RESTAURANT OF THE WEEK: KABUL

genre: Afghani & Mediterranean 

vegetarian friendly? YES

price? $$

My friends and I wanted to enjoy a nice dinner before finals ended and we all parted our ways for summer.  Wanting to try something new and having heard great things about it, we opted for Kabul.  Upon arrival we were given the choice between indoor or outdoor seating; unfortunately with the rain clouds in the distance we opted for inside where I immediately noted the cozy atmosphere would be perfect for a casual date or intimate conversation with a friend.

We started our meal off with two orders of hummus.  After my first bite I immediately knew we would be eating it all!  It was fresh and flavorful, with just the right amount of garlic and not too much olive oil (a common complaint of mine).  The hummus was topped with a light yogurt sauce, which complimented the flavor very nicely.  Our waitress was friendly and observant, refilling our basket of fresh pita bread whenever it neared empty.

After the hummus had disappeared, our salads arrived.  The basic restaurant salad was made unique with the tangy, curry dressing that topped it.  Shortly after, our main courses were delivered to our table.  Three of us had ordered couscous; I opted for the lamb variation.  And the other three ordered kabobs, either lamb or seafood.  We were all pleased with our meals, noting how all the simple things were done right—everything cooked to perfection and spiced not too heavily or sparingly.  Not having much experience with lamb, I was pleasantly surprised with the tender texture and earthy flavor.  We all loved our dishes, but concluded the kabobs were definitely the favorite.

We finished our meal with turkish coffee, which was notably sweeter than other variations I have had, but it was a perfect replacement for dessert.  When the check arrived, we realized the restaurant was pricier than we were anticipating, our totals ranging from $15 to $20.  Overall, the food (ESPECIALLY THE HUMMUS APPETIZER) and kind service made it worth it and I will definitely be returning sometime in the future.

1 year ago
SPECIAL OCCASION Whether your parents in town or your celebrating an Anniversary with your significant other.  Or even if you simply want to reward yourself for getting through a semester from hell, binge a little and treat yourself to some fine dining. 1. FRESCO Located upstairs of the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, Fresco provides not only upscale food, but one of the best views in Madison.  Although pretty pricey, the food is all very fresh and beautifully prepared.  They claim to use almost all local food, which is always a plus.  The chic and sexy atmosphere, both inside and outside, is what really makes dining here a special experience.  Consisting of select desserts, martinis, wines, and small plates there special “Fresco Fives Menu” is a perfect thing to take advantage of as a college student. 

SPECIAL OCCASION

Whether your parents in town or your celebrating an Anniversary with your significant other.  Or even if you simply want to reward yourself for getting through a semester from hell, binge a little and treat yourself to some fine dining.

1. FRESCO

Located upstairs of the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, Fresco provides not only upscale food, but one of the best views in Madison.  Although pretty pricey, the food is all very fresh and beautifully prepared.  They claim to use almost all local food, which is always a plus.  The chic and sexy atmosphere, both inside and outside, is what really makes dining here a special experience.  Consisting of select desserts, martinis, wines, and small plates there special “Fresco Fives Menu” is a perfect thing to take advantage of as a college student. 

1 year ago
Quick & Healthy Students often think there is no such thing as healthy food when in a time crunch.  Next time your running late to a study group but need a quick bite to eat, make it healthy and try this! Chipotle V  $ Yep, I said it.  The same restaurant bashed by health critiques for offering burritos exceeding a person’s daily calorie and fat requirements can also be one of the healthiest places.  Who would have thought?  I opt for a vegetarian salad, hold the dressing, and ask for extra salsa and beans.  The main thing to remember is to pass on the sour cream, cheese, and queso sauce.  I’ve never walked away unsatisfied and am always pleasantly surprised by the friendly workers. TIP: Squeeze a fresh lime over your salad for a little extra flavor!  It compliments the salad quite nicely.

Quick & Healthy

Students often think there is no such thing as healthy food when in a time crunch.  Next time your running late to a study group but need a quick bite to eat, make it healthy and try this!

Chipotle

V  $

Yep, I said it.  The same restaurant bashed by health critiques for offering burritos exceeding a person’s daily calorie and fat requirements can also be one of the healthiest places.  Who would have thought?  I opt for a vegetarian salad, hold the dressing, and ask for extra salsa and beans.  The main thing to remember is to pass on the sour cream, cheese, and queso sauce.  I’ve never walked away unsatisfied and am always pleasantly surprised by the friendly workers.

TIP: Squeeze a fresh lime over your salad for a little extra flavor!  It compliments the salad quite nicely.

1 year ago

Best Bang for Your Buck

Let’s be honest, college students are known for being tight on money.  A lot of students don’t eat out for this very reason, but trust me Madison does offer great options!

The Mediterranean Cafe

An extremely authentic, made from scratch meal, at a cheap cost is often hard to find these days, but that is exactly what the Med Cafe gives you.  This restaurant (definitely one of my favorites on State Street) is on the smaller side and you order at the counter.  The staff always works really hard to get you your food extremely fast.  The hummus is amazing, along with almost everything on the menu!

TIP: I’ve gone many times around 5, only to remember it closes at 4:30! It’s a lunch only place.


1 year ago

Unique

Looking to try something new out of the ordinary?  Give these places a stop next time you’re feeling brave!

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1 year ago

Breakfast Delights

There is nothing better than waking up after a long night of studying and treating yourself to a hearty meal.  Once in awhile college students deserve to skip out on the Cheerios and milk.

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1 year ago
Late Night Eats Whether after a long night out dancing with friends, or a late night study session at the library, college kids simply love a midnight snack (..or should I say meal.) 1.    Ians Pizza — $ With their unique pizzas and late night hours, this pizza joint has turned into a Madison tradition.  A lot of people have the misconception it only tastes good when inebriated but this can be proved wrong when walking by at lunch hour and seeing the place filled with business men eating a fresh piece of pizza and side salad. TIP: Hate waking up to the: “I shouldn’t have eaten that” feeling –skip the Mac N’ Cheese and ranch smothered pizzas, opt for one piled high with fresh veggies.  Trust me, they taste just as good! 2.    Parthenon—$ The 1 AM line speaks for itself, UW students just can’t get enough of these gyros.  The restaurant has been compared to the gyro’s version of McDonalds, and students argue the Parthenon is home to the best french fries on state! TIP: In all honesty, the inside décor is NOT inviting!  If it’s nice out, escape to the outdoor roof seating. 

Late Night Eats

Whether after a long night out dancing with friends, or a late night study session at the library, college kids simply love a midnight snack (..or should I say meal.)

1.    Ians Pizza — $

With their unique pizzas and late night hours, this pizza joint has turned into a Madison tradition.  A lot of people have the misconception it only tastes good when inebriated but this can be proved wrong when walking by at lunch hour and seeing the place filled with business men eating a fresh piece of pizza and side salad.

TIP: Hate waking up to the: “I shouldn’t have eaten that” feeling –skip the Mac N’ Cheese and ranch smothered pizzas, opt for one piled high with fresh veggies.  Trust me, they taste just as good!

2.    Parthenon—$

The 1 AM line speaks for itself, UW students just can’t get enough of these gyros.  The restaurant has been compared to the gyro’s version of McDonalds, and students argue the Parthenon is home to the best french fries on state!

TIP: In all honesty, the inside décor is NOT inviting!  If it’s nice out, escape to the outdoor roof seating. 

1 year ago

Best Ethnic Food

Next time your choosing a restaurant, skip the chain restaurants like Potbelly’s and Noodles & Co. and try something that will explore your taste buds instead!  Trying authentic ethnic food is a great way to experience another culture and be adventurous.

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1 year ago

Guilty Free Pleasures

Trying to avoid those excess college pounds but craving something sweet?  No worries!  State Street houses plenty of healthy alternatives that can satisfy your dessert dreams.

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1 year ago

For a Burger and an Atmosphere

What distinguishes one great burger from the next?  The atmosphere.  We all know eating this American classic is a much better experience when there are good surroundings.

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1 year ago
foodie in training

foodie in training

1 year ago
”

One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating.

Luciano Pavorotti and William Wright
1 year ago