Madison, WI: Nostrano

This quirky little space near the state capitol provided not only a cool ambiance, but really wonderful food as well. Quirky in the sense of the space's aesthetic [think almost Zuni Cafe in San Francisco], and the menu, but both in a very good way. The food was engaging without being fussy, and fresh and locally sourced as well.

I started with a spring radish salad, with both the greens and the radishes from the chef's garden. I will admit to a fondness for radishes, so it was a must have for me. The greens were a varied mixture, the sliced radishes crunchy, and the chive vinaigrette flavorful without being overpowering. There was a crouton made from sunflower bread, topped with a local goat cheese to complete the plate. The flavors worked well together and the dish was a success, with my only complaint being that the greens were tepid and somewhat limp. But the flavors were there, and that was a minor misstep.

For the main course I had a roasted squab, served with braised cabbage, buckwheat spatzle, and trumpet mushrooms, and foie gras. The squab was perfection, crisp on the outside and rosy red in the middle. The base of the dish, the spatzle,cabbage, mushroom concoction [almost a ragout, really] was excellent ... I could have eaten it as a main course. The foie gras, for me, was a gratuitous addition to the plate, not really melding with anything, just a cold chunk placed on top of the rest of the things on the plate. And, you now how much I like my foie [I'll risk a gout attack for some], but it really made no sense with the rest of the ingredients.

For dessert, a chocolate crema,served with buckwheat pizzelle, poached cherries [dried and fresh, poached in a cherry beer that was AMAZING], and a cherry gelato. AS much as I liked everything else, this was the best thing that I ate hands down. The combination of flavors and textures and temperature really played well off of each other, and I wanted more.

This is a stylish little restaurant in the capitol district and I highly recommend it. The servers were engaging, the space interesting, and the food held up its end of the equation as well. If you're in Madison, check it out.

EatHereOrNot: EAT HERE

Philadelphia: Amada

What a find . . . a perfectly beautiful and delicous tapas bar in the Society Hill area of Philadelphia, within walking distance of my hotel. I discovered it by accident as I was taking an afternoon walk around the historic areas near the hotel [remember Paul and the ride and . . . oh wait, what was he saying or doing Ms Palin?], and it was a perfect stop. Dark wood, a friendly bar, engaging staff, and beautiful food. So, here are the details:

Sangria Blanca to start, crisp white wine with pears, apples, and pineapple . . . refreshing, juicy and a great accompaniment to both the warm sunshine outside and the beautful food inside. And the food was beautful, true tapas on small plates, artfully arranged and perfectly spiced.

I started with a white asparagus gaspacho, served with a small, crisp, hot crab cake in the center of the bowl as the server spashed the pale green nectar around. Perfectly seasoned, smooth and delicous. And, close to the best gaspacho I've ever had. I almost ordered a second serving.

Then a tortilla with red pepper aoli, spicy and just right. The tortilla itself was a little bland, but the sauce made up for it.

A close second to the gaspacho was an amazing diver scallop [huge], butter poached, then seared. It was served with an orange aoli, finely sliced fennel and a minute lobster croquette. Amazing to look at, and an amazing combination on the palate.

I highly recommend Amada for a snack, drink, or a full meal. Everything about it was good, and its a real find in and around the tourist area of historic Philadelphia. If you're on the American heritage tour checking out Independence Hall, take a detour to Spain and enjoy this great spot.

EatHereOrNot: EAT HERE