Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
a true-blue throwback, 1950s martinis-and-slabs-era feel now exist, highlighted by the
Tornado Steak House
(116 S. Hamilton St., 608/256-3570,
www.tornadosteakhouse.com
,
5:30pm-10pm daily, $17-36). This might be the best nouveau take on the old supper club
in town. Steaks are the highlight, but the Friday pan-fried perch is a wonderful option for
those non-red-meat lovers. Sunday, wonderfully, is home-style chicken dinner night.
Fine Dining
If you're in town for only one night and need somewhere special (and pricey), the place
ectly opposite the Capitol. The creative regional fare has garnered nationwide raves and
placed the owners in the national cuisine spotlight—it was named one of the United States'
top 50 restaurants by
Food and Wine.
The restaurant was slow-food and locavorish and
whatever decades ago; it also truly strives to reach that esoteric netherworld of the har-
mony of cuisine, art, and culture. Simply put, the menus are incredible gastronomic rep-
resentations of the geography and ethos of this place. L'Etoile is highly recommended.
The owners also have a wonderful gastropub,
Graze
(1 S. Pinckney St., 608/251-2700,
www.grazemadison.com
,
11am-10pm Mon.-Thurs., 11am-11pm Fri., 9:30am-11pm Sat.,
9:30am-3pm Sun., $11-21) a few steps south, with a delectable bakery, creative light meals
all day, and comfort food on Sundays to take up L'Etoile's slack.
