Eat like you’re on vacation right here in Madison
Spring break travel plans canceled? You can still eat and drink like you're on holiday with these Madison-based meals.
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The Jalap-In Your Business cocktail from Eno Vino Downtown is a classy take on the trendy jalapeño margarita. A sip both sweet and spicy, this beverage is made with jalapeño-infused tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur and demerara syrup all on ice and served with smoked salt.Photo courtesy of Sara GranadosThe Jalap-In Your Business cocktail from Eno Vino Downtown is a classy take on the trendy jalapeño margarita. A sip both sweet and spicy, this beverage is made with jalapeño-infused tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur and demerara syrup all on ice and served with smoked salt.Photo courtesy of Sara Granados
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Spring has sprung at RED, which means the debut of a new seasonal roll – the Supernova. Inspired by fresh, light spring flavors, this roll is a combination of tiger shrimp, avocado, Fresno pepper and Asian pear, only to be topped with spicy tuna, star fruit, pineapple yuzu puree and a sprinkle of microgreens.Photo by Sharon Vanorny (SV Heart Photography)Spring has sprung at RED, which means the debut of a new seasonal roll – the Supernova. Inspired by fresh, light spring flavors, this roll is a combination of tiger shrimp, avocado, Fresno pepper and Asian pear, only to be topped with spicy tuna, star fruit, pineapple yuzu puree and a sprinkle of microgreens.Photo by Sharon Vanorny (SV Heart Photography)
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We won’t try to settle the pineapple-on-pizza debate, but the Maui Wowee, a Hawaiian-style fried chicken sandwich from Cluck, has definitely caught our attention. Featuring a mouthwatering blend of tropical, Southern and classic Wisconsin flavors, the sandwich is made with a Hawaiian barbecue Maui Wowee dry rub, blackened ham and pineapple teriyaki aioli sandwiched in a Stella’s Hot & Spicy Cheese Bread roll.Photo courtesy of Brandi HintzeWe won’t try to settle the pineapple-on-pizza debate, but the Maui Wowee, a Hawaiian-style fried chicken sandwich from Cluck, has definitely caught our attention. Featuring a mouthwatering blend of tropical, Southern and classic Wisconsin flavors, the sandwich is made with a Hawaiian barbecue Maui Wowee dry rub, blackened ham and pineapple teriyaki aioli sandwiched in a Stella’s Hot & Spicy Cheese Bread roll.Photo courtesy of Brandi Hintze
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If you’re craving the crunch that comes with home-style fried chicken, head to Marie’s Soul Food, which is serving up Southern-inspired recipes right here in Madison. An order of five jumbo fried chicken wings comes with sides of your choice – collard greens flavored with turkey tails and spices, baked macaroni, sweet potatoes and more. Other comfort food selections are available for curbside pick-up at the Monroe Street location.Photo by Larry ChuaIf you’re craving the crunch that comes with home-style fried chicken, head to Marie’s Soul Food, which is serving up Southern-inspired recipes right here in Madison. An order of five jumbo fried chicken wings comes with sides of your choice – collard greens flavored with turkey tails and spices, baked macaroni, sweet potatoes and more. Other comfort food selections are available for curbside pick-up at the Monroe Street location.Photo by Larry Chua
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Food Fight Inc.’s Miko Poké has a menu stacked with customizable poké bowls, but they also offer Dole Whip. This famous dairy-free soft serve is light and sweet, and the pineapple flavor will have you dreaming of a tropical getaway and the warmer days ahead.Photo courtesy of Chris Hynes PhotographyFood Fight Inc.’s Miko Poké has a menu stacked with customizable poké bowls, but they also offer Dole Whip. This famous dairy-free soft serve is light and sweet, and the pineapple flavor will have you dreaming of a tropical getaway and the warmer days ahead.Photo courtesy of Chris Hynes Photography
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Even if this year’s trip to Cabo was canceled, you can still imitate beach living by enjoying drinks and tapas from bartaco. The Reviver cocktail is both cool and refreshing. Made with muddled cucumber and mint, mango nectar, lime juice and Hayman’s gin, it can brighten even the grayest of Wisconsin days. Pair it with a four-pack of spiced chicken verde or crispy oyster tacos, plus sides of street corn and black beans for a South American-inspired seaside meal.Photo courtesy of Anna GreenbergEven if this year’s trip to Cabo was canceled, you can still imitate beach living by enjoying drinks and tapas from bartaco. The Reviver cocktail is both cool and refreshing. Made with muddled cucumber and mint, mango nectar, lime juice and Hayman’s gin, it can brighten even the grayest of Wisconsin days. Pair it with a four-pack of spiced chicken verde or crispy oyster tacos, plus sides of street corn and black beans for a South American-inspired seaside meal.Photo courtesy of Anna Greenberg
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An order of Liliana’s shrimp and crawfish étouffée is complete with Cajun flavors and aromatics. Each individual serving boasts shrimp and Louisiana crawfish simmered in a rich and spicy pepper and onion gravy, served over a bed of rice and topped with piquillo pepper chutney. Like they say at Liliana’s, New Orleans really is closer than you think – even if that means takeout while the bar and dining room are closed.Photo courtesy of Parry HeideAn order of Liliana’s shrimp and crawfish étouffée is complete with Cajun flavors and aromatics. Each individual serving boasts shrimp and Louisiana crawfish simmered in a rich and spicy pepper and onion gravy, served over a bed of rice and topped with piquillo pepper chutney. Like they say at Liliana’s, New Orleans really is closer than you think – even if that means takeout while the bar and dining room are closed.Photo courtesy of Parry Heide
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Margherita pizza is an Italian classic that you just can’t get enough of, and this staple from Cento checks all the boxes. Flavorful basil, cherry tomatoes and rich mozzarella cover a spread of tomato sauce ladled onto one of Cento’s handmade, wood-fired pizza crusts – simple and traditional. One bite and it’s almost like you’re at a restaurant in Naples, the birthplace of the beloved pizza.Photo courtesy of Food Fight Restaurant GroupMargherita pizza is an Italian classic that you just can’t get enough of, and this staple from Cento checks all the boxes. Flavorful basil, cherry tomatoes and rich mozzarella cover a spread of tomato sauce ladled onto one of Cento’s handmade, wood-fired pizza crusts – simple and traditional. One bite and it’s almost like you’re at a restaurant in Naples, the birthplace of the beloved pizza.Photo courtesy of Food Fight Restaurant Group
Spring break has arrived, and if you’ve been a little stir crazy dreaming of travel and all of the fun details that come with vacation, we get it. One thing travel allows is taking a break from the day-to-day meal plan to explore new-to-you cuisines and indulge in food and drink experiences. So if you’re currently thinking of your favorite dining spot on the coast or that hidden barbecue joint down South, we’ve gathered a few of our favorite vacation-inspired dishes you can order right here in Madison that will make you feel like you’re getting away (without going anywhere).
Hannah Twietmeyer is a contributor to and former intern of Madison Magazine.
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