In My Library: Brian Murray Never Miss a Story Get The Post delivered directly to your inbox By clicking above you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Oakcrest TavernFancy imbibing in a Wisconsin tradition or two? Look no further than the Oakcrest. With a classic fish fry, tasty Old Fashioneds and a laid-back neighborhood vibe complete with the requisite old-timers and giggling tots, it doesn’t get much more Wisconsin. Sushi MuramotoAlways hopping, Sushi Muramoto fulfills Madison’s sushi cravings. The food is beautifully presented and the saki offerings are unrivaled. It’s the perfect pre-movie meal (Sundance is across the street) because you can still indulge in popcorn afterwards! WebsiteLuigi’sWe’re not sure what’s best about Luigi’s - the Dough Knots, the white paper table cloth that’s accompanied by crayons, the generous wine pour or the fact that it’s in Sequoya Commons so is very walkable from some west side neighborhoods.

Ok, we do know . . .it’s the Dough Knots. WebsiteCafé Porta AlbaWith the owner hailing from Naples, you know the Neapolitan-style pizza is going to be good. Especially the Alpina pizza. on the top for an extra does of green. And order the wine recommended by the server - they are very, very wise in this way. WebsiteVIP Asian CuisineIgnore the cheesy name and less than enticing exterior and we promise you’ll go home happy. Not only is the interior unexpectedly beautiful, the food is fantastic. You can order from a Japanese or Chinese menu. Or both if you’re feeling adventurous. Great lunch and sushi specials, too. WebsiteOtto’sA bar and restaurant with a Mediterranean bent, Otto’s is somewhat of a west side secret. The lower level bar (where you enter) is cozy and friendly and has great happy hour specials, not to mention blue cheese stuffed olives. During summer, a drink should definitely be enjoyed from the upstairs patio. WebsiteVintage Brewing Co.A local brewpub, Vintage is true to it’s name.

The retro interior offers a great ambiance for when it’s too cold to quaff your tasty draft on the large patio. And tasty it will be - Vintage has a long list of it’s own highly-acclaimed beers and offers a few guest beers, too. WebsiteInner Fire YogaOffering a great range of hot yoga classes - yin yoga (like guided stretching and relaxation), power yoga, slow flow with meditation and sculpt flow - in a nice space with a fantastic smell, you’ll keep coming back for more. WebsiteYMCAWith lots of classes catering to all ages, a good swim program and an on-site daycare, the Y is a great workout space for families. It’s also a friendly space that welcomes all fitness levels. WebsiteHybrid SalonHybrid offers a bevy of beautifying services. If you need something plucked, cut, colored, waxed, painted or glitzed, this is the place to get it done. The post-shampoo head and neck massage is reason enough to stop in for a cut. WebsiteRZ and Co.A polished space with a no-tip policy, RZ & Co offers the typical services expected at a high-end salon (hair/style/nails/massage/waxing/make-up/facials, etc) and many services others do not - like extensions.

Trendsetters will do well to check out RZ and their amazingly well-trained staff.umi sushi menu grants pass WebsiteChocolate Shoppe Ice Cream CoBe prepared to make some choices when you visit the Chocolate Shoppe. sushi grade fish columbus ohioWith amazingly creamy ice cream, vegan options, sherbets, Italian ices, fudge, a Jelly Belly bar and the best ice cream cakes around, it’s decision time. sushi grade fish new hampshireThankfully, free samples are not hard to come by.where to buy sashimi grade salmon vancouver WebsiteDB Infusion ChocolatesWith hot chocolate reminiscent of the cafés that line the Ramblas in Barcelona, and gorgeous, museum-worthy chocolates served on marble slabs, we dare you to walk into DB Infusion without your mouth watering.

WebsiteOwen ConservancyTucked into neighborhoods on the west side, Owen Conservancy is a year-round playground. Runners, hikers and birdwatchers enjoy the summer while cross country skiers and ice skaters take advantage of the peace and quiet in the winter. WebsitePicnic Point/UW Campus Lake PathA favorite place in Madison, Picnic Point is a nearly one-mile peninsula that juts into Lake Mendota’s south shore. Rent a fire pit and have a picnic, or take a romantic walk along the lake path. It is, after all, "the kissing-est spot in North America” according to the San Francisco Examiner. WebsiteSundance CinemasCommercial-free movies, including indie flicks and even recorded productions of the San Francisco Opera and The National Theatre of London are what draw people to Sundance at Hilldale. Though the on-site bar and the best popcorn in town might have something to do with it, too. WebsiteOdana Hills Golf CourseThis 18-hole, par 72 course is quite popular thanks to reasonable rates - including junior summer passes for kids- a nice course and easy access to the beltline.

Just off the bike path, there’s also a park, basketball courts and tennis courts nearby. WebsiteHilldale Shopping CenterHilldale is an outdoor mall that skews toward higher-end brands (Anthropology, North Face, Michael Kors, Kate Spade), but the mall offers a mix of local boutiques, too. It also includes several local restaurants, Metcalfe’s grocery store, Target and Sundance Cinemas and hosts a Saturday Farmer’s Market from April - November. Thanks to savvy development, it's now a destination and not just a mall. WebsiteWest Towne MallA traditional mall, West Towne includes chain stores like Apple, Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Aveda, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Barnes & Noble, Best Buy, Sephora, H & M, and on and on. WebsiteOdana Antiques & Fine ArtComprised of almost 100 booths showcasing an array of goods from the 1800’s to the 1970’s, this is a lovely place to get lost on a rainy afternoon. The dealer’s take care to create charming vignette’s and the prices aren’t out-of-line.