I spent last semester in Ireland'a country coveted much more for its drink than dining'and rightfully so. The new diet took some getting used to.
I eventually adjusted to the exorbitant amounts of mayonnaise and cabbage mixed into each meal. I learned to appreciate the sweet corn used to top everything from potatoes to pizza and even began to relish the ubiquitous whole-milk cream. However, there was one exception to my tolerance'the traditional Irish breakfast. As a vegetarian, some things just aren't negotiable.
As a Vegetarian-American, I was thrilled to return home to breakfasts chock-full of carbohydrates, a country where bagels are exalted, cereal reigns sovereign and the meat is always optional. Madison, an established haven for vegetarians, hosts a slew of excellent meatless-breakfast venues in which to find morning solace. Here are a few of the best.
12 University Square
Baker's Too is a take-it-and-run place ideal for starting your morning. Conveniently situated in the middle of campus, Baker's receives my patronage on a fairly regular basis. For muffin fanatics, they offer a huge variety for $1 each'pumpkin streusel, banana nut, carrot bran, apple cinnamon and blueberry, just to name a few. If you're willing to fork out an extra 25 cents for your health, they also offer low-fat lemon poppyseed and raspberry muffins. The pastry selection also includes pumpkin bread for 85 cents and cinnamon rolls for 95 cents. Fresh brewed coffee, herbal teas and hot apple cider are also available for $1 or less. Open 7:30 a.m. daily.
108 King St.
Cafe Continental offers a more refined version of breakfast. Dishes include an artichoke-heart Benedict for $7.29 and a french toast doused with rum or Grand Marnier. The Frangelican French toast is excellent, made with thick slices of French bread and glazed with Frangelico liqueur and topped with toasted hazelnuts. Situated right off Capitol Square, the outdoor sidewalk seating provides an idyllic dining experience on a Sunday morning'sit back, soak up the sunshine and let your taste buds do the work. Sunday brunch is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
2089 Atwood Ave.
This 1950s-style diner offers great grub around the clock, but its breakfast menu is strong and stealthy. The menu includes everything from a big bowl of oatmeal with raisins for $2.49 to a scrambler that substitutes tofu for eggs for $4.99. Monty's also serves fruit, granola, cinnamon rolls, bagels with cream cheese and English muffins'all of the breakfast basics and then some. Of course Monty's is an ideal place to dine with carnivorous friends, since ham, bacon and sausage have a place on the menu as well. Be prepared for long waits Saturday and Sunday mornings, as Monty's is hardly a well-kept secret.
638 State St.
The Sunroom Cafe is a fine restaurant that offers a substantial vegetarian breakfast menu and Sunday brunch. I usually opt for the banana pancakes ($4.45) if I'm really hungry, but fresh fruit, granola or lemon raspberry scones are lighter alternatives. They offer several vegetarian omelets starting at $2.95 and moving up 45 cents with each ingredient. They also offer a daily quiche special for $3.95. Sunroom has a sizable selection of black, green and herbal teas for $1.25'from mango Ceylon and blackberry sage to peppermint and chamomile. The selection of fresh-brewed coffee varies daily; espresso drinks are also available. Open daily at 7 a.m., Sunday at 9 a.m.
