dairy good days II (madison, wi)

Even though Miss Everythingtarian had to work on Monday, she sent me off with a fun list of things to do in downtown Madison.

 
Lesson 3: State Street

Lesson 4: University of Wisconisn

Lesson 5: Lake Mendota

I stopped for lunch at the Sunroom Cafe. Let me see if I can explain to you the amazingness this meal was: The lettuce was crisp and fresh, topped with juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, sprouts, creamy avocado, and tuna salad. The cafe was bright and a sunny, a floor above State Street and filled with students, professors, and locals. I sat alone, read my book, and enjoyed every minute of it. And then, the tour continued.

[U. Wisconsin's AXO]

[Wisconisn State Capitol]

Did you know that Wisconsin became the 30th state exactly 140 years before I was born? It's a super cool trivia fact. Definitely worth knowing.

[Lake Monona from Monona Terrace]

[Overture Center for the Arts]

I was able to get through most of it by 5 o'clock so that I could reunite with Holly.

Have I mentioned how much I love her? The plan was to go out for good old traditional Wisconisn fare: beer and cheese curds :). The Old Fashioned didn't work out, so Graze it was!

Holly hadn't ever been there so we were both excited for the new American gastropub.

Lesson 5: cheese curds.

They kind of rocked my world. These cheese curds were battered in vodka, deep fried to crispy perfection, and filled with squeaky curds of cheddar cheese.

They were also incredibly rubbery. I don't think it's possible not to have fun when eating these. 

But just in case, I had a glass of local blonde wheat beer to wash it down with :).

To balance the meal out, Holly and I also split two fabulous salads. You know, we are "healthy living bloggers," after all.

Later that evening, Holly took a 15-minute nap that lasted an hour. She felt really bad about it, but I don't think she understands how spectacular of a host she was. I just had the most wonderful time in the 48 hours I spent with her. Madison is the only state capitol on an islip, a huge foodie town, and a place that I need to go back and visit my real life blogging friend. I'm such a lush.