Every new graduate needs to eat. Instead of the usual macaroni and cheese pizza or birthday burgers, try a new restaurant to celebrate your successes. Consider driving east of the Capitol to Cloud 9 Grille, 876 Jupiter Drive, in Cottage Grove.
Inside, the Cloud 9 Grille interior is industrial with a modern art deco twist, incorporating rich woodwork with red and gold-toned walls and fabrics.
Others in our group said Cloud 9 is more like a sports bar, with the prominent bar being the first thing you see upon entering. Even upstairs in the Stardust Room, large televisions, although not turned on, set a contrasting mood.
During both visits, the first floor was nearly deserted. Customers were upstairs in the Stardust Room, enjoying the unparalleled view of the Madison skyline.
Reservations are recommended, although if space allows, you can be seated in the Stardust Room upon request.
Cloud 9 Grille's fare can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner or even late-night snacks. Their full menu is available online at www.cloud9grille.com.
Patrons who order steak, chicken or pork plates have their choice of potatoes, asparagus, grilled portabellas or mixed vegetables as a side.
The five-ounce center cut filet ($15) was a meek portion for its price. However, the mushrooms sautAced in cabernet, although few, were excellent and picked up the rich flavors of the filet.
Likewise, the 12-ounce Kansas City strip ($22) was also disappointing, the meat being extremely grisly. Sides of truffled shoestring potatoes added another dimension to both steaks.
During a second visit, lunch items were sampled. The wait was not long, but the service felt rushed and food hastily prepared. The American onion soup ($4) was served without melted provolone cheese, and the broth was too salty. A booth over, the spicy Italian sausage pasta ($12) was cold by the time it reached the table.
The raspberry side salad ($4) was intriguing on the menu, but its appearance and taste proved unappetizing. Tangy raspberry vinaigrette drenched the mixed greens, which were mostly yellowed iceberg lettuce. The fried shoestring potatoes were again too salty and masked the bite of the blue cheese.
Thick slices of bacon and turkey were the star ingredients in the smoked fresh turkey sandwich ($9). The whole grain peasant bread was thick and full of flavor but was the only thing holding the sandwich together. Herb mayo, listed on the menu, was nowhere to be found, and without it, the sandwich proved unbearably dry.
A couple nearby ordered the same sandwich and also found no mayo. Upon notifying the waitress, they were brought a bottle of French's mustard.
Fortunately, their drinks can put you on cloud nine.
The Stardust Cosmo ($7) has a mix of white cranberry juice and vodka, and its rim is dusted with Pop Rocks. To save a few dollars, check their daily set of drink specials.
The raspberry lemonade ($5), a mix of raspberry vodka, Chambord liqueur and lemonade, was also refreshing.
Additionally, the chunky texture of the beer cheese potatoes ($4) with green onions and chives was exceptional.
Although the rolls served at the beginning of the meal were ordinary, the pesto-based spread served with it was great.
Drinks and appetizers are a sure bet at Cloud 9 Grille, as are the heavenly views of Madison's skyline, a pleasant way to say goodbye to the college experience at Madison. Besides, pizza can always be ordered the day after graduation.
