In the city of Madison, there are five seasons: winter, spring, summer, fall and Concerts on the Square. Downtown dwellers take full advantage of that delightful fifth season, taking over the Capitol lawn with their blankets, buzzing chatter and baskets of delicious goodies. As much as the event is centered on the enjoyment of world-class symphonic works (for free, no less), it’s equally about gustatory satisfaction. In other words: Good food is essential.
Lucky for all of us, this city is brimming with tastemakers, vendors and creators who make and peddle top-notch noshables. We checked in with some of those fine folks, asking for their expert recommendations of items that will make your Concerts experience superlative. Here are their favorite products, guaranteed to make your friends “ooh” and “ahh” when you pull them out of your picnic basket.
Madison Sourdough’s baguette
No picnic is complete without some fresh, crusty bread, so head to Madison Sourdough for some of the best bread around. “Our sourdough baguette is the perfect pairing for all the delicious cheeses, spreads, and cured meats that Madison has to offer,” says Molly Maciejewski, executive chef. “It travels well and is as good with a delicious Wisconsin cheese as it is dipped straight into a jar of local preserves.”
Pair it with: A hunk of Upland Cheese Pleasant Ridge Reserve from Fromagination.
Casetta Kitchen and Counter’s François Cazin rosé
Of course wine is already on your list, but narrowing down the options can be daunting. James Juedes, co-owner of Casetta Kitchen and Counter, is here to help. “I think rosé is a great choice and goes well with our food. We have a rosé from François Cazin from the appellation of Cheverny in the Touraine district of the Loire Valley made from Pinot Noir and Gamay that has plenty of red fruit driven by a fresh, zesty undertone.”
Pair it with: Casetta’s snap pea salad. “With the mint vinaigrette for dressing the sugar snap peas are quite refreshing and would make excellent picnic fare,” Juedes says. “The Cazin rosé has enough fruit and body to mitigate the little bit of heat provided by the crushed red pepper.”
NessaAlla’s Peach Blush Kombucha
You’ll need something more than wine to drink, especially if it’s hot and humid. Try something a little bit different like a funky kombucha. “NessAlla Kombucha is a refreshing afternoon drink and/or mixer,” says Vanessa Tortolano, co-owner of NessAlla. “It can be brought along to liven up the party, create conversation, or boost the flavor of that summer cocktail. Check out our luscious Peach Blush.”
Pair it with: Yahara Bay’s premium vodka. No one said you couldn’t add alcohol…
Casetta Kitchen and Counter’s Sullivan sandwich
If you want something a little more substantial to soak up all that wine, sandwiches are ideal. They’re portable and only get better when the bread soaks up the dressing. “The Sullivan sandwich, featuring prosciutto, reduced balsamic vinegar, hot peppers, arugula, and provolone, is our take on an authentic Italian sandwich,” says Juedes. “It travels well, is fairly light, and is a classic on house-made focaccia.”
Pair it with: One Barrel Brewing Company’s Commuter Kolsch.
Madison Sourdough’s macarons
All baskets need to have a little dessert. If fruit just won’t cut it, try some macarons, a French sandwich cookie that comes in myriad flavors. “Macarons are a delicious and beautiful dessert. You can pick up a box and have a simple, easy-to-carry, sweet end to your Concerts on the Square picnic,” says Maciejewski.
Pair it with: Iced latte from Ancora.
Underground Butcher’s Brisket Meal
If you’re feeling lazy, some Madison spots offer ready-made baskets. Underground Butcher makes picnic meal baskets full of what else: meat. “I recommend our Brisket Meal,” says Mel Trudeau of Underground Butcher. “Smoked that day — and only available Wednesdays and Saturdays — it comes with homemade cornbread, baked beans and slaw. It is super convenient to order online for quick pickup, and the dinner is all bundled up to go for easy picnicking.”
Pair it with: Wines from Underground Butcher’s refrigerator. “We’ve got a great selection of quality canned wines. Yes, canned and good. Right now we are totally into Ramona wine coolers,” says Trudeau.
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