After my the sixth opportunity since moving to Madison, I finally made my first trip to the Yeah, I know. I've been to the Taste of Chicago event, and I know it's a pale reflection of the depth and breadth of the Chicago food scene. The Taste is meant to be accessible, welcoming. It's not supposed to highlight culinary artistry, or even the character and cuisine of the city. It really is less a taste of Madison, and more a taste of the Madison Yellow Pages. Its reputation precedes it, and that's not a vote in its favor. So some folks object on a foodie level. There are more great restaurants in Madison and beyond than are represented in your food event, they insist. It's an offense to the collective palate that Red Lobster and Starbucks are placed alongside
That doesn't change the fact that there are some really great local offerings here. to Buraka, Cafe Costa Rica to . Certainly the old fellow, birthed in Madison, deserves a stall.
And that's another complaint. Similar to the indictment of the quality is the complaint that chains are out of place at the Taste. We're not really tasting "Madison" when we buy something at Joey's Seafood, are we? Not when it's the same food as served in Sioux Falls? Well, not everyone has the level of interest or commitment to roll the dice on an unfamiliar local joint, especially if they're new to town. And Melting Pot, Old Chicago, and any other chain site, is going to at least be fairly consistent. Madisonians work there, don't they? It's still sort of supporting the local economy.
Value is the third big critique, with complaints that everything's getting smaller and pricier at the Taste. Well, I wouldn't know about the chronological perspective, but I can tell you this. I got a serving of really great vanilla bean panna cotta at the Bluephies is emblematic of your city to many folks, then you need to find a new hobby. Because they're just plain good. So are the cheese curds from King of Falafel, and...
All right, so maybe I can complain about the over-eating.
