If Sam Adams, Coors, Bud and Miller no longer quench your of-age thirst, mix it up and try the imported ales at Brasserie V on 1923 Monroe St. This spot is ideal for a post-Badger game bite — not that the stadium hot dogs aren’t delicious.
Brasserie V’s food is as sophisticated as its name suggests. According to Brasseriev.com, a brasserie is “an unpretentious restaurant, tavern, or the like, that serves drinks, esp. beer, and simple or hearty food.” Some perks of the restaurant include unlimited beer-tasting samples and quick service. Employees have extensive knowledge of the beer and are happy to help newbies plan a course of action. This month at the Brasserie V, the Gouden Carolus Cuvee van de Keize Blauw will be the featured beer — do not mess with the Belgians when it comes to good brew.
Whether sitting at the bar, a table or along the window facing the action on Monroe Street, the atmosphere is sure to please. Judging by the 1 p.m. lunch rush, the Brasserie V holds a special place in the hearts of local diners. Within the one-year time span of Brasserie V’s operation, it now carries the renowned title of the “No. 1 Gourmet Burger” by Madison Magazine and appears as one of the ” top three tap beer” lists in the Isthmus. Owner Matthew VanNest offers a special, select entree nightly.
Brasserie V’s prices are economic crisis-friendly, and the portions are generous. Lunch and dinner are served daily, with occasional live jazz on Saturday nights. For lunch, they offer a wide variety of sophisticated sandwiches, such as the apple and provolone on ciabatta with pesto aioli, the Croque Monsieur (ham, swiss, honey mustard) or the marinated portabella. All sandwiches cost between $7 to $9 and come with a soup, kettle chips or Brasserie V’s “daily sides.” A little advice: Stay away from the tomato bisque. What it lacks in flavor, it makes up for in chunkiness and strange texture. Unfortunately, it was a disappointment. The apple and provolone on ciabatta ($7.50), however, makes up for the bisque’s lack of appeal. The chewy ciabatta roll, crisp apples and melted provolone interact deliciously to tame a growling belly. At dinnertime, European-influence cuisine such as ricotta gnocchi, grilled salmon and cr?me brul?e pair wonderfully with specialty wines and beer.
Servers attest to the consistent favorite, and most frequently ordered, dish on the menu: the $10 Moules et Frites (steamed mussels and Belgian fries). Although mussels and fries may seem to be a strange combination, they are surprisingly addictive. Seafood has been claimed to be an aphrodisiac, so even if it is not love at first bite, it may prove to be a good investment later in the evening.
The Monroe Street neighborhood frequents Brasserie V religiously for its fair prices, rich food and good company. Escape drab cafeteria dining and make the short jaunt to the Vilas neighborhood — your taste buds will be grateful.
3 1/2 stars out of 5
