Post Wisconsin Observations

Madison is changing - mostly vertically

They sell beer by the six pack and there has been no apocalypse - contrary to what the beer distributors here think will happen if Pennsylvania were to make that move

If you put in bike lanes, people will bike - trying the converse is neither practical nor responsible

Budget Bicycle Center's service department is disappointing - it shouldn't matter how fancy or unfancy a bike is, you give it the same attention as every other bike.  We took my daughter's bike (which we won in a drawing - it's not fancy) to get the chain tightened and the service guy couldn't even be bothered to get out of his seat to talk to us or even get the ticket.  When we picked it up, they hadn't even bothered to put the training wheels on in a way that the rear tire touched the ground.  I'm actually opposed to training wheels, but they might be right for her.  Either way, we were clearly treated with less than acceptable service because of the pedigree of her bike.  I will not return there on any trip.  I should have gone to the Yellow Jersey where I know the owner values any bike (or at least any customer) to come through his door.


Beer tastes better on the Terrace

The Dane County Farmer's Market is still amazing - how many different beasts can you get jerky from with one circuit?


You need to go to the source to get truly delicious fried cheese curds

There is an art to making a Brat

There is an art to making a Kringle


The best cart (name) I saw - FIBS:  Fine Italian Beef & Sausage (they went with the alternate meaning for that acronym)


There is a much wider variety of beers than just pale ales and IPA's

Woodman's is still the best grocery store around

My new favorite brewery doesn't distribute out of state

Goodbye Cafe Montmartre

It's a sad day for the Madison, WI downtown. My all-time favorite bar and home of the best rusty nails is closing. Cafe Montmartre was a staple for me and my roomates my senior year. This travesty of the economy is made worse by the fact that in the two years of grad school I also spent in Madison, I don't think I made it there once. I loved the atmosphere and have been missing it since I moved. While it seemed the place that would exude a slimy feel of superficial hippness (which really rubs me the wrong way), Cafe Montmartre managed to retain an actual identity without any pretentiousness. Other, similar bars that I've been to have not been able to capture the authentic feel that seemed so casually comfortable within the crumbling brick exterior just off the capital square. Cafe Montmartre, you will be missed!

It reminds me how we need to support the things we like, even if it means spending a little bit more. If there is a running shoe store that gives great service, buy your shoes there. Don't take their services and order online. I fully appreciate the need to save money and am a regular customer at Amazon, Borders, Target, and other large warehouse-type stores, but places that offer a unique atmosphere and add color to the local scene need to thrive.