Cento, Madison, August 21, 2015

Location: Cento, Madison, WI

Total Points: 4.0
Fruit garnish: +.5
Color: +.5
Muddling: 1
Bitters: +1
Brandy:+.5
Overall taste: +.5

Web site: http://www.centomadison.com/

The Drink: They get a bonus star for the beautiful dark and sweet cherry. The fruit was well-muddled. The bitters were just right. However, the brandy was not strong enough and the drink was too sweet. But, this really is beautiful to look at, if not the best tasting. 

The Atmosphere: Cento is in a former bank building and they have made good use of the space. It is very open and elegantly situated. We were a large party and we had more than adequate space. 

The Experience: The food and atmosphere here are definitely more interesing than most of our Friday night jaunts.The food was rich and flavorful. The bacon wrapped dates were a hit with everyone. To the right is the Pumpkin Agnolotti.

 

The Butterfly Club, Beloit, WI May 22, 2015

 Location: The Butterfly Club, Beloit, WI

Website: http://www.butterflyclub.us/

Points: 3
Fruit garnish: +.5
Cherry juice or grenadine: 0
Muddling: 0
Bitters: +.5
Brandy:+1

Overall taste: +1

The Drink: This was a pleasant BOF, though a little too sweet and not enough bitters. A pre-made bar mix was used so no muddling

. 

The Atmosphere: The Butterfly Club is a classic Wisconsin supper club. The lounge is to die for with a long, ovular bar, a pretty view and best of all turquoise seating! I would drink here any time.

The Experience: We had the Friday fish fry. The fish was not anything special (too dry), but the cheesy potatoes are quite good. Best of all was the beautiful grasshopper for dessert complete with whip cream and colorful sprinkles. 

An Old Fashioned Old Fashioned, May 31, 2015

We decided to visit our favorite place for brandy old fashioneds--The Old Fashioned! This time I tried something a little different: The Northern Exposure Old Fashioned.

Location: The Old Fashioned, Madison, WI

Website: http://www.theoldfashioned.com/

Points: 3
Fruit garnish: +.5
Cherry juice or grenadine: 0
Muddling: 0
Bitters: +1
Brandy:+1
Overall taste: +.5

The Drink: According to the menu the Northern Exposure is made with Kessler's, sugar and bitters served in a pint glass. To me this was a watered-down version of an old fashioned (lots of soda). Maybe the point is that you can drink a lot them? I think I will stick with the southerner's version, which so far is surpassed by none.

Atmosphere: This place is just so much fun! There are two big bars and many tables. It is always crowded and noisy, but everyone is happy. There is lots of fun, kitschy Wisconsin memorabilia decorating the walls.

Experience:  Despite being busy, service is efficient and friendly. We got one of the lazy susans with a variety of Wisconsin cheese spreads and meats which brings back memories of the once ubiquitous salad bar at Wisconsin supper clubs. 

Old Fashioned: The Story of the Wisconsin Supper Club

We attended a reception for the new movie Old Fashioned: The Story of the Wisconsin Supper Club. The movie showing was a sneak peak of the film which is playing in the Wisconsin Film Festival this week. This was a delightful film which captured the essence of Wisconsin supper clubs. Restaurant owners, quirky patrons and historians were tapped to provide the history of supper clubs and to talk about their reason for being. Of course the brandy old fashioned was prominently featured throughout the movie. The history presented in the move is readily available elsewhere, but it is the characters that provide the story and it is fun. There was plenty of laughter from the audience and clapping when favorite supper clubs were featured.This movie is a must see for anyone who loves brandy old fashioneds or supper clubs or Wisconsin.


Of course brandy old fashioneds were available at the bar. 

The reception was held at Union South and was sponsored by the UW Alumni Foundation. Tasty and creative supper-club themed appetizers were passed around. These included crackers with cheese spread, cheese curds, relish trays, and steak and blue cheese. 

The Old Fashioned, 8th Annual $1 Old Fashioned Party, September 18, 2014

How do you make 1588 Korbel Brandy Old Fashioneds in 2 hours?  On September 18, 2014 the Old Fashioned had its 8th Annual $1 Old Fashioned Party.  Here is how they did it.

Step 1: Pre-prep the muddle

Step 2: Muddle

Step 3: Add ice

Step 4: Add brandy and 7-Up at the same time

Step 5: Garnish

Step 6: Serve 20 at once

Step 7: Enjoy yours. It is perfect.