of the breakfast menu consists of omelettes, frittatas, pancakes/waffles/french toast, benedicts and “Smarter Choices” (aka healthier).

The Egg and I is open every day. It also has a free meeting room and WiFi.

The Egg & I on Urbanspoon

Food news and events July 3, 2011

Sunday, July 3rd, 2011

Downtown Italian restaurant Nostrano is adding lunch service, beginning Wednesday. The menu will feature items that incorporate ingredients from Co-owner and Chef Tim Dahl’s personal garden.

“I’m really excited to start executing a menu with all of the diverse flavors the warmer months have to offer,” Dahl said. “It doesn’t really get more local than this.”

Lunch will take place during the week from 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Reservations will be accepted.

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Continuing on the success of its monthly Iron Chef competitions, downtown American restaurant 8 Seasons Grille is now offering a private version, called Your Personal Iron Chef. For $50 ($75 with wine pairings) per person, Executive Chef Nick Baertschy will take a secret ingredient and make a multi-course meal for your group of up to eight.

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In less than 24 hours since the fire at 24 N. Webster St., multiple fundraisers were created for the residents (and Underground Kitchen) that were displaced. Events include a benefit concert July 29 at the High Noon. For a complete listing, click here.

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It’s interesting how several restaurants on the block surrounded by E. Main Street, Webster Street, E. Doty Street and King Street closed around the same time, and now they are re-opening around the same time. Francisco’s Mexican Cantina replaced La Mestiza, the Tipsy Cow replaced King & Mane, Red Sushi Grill replaced The Haze and The Rigby will replace the Casbah.

    Madison Symphony Orchestra Urban Air

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