It seems like reporters are always looking for signs that economic woes are hitting Joe Sixpack in his wallet and Andrea Average in her pocketbook. (Pocketbook? Who carries a pocketbook? Lucy Locket?)
The New York Times published a TDPF. And yes, we all already know about Taco Bell.
Make it a meal
Hilldale's upscale steakhouse, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, just sent a press release announcing a menu "that will allow guests to splurge on a luxurious night out without breaking the bank," namely a "seasonal selection" prix fixe menu for $36. Entrees available on the prix fixe are Steak Diane, Pork Osso Bucco and Swordfish Peperonata. With salad, choice of side and dessert included, it could be a pretty good deal. And as they say, might as well eat, drink and be merry....
Liliana's Restaurant of Fitchburg will be starting a Tuesday night three-course Chef's Tasting Menu ($30) starting today, Oct. 14. Tonight's menu is a watercress and pear salad; quail with fig- glazed butternut squash, chorizo, and kale; and for dessert, crisped apples with cinnamon.
And more openings, closings, and expectations...
Talula, the east side restaurant in the pink castle just off Hwy. 51 at Cottage Grove Road, is formally celebrating its grand opening with Talula-Palooza. It's this Saturday, Oct. 18, from 2-10 p.m., with music from BlackWaterGin from 4-6 p.m. and Honor Among Thieves from 7-9:30 pm. Bring a can of food for the Community Action Coalition food bank and you'll be eligible to win valuable prizes (my favorite kind). Talula also introduced a new fish fry recently -- perch or haddock with choice of fries or baked potato and choice of soup, coleslaw or salad, $11.
We hear through the grapevine that Kami Eshraghi, who formerly ran the Kimia Lounge on the Square, is looking to open a new venture in the old Hooters space on the far west side (6654 Mineral Point Rd.). Meanwhile, Hooters is looking to move to the east side, where the populace apparently still appreciates such things. The east side will also be home to another Tilted Kilt (in the old Damon's on Lien Road).
A third Madison location for Buffalo Wild Wings is coming to McKee Road, near the SuperTarget.Q and Q Asian Buffet will be taking over the former China Palace at Northgate Shopping Center.
Mad City Crab House has apparently changed its name to the Tiki Shack, with The Tiki Bar also open in the space that fronts State Street (next to the dance clothing store). The phone number remains 608-310-6933.
available here (PDF).
And...
The Casbah is still (temporarily) closed for lunch.
