Madison, WI **** 4/5 stars

We went to Madison this weekend so I could participate in the Mad-town Maidens alleycat race with my friend, Lisa. She and her husband, Darren, were kind enough to put us up for the night and clue us in on some great eats. After biking 25 miles the previous day, I was ready to shove a serious amount of food in my face. We planned to bike to brunch but we woke up to this:

So we parked downtown and ran through a downpour for a couple blocks until we ducked into The Old Fashioned. At first glance, it appears to be a dark, divey tavern, but then you realize it's actually a clean, classy and cozy establishment with a great brunch menu. Still, the giant fish in a glass case and just the slightest smell of must and stale beer makes you think you might be at some old northwoods bar and grill.

I think this is the earliest I've ever had bloody mary's (before 10am), but this place made me feel right at home.

The "old-fashioned" bloody was chock full of horse radish to my delight. This was the best bloody I've had in a long time! We were only here to escape the rain and have one drink, and I'll admit I was a bit sad that we didn't stay for food. They had some great egg dishes made with Wisconsin cheeses and even a basket of fried fresh morels. Our server came out at one point to offer us a bucket of mystery beers. What time is it again? We were assured, had the weather gotten any worse, that the basement would be a safe harbor with lots of booze and food in stock. I almost wished the storm of the century would have me trapped inside the Old Fashioned for a couple of days at least... but we had more brunching to do elsewhere...

We jogged a couple blocks to the Marigold, Lisa's favorite brunch spot. After examining the menu, I could tell I was going to love it. Salads come with just about everything. They have sweet and savory items and the prices are cheap compared to MPLS. Oh, they also have bloodies, mimosas, espresso, etc... I'm considering the move to Madison. Seriously...

This is a buy-at-the-counter and then sit down kind of place. They had lots of craveable baked goods behind the glass. Chalkboard menus mean your ingredients are fresh daily.

The dining room is bright and cheery.

We all got scrambles or frittatas and I added a blueberry pancake. Morels were on the menu again. My scramble had brie and crimini mushrooms...so good!

The frittata...

And the pancake with granola on the side...it kinda worked.

Cappuccino froth overload! So good.

I'm exploding with delight. I don't want brunch to end. Where could we go next?

I'm not confirming or denying a trip to "Smut 'n Eggs" at Bennet's Meadow Country Club. I'd heard about this place for years...yep, they serve eggs and show pornographic videos. Rest assured, though, they do close on mother's day every year.

To quote Brandon: "That guy has no testicles!" Now that's something you don't hear at Sunday brunch very often... Oh, Madison, how I love your cultural diversity.