Date: 20 June 09
Place: The Old Fashioned
The Bloody Mary we had today reminded us why we started this quest in the first place; discovering a drink uniquely blended into what could be called a signature cocktail. That's what we found at The Old Fashioned, as their spicy blend is unlike any we've tried so far.
Farmer's Market was in full swing when J and I met at the top of State and made our way through the crowds til we were in front of The Old Fashioned - our real destination this morning.
Can't believe I haven't been here before - as so many people I know rave about the place. The restaurant was quiet when we arrived at 9:30 and I thought there'd be outdoor seating. Our friendly waitress Sara explained the outdoor dining starts next week as she handed us the Bloody Mary menu.
Agreeing it was good omen that there were three options to choose from, we opted for the one made with pepper vodka; a step up from the house offering. The other was "too Wisconsin for me," J observed about the garnishes, which included beef jerky, cheese curd and a spicy pickled egg. We chuckle as we recall those large glass containers of pickled eggs in so many rural taverns. Not a pretty image for me as I always thought those eggs looked like a science experiment.
What a pretty drink, J said when the bloodies arrived. Served with a petite beer chaser, the cocktail is decorated with a giant stuffed olive, aspargus spear, pickled brussel sprout, pickle and a lemon garnish.
The drink was delicious from the first sip. We're impressed with the combo of flavors and ponder how it's made. We wonder if there's spicy brown mustard in the mix; it doesn't have that sharp flavor that horseradish offers in so many of the other bloodies we've tried. I also like that I don't taste too much citrus. It's unique and both of us are impressed.
We also appreciate that we could linger over our drink before breakfast arrived (although by the time we leave the place is packed.) The breakfast menu is interesting - a few Wisconsin offerings like beer battered walleye with eggs and Door County cherries or a brautwurst patty served with the Eggs Benedict. We both have the daily scramble - aspargus, oyster mushrooms and cheese - served with toast made from a rustic bread and battered rosemary potatoes. We even give huge props for their coffee; rich, dark and smooth.
As the name implies The Old Fashioned really knows how to make drinks:
Spice 4.5
Strength 5 (we needed the coffee!)
Sauce - 4.5
Appeal 4.5
Price $7
4 comments:
Gotta try the Bloody at the Kroghville Oasis in scenic Krogville. It's on Hwy O, off BB (which is Cottage Grove Road) in eastern Dane Co. Kinda near Deerfield and Cambridge. Their Bloody has 17 munchables, and is served in a schooner. Wow.
I, too, am a big fan of the Bloody Mary. It has been a while, but I recall Madisons downtown as having an exceptional one. Sadly, I was just in St.Cloud, MN and had Bloodies at three different locales, and all three topped any that I've had here recently in flavor and texture! It isn't an art form there, but they certainly have the foundation down!
What a great quest! Some of my favorite places to get bloody marys in madison were mickey's on willie (very spicy), the tornado room, and paul's club. Mind you most of them won't be open for your breakfast excursions, but well worth the venture outside the breakfast/brunch hours. ;-)
You should try a bloody mary at the Old Market Bistro on Butler next to Capital Fitness.
They are open every day for breakfast -- except for Sunday when I think they are closed.
But they're phenomenal :)
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