On Wisconsin!

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Home from our trip to Chicago and Wisconsin, there’s just enough time to squeak out a post before heading to Camp Blogaway this weekend.

It was my third visit to Madison, home to the University of Wisconsin, since Larry and I began dating in 1996. It was his medical school reunion that motivated us to travel and included a stop in Chicago, where I  lived many moons ago and where Larry’s daughter now resides. Having attended a small college in Michigan with less than 1,500 students, I love the University’s huge campus filled with over 40,000 “badgers” who brim with school spirit and Midwestern friendliness.

First stop for a beer and burger took us to Old-Fashioned which won our blue ribbon for our best burger of the visit. I had not quaffed a beer in years, but when in Wisconsin…And don’t tell Larry’s cardiologist about the four cheeseburgers he devoured, one for each day in Madison. We shared a brat, too, just to say we ate at the State Street Brat House.

Forty degree-weather and sleet kept me from touring the famous Saturday Farmers Market on the Square, but I did make it to Fromagination, possibly the best-stocked cheese shop I have ever visited. The folks there were as friendly as could be, giving out samples even after I explained I was on my way home to San Diego.

Thanks to Jane of Let There Be Bite, we celebrated my birthday at Sardine with oysters and flounder. The olive oil cake with pink grapefruit sauce and pistachio ice cream was a perfect end to the best meal of our visit to Madison.

Next up, a recap of our trip to Chicago, including a terrific meal at Rick Bayless’s Frontera Grill. I plan to try and recreate an amazing dessert I shared with my step-daughter. Hint: it will involve goat’s milk.

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23 Responses to On Wisconsin!

  1. TasteFood May 2, 2012 at 2:36 pm #

    What a fabulous trip! Have fun at Camp Blogaway, Liz.

    • lizthechef May 2, 2012 at 3:03 pm #

      Wish you were coming to camp, Lynda –

  2. The Wimpy Vegetarian May 2, 2012 at 3:51 pm #

    What fun to read about your trip to Madison. My best friend in high school went to college there, and I visiting her there on campus. It was FREEZING in winter, and gorgeous in summer. I’m going to send her the link to your blog so she can have a trip down memory lane!

    • lizthechef May 2, 2012 at 3:54 pm #

      Hi Susan – hope your friend enjoys it! It was freezing during our visit too…

  3. Beth (OMG! Yummy) May 2, 2012 at 3:52 pm #

    Oh that dessert looks divine! Sounds like you enjoyed the trip, beef and all. I’ll look forward to hearing about Chicago – a city I still haven’t visited!!

    Enjoy Camp Blogaway – a little envious and will be anxious to hear all about it. So many wonderful people going. Learn and relax!

    • lizthechef May 2, 2012 at 3:54 pm #

      Thanks – will report about camp when I return. Last year was my first bloggers’ event – seems a long time ago –

  4. Wendy Read (@Sunchowder) May 2, 2012 at 4:11 pm #

    So happy to hear about your trip! Lots of great food and friends 🙂 Have a blast at Camp Blogaway, I will be thinking of you.

    • lizthechef May 2, 2012 at 5:15 pm #

      I owe you a 2 page email….Time to chat tomorrow before camp? X0

  5. current vintage May 2, 2012 at 4:38 pm #

    Liz, I am glad that you and Larry had such a nice trip. We are on our way to Rochester and then New York, Baltimore and LA for the next two weeks. Let’s catchup soon! The dessert you have pictured looks divine!!

    • lizthechef May 2, 2012 at 5:15 pm #

      Miss you so, Mare – travel safely. LA? Maybe we could meet you two…

  6. Elizabeth May 2, 2012 at 6:06 pm #

    Go Badgers! Fun to hear about your trip. Glad to hear you had a great time. I love burgers as well.

  7. Mary Shelley May 3, 2012 at 6:54 am #

    Hi Liz,
    I met you with Don R. from the MHGC. Being a Cheesehead, I always enjoy reading about folks WI experiences. I miss my home state terribly & so glad you thouroughly enjoyed yourself…oh did I mention, I am a great dessert tester!!! Mary Shelley

    • lizthechef May 3, 2012 at 7:24 am #

      Welcome, Mary – people from Wisconsin are just about the nicest folks I ever meet –

  8. Jane May 3, 2012 at 9:05 am #

    Thanks for the shout-out, Liz! Glad you enjoyed Sardine. So sorry it was cold in Madison. That place is perfection when it’s warm. Go Badgers and On Wisconsin! 🙂

    • lizthechef May 3, 2012 at 9:21 am #

      Fortunately, we didn’t go for the weather – now it is 80 degrees!

  9. unplannedcooking May 3, 2012 at 2:02 pm #

    I shouldn’t have clicked on your blog while hungry! Need a burger now :). Great to know you love your Viking.

    • lizthechef May 3, 2012 at 2:03 pm #

      My husband accuses me of having a “relationship” with our stove – that’s how much I love it 😉

  10. Jayne May 5, 2012 at 6:32 am #

    Great pictures, always happy to see Larry! Sounded like a great trip, enjoy Camp blogaway!

    • lizthechef May 6, 2012 at 2:23 pm #

      Thanks, Jayne – it was a fun trip. This week I will write a bit about the Chicago portion and add a recipe.

  11. sippitysup (@sippitysup) May 7, 2012 at 9:53 am #

    I love Madison and I loved hanging with you at CampBlogaway! GREG

    • lizthechef May 7, 2012 at 10:52 am #

      Ditto, pal, and great good luck on the cookbook!

  12. akismet-08a19362be0108aa2cc8a73ef5dcb230 May 7, 2012 at 7:04 pm #

    Hi Liz,
    Love your site, it’s so comforting to read your posts! Campblogaway was a great place for us to connect! Stay in touch! Mary

    • lizthechef May 7, 2012 at 8:05 pm #

      We are on the task of hooking up local for those of us who are serious – do you get the email?

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