Candice Wagener
Candice Wagener
Dressed for travel
Residents of Oakwood Village have teamed up with the Little Dresses for Africa program, helping to sew clothing for those in need in more than 80 countries. more
Lara Kastner
Hot plates
Where Isthmus reviewers — and Madison — have been eating and drinking since the last “Dining” special section. Here’s our summary of the scene. more
Capital Chinese
Dumplings, hot pot, beef roll, noodles and more. A tour of Madison’s Chinese restaurants shows a new variety of dishes and regional cuisines. more
Over a hot stove is the place to be
Seven of Madison’s women chefs talk about the dishes and ingredients they love. Generally, they’ve found Madison to provide a supportive environment. more
Chicken Run
You want a piece of this?
The Chicken Run focuses on just one dish, battered and fried chicken tenders. The small Illinois chain beats the other chicken shacks with quality, not variety. more
Ryan Wisniewski
There is nothing like a guacamolier
Compadres represents the best of Mexican standards with its big menu. And fresh tableside guacamole is just part of the fun. more
In our cups
Rusty Dog Coffee is passionate about its roasts. MOMbie provides an extra pick-me-up for the depleted community. more
Cast party
Terry Payne’s hobby of collecting vintage cast iron cookware led to his Heirloom Cast Iron booth at Odana Antiques. It’s not just nostalgia: Vintage American brands are superior to newly cast items for several reasons. more
Shakshuka shack
Third time’s the charm? A new version of Laila Borokhim’s Noosh largely succeeds on Regent Street. more
For you
Perfect Imperfections is a healthy alternative in body care, a woman-owned small business and a tribute to the owner's parents. Jasmine Banks is working bazaars and pop-ups. more
4 Sisters Tapas Restaurant
That’s tapas
4 Sisters Tapas is a good addition to the Verona dining lineup. There’s a good range of dishes on the focused menu, though this is not strictly traditional Spanish tapas. more
Heather Matanock
Block party
Blue Bar Quilts picks up where Stitcher’s Crossing left off. The Middleton shop embraces all manner of the fabric arts. more
Cricket Design Works
Have it your way
Pasture and Plenty splits the difference between a deli and DIY. It offers subscription meal kits and prepared foods, Wednesday night dinners and lunch. Plus it sources locally. more
Just the cupboards
Cabinet City offers a new approach to remodeling. Focusing on one line of mostly non-custom cabinets keeps prices lower. more
Gifts for the cook
For anyone from newbie to executive chef, a little inspiration. And you really don’t have to cook — you can just eat some of these. more
Carolyn Fath
Upper crust
Chocolaterian Middleton ups the ante on west side desserts. The housemade savory dishes are great too, especially anything with a pastry crust. more
Focus on fresh
Cafe Zupas at Greenway Station arrives with sandwiches, soups, salads and quinoa bowls. The small Utah chain strives to deliver fresh ingredients daily. more
Make a mud pie, learn teamwork
At Tinkergarten classes, kids play outside and connect with nature. And making a mud pie means learning empathy, self-control and teamwork. more
Laura Zastrow
Rejoice!
While west Madison and Middleton have had a slew of Mexican eateries open recently, Gloria’s Mexican Restaurant emerges from the pack. The vegetarian fare is a particular strength. more
Candice Wagener
Bigger, with more comfy chairs
Habitat ReStore on Odana Road expands again. The recycling success story now accepts even more materials. more
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Candice Wagener
Tony Bitner (left), Manny Figueroa and Tom Koren of Rusty Dog.
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Candice Wagener
Blue Bar likes to highlight modern styles like Heather Matanock’s TV quilt, but also stocks fabrics to suit traditional and contemporary tastes.
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Candice Wagener
Many ReStore volunteers join manager Craig Gielow (kneeling) and director Steve Hanrahan (far right).
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Candice Wagener
Volunteer Ed Kowieski stains a piece of trim in the expanded ReStore.
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Candice Wagener
Treat yourself with a flowering wreath kit, Hello Honey teapot or special wrapping paper.
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Candice Wagener
Stylish vintage race cars from Playforever of London.
