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Small Bites

A column about exploring the broader world of food and drink in Madison through approachable and specific experiences.

A photo shows a small dog napping on an outdoor couch. The photo is framed with an illustration of a red plaid tablecloth with food items. In the lower-left corner, a small chef with an oversized moustache standing on a spoon says "Small Bites" in a speech bubble.

Small Bites: The high-value food theory of cooking

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Small Bites
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April 18, 2025

Consider the value of a little food hack, even in the wake of erratic tariff policies.

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Photo of an assortment of wine bottles on a kitchen counter with a glass of wine, some bread and a knife rack in the background. The photo is framed with an illustration of a red plaid tablecloth with food items. In the lower-left corner, a small chef with an oversized moustache standing on a spoon says "Small Bites" in a speech bubble.
Small Bites: Summer in Madison is the time to explore wine
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Small Bites
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March 28, 2025

A simple guide to finding new bottles, enjoying old favorites, and staying grounded.

A photo shows several pieces of handmade pasta sitting atop a counter surface covered with coarse flour. A grooved wooden board is visible in the foreground. Basil leaves, lemons, and garlic are visible in the background. The photo is framed with an illustrated tablecloth with food items including pasta, cheese, a hamburger and more frame the photo. In the lower left corner, a small chef, with a comically large mustache, stands on a spoon and says, "Small Bites."
Small Bites: Fresh pasta meditations
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Small Bites
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February 28, 2025

Working through the horrors of modern life one cavatello at a time.

A winter photo atop a cliffside shows an expansive landscape of trees on the horizon. A flakey pastry and white mug with a hot beverage rest on a rock in the foreground. The photo is framed with an illustrated tablecloth with food items including pasta, cheese, a hamburger and more frame the photo. In the lower left corner, a small chef, with a comically large mustache, stands on a spoon and says, "Small Bites."
Small Bites: Infinite treats
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Small Bites
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January 24, 2025

Finding balance among the city's incredible bakeries.

Photo of cuts of meat in a display case. An illustrated tablecloth with food items including pasta, cheese, a hamburger and more frame the photo. In the lower left corner a drawn small chef in a spoon says “Small Bites.”
Small Bites: This holiday season, pay more for your meat
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Small Bites
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December 20, 2024

Good habits start small (bites).

A photo shows ingredients for a Caesar salad arrayed on a wooden cutting board in a home kitchen, including a tin of anchovies, bunches of lettuce, a cheese rind, a lemon, a garlic bulb, a bottle of mustard, a bottle of mayonnaise, and a piece of bread. An illustrated frame around the photo depicts a checked tablecloth pattern with various items of food. In the bottom left corner, a small caricature chef stands on a spoon with the speech bubble, "Small Bites."
Small Bites: There’s always Caesar salad
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Small Bites
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November 15, 2024

Whatever the news, you still have to eat.

A photograph of the storefront of Butterbird restaurant on Regent Street in Madison at a medium shot. An illustrated frame around the photo depicts a checked tablecloth pattern with various items of food. In the bottom left corner, a small caricature chef stands on a spoon with the speech bubble, "Small Bites."
Small Bites: “Fall” into a spiraling cycle of indecision
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Small Bites
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October 25, 2024

A backup plan for those seeking reliable comfort amid ever-expanding food options.

Photo of a pulled chicken sandwich, topped with yellow pepper sauce, lettuce, and fried potato sticks. An illustrated frame around the photo depicts a checked tablecloth pattern with various items of food. In the bottom left corner, a small caricature chef stands on a spoon with the speech bubble, "Small Bites."
Small Bites: Gas station gastronomy
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Small Bites
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September 20, 2024

An argument against modern convenience.

A photo of Ehlenbach's Cheese Chalet. The building is dark brown and inspired by Swiss Chalet architecture. A large sign suspended above the building reads "CHEESE," as a cartoon mouse climbs the poles that elevate the sign. In front of the building is a large fabricated Holstein dairy cow. An illustrated frame around the photo depicts a checked tablecloth pattern with various items of food. In the bottom left corner, a small caricature chef stands on a spoon with the speech bubble, "Small Bites."
Small Bites: The unassailable allure of the Wisconsin cheese hut
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Small Bites
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July 19, 2024

It's time to reimagine your road snack game.

A selection of packaged, bottled, and jarred food items from the Italian market, Fraboni's, as well as pan-African grocery store, Gooh Grocery, sit on a black countertop. Items include caramel corn, imported pasta, samosas, dates, sun-dried tomatoes, and prosciutto. An illustrated frame around the photo depicts a checked tablecloth pattern with various items of food. In the bottom left corner, a small caricature chef stands on a spoon with the speech bubble, "Small Bites."
Small Bites: Bringing the world home
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Small Bites
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June 28, 2024

How not to be intimidated by an international market.