Late Fall Early Spring Get together

Can anyone join in on these trips?  Does each person drive on their own or does everyone meet up someplace and come in together?  Thank you.

starlady, based on the location listed on your profile, I'll assume you're referring to the trips planned by The Contingent for the Chicago and Milwaukee areas.  The answer to your question is, "Yes, all are welcome to any of our Eat & Greets".  We do ask that you respond with your interest in participating within the thread where the trip is being planned so we can get a clear count on the number of people involved.  Some folks drive their own cars, some carpool.  It all depends on the trip, how many people are going, where we're going, etc.  On our very first ever tour, a "research project" going to a half dozen of Chicago's best Italian beef stands, we even rented a large van that seated 15 people.  Everyone paid a small fee to help pay for the rental.

As of right now, the only thing in the pot for The Contingent is a late spring/early summer tour of outdoor Chicago eating establishments, or as we like to refer to them, "dining ala trunk (of your car, that is)".  No definite dates yet, although I'm thinking sometime in the first two weekends after Memorial Day weekend.  I'll start a new thread announcing that trip as we get closer to the dates.  I know nocarolina is also planning a northwest Indiana tour to be held sometime this summer or early fall.  Nothing planned for Milwaukee yet, but I'm sure our cheesehead friends will throw out some ideas soon.

There are other regional tours organized by other Roadfood groups around the country, The Glee Club being one such group.  While I cannot speak for them officially, I'm quite certain they would welcome any new members who are interested in joining the fun.

Finally, there are some tours arranged by the Roadfood.com management.  The upcoming New Orleans trip being a prime example.  Some of these "official" tours require a ticket and reservation as they have limited availability.  Official Roadfood.com tours will be clearly delineated from the more casual regional tours.

Hope that answers you question.

Buddy

I saw a really cool looking restaurant on DDD last night- it looked like a great RF stop- Taste of Peru.
I've never had food from Peru...
I'm just sayin....

That's a good restaurant, iris.  Not sure why it was on DD&D, because it's not any of those, but it's still delicious.

Buddy, thanks so very much.  Yes, I will keep an eye out for the next trip in the Chicago and surrounding area.  I like the idea of the van.  Would be happy to pay my share.  Thanks so much.

irisarbor


I saw a really cool looking restaurant on DDD last night- it looked like a great RF stop- Taste of Peru.
I've never had food from Peru...
I'm just sayin....

I will take you to eat Peruvian food anytime you want, at Milwaukee's Peruvian restaurant, El Tondero.

Hello all ,

We have organized many Hot Dog related tours and meet and greets over the yrs on the East Coast , primarily NY, NJ, CT , some call it Hot Dog Nation , most are roadfooders .

All are invited to attend and many come from states far away .
Just check the meets and greets section for get togethers in your area , have fun and welcome

Benzee

My only suggestion to you Starlady is that you PM your cell phone number to one of the organizers of the event. That way if something changes and you didn't have time to check the message board, someone can call & let you know.

Welcome to The Contingent. How come no one has told her about the initiation? hahaha

I believe an evil laugh in print is preceded by a "bwa", as in "bwahaha".

Please make a note of it for future use.

Buddy

I ain't scared of no initiation!

But I refuse to do the chicken dance. That's just wrong.

Tastytoo


I ain't scared of no initiation!

But I refuse to do the chicken dance. That's just wrong.

I like this one already.

BuddyRoadhouse


starlady, based on the location listed on your profile, I'll assume you're referring to the trips planned by The Contingent for the Chicago and Milwaukee areas.  The answer to your question is, "Yes, all are welcome to any of our Eat & Greets".  We do ask that you respond with your interest in participating within the thread where the trip is being planned so we can get a clear count on the number of people involved.  Some folks drive their own cars, some carpool.  It all depends on the trip, how many people are going, where we're going, etc.  On our very first ever tour, a "research project" going to a half dozen of Chicago's best Italian beef stands, we even rented a large van that seated 15 people.  Everyone paid a small fee to help pay for the rental.

 
Holy Moly Buddy!!! I had completely forgotten about driving that van...ahh...good times!!!

BuddyRoadhouse


I believe an evil laugh in print is preceded by a "bwa", as in "bwahaha".

Please make a note of it for future use.

Buddy

I appreciate the help as I am about as evil as a basket of kittens.

OK. 

We've got this thread and we've got that thread.  Neither of which is Buddy's thread for his June eating tour of Chicago.  But that thread did lead to a CONTINGENT Eat & Greet last weekend for Greek food. 

So I will hijack this thread and suggest a late April Eat & Greet for THE CONTINGENT somewhere other than Chicago.  Which leads me to Brad_Olson's righteous dining experience at Doug's Soul Food in Madison.  I think Madison would be a great change of pace for us and I can think of dozens of place to eat.  The Farmers Market may be running by then, too.

Are you in?

In

Great idea! I can't do it on (Saturday) April 24, and may not be able to swing (Sunday) the 25th either, but April 17-18 and May 1-2 should work.

As always, Sundays are best for us, but the group should do what's best for the group.  We are available any Sunday as early as this Sunday, February 6th.  If we do a trip to Mad City, just a humble suggestion that we start in Monroe at Baumgartner's for Limburger sandwiches, then work our way north.  Or is that too much?

Buddy

In.

I just got home and checked my Madison folder and found a couple of menus ( I keep records of every place we visit when traveling for Roadhouse and save as many menus as I remember to grab) for places that might be worth checking out.

First up is Vientienne Palace, describing itself as a "Lao-Thai Valley Restaurant".  Dad and I have eaten at Vientienne a couple of times and had excellent food both times.  Plus, this place is just shabby and run down enough that, if they served Barbecue, it would be an instant Roadfood classic.  Huge portions, almost dirt cheap prices and wonderful flavors make Vientienne Palace a worthwhile stop

From another corner of Asia is Chautara, a slightly upscale Nepalese restaurant.  This was the first place that Dad and I had ever tried goat.  Very tasty, a bit like lamb, but slightly gamier.  Nepalese food is influenced by Indian cuisine, although there is no prohibition on beef here.  Lots of wonderful finger food apps served with a smorgasbord of dipping sauces.

What's interesting about Chautara is that it is owned by the children of an older couple who own another Nepalese restaurant, Himal Chuli, just a few doors away.  The parents' restaurant is a real Roadfood find.  Looking in the front window you'd think you were looking at the all-American malt shop.  1940's style fixtures with a handful of low slung booths, a soda fountain area with classic counter stools; even neon signs in the front window, although, instead of showcasing triple thick shakes, they glow for momos and samosas.  Himal Chuli is a true vegetarian joint, unlike Chautara which is aiming for a more middle of the road patronage.  We haven't eaten at Himal Chuli but would love to give it a try.

There is Dotty Dumpling's Dowry, one of Mad City's best known burger joints.  I have to admit that we haven't been there since they relocated, so have no idea if the burgers are still any good or if the atmosphere is the same.

Finally, for dessert, there is The Daily Scoop located in the UW/Mad Student Union (a building well worth visiting even without the promise of ice cream).  Ice cream served at The Scoop comes from the UW agricultural program and is hand crafted on campus.  Yup, this is university ice cream made with milk from educated cows!

Just my suggestions.  I'm sure there are others who are more familiar with the city who can build on this.

Buddy

Vientienne Palace
151 Gorham
Madison  WI  53703
(608) 255-2848

Chautara
334 State Street
Madison  WI  53703-2021
(608) 251-3626‎

Himal Chuli
318 State Street
Madison  WI  53703-2021
(608) 251-9225‎

Dotty Dumpling's Dowry
317 North Frances Street
Madison  WI  53703-1970
(608) 259-0000

The Daily Scoop
Memorial Union
800 Langdon Street
First Floor Commons Area
Madison  WI

Don't know if I'll be able to make this one. I'm hitting the road tomorrow AM on a two-week southern roadtrip ( another book-length trip report... run for your lives! ) , plus I'll be out of town during the first weekend in May. 

I'm in. Any Sunday is good for me at this point.

JRPfeff


So I will hijack this thread and suggest a late April Eat & Greet for THE CONTINGENT somewhere other than Chicago.  Which leads me to Brad_Olson's righteous dining experience at Doug's Soul Food in Madison.  I think Madison would be a great change of pace for us and I can think of dozens of place to eat.  The Farmers Market may be running by then, too.

The DCFM website currently implies that April 17 will be the first day for the outdoor market.  It's also prom night at Stoughton High School so the Olson household could possibly be in maximum crisis mode.
 
The 24th and 25th are definitely out for me.
 
Brad

The weekend of April 17th is out- my birthday on the 17th and bridal shower on the 18th (which means the Roadhouses are out for that weekend too, whether they know it or not)  April 10th is no good, but the 11th might be okay. 

I think the 24th or 25th should be okay, but that could change quickly. May 1st or 2nd is good.  May 8th is good, but the 9th is Mother's Day (I know *my mom* would be okay with doing this, buy Mr. Maki's mom might object to us not being there)

Later than that, we just can't commit to anything.

ETA: I take it back- May 1st is out- roller derby game.

I'd be in for sure, will check w/Mrs MFL and my mother. In my mom's case, a RF tour on the 9th  would her idea of a perfect Mother's Day present.  

We need Brad along on this one, since it is his home base.  How about May 2?

May 2nd should be good for us. 

May 2nd looks good here.

Buddy

Buddy - Dottie Dumpling's offers the same burgers as at their previous 2 locations.  I think their burgers are in the same league as Fred's.  Right next door is Ian's Pizza.  Worth a walk-thru to check out the daily by-the-slice offerings - Mac & Cheese, Steak & Frites, Breakfast Pizza, etc.

I don't know how Baumgartner's would fit in for lunch.  It may work better as a last stop, as I'd like to keep the Farmer's Market open for those who want to go there before we get rolling.

I threatened Bobbi with this place.  I don't think I have ever eaten there, but my parents ate there every day after my dad retired.  Might be worth a scouting trip by one of the Brad_ Olson clones.  Definitely RoadFood.

More to come ..............

Baumgartner's was just an idle thought.  If it doesn't fit in with the overall plans, no worries.

Buddy

Buddy - Nevermind what I said above.  May 2 is a Sunday, so no Farmers Market.

Jim

JRPfeff
I threatened Bobbi with this place.  I don't think I have ever eaten there, but my parents ate there every day after my dad retired.  Might be worth a scouting trip by one of the Brad_ Olson clones.  Definitely RoadFood.

They have quiche!!!!! I am in.

JRPfeff


We need Brad along on this one, since it is his home base.

Roadfooder Pancho is being awfully quiet...

Small-town and rural taverns are my home base.  I'm not hoity-toity enough for Madison.

JRPfeff


I threatened Bobbi with this place.  I don't think I have ever eaten there, but my parents ate there every day after my dad retired.  Might be worth a scouting trip by one of the Brad_ Olson clones.  Definitely RoadFood.

Papa Bear's BBQ is just west of there on Cottage Grove Road, although I've never eaten there and haven't been in the area for a long time, so I don't even know if it's still open.  Maybe some Saturday I might take a spin up that way to see what's going on.

And not too far from there is Papa Coronofoulos on Buckeye Road.  I hear the people in the Chicago area are desperate for good hot dogs so a stop here might be seen as a godsend.

Brad

Brad_Olson

And not too far from there is Papa Coronofoulos on Buckeye Road.  I hear the people in the Chicago area are desperate for good hot dogs so a stop here might be seen as a godsend.

Brad

Thank goodness you found this place Brad.  We Flatlanders are totally Hot Dog deprived!  How soon can we visit this place?  And can we get ketchup on our dogs?

Buddy

Just a reality check from us suburbanites...
How long a drive to Madison?
is this a day or overnight jaunt...?

From Deerfield it's probably 2-1/2 to 3 hours.  Generally I-90 is the better route between Madison and Chicagoland although I see that you're closer to I-94, but if you have the time US-14 isn't a bad drive once you get past the Traffic Hell known as Crystal Lake.

Regardless of whether this turns out to be a Saturday or Sunday shindig there's enough to see and do in Madison to make an overnight stay worthwhile.
 
Brad

It is a 5 hour drive from the west side of Minneapolis. We made that trip numerous times when our daughter went to the University of Wisconsin Madison.

I was stumbling around the Web and came across this blog:

http://www.madisonatoz.com/

I admire their determination!

Brad

irisarbor


Just a reality check from us suburbanites...
How long a drive to Madison?
is this a day or overnight jaunt...?

iris, we've made the drive in about 2 1/2 hours.  With an early start and an extra cup of coffee before heading back home, Madison is easily a one day turn around, although I agree with Brad, there's enough there to make it an overnight.

I-90 is the most direct route.  I-94 will also get you there with fewer tolls and, although it doesn't look like it on a map, perhaps a few minutes shaved off the travel time.  Route 12 is a pleasant rural drive, but will take you forever and a day to get there.

If we go (probably will if it's a Sunday excursion), we will do it as a one day round trip.

Buddy

Brad_Olson

I was stumbling around the Web and came across this blog:

http://www.madisonatoz.com/

I admire their determination!

Brad

After going to the great blog Brad linked to above, I knew we had to get JM & Nichole to join us for our May Eat & Greet in Madison.
 

MadisonAtoZ.com

What is it?
They say Madison has the most restaurants per capita of any city in the U.S. JM likes lists and Nichole likes to eat, so we decided to eat at (nearly) every restaurant in Madison in alphabetical order.

Here's our method: from Isthmus' (a local free weekly) "Eats" list, we print the list of restaurants beginning with the next letter, and go to each place in order, one time.

How Roadfoodie is that?  I contacted them by e-mail with an invitation to join our Eat & Greet and received an enthusiastic response.

I also asked N & JM for advice on our stops on May 2.  Here are their thoughts.

Now for some recs. We saw these places in your discussion and heartily second them:

Vientiane
Chautara
Doug's Soul Food
Cottage Cafe
Papa Bear's BBQ
Poppa Coronofoulos

We'll throw these into the ring, as well - though we haven't checked hours of operation:

Corner Store (crouching grocery, hidden curry)
Curve (best greasy spoon in town)
Greenbush Bar (Italian workingman's fare with a little more style and no pretension)
Luckenbooth Restaurant (a bit far afield, in Blark Earth, but great pie and Scottish breakfast)
Lucky Seven (divey homestyle Mexican OMG good)
Mediterrranean Cafe (cheap, fast, and line out the door most weekdays)
Michael's Frozen Custard (small local chain, in 4 rehabbed gas stations)
Mickey's Tavern (half off drinks Sunday afternoons if you're playing board games)
Nick's Restaurant (legacy downtown bar/diner)
Pat O'Malley's Jet Room (apparently we wrote so highly of this place that the local paper picked it up, and wrecked the secret for the regulars)

And here are some we haven't posted on yet, but know are good:
Anna's Pizzeria (Sun Prairie but dang good pies)
Carnival's (new soft-serve and hot dog place, they win the ballsy award for opening in the middle of winter)
The Haze (as fancy as we're going to recommend - lunch $8. Asian fusion BBQ, most value-driven of local culinary star Muramoto's ventures)
Smoky Jon's No. 1 BBQ (self-explanatory)

This is a great list to start from (Corner Store - Can you say Dining ala Trunk?), but we can keep looking. 

I would also like to include at least one stop at a Madison A to Z review location.  N & JM expect to be in the R's by early May and they think Rising Sons Deli is probably the best bet.  We'll keep in touch as the tour gets closer to finalize this stop.

If you haven't yet, go to Madison A to Z and explore. 

Yay!  My good taste is confirmed by two people who I don't know.  My life is complete!  So, they like Vientiane and Chautara, any word on Himal Chuli?

Buddy

Buddy,

Their review is here.  This is the punchline.

There were some rough spots in our experience, though. We were short on water through most of the meal, which was a challenge given of the spiciness of the dishes. That, and the earlier annoyances, added up - but as Jim reiterated, the food was really good: "There's something to be said for a place whose food can overcome those annoyances."

We wouldn't recommend Himal Chuli as a first-date-type place, or somewhere you'd take a large group, but for simple, fortifying veggie-friendly food that will expand your comfort zone, it hits the spot.

Jim

Three for three!  Yes!

Buddy

Count me in on this one. Got May 2 on my calendar.

I am really excited about this. I don't know Madison at all, and I love exploring new places and cities. I was in the Capitol Building one time to attend an award ceremony, but didn't spend any time in the city.

Not picky at all about cuisines or locations, I can find lots to eat on any menu or at grocery.

Apparently Brickhouse BBQ opened last year on Gorham St.  I didn't find a website for the restaurant but found this on a local dining coupon site.
 
Is it time to change the title of this thread?
 
Brad

Brad_Olson


Apparently Brickhouse BBQ opened last year on Gorham St.  I didn't find a website for the restaurant but found this on a local dining coupon site.
 
Is it time to change the title of this thread?
 
Brad

I think at least change it to mention the date we picked.

I contacted starlady and she will change the name of the thread.

jrp

Jeff, I hope I changed the name of the link correctly.  I am only now somewhat getting the hang of how to work these "links etc."

starlady,

Unfortunately, your change didn't take hold.  No big deal.  I still think there should be a new, separate thread announcing this trip.  We missed a lot of Contingent members on our last couple of get togethers because of misplaced or mis-titled threads.  Your original intent was to get general information on our activities and I think (I hope) we've satisfied that need.

We look forward to having you join us in our various travels now that you know how to keep track of what we're doing.  Now though, it's time to start a new thread here to discuss the Madison trip on May 2, 2010.  I hope to see you there (both at the thread and on the tour).

Buddy