426289 Mon Jul 30 15:51:14 -0700 2007 6 8 Midwest 0 2797710 being a poor grad student i haven't tried all the upscale restaurants to know which is best for an anniversary dinner-please help Mon Jul 30 15:51:14 -0700 2007 91943 smile81 1 2798443 Just some ideas off the cuff... Bellini: http://www.madisonatoz.com/2004/08/bellini_lounge_.html Italian, in a former church on E Wash. Recently had a facelift (for the better, I hear). The Continental and Cafe Continental: http://www.madisonatoz.com/2007/04/the_continental.html More Italian. Sicilian, to be precise. Continental in Fitchburg has a nice outdoor patio. Dining Room: http://www.madisonatoz.com/2005/10/dining_room.html Actually in Monticello (about 30 min. south of the Beltline) but excellent local food and a lengthy wine list. Fyfe's: http://www.madisonatoz.com/2006/06/fyfes.html Great for an easy, fun, but fine night out. Harvest: http://www.madisonatoz.com/2007/02/harvest.html You may have heard of this one... Mon Jul 30 19:59:41 -0700 2007 2797710 72378 jumble 1 2799090 Madison has a number of candidates for a special meal: First, L'etoile, which is among the best restaurants in the country, and definitely a special occasion place. Second, Harvest, which is a neighbor and the offspring of L'etoile. Third, Magnus, which has excellent Latin American-inspired food on Wilson St. Fourth, Nadia's, which is a walk up above State St. with excellent French Mediterranean food. Fifth, Lombardino's, which has the best Italian food in town, but isn't a real fancy place. Sixth, Quivey's Grove is a lovely place serving locally-inspired cuisine. I am not a steak eater, but I imagine that Flemings, the chop house at the Hilton, or the Tornado Club would provide a good experience, If you want to travel, Field's at the Wilderness at the Dells is supposed to be very good. There are many other good restaurants, but I tried to limit the list to places that also have the atmosphere deserving of an anniversary. Tue Jul 31 06:22:16 -0700 2007 2797710 41456 rneeno 2 2819117 Damn, I haven't lived in Madison for 25 years, and the two most romantic meals I had there were at L'Etoile and Quivey's Grove. Stability is a good thing. Mon Aug 06 15:19:13 -0700 2007 2799090 65764 bonwich 1 2808355 I would second L'etoile. Best meal I have ever had in Madison. Thu Aug 02 14:26:00 -0700 2007 2797710 116315 Latinpig 1 2809266 During my Madison years, Porta Bella was always THE romantic place. Has it fallen from favour? Thu Aug 02 19:22:02 -0700 2007 2797710 10258 Fydeaux 2 2811908 The draped banquets remain, so the atmosphere is intact, I just don't think that the food measures up anymore. It was the first restaurant to qualify as a "favorite" early in my life. Fri Aug 03 14:46:05 -0700 2007 2809266 41456 rneeno