Sophia’s Bakery and Cafe
Open only on weekends, this pint-sized cafe draws crowds with its homemade baked goods and excellent brunch. Sophia’s Bakery and Cafe 831 East Johnson Street, Madison, WI 53703; (608) 259-1506
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Heritage Tavern
Located just one block from Madison’s capitol square, Heritage Tavern combines old world elegance with global inspiration and Wisconsin’s finest ingredients. Their expertly crafted, seasonal cocktails are a must. Heritage Tavern 131 East Mifflin St., Madison, WI 53703; (608) 283-9500
Tilia
Tilia is the kind of restaurant you want to eat in as much as possible, because so much of the menu sounds delicious, and there’s no way you could possibly sample it all on one visit. It’s only a 15 minute ride from downtown, in Linden Hills, near Lake Harriet. Steven Brown is a veteran … Continued
Midtown Global Market
There is some fine noshing to be done here, including Salty Tart (see separate listing on my City Guides) and one of my favorites, The Left Handed Cook. Definitely pace yourself here, and maybe do a snack at two or three different places. I wish we had something like this in Chicago! Midtown Global Market … Continued
Grilled Cheese Grill
This Portland school bus/food truck offers a menu of grilled cheeses that range from classic to complex. Stick with your traditional favorites or try different breads, cheeses, or add-ons. Grilled Cheese Grill 1027 NE Alberta Street, Portland, OR 97211; (503) 206-8959
Pyro Pizza
Can authentic Italian-style wood fired pizza happen in a food cart? Pyro Pizza proves that it’s not just possible, it can be exceptional. Also notable are their homemade sodas offered on tap (no high-fructose corn syrup or artificial flavors here). Pyro Pizza 1204 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214; (503) 929 1404
Perierra Creperie
One of the members of Portland’s storied Cartopia food cart pod, Perierra Creperie serves up an inventive selection of sweet and savory crepes from breakfast to late night. Perierra Creperie SE 12th Avenue at SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214; (503) 753-3692
Haute Dish
Imagine a great neighborhood bar. Then imagine that bar with a real chef in back, working with the best purveyors he can find, cranking out his own charcuterie and creating boldly-flavored meats and sausages that pair exceedingly well with those wonderful local and regional beers. It’s the kind of place you want to eat at … Continued
Butcher & The Boar
A beer garden in the summer is a great way to spend the afternoon eating sausages, charcuterie and other offal-friendly fare. There is also great seafood here, but you must try the sausages and meat-centric menu. Butcher & The Boar 1121 Hennepin Ave.; 612-238-8888
Love Letter To Japan
Otoro nigiri at the Fish Market in Yaizu City I realize today is a day when people are supposed to express their love for other people. At least that’s what Hallmark and your neighborhood flower shop hope you’ll do. But I’m using today as an excuse to write a short note to my new love: … Continued
Shrimp Sandwich at Little Goat Bread
Stephanie Izard’s Little Goat Diner has been open for about a year, while the bakery next door, Little Goat Bread, has been the workhorse, pumping out all of the breads for her restaurants and serving Stumptown coffee first thing in the morning. They’ve also opened a second branch at The Chicago French Market, with a … Continued