Driftless Appetite

Cafe Porta Alba has experienced an upshot in popularity since relocating to the more trendy Hilldale last year.  Just a few steps from the Sundance Cinemas  and various boutiques, the restaurant is a top choice for theater-goers and shoppers not only for its proximity but by it’s friendly atmosphere and consistent preparation of top quality food.  Once in awhile on Friday [...]

Like everywhere else, Mineral Point has been feeling the effects of the economic downturn.  There are a few too many empty storefronts downtown at the moment, and the restaurants have taken it particularly hard.  Closed recently are the Walker House, Gundry & Gray, Shedders, and (most lamentably) the Old Royal Inn. Things are looking up though–at least [...]

We’ve been in this area for almost three years now and I’ve finally made it to The Cook’s Room!  It’s in downtown Dodgeville and as you can see they are located in a beautiful, Italianate style (I hope I’m right) building.  My first visit was about two weeks ago.  I walked in and there was a raucous group of ladies [...]

Last Friday we went to Steve’s Pizza Palace in Platteville.  Steve’s makes a nice pie, with plenty of tasty cheese, a nice chewy crust and (in our case) homemade sausage.  Now this not at all like my ideal pizza (which you can read about here) but it’s pretty typical American thin crust.  But well executed.  [...]

Why is it that we love to eat out?  What is it we’re really looking for when we go to a restaurant?  It can’t be just the food.  I can cook for myself.  It can’t be because we don’t have to do the dishes if we eat out (although that’s part of it).  It’s not [...]

Two weekends ago we went to Grandma’s Kitchen in Highland, WI based on a recommendation from Rick Terrien.  He said it was the place for pies.  It’s right on Main St, you can’t miss it, although there is construction partially blocking the street at the moment.  We originally intended to just stop in and sample [...]

Fritz & Frites is popular little gem in Galena, IL.  Look for the pretzel shaped sign on the north end of Main street.  The small menu samples from French and German cuisine, with dishes like rouladin, escargot, schnitzel, and poulet roti.  The quality of the food and the execution of the meal was really a [...]

Fat Daddy’s is a barbecue stand in Cobb Wisconsin, a small town between Dodgeville and Montfort.  If you’re heading out that direction (going to Rural Route One Popcorn or Wyalusing State Park, for example) Fat Daddy’s is a great choice for lunch.  I don’t know about you, but I’m a sucker for food from a [...]

Friday night we were sitting at home watching Northern Exposure on Netflix (we are that cool).  This particular episode dealt with a feud amongst the residents of the little Italy in  Sicily, AK.  There was a lot of tempting food and by the end credits, we both had a craving for some Italian-American comfort food.  [...]

You don’t have to know too much about the Brewery Creek Inn in Mineral Point to figure out it’s the kind of place I would like.  Namely: 1) It’s in a restored 1854 warehouse. 2) They use local ingredients as much as possible and buy as few “prepared” foods as possible (as in they make own [...]