A bar with a view 🌊
When I walked into One Social Food Hall the day before its grand opening, there were still piles of boxes to be unpacked, a crowd of servers and bartenders going through training and construction workers hard at work on finishing touches. But even in its unfinished state, the sight made my jaw drop. A place like this was going to exist in downtown Madison?
The lake views are one thing. (As Lindsay notes, “perhaps only Monona Terrace and the Madison Club have views like this.”) Many of us have long lamented the lack of lakeside and rooftop dining options in Madison, considering just how much water we’re surrounded by. One Social’s bar and patio, looking over John Nolen Drive to sweeping vistas of Lake Monona, will substantially help to fill that gap.
But it’s a food hall, so of course that’s the main focus. Only four of the seven vendor stalls are currently filled, but there’s already such good variety, from fresh oysters to poutine, Neapolitan-style pizza to ceviche. I’m hoping to visit this weekend, ideally with enough friends to be able to try something from every stall.
I’ve been eagerly awaiting the opening of chef Giovanni Novella’s new restaurant, and he just announced Nov. 20 as Osteria Novella’s first day of service. I’ll admit that I’m selfishly mournful that he’s left the east side for University Avenue, but the location is the only thing I have any reservations about (speaking of which, reservations are now open!). I have confidence in the excellence of everything Chef Gio takes on, and I can’t wait for this new venture.
It looks like we may be getting our first snow this weekend! So here are a few things I’ve been enjoying with the last of the fall weather: The squashin’ pumpkin syrup from Reverie Baking Co. (it’s good in literally any drink). The veggie focaccia sandwich from Bloom, with goat cheese, red pepper, arugula and pickled onions. The Relatively Right, off of State Line’s new fall and winter cocktail menu (releasing this weekend). A New York Happy Meal (fries, caesar salad and a martini) enjoyed at the bar with a good book.*…