In March of 2000, I did a fish fry review about Avenue Bar in Madison, Wisconsin. My work schedule of late has been so fatiguing I have not had time to venture the 40 miles up the Interstate to the "Valley of the Perpetually Offended." So this Friday I shuffled around my three jobs and Heide and I met up at Avenue Bar on East Washington Avenue. You can see the Capital building from their front door.
If you want a taste of the nuances that make Madison what it is, try the Avenue Bar. Having lived in Madison for two years a time ago and also having lived in cities just out of its reach, a place like Avenue Bar might bend a couple stereotypes you might have about Madison. They have a huge bar that can accommodate a large crowd that is waiting to be seated. Many people always seem to see someone they know. There is ample dinning space as well. The patrons seem to transcend many ages and political cliques. The alcohol flows liberally and the food is served up fast. The blend of people and warmth makes the experience rather homey.
If you arrive before 5:00 p.m. you should get seated quickly. If you are a dine after 5:00 p.m. person, you are best to call for reservations because it gets crowded quickly. It is a popular neighborhood spot. They start serving fish at 4:00 p.m.
I tried the deep fried Cod. It goes for $9.95. It is $2.50 for an extra piece, but I always get full with the normal order. The fish is flaky and tender and falls apart in your mouth. The tarter sauce is very smooth. I ordered the American Fries as my potato choice. The pieces of potato were chucky and tasty - much different than cafe American Fries. The cole slaw has a vinegar or perhaps buttermilk taste. That is just a bit different than the run of the mill cole slaw. It almost has a sauerkraut timbre to it. Heide ordered the Perch for $14.95. I tried some of it and it is well worth the extra four Bucks. Heide choose the baked potato to go with her Perch dinner.
If you are a fish boil kind of person they offer it up also for the same price as the Cod; it is boiled Icelandic Cod with steamed potatoes, carrots, and onions. Also be keen to the fact that the level of crowds may vary during the many Madison sporting events through out the year.
The Avenue Bar is still cool with Cool Dadio. Phone (608) 257-6877 for more details on hours and daily specials. Also visit their Web site for menus and a variety of information.
This week's Wisconsin soldier to remember is Private First Class Isaiah R. Hunt, 20 of Suamico (just north of Green Bay) died when the driver of his military vehicle accidentally struck another vehicle north of Baghdad, Iraq, on November 15, 2004. Isaiah was a member of the 782nd Main Support Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He was a driver and gunner in Iraq. Pfc. Hunt was thrown from the turret of his vehicle when it collided with a civilian contractor vehicle. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel mentioned Hunt died en route to a hospital. He joined the military in July 2003. Isaiah graduated from Bay Port High School in Green Bay Wisconsin. He is the son of former Green Bay Packers linebacker Mike Hunt who played for the Packers from 1978 to 1980. Pfc. Hunt is survived by his dad Mike and mother Pamela. Private First Class Hunt was the 28th Wisconsin soldier to die in Iraq since the start of the War in Spring, 2003.
3,841 Americans have been killed in Iraq since Spring, 2003.
451 Americans have been killed in Afghanistan since October, 2001.
28,327 U.S. troops have been wounded in action in Iraq since Spring, 2003.
1,708 U.S. troops have been wounded in action in Afghanistan since October, 2001.
81 Wisconsin soldiers have been killed in Iraq since Spring, 2003.
6 Wisconsin soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan since October, 2001.
122 journalists (several nationalities) have been killed in Iraq since Spring, 2003.
9 journalists (various nationalities) have been killed in Afghanistan since October, 2001.
Soldier of the week, military casualty, and journalist casualty information sources: Committee to Protect Journalists; cnn.com; and, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
