I’m writing today from a sustainable business conference at Epic Systems in Verona, Wis. Although I carpooled, I daresay my carbon footprint will be unfortunately large today, since we got lost on the way.
Bad directions aside, this place is an environmental wunderkind. The building itself uses geothermal energy and was designed to last. The environmental impact of the conference has also been minimized. Information is distributed on flash drives instead of paper, Alliant Energy donated stainless steel water bottles and the lunch has been locally sourced.
It’s great to see that a local business is pioneering sustainable business mechanisms and showing that going green is more than an altruistic gesture – it makes sense for their bottom line, the holy grail of the business world.
What really attracts me to Epic, though, is not its focus on sustainability or its generosity toward the University of Wisconsin. It’s the corporate tree house made with salvaged and leftover construction materials – now that is original.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Paradise Path
Who knew Madison could make you feel like you’re on a get-away vacation. Yet…it’s exactly how I feel each time I lace up my shoes and head out for a run on the lake shore path.
There is nothing better than running next to a gorgeous view of Lake Mendota - any time of the year. In the summer, I love sweating under the sun as I look out on the lake to see a variety of boats scattered across the blue water. As fall approaches, you can run through a tunnel of red and yellow leaves as the crisp air brushes against your face. Don’t let Madison snow faze you - winter is actually one of the most gorgeous times to hit the path as you can get a glimpse of trees freshly covered in snow overlooking the iced lake. And then there’s spring. After facing the below zero temperatures all winter long, it feels great to drop the layers of clothes for some shorts and run as the weather gets increasingly warmer. I’m seriously not trying to be all poetic here; the path is just one of the most beautiful sites in Madison, something everyone should experience.
The lake shore path is also great for biking and waking. No matter what you choose to do make sure you visit Madison’s wonderful lakeshore path and perhaps take a journey all the way down to Picnic Point!
There is nothing better than running next to a gorgeous view of Lake Mendota - any time of the year. In the summer, I love sweating under the sun as I look out on the lake to see a variety of boats scattered across the blue water. As fall approaches, you can run through a tunnel of red and yellow leaves as the crisp air brushes against your face. Don’t let Madison snow faze you - winter is actually one of the most gorgeous times to hit the path as you can get a glimpse of trees freshly covered in snow overlooking the iced lake. And then there’s spring. After facing the below zero temperatures all winter long, it feels great to drop the layers of clothes for some shorts and run as the weather gets increasingly warmer. I’m seriously not trying to be all poetic here; the path is just one of the most beautiful sites in Madison, something everyone should experience.
The lake shore path is also great for biking and waking. No matter what you choose to do make sure you visit Madison’s wonderful lakeshore path and perhaps take a journey all the way down to Picnic Point!
Friday, December 5, 2008
Nothing Like a Good Bagel
I could not love Madison in full until I knew where I could find a good bagel. It might have taken me a year or so to find such a place, but now I can't stop going...
The place I'm talking about is Gotham Bagels. Located just off the square on Mifflin Street, I probably venture down there twice a month, on a Saturday or Sunday. My roommates and I enjoy the fresh squeezed orange juice, the array of cream cheeses and the ambiance that only a bagel shop has to offer. The second I walk in, it feels a little like home. I hail from Cincinnati, which I never thought was that great until I moved to Madison and missed a few things. One of them being a good bagel shop.
I was getting too comfortable with Einstein's and starting to lose hope when a good friend of mine mentioned Gotham Bagels. Without thinking I get an everything bagel with bacon, egg and cheddar. The cheese slowly melts out as you crunch down on one of the most perfectly toasted bagels imaginable. My roommate can't get enough of the super-egg everything bagel with regular cream cheese. This bagel doesn't just come with all the great toppings an everything bagel typically comes with–it has all the tasty poppy seeds, onion bits, garlic, poppy seeds and more baked into the dough as well.
As Gotham attempts to mimic a New York style bagel, this eatery gets it right. The best way to understand what I'm talking about is to go and check it out for yourself. The only downside about this wonderful place is the line. So go early or expect to wait. Enjoy!
The place I'm talking about is Gotham Bagels. Located just off the square on Mifflin Street, I probably venture down there twice a month, on a Saturday or Sunday. My roommates and I enjoy the fresh squeezed orange juice, the array of cream cheeses and the ambiance that only a bagel shop has to offer. The second I walk in, it feels a little like home. I hail from Cincinnati, which I never thought was that great until I moved to Madison and missed a few things. One of them being a good bagel shop.
I was getting too comfortable with Einstein's and starting to lose hope when a good friend of mine mentioned Gotham Bagels. Without thinking I get an everything bagel with bacon, egg and cheddar. The cheese slowly melts out as you crunch down on one of the most perfectly toasted bagels imaginable. My roommate can't get enough of the super-egg everything bagel with regular cream cheese. This bagel doesn't just come with all the great toppings an everything bagel typically comes with–it has all the tasty poppy seeds, onion bits, garlic, poppy seeds and more baked into the dough as well.
As Gotham attempts to mimic a New York style bagel, this eatery gets it right. The best way to understand what I'm talking about is to go and check it out for yourself. The only downside about this wonderful place is the line. So go early or expect to wait. Enjoy!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
The Old Fashioned offers Wisconsin heritage on a plate
Step into this restaurant for food that represents Wisconsin as strongly as its name. Located on the capital square, The Old Fashioned offer up a wide variety of regional dishes and drinks, rich in flavor in state heritage.
Begin a gathering of friends with a round of locally brewed beers by Capital Brewery, New Glarus Brewing Co., Lakefront Brewery or Ale Asylum. For a cocktail with history, enjoy a signature old fashioned, sweet or sour. The Apple Jack Old Fashioned is a blend of America's Original Apple Brandy and Laird's Applejack. Bursting with fall flavor, this is a refreshing and comforting cocktail. The Old Fashioned also offers a variety of other drinks for those who are looking for something other than brandy.
To start a meal off right, try one of the four cheese trays, all served with crackers, honey and fruit. Each tray offers an array of tastes from creamy and smooth to sharp and pungent. The Old Fashioned also has four Lazy Susans. Each features Wisconsin sausage, fish, potato salad, pickled vegetables and bread. For appetizers with a more traditional bar feel, choose from onion strings, potato chips, matchstick French fries, or their amazing cheese curds. Wisconsin curds handmade in beer batter come out with a wonderful crisp on the outside and a melty, ooey-gooey inside. Each of these sides is served with one of four flavorful dips.
The menu boasts a wide variety of traditional Wisconsin flavors such as Fish Fry Friday, Wisconsin Mac & Cheese with sharp cheddar and grilled Fendt's ring bologna, and Green Bay Chili. The Mac & Cheese is wonderfully full-flavored with terrific seasoning and a crisp breadcrumb topping. The grilled bologna is rich, slightly spicy and pairs perfectly with the Cavatappi pasta. The chili is an amazing starter. Served on top of spaghetti, this chili has robust flavor with a home-style texture. The salads are unique and much better than anything a certain Italian chain restaurant in town. The menu also has a lot of sandwich options, each with a flavor that is rich in Wisconsin history.
The Old Fashioned is a restaurant member of the Madison Originals, a non-profit association of local, independently owned restaurants that focus on preserving the region's unique local flavor.
To find out more about The Old Fashioned, visit their Web site.
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