An Old Fashioned Breakfast

The Old Fashioned has become a landmark on Madison's food scene since it opened in 2005 as a place for the classic Wisconsin favorite drink which is its namesake, but also for good old fashioned Wisconsin favorites.

I guess we just came late to this party, and boy are we sorry about that!

It faces Capitol Square at 23 North Pinckney Street.  Floor to ceiling windows makes it feel like you are dining on the capital lawn and the interior is reminiscent of the finest supper clubs throughout the state.

We planned to meet some friends for breakfast, and since our tummys were rumbling a bit it only seemed right to nosh on a little something first.

Doesn't everybody enjoy a little basket of fresh from the dairy, lightly beer-breaded and quick fried cheese curds in the morning?

If you were eating these, you will!  It was exquisitely warm, but not so hot to block the incredible full-bodied flavor of cheese.  The sixth one was as awesome as the first.  Oh my!

On a football game - day with the famous Dane County Farmer's Market going on across the street, the place was hoping soon after opening their doors at 9 a.m.  Even fans of Wisconsin and a few Ohio State faithful could agree on the perfect spot to start their day.

Photos and memorabilia tastefully decorate the walls; dark wood floors add to the ambiance; and a beautiful bar make this a memorable place to visit for a tourist and a comfortable spot for locals.

Then it's the food and drink which keeps everybody coming back.

I went with #5 on their Brunch menu: a Belgian style waffle served with pure Wisconsin Maple Syrup, Grand Mariner whipped cream, and powdered sugar.  For good measure, the chaser was a healthy glass of chocolate milk from the nearby Sassy Cow Dairy.

This my friends, is why I get up everyday and go work out; so I can enjoy an occasional treat like this one.  The light and flaky waffle with the sweet, but not too sweet, syrup made each bite as great as the one before.

And, since yesterday was National Cheese Curd Day (yep) we had some fresh cheese curds on the plate for a little added protein goodness.

With starts to the day like this one, it makes me want to get back in bed so I can start it over again.

If you live within a day's drive of Madison - I suggest you get the Old Fashioned on your culinary bucket list - you won't regret it.