Madison: Chautara Restaurant

*** Chautara has closed

I found out I'd be going to Madison, Wisconsin for business a few weeks ago. So being the typical food obsessed blogger, I did some research on Chowhound and other resources, and made a short list of restaurants and other eating establishments. Now these type of trips are sometimes a bit dicey, since it means several people sharing one car, etc, etc.... Luckily, I was teamed up with two other really laid back guys, who to a certain extent humored me when it came to eating. During the trip all breakfast and lunches were accounted for, so other than travel days, dinner was the only meal where we had a choice.

We flew in to Chicago-Midway Airport for several reasons which I won't go into at this time. And though we arrived at about 4 in the afternoon, due to various technical difficulties, we used the "scenic route" to get to Madison. It was a nice drive, but I think we saw every single corn field between Chicago and Madison. After checking in we headed out and got to State Street around 9pm. After walking with rumbling stomachs for a bit we settled on Chautara.

Chautara

This photo was taken a few days after our visit. Unfortunately, our visit was so very late, on a almost pitch dark evening. This being a fairly warm evening we also chose a table outside with the barest of light provided by candlelight. So my apologies in advance for the really sad and sorry photos. I had considered not doing a post at all, but decided to just go ahead.....

What I found really interesting about eclectic State Street was the variety of restaurant available, everything from African to Thai can be found on State Street or on one of the side streets. This can't be more clearly illustrated than in the existence of Chautara and Himul Chuli. Incredibly, there is not one, but two Nepalese Restaurants located on State Street.

Even though it was almost 930pm we were seated by our perky and very friendly Server Liz. After perusing the menu, we made our selections. I ordered the Khasi Ko Masu($17). The meal started with a nicely flavored soupy preparation featuring Dal. The flavors were balanced in this hearty soup.

The Khasi Ko Masu is basically a goat curry. This version was excellent, the goat meat retained some of the nice gamey wild flavor, and was very soft and tender. There was a nice quantity of meat, I'd expected more bones, but there were very few. The flavor of the curry was excellent and balanced, you could make out the ginger, coriander, and other  spices, but none of them was overpowering. The tart tomato was a nice foil and provided a nice contrast. To put it simply, this was a very well prepared meal.

All of my companions enjoyed their meals. Our Server, the ever smiling Liz was a joy. Being somewhat weary, this was a nice start to our trip to Madison.

Chautara Restaurant
334 State St
Madison, WI 53703

State Street, the lively heart of Madison, features casual and varied flavors. There is one thing you must remember. State Street itself is a pedestrian mall. Only Buses, delivery vehicles, and bicycles(and there are many!) are allowed.

In other words, don't be like us....nerdy techies using our GPS system(don't you love modern technology?). We took a turn onto State Street. We're driving along, and I notice that while there are many people eating and walking, I notice not a single car! Of course we come to find out that automobiles are not allowed on State Street. I'm guessing that the clueless are many, for not a single pedestrian stared, nor batted an eye...... Makes me a feel much better, that's for sure!

Comments

[Captain Jack]

And I thought Wisconsin was all about bratwurst, Budweiser, and cheese. Nepalese food, wow. Your goat looked very tasty. Go Badgers!

[MrBally]

While in Madison, I like Prime Quarter (they have several Wisconsin locations and one in Illinois) Steakhouse. You grill it yourself steaks. Salad bar & Texas Toast (you grill the toast too). Great fun as the grills are H-U-G-E! Chefs are standing by to answer questions and they will grill steaks for you for a very small fee. I go there to do it myself!

All steaks except the one that's similar to the Trail Boss at Pinnacle Peak are sold at one low price. Bonus, they won't cut your tie off! Also, there's a full bar and the furnishings are comfortable.

I also like the location in Green Bay. Funny that I seem to migrate towards the locations near casinos for some reason!

Mr. Bally (aka brother of Cathy).

[Reid]

Kirk,

Nepalese food is great. I'm glad you enjoyed your goat curry. It's a shame that we don't have any Nepalese restaurants here, especially since I know quite a few of them (they work in Indian restaurants!).

[Kirk]

Hi CJ - This was a very nice meal...tasty and well prepared.

Hi MrB - Texas toast? I love Texas toast...sounds like a place I need to add to my list.

Hi Reid - It is interesting...here in San Diego there aren't any Nepalese restaurant either. Too bad, the food has great flavor.

[Mainyacha]

Too bad about the pics. I am glad you liked the Nepali food. Here in nyc, there are only 2 Nepali restaurants that I know of.

[Kirk]

Hi Mainyacha - Welsome and thanks for commenting. I thought it was quite interesting that Madison had 2 Nepali Restaurants...San Diego has none.

[:)]

Trust me, everyone knows you can't drive there, lol! We Midwesterners are just too nice to make you feel bad about it. I've seen kind friendly citizens walk up to rental cars to offer directions/assistance to obviously out of place drivers. They also gently save them from the impending moving violation and vehicle tow. :) I'm sure you have learned this by now, but I'll say it plainly, we are a genuine people. I hope you come back to Madison and try some of the places we actually eat at. It seems most of your meals are restaurants we rarely frequent. It's quite interesting to me to hear of establishments in my own home that I am wholly unfamiliar with. :) thank you!

[Kirk]

Well :), just we have to learn to drive in Madison...which I love BTW, perhaps you can stretch your wings and eat at places you are wholly unfamiliar with! Sounds like a deal?