Fratelli's

Fratelli’s Trattoria

Fratelli's Trattoria is a cozy Italian restaurant and bar in Monona that feels like it's been around for decades, even though it opened a few years ago (in the former Angelo's space) ...
Great Taste of the Midwest

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GM Banh Mi

GM Banh Mi

On a busy stretch of W. Johnson Street sits GM Banh Mi, which opened last fall. It can be tough to find parking nearby, but the bread is worth the effort ...
The Great Gatsby

The Weekend Ahead July 31-Aug. 2, 2026

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Fun at a fake beach

July 10th, 2011

I scored some free tickets to the waterpark portion of Mt. Olympus in Wisconsin Dells the other day. While the waterslides were fun, what will keep me coming back are the Poseidon’s Rage wave pool and the artificial beach.

The former generates a nine-foot tall wave  every 90 seconds. It’s actually sort of scary seeing a huge wave speed toward you and eventually knock you over. The braver souls hang out near the rope (the deepest area you’re allowed to go) where the wave is biggest.

Next to Poseidon’s Rage is a beach. Since the sand is brought in, it’s not full of rocks that you normally find at Wisconsin beaches. You can relax on one of the many recliners (no umbrellas, unfortunately), play some volleyball ($10 returnable deposit for the ball) or my favorite part: hang out at the bar.

The bar has swings instead of barstools. It’s fun to rock back and forth a bit as you sip your beverage, though the wood plank that serves as a seat is not comfortable enough for long durations.

I felt really relaxed at the beach. Even with the wave pool below and the main road behind me, I felt like I was in Florida or somewhere tropical. I’m looking forward to a return visit!

Food news and events July 3, 2011

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.

***

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.

Alcohol Density Plan

June 26th, 2011

As reported by the Isthmus, the city’s Alcohol Density Plan (ALDO) will be renewed for two more years. In essence, it does not allow any new bars in the downtown area (restaurants are okay).

I’m not in favor of this plan because it stifles competition (and thus, business). In fact, I agree with Mary Carbine, executive director of the downtown Business Improvement District, who notes that ALDO prevents entertainment venues from opening.

Binge drinking is a societal challenge that won’t be curbed simply by reducing the number of bars, as ALDO attempts to do. For example, people will still have access to liquor stores, house parties, tailgates, sporting events, etc.

I live downtown and think we could actually use more bars. One reason is because drink prices are so inflated in this city with all the students, and more competition may help drive those down. Plus, I haven’t seen rampant drunkeness week after week, as supporters of reducing the density seemingly want you to believe. 

What do you think? Are the number of bars downtown just right, too few or too many? Will ALDO reduce binge drinking?

    Madison Symphony Orchestra Urban Air

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