Darren K.
Yelp
This is one of the most underrated yet incredible dining experiences in all of Wisconsin. From the creative and largely locally-sourced menu to the impeccable service and wonderful bar, this restaurant checks all my five-star boxes.
Haven't heard of this place? That's just it--this is the hidden gem that delivers an outstanding dinner each night.
Located at the back of the Vom Fass retail store, this 32-seat prix fixe dining experience offers one seating each night with a set 5 or 6-course meal. This space is neatly nestled in the Shorewood Hills retail center, flanked by Penzy's Spices and Conscious Carnivore--two fantastic culinary shopping destinations in their own right.
Dinner seating is at 6 pm, and that's when the magic happens. Chef Benjamin and his talented team begin preparing the first course right in the dining room. Chef Benjamin explains each dish as it's being plated, including the source of the ingredients. He and his staff work tirelessly to locally source much of the produce within a 50-mile radius of Madison. This is no small feat, especially during the winter months, yet they consistently pull it off.
Each subsequent course is handled in the same manner: final preparation, plating, a brief description by the Chef, and then serving--all done in the presence of the diners.
I highly recommend splurging a little to take advantage of the wine or bourbon pairing offered with the meal. These pairings transform a great dining experience into an unforgettable favorite of the year. That was certainly the case for the five of us who dined there on a Thursday night in November. With a mix of wine and bourbon enthusiasts in our group, everyone commented on how the pairings elevated the overall meal.
The menu changes not only seasonally but often weekly. However, there always seems to be locally sourced wagyu beef, fresh greens or root vegetables, honey, and some amazing dressings and sauces using the diverse vinegars available in the Vom Fass retail space.
We were lucky to catch a spotlight dinner/chef's tasting menu night, highlighting a farm located 25 miles southwest of the restaurant that naturally raises wagyu beef. Our six-course meal started with beef liver pâté, moved on to roasted bone marrow with beef tartare, braised beef tongue, short ribs with potatoes, and finished with a hay-smoked ice cream that was astounding.
This is just a glimpse of the creativity of the Chef at Delectable. You owe it to yourself to check it out and see if it isn't an incredible dining experience.