Saturday, March 1, 2008

Where to next?

We do have to go back to Bluephies http://www.foodfightinc.com/bluephies.htm not only to include them in our offical tally, but also because their breakfasts are so good.

I've also tried the Bloody Marys at Babes http://www.babesmadison.com/contact/ but I don't think they have Saturday brunch....but maybe just to compare their drinks, because remember them as really good. (but it's been a few months since I've had a drink there.)

We talked about The Weary Traveler next time, but they don't serve breakfast so I'm not sure where we're going. Have to talk to J.

By reputation we try The Green Lantern

Date: 3/1/08
Place: The Green Latern, McFarland
http://www.explorewisconsin.com/greenlantern/

Several people recommend this place, so here we are on the first of March.

Oops, we started our visit with a 'spice your own' version - which the nice waitress talked me in to before I realized that we can't judge a drink that we make ourselves. (You get a tall tomato juice delivered with a tray that includes Tabasco, A1, Worcestershire, steak sauce, celery salt, a bloody mary seasoning). Fortunately it wasn't that strong so we ordered what the they called"the ultimate" mixed by the bartender. Horseradish jazzed this one up more than the 'make your own' and it included a pickle spear, but no olives and I miss those.

Spice: 2
Strength: 3
Sauce: 3
Appeal: 3
Size: 3
Price: 5
Our waitress, April, was great and the my hash browns and english muffin were cripsy and dark and the ham/cheese omlete was perfect. The restaurant was too smoky for me though.

Catching Up: The Club Tavern

Place: The Club Tavern
Date: 2/9/08

February already and our second taste testing. The Club Tavern in Middleton is up for sale, so who knows what the future will bring. I love the dining area of the place - it's over 100 years old and the exposed stone foundation and low ceiling give it a cozy feel on a winter morning.
http://www.clubtavern.com/
Spice: 2.5
Strength: 4
Sauce: 4
Appeal: 5
Size: 5
Price: 4.5
Brunch: 4 (two for one coupon)

This is a large drink (21 oz.) that comes loaded with salad - including a spicy shrimp. Yummy. This day J and I were really impressed; they raised the bar for drinks to come.

I will add that I'd been to the Club Tavern twice before with K and one of those times the drinks were subpar (when K questioned, the waitress admitted they were premixed in anticpation of a busy Saturday crowd.)

Catching Up: The Avenue

Date: 1/12/08
Place: The Avenue
http://www.madisondining.com/avenuebar/

So this was the first official visit on the Bloody Mary tour. The Avenue's reputation made it a perfect place to start.

Spice/Sauce: 3 for spice but 2 for sauce (too thin)
Strength: 4 (post brunch buzz while shopping)
Appeal: 3 (not much salad)
Size: 2 (in a short glass)
Price: 4 (potent for the price)
Brunch: average

What We Judge

Every bloody mary we drink goes through a vigorous assessment process. We judge each contender on:
1. Spice/Sauce
2. Strength
3. Visual appeal
4. Size
5. Price

Extra credit for a tasty brunch!

How We Score

On a 1 to 5 scale, here's how we tally:
1. Tell your friends to stay away - horrible
2. Don't bother ever coming back
3. Well, at least it's alcohol
4. Worth a second trip
5. Yipee - the mother lode!