Mint Mark, Madison, WI

We had a remarkably good meal here, and I cannot wait to go back. The good news is that we have a niece living there for another year and a half--maybe longer, fingers crossed--and we can choose to go back. The other good news is that while the restaurant is small, and reservations are limited, you can show up at 4PM when the bar opens and put yourself on the list for a table, and often be seated by the time the kitchen opens at 5PM. One of the charms of the place is an extensive and eclectic cocktail menu, so there is something to keep you busy! The atmospher is lovely, small and cozy with a botanical theme, which is not something that I inherently love, but it really works here. On to the food. It is a shared plates style, with 1-2 plates per diner being about right. We were there on a Friday night, so we did opt for the Wisconsin Fish Fry--it is a tradition in Wisconsin and we had dodged it until now, so dove in, and no regrets but I wouldn't necessarily plan my return for a Friday, but would opt for it again if it coincided. The coleslaw was some of the best restaurant cole slaw I have had. This was not, however, the highlight! For me it was the vegetable forward menu and the interesting presentations and flavors they married together. Admittedly, the biscuit with garlic honey and cultured butter is not innovative, but do not miss it--delicious! The carrot ravioli was my favorite dish, but everything was amazing.