Posts Tagged ‘far west’

PC Kitchen

Sunday, July 1st, 2012

Now open for three months, PC Kitchen doesn’t seem to have its identity set. First, it’s supposed to be an offshoot of Pancake Cafe, but it doesn’t draw nearly the same size of crowd. That may be because of its location in a strip mall by Woodman’s–it’s just weird to go to one to eat.

The name also is confusing, as it sounds like the place either fixes computers or is politically correct. Finally, the restaurant took over for the former New Town Pub, so there’s still a big bar in this family-friendly establishment. Overall, the food is good and the staff is welcoming, but will it be enough to overcome its inherent obstacles?

I tried the Homemade Biscuits & Gravy ($6.99), which comes with two eggs and hashbrowns. The biscuit was wonderfully soft; so many places give you a rock-hard biscuit. The gravy was rich and creamy and topped with slices of sausage instead of sausage crumbles, a nice touch. I would have preferred my hashbrowns crispier, as they didn’t have enough brown to them.

The Spinach Omelette ($6.99) is made from three eggs and comes with choice of cheese, hashbrowns and mushroom dipping sauce. It was really big and would have been tastier had the cheese been spread out a bit better. The mushroom dipping sauce was creative and helped boost the flavor of the omelette.

On a future visit, I’ll probably try the Bacon Pancake or Bacon Belgian Waffle ($5.99 each), both stuffed with bacon. The lunch menu is mainly comprised of sandwiches and burgers, such as the PC Kitchen Burger (Canadian bacon, American cheese and a sunny side up egg with red pepper aioli for $8.99).

PC Kitchen is open 365 days a year for breakfast and lunch. I hate when restaurants take cash only, and this is another such place, so be prepared.

PC Kitchen on Urbanspoon

Pho Nam

Sunday, December 4th, 2011

If you’ve not familiar with pho (pronounced “fa” or “fuh”), it’s a Vietnamese noodle soup that’s usually served with beef. Since it’s in the name of the restaurant, Pho Nam, I of course had to order it.

I’ve enjoyed pho at Nam’s Noodle and Wah Kee, so the version at Pho Nam had a lot to live up to. It comes with the requisite side dish of bean sprouts, lime, jalapenos and basil. I ordered mine with beef and tendons ($8.75); other variations include chicken ($7.95), beef meatballs ($8.25) and House Deluxe ($8.95).

On first taste, the broth is much more flavorful than its two counterparts; in fact, I was hesitant to add sriracha as to not disturb the taste.  I also appreciated the generous portion of noodles. What I didn’t like was the sliced onions (not found in the other versions), and I felt the restaurant skimped a bit on the beef and tendons. Would I order it again? Sure.

The stir fried egg noodle with beef ($8.75) was a disappointment. It was a mixture of about 70 percent vegetables, 20 percent noodles and 10 percent beef. What little noodle that was there was good. I just wish they made it like Nam’s Noodles does–that is the gold standard in my opinion.

For the appetizers, I tried the chicken wings (six for $4.25; eh, why not?), which were decent, and the Vietnamese egg rolls ($2.95), which were delicious, albeit tiny.

The rest of the menu consists of non-pho soups such as wonton ($7.25); rice dishes such as grilled pork chops ($7.95); and vegetarian dishes. I didn’t notice the bahn mi sandwiches on the menu until it was too late; they are hidden in the bottom right corner like an afterthought.

Pho Nam is open Tuesdays-Sundays for lunch and dinner.

Pho Nam on Urbanspoon

Arthritis Foundation Wine Tasting

Sunday, November 14th, 2010

EatDrinkMadison.com is pleased to feature an article from guest blogger Stephanie Caine of the Arthritis Foundation.

The Arthritis Foundation held its 12th Annual International Wine Tasting on Saturday, Nov. 6, at Full Compass Systems. The venue was alive with theatrical lighting, purple linens, pleasant jazz from the John Vitale group, and of course, an amazing collection of the area’s best in food and beverage.

Whole Foods Market selected the wine vendors, in addition to providing a spread of domestic and imported cheeses and other snacks—beautifully laid out and decorated with evergreens foreshadowing the holiday season.

Local winery Botham Vineyards provided souvenir tasting glasses, while Yahara Bay Distillers and Potosi Brewery added to the variety. There was truly something for everyone and much more than just wine at this tasting.

Also highlighting the lineup were the National Mustard Museum, Gail Ambrosius, Vom Fass and Shinji Muramoto, who assembled appetizers on stage as cameras fed the action to guests around the venue via large plasma displays. Certified Advanced Sommelier Toni Johnson of Professional Wine Consultants was on hand to share her immense knowledge of wine.

This year’s Wine Tasting included brief words by people of various ages with arthritis, who thanked guests for supporting the Arthritis Foundation. For instance, five-year-old Addie, who has juvenile arthritis, explained that she likes the regular shots the disease requires her to get because they make her knees feel better.

The Foundation funds vital research as well as local programs and services for those with arthritis. There were several fun ways to support the cause on that Saturday, including fabulous live and silent auctions, a mystery cork sale and an appeal for Camp M.A.S.H., a summer camp for kids with arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation sends its sincere thanks to everyone involved with the 2010 International Wine Tasting, for making it a great success!

    Urban Air TryaTaste

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