Community Magazine September 2003

46 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE s xc What’s Eating You? Y ou don't have to be hungry to appreciate Madison Café…but it certainly helps. The unabridged menu with everything from omelets to fish is equally matched by the oversized portions and incred- ible variety of ice cream flavors. And, to our amazement, the modest-sized, open kitchen was able to materialize each dish with sur- prising authenticity. The retro, unassuming, diner-style décor is nicely complemented by a complete breakfast menu—served all day long. The Spanish omelet was our favorite, blending a per- fect combination of vegetables and tomato sauce— the jumbo, three egg version is probably enough for two. Be sure to try the home fries too, sliced potatoes with just the right amount of seasoning and spices to complement any dish. But the real treat is the expansive selection of lunch and dinner specialties including soups, salads, sandwiches, pasta, fish and more. For starters, the split pea soup is a thick brew with the taste and aroma of homemade. On the salad front, one of the nine different varieties is sure to suit every taste. Fresh Romaine lettuce, oversized croutons topped with abundant parmesan cheese and bathed in a rich creamy Caesar dressing is as satisfying as it is flavorful. For a more exotic adventure try the Mango Salad Delight with dried cran- berries, strawberries, sliced almonds on a bed of iceberg lettuce with a touch of honey and of course—mangos. The colorful pattern of this tasty concoction is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. The Macaroni and Cheese is a true rendition of the old pasta favorite while the Pasta Salmonada is an interesting new dish bringing together a flavorful mix of fresh salmon, broccoli, sun- dried tomatoes with fetuccini bathed in the richest pink cream sauce. The Fried Filet of Sole Sandwich was a hearty arrangement stacking thin slices of fish with perfectly crisped batter on a baguette. From the grill, we enjoyed the Veggie steak sandwich served on a fresh baguette. Both are enjoyed best when comple- mented by an order of shoestring fries—which by themselves are reason enough to make the trip (fries this good are hard to come- by on the kosher circuit). Speaking of making the trip, the Nostrand Avenue location may not always be convenient—espe- cially if you’re walking from the Ocean Parkway area, which is why you may want to do what we did and order in. The con- venient delivery, great selection and extremely reasonable prices (did we forget to mention that?) also makes Madison Café an ideal source to cater corporate events or lunches. But when you do place your order, don’t forget to try the Mango Salad Delight…and the Fried Filet of Sole Sandwich…and the Pasta Salmonada…and… Cravings: The location is not exactly in the neighbor- hood—but we’ve traveled further for food this good, and best of all, they deliver. Ravings: With generous portions and an extensive selection of dishes—each of which hits the mark, Madison Café proves that variety tastes oh so good. CM cravings of a food critic Variety You Can Taste Location: 2811 Nostrand Avenue Hours: Sunday 8 AM - 11PM Mon-Thurs 7AM - 11PM Friday 7AM - 4PM Saturday 1 Hr after Shabbat until 1AM Cuisine: Italian/American – Dairy/Parve Chalav Yisrael Kashrut: Vaad Harabbonim of Flatbush