Reply #68: Rave review of this new restaurant from NYC visitor to Madison

[Divernan]

The place sounds too hip & (dare I say it?!?) progressive to attract Republicans or Tea Partiers, but the fact that an owner has power to toss out a customer for political actions should appeal to the Libertarians). I got this review from googling the restaurant's name and going to a rest. review website.

"We live in New York City but were visiting family in Madison. On a suggestion of a friend we went to Merchant which, as described, was a restaurant / grocery / craft bar similar (in concept) to Jeffrey's Grocery in NYC (Joseph Leonard's).

While my wife and I were unimpressed by Jeffrey's Grocery in NYC, we absolutely loved Merchant. The food, atmosphere and craft bar would put Merchant among the top "casual" fine dining places in NYC.... and this place is in Madison.

Here is a New York City description of Merchant. Put the Spotted Pig together with Le Pain Quotidien, Wichcraft and Employees Only craft bar and you would have something like Merchant.

We went for lunch and had the cured pork with fresh mozzerella and pickled onions. For dinner we had the roast chicken and trout. The food was outrageously good.

The only question I have is when Merchant will expand to NYC.

Enjoy!"