Tuesday, December 8, 2009

monroe street

In the past couple of months, we've tried a couple of great restaurants on Monroe Street in Madison: Brasserie V and Pizza Brutta.

The meal at Brasserie V was for the anniversary of six years together. The restaurant is Belgian-style, with an extensive beer list and a warm, casual atmosphere. The menu offers more pricey seasonal entrees and more affordable sandwiches and salads.

Belgian salad: frisee and grilled endive, egg, bacon, almonds, and apple cider vinaigrette

my entree: maple & beer brased pork belly on polenta with crispy fried fennel

Matt's entree: steak frites in cabernet pan sauce with sauteed greens & fries

The pork belly was unique and incredibly rich. The sweet maple sauce nicely complemented the creamy polenta and tender, fatty pork. Matt's steak was tender and juicy and we enjoyed the peppery fries with two kinds of aioli.


At Pizza Brutta, you order your pizza at the front counter, take your seat, and receive the traditional wood-fired pizza Napoletana in less than 5 minutes. The crust is softer than other pizzas we've had of the same style, but that doesn't detract from its appeal. Pizza Brutta is dedicated to including local and organic ingredients on the menu and there are many other flavor combinations on the menu that I am eager to try.

the diavola: basil, pepper flakes, spiced salami, pepperocini

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