City Guide: Madison, Wisconsin

Paulina's alma mater and the one other Midwest city where Chef would live

Hi all! Paulina here.

A few summers back, Chef mentioned he booked a quick trip to Madison to see a concert and I squealed with excitement, furiously texting him recommendations. He went into it with low expectations, anticipating the familiar vibe of a midwestern college town and came back converted. “I could move to Madison tomorrow,” he said. Which is huge, considering what a loyal Michigander he is. It’s true, though - Madison has it all. It’s a capital city and a college town. It’s a cosmopolitan oasis surrounded by farms. It has all four seasons, and incredible food scene, and it’s technically an isthmus, with lake views at every turn. The University of Wisconsin-Madison attracts intellectuals and bohemians. The people are humble and friendly. The ice cream is so good. What’s not to love?

Quintessential tablescape of the Memorial Union Terrace.

I’m validated by Chef’s opinion of Madison because I attended University of Wisconsin-Madison, graduating with my Bachelor’s in English Literature in 2011 (go Badgers). I look back on my time there with the rosiest of glasses. I made incredible friends from all over the country, attended classes with names like “Sex and Spirituality from Dante to Aretha Franklin,” and (most-importantly) attended the farmers market every Saturday, teaching myself how to cook in my studio apartment. I moved back home to Michigan immediately after graduation, but still have dear friends there and try to visit as often as possible. I dragged my husband, Adam, to Madison the month before we got married because I just needed him to see the place where I became an adult. Maybe I will write my bildungsroman about my days there eventually - but not today. The purpose of this guide is to convince you to drive the extra 2.5 hours past Chicago, or 1 hour west of Milwaukee, to our Midwestern north star. It’s worth it!