As is always the case, we start by using the following disclaimer – a first look at a place is just that – giving it a try before they may have worked the kinks out.  It takes a while for a restaurant to settle in and show its true colors, both good and bad. 

We intended to start with an appetizer of the BBQ Ribs ($9.75).  The menu billed this item as individual pork ribs served on a bed of crispy onion strings with Brickhouse Original BBQ sauce.   We say we intended to start with that, but that isn’t the way that it worked out.  We watched as the server took our order on a nifty electronic device, and then disappeared.  We then waited for our appetizer for around 40 minutes — all the while envying the tables around us who had ordered after we did and were already eating (and finishing!) their entrees.

After around 40 minutes, our server reappeared and told us that there had been a problem “getting the ticket to the kitchen” or some such thing.  After about 50 minutes everything came out of the kitchen all at once – our appetizers, sandwiches and sides all made a joint appearance.  To make matters worse, all of our food was at best room temperature, and at worst, just plain ole cold.

We’re not sure how the food could have been served to us at this temperature, logistically.  We also would have appreciated it if we would have been consulted about the timing of the appetizer in relation to the timing of the sandwiches.  But, it was what it was.

On to the food though.  The ribs were not individual, as promised by the menu.  If you had intended to share this appetizer with a group rather than with an close friend, it would have been a little awkward given that the ribs needed to be manhandled to be pulled apart into an appetizer to be shared with more than one.  It is possible that the kitchen knew that there were two of us at the table and so they divided the appetizer up into two portions.  This would have been a showing of remarkable thought and organization however, and it would have been the only one experienced on this trip — so we doubt that this was the case.  The “bed” of crispy onion straws was pretty sparse.  But the ribs were good.  The sauce was not cloying or sweet.   We’d order the ribs again, but probably as an entree.

Also ordered was the Sausage Sandwich ($8.25), described by the menu as Smoked sausage, grilled, and served with Brickhouse Mustard BBQ sauce and pickled peppers.  This sandwich would have been excellent had it been served warmer than room temperature.  It was overflowing with slightly smoky, slightly spicy sausage with a really very good tangy mustard sauce. 

Cheddar Grits had been ordered as the side, and while we understand that grits are a down-home rustic food, these had too many large clumps of grits to allow us to rave about them.  Still, the flavor was what one would expect.

The Pulled-Pork sandwich ($7.75) was described as slow smoked pork shoulder, shredded, and topped with coleslaw and Brickhouse Original BBQ sauce.  We dubbed this sandwich the “Poorly Pulled-Pork Sandwich”, and not only because of the tongue twister opportunity.  There were very large clumps of pork in the sandwich which made it somewhat awkward to eat.  The flavor was there, once again – it was the execution that needed attention.  The coleslaw should have made more of an impression than it did, but it was okay.

The fries were good – crispy and tasty, and the homemade pickle slices were really very good.

The interior of this new restaurant clearly shows that they are going for more of an urban BBQ restaurant versus a down-home bbq joint.  They did a very good job at remodelling the place, and the three floors (with a very good sized rooftop outdoor deck) will easily handle the crowds that will inevitably make their way there before Kohl Center events.

So, to wrap it up, our first look at Brickhouse BBQ turned up a lot of execution errors that we hope will be worked out in the upcoming weeks.  If not, we are not convinced that, while the food is good, it is good enough to overcome the execution.

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Brazilian Steakhouses have sprung up around the country, and Madison’s representative in the category does not disappoint.  While it doesn’t fit the bill for a quiet, intimate dinner for two, Samba Brazilian Grill has enough flair to qualify as a special occasion spot, a place to wine and dine your business associates, or as a nice dinner out with friends.  

Sitting down to dinner at Samba means learning a new dining process.  There’s little ordering to be had – just show up and the staff has a pretty good idea that you are there for the meat-on-a-stick.  And you don’t need to tell them exactly what meat you are there for – you get any and all of it, in whatever quantity you wish.  The protein feast is supported by the unlimited and plentiful salad bar , which beckons diners with a wide variety of dishes.  If you are not a carnivore, you can order only the salad bar for a reduced price, forgoing the protein bingefest.  The salad bar alone contains over forty items.

The nightly grilled meats vary, but often include various marinaded versions of flank steak, tenderloin, pork cuts, various preparations of chicken, duck and other poultry, different sausages, and more. 

The servers come around to the tables with the skewers of meat dishes, carving portions out per diner.  The restaurant encourages a leisurely experience, providing a wooden baton colored with red and green ends.  Want to take a break from the meat making the rounds?  Simply flip the baton red side up, and the servers will leave you alone.  As long as the green end is up, you are going to be offered a serving of every piece of meat that comes off of the grill.

We enjoyed our trip to Samba.  The various cuts of meat were flavorful and high quality.  The salad bar, while extensive, wasn’t as exotic or satisfying as we thought it might be.  Then again, we were not there for the salad bar, to be honest.

We’ve been to Brazilian Steak Houses around the country.  Samba ranks up there with all of them.

Mad Diner Ratings:

Service:           
Atmosphere:    
Value:              
Food:                
Overall Rating:

Restaurant Details:
240 West Gilman Street
608-257-1111

Food service:
Sunday through Friday
from 5-10 pm  
Saturday
from 4-10 pm  
Sunday Brunch:
10am – 2:30pm

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                                                          Mad Dogs Chicago Style Eatery
309 North Henry Street
Madison   608-251-0934

Hours:  Sun – Wed, 11am to 9 pm; Thurs – Sat: 11am to 3am

Madison has never been able to sustain a real hot dog joint, much to the chagrin of some of us here at Madison Dining Online.  We’ve often talked philosophically about why that is, and we’ve even identified the perfect spot to open such an establishment (we’re not telling though, because who knows, maybe someday…..).  At least one member of our team is a hot dog fanatic, and makes habits out of touring hot dog joints around the country.

And so it was with great interest that we took a trek to State Street and checked out Mad Dogs Chicago Style Eatery.  Located on Henry Steet in a small, unpretensious building, it looked quite promising from the outside.

Don’t go to Mad Dogs expecting to sit down and have a leisurely lunch.  Mad Dogs is extremely cosy, with no seating to speak of unless you count the three barstools placed under the very small railing built into the wall.  Instead, go to Mad Dogs expecting to get one of the only real, authentic hot dog experiences that you can find in Madison.

The menu consists of your typical hot dog menu; the Chicago Dog ($3.50) was an authentic Vienna hot dog, with onion, tomato, sport peppers, pickle spear, green relish, yellow mustard, poppyseed bun, and celery salt.  In other words not only everything you would expect on a Chicago Dog, but, additionally, everything you wouldn’t expect on one either.  Ketchup is not offered here, though you can put it on yourself if you really feel that you must.

You’ll also find “Naked Dogs”, “Chili Cheese Dogs”, “Maxwell Street Polish” sausage, Italian Beef, Italian Sausages, Taco-styled dogs, and other things on the menu.

The one thing you won’t find is cheese fries.  This is a staple in real Chicago Dog houses, but it appears that this may be a bit too ambituous for Mad Dogs.

Give Mad Dog’s a try if you are into hot dogs and other tubular meat. It’s as close as you are going to come to real Chicago-style dogs in Madison.

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A Saturday morning trek around the Dane County Farmers Market on the Square is simply not complete without a stop at any one of the numerous establishments that offer up brunch.  Our routine is to arrive early at the Farmers Market,  grab some coffee, jaunt around the square, and settle in for more coffee and a very early brunch by 7:3o AM.  One of our favorite stops has turned into the Marigold Kitchen on Pinckney Street.

 Even by 7:30 AM, Marigold Kitchen is buzzing with activity.  You more than likely will need to have patience if your desire is to sit outside at a sidewalk table (and that should be your desire!)  There is a reason that the crowds gather here.  The food is terrific.  One orders their menu choices inside at the counter, then settles in at a table and waits for the meal to be served.

The choices at Marigold Kitchen are upscale, eclectic, and yet very reasonably priced.  Eggs and bacon run around $5.95, with omelettes coming in at $7.95.  On a recent morning we ordered the Breakfast Sandwich ($5.95) and the Salmon, Dill and Cream Cheese Omelette ($$7.95).  Photos can be seen below. (Mouse over the images to navigate!)

The Breakfast Sandwich consisted of fried egg, with cheddar-spiked boursin, applewood smoked bacon, tomato and green onion on toasted ciabatta.  It was a spectacular burst of flavor in every bite, with the ciabatta providing a very sturdy, flavorful platform for the boursin, bacon and tomato.  This is easily one of the best breakfasts in Madison.

The Salmon, Dill and Cream Cheese Omelette, served with Marigold potatoes, is delicate yet still flavorful.  If you love dill (and we do!) there are few dishes that showcase that fresh taste quite like this dish does.

Get there early, grab an outdoor seat, and watch the city awaken and come alive.  It’s a wonderful way to start your weekend.

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