Foodie Friday - A review of La Madia

I’ve been to La Madia many a time but last night was the first since I’ve been blogging, and I was excited going into dinner knowing I now had a venue to officially give props to a long-standing favorite.

La Madia’s entrance is unassuming and nestled into the other buildings around, and it’s proximity to downtown make it a great spot to go after work if you’re in the loop. Don’t get me wrong, it can also be a destination restaurant, but they have such great weekday deals ($5 glasses of wine Mon – Fri!) I wanted to remind people how easy it is to get to.

Last night it was a great meeting location for my foodie friend who was coming from downtown and for myself who was coming from home. We showed up a little early for our reservation (oh yes p.s. – highly recommend reservations), and asked if there was a chance we sit down earlier than our planned arrival. The hostess with the mostess replied that we could sit at the back bar if we like, and our foodie eyes immediately lit up. Sit and watch the tasty food being prepared? Umm, sure!

So we sat and began in on conversation, only to be interrupted by our waitress who explained that for sitting at the back bar we could have a glass of prosecco on the house. A consolation prize for something that is already awesome? Now you’re talking.

And talk we did, the prosecco was flowing and so was our conversation. We decided to go with the Bresaola, Shaved Fennel, Sweet Peppers, Parmesan for an appetizer. I’m not sure that I had ever had bresaola before, but it was delicious. It was served thinly sliced like prosciutto, with a mound of greens, fennel, peppers and parmesan that you roll up into the yummy meat and eat like a taco. Delicious!

Next up was dinner, and we decided to split the Shaved Artichoke, Reggiano Parmesan & Garlic pizza. La Madia’s specialty is their thin crust pizza. Every one I’ve tried has delicate flavors that build upon each other. The artichoke pizza was no exception. We both agreed that the shaved artichokes took on a similar flavor to mushrooms, and the parmesan and garlic meshed together so well it was heavenly. Yum.

La Madia also offers the neat concept of suggesting wine pairings next to each pizza on the menu. I don’t know about you, but I love me some delicious pizza and wine. The combination is so comforting I could probably have it 3-4 times a week without tiring.

So next time you’re craving some delish pizza, head on over to La Madia, request to sit at the back bar, and remember to check the wine pairing next to your pizza choice for a delicious duo!