Meat People Butcher, owned and run by industry veterans Pip Freeman and Jenny Griep, hopes to open by March 1 in the Lake Edge Shopping Center. Member @AFJEats and @ATCA. Today, their vegetables are … Vernon County is home to 113 organic farms, Tony Evers calls failed promise for more vaccine from feds 'a slap in the face', Paul Higginbotham: Trump must be held accountable for inciting an insurrection, UW rejects instructor's grievance citing 'systemic harassment' in math department hiring, Cluck, a chicken restaurant concept, hatches from Nitty Gritty Downtown, Comfort cuisine is flying out the door at Miller Family Meat & Three, Shaky grounds: Slowed by COVID, Madison coffee shops look for new revenue streams, Curbside review: Viet Kitchen, with its pho, banh mi and bubble tea, is staying small for now, Whole animal butcher shop Meat People plans to open in Lake Edge this spring, Beer Baron: A bear of a Baltic porter for our long winter, One Old Fashioned to go, please: New bill aims to legalize takeout cocktails in Wisconsin, Curbside review: Rotunda Cafe in Monona Bank provides an Oasis on Near East Side. This new West Side restaurant is as much a bubble tea shop, and sticks to Vietnamese staples pho and banh mi. In 2014, Edible Madison (which is based in Viroqua) named Luke Zahm a local hero and “the Driftless’s prodigal chef.” Luke is from La Farge, a tiny town of less than 1,000 where Organic Valley is based, and Ruthie is from Viroqua. Log In. My wife really enjoyed the beet salad and I had the hotdog which was much more than an ordinary hotdog, with great mustard, greens, and wonderful bun. The new host, Luke Zahm, is the chef and co-owner of Driftless Cafe, an announcement from the show on Monday said, and was himself the subject of "Wisconsin Foodie" segments. Buzz for Driftless has been growing bit by bit. That puts it “front and center of this food movement,” Luke Zahm said. Aug 2015 – Jul 2018 3 years. “Our restaurant does seem quite different than a lot of the other winners because we are in a small town,” said Ruthie Zahm, who manages the restaurant and runs the front of house. The Zahms estimated that the café sources 80 percent of its ingredients from nearby farms, with a strong fermentation and pickling program. “Growing up in a small farming community ... you feel like nobody knows where you’re at,” Luke Zahm said. Another Great Wisconsin Chef in Another Great Wisconsin Small Town, Very unique, local ingredients, excellent experience, American Restaurants for Families in Viroqua, American Restaurants for Lunch in Viroqua. Call us at: 608-637-7778. Beer selection is good, but not especially tailored for beer geeks. Just go. We've done dinner there that easily rivalled celebrated restaurants in the great metropolises. The tomato soup is phenomenal. Related Pages. DRIFTLESS CAFÉ LUNCH MENU + Seasonal Soups with Hansen’s Country Bakery Bread and Butter - $3.50/cup $5.50/bowl Gift Cards can be purchased by calling the cafe at (608) 637-7778 during normal business hours. But you do know your clientele.”. Chef Luke Zahm has been called a sort of “Prodigal Chef.” He grew up in the Driftless Region of Southwest Wisconsin, moved around gaining important and transformative cooking experience, and finally decided to move back to the area, settling his family in the small town of … VIROQUA — Driftless Cafe chef Luke Zahm, who has owned the downtown Viroqua establishment with his wife, Ruthie, since 2013, is among seven Wisconsin semifinalists in the best chef in The prices were very reasonable and the options were good. We very much enjoyed the entire experience and definitely recommend this café to others visiting in the area. Chef Luke Zahm. Or click here to get it online. She/ her/ hers. LOCATION 118 W COURT ST VIROQUA,WI 54665 . Winter Break: January 1st- 13th CLOSED! Driftless Cafe - 118 W Court St, Viroqua, WI 54665 - Rated 4.9 based on 193 Reviews "Just had a late lunch there and the food was absolutely amazing. The downtown Viroqua restaurant has been owned by Driftless locals, Luke and Ruthie Zahm, since 2013. I will find reasons to return with another group, with my wife, with friends. Performance & event venue. “My aunts and uncles are the people who’d like to come in and read a menu that just says ‘steak, chicken, vegetarian.’, “We risk losing some of our really local customers because we do add farm names that they don’t understand or then think, ‘This isn’t really my type of restaurant.’”. The family returned to the area after Luke spent several years working in Madison at Kennedy Manor Dining Room and Bar, Lombarino’s and The Old Fashioned. We've done lunch, which takes a more self-effacing "just folks" turn. === LUNCH MENU === We are still accepting curbside pick up orders! With the organic abundance of the Driftless surrounding him, Chef Zahn has come home to anchor something wonderful. The Near East Side now has easy access to Paul's Pel'meni and the types of sandwiches and coffee drinks served at Oasis Cafe in Fitchburg. Chef Driftless Cafe. You have permission to edit this article. Service very good. Chef/Owner/CEO of Wiscochef Enterprises L.L.C. Apr 14, 2017 - VIROQUA — Driftless Cafe chef Luke Zahm, who has owned the downtown Viroqua establishment with his wife, Ruthie, since 2013, is among seven Wisconsin semifinalists in the best chef in We've been busy at the Driftless Cafe!We have created a space for you to enjoy supporting local farmers, and readying ourselves for the safest dining experience we can provide. “Our menu changes every day. Mar 2019 – Present 8 months. In 2017, as the Driftless Cafe’s chef, Luke Zahm, was a semifinalist for a James Beard award. Somerville, Massachusetts. They have 8 taps of local stuff and 15 or so bottles. Driftless Cafe: Fabulous! This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Chef Driftless Cafe May 2019 – Present 6 months. In Viroqua, Driftless Cafe's Luke Zahm gets an unexpected James Beard nod. They may not know which side to clear a plate, but they helped grow the greens on it. There we we get a … This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Luke Zahm Chef and Owner of Driftless Cafe and Wiscochef Enterprises-- Host of Wisconsin Foodie, as seen on PBS Viroqua, Wisconsin 111 connections “To educate the public when you’re a server who’s worked and grown the carrots that day just comes naturally,” Ruthie Zahm said. 12 ====dinner==== organic prairie beef tenderloin*, westby coop creamery butter whipped potato, keewaydin farms kale, white truffle oil, villa manodori. Amazing a little town like Viroqua has such a great restaurant. The Award-Winning Driftless Cafe and Bakery. January Winter Hours: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 11am-3 pm lunch, 5-9pm dinner.Sunday Brunch 9am -1pm. Very well worth the drive out there. SW Wisconsin is so full of tree-squeezin natural food growers and eaters, I knew a town like Viroqua had to have a great little cafe to cater to types that can appreciate good cafe culture and food. “I know these farmers. - See 305 traveler reviews, 119 candid photos, and great deals for … - See 302 traveler reviews, 111 candid photos, and great deals for Viroqua, WI, at Tripadvisor. There is a balance between a focus to serve simple food and a constant desire to innovate and push the limits of what can be achieved inside—and outside—a restaurant kitchen. I just brought 23 people to the Viroqua area for the sole purpose of eating at The Driftless Café. On special for $15 tonight! Education. “For my staff ... we tell them all the time that people are paying attention to what we’re doing, the food we’re making, the impact on the community.”. Tucked in the tiny town of Viroqua, Driftless Café is a Midwestern gem. “There’s a fine line with your customers,” Ruthie Zahm said. 0:06. Had the pasta special with salad and pork and vege soup. We shared a charcuterie tray and then everyone ordered a variety of entrees. We stopped in for lunch based on the recommendation of our B&B innkeeper - great choice. See more of Driftless Cafe on Facebook. Related videos. You would do well to check out their website and menu online before making reservations but be aware their menu changes very often as its mainly locally produced food and is seasonal. HOURS THURS-SAT 11A-3PM LUNCH 5PM-9PM DINNER SUNDAY BRUNCH 9A-1PM KITCHEN CLOSED FROM 3 TO 5 PM T-Fr and 4 - … Several people ordered the risotto with a variety of mushrooms and other vegetables and were very pleased and several others ordered the beef and enjoyed that. Tuesday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Food editor and arts writer Lindsay Christians has been writing for the Cap Times since 2008. Luke Zahm, co-owner of Driftless Cafe, is a first-time semifinalist for a James Beard Award this year. The chef was recently nominated for a James Beard award and was featured on the PBS show Wisconsin Foodie, to give you some idea of the caliber of quality here. Driftless Cafe: Chef Luke prepares daily masterpieces! or. Viroqua Food Co+op. Mix and match six packs-$12. Our waiter, Sean, was excellent and service was great. “It’s just me cooking,” said Tory Miller, who serves a personal take on soul food Tuesdays through Saturdays out of the Estrellon bar space at 313 W. Johnson St. Drove two hours to see Luke's restaurant in Viroqua, WI. What a charming city with an undeniable vibe and strong community support. Those words from Chef Luke Zahm sum up the curiosity and passion that inspire everything behind Driftless Café in Viroqua. Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more. Driftless Brewing Co. and Hillsboro both have taps here. Delivery & Pickup Options - 126 reviews of The Driftless Cafe "I knew this place existed, I just knew it had to. The salads were crisp and fresh and we shared a couple of dessert items. That has helped their restaurant become “a bridge,” Ruthie said, in a unique way. Luke Zahm, chef and co-owner of Driftless Cafe in Viroqua, has been named a semifinalist for Best Chef: Midwest in the 2017 James Beard Awards. The Zahms track credit card receipts from Madison, Minneapolis, Milwaukee and Chicago, but they also rely on local support from family and friends they’ve known for years. Her staffing options are different than in a city — servers may be young people who do farm share work in the summer and look to the restaurant for evening shifts. Chef Mary suggests this lovely Greek red, St. George 2017 with the ribs. Own or manage this property? Health Food Shop. Once we were in Viroqua, we saw just why Luke and Ruthie Zahm came home to open this laidback-wear your jeans-gourmet-James Beard nominated restaurant. So good. I know these people. Luke Zahm, chef and co-owner of Driftless Cafe in Viroqua, has been named a semifinalist for Best Chef: Midwest in the 2017 James Beard Awards. Not Now. We came to explore the Driftless area and knew about the Driftless Cafe, so it was high on the list. And because it's Viroqua, smack dab in the middle of Next-to-Nowhere, Wisconsin, attitude is left at the door. As such, dinner menus are … Viroqua, Wisconsin. He also spent five years in the kitchen at Epic Systems. The staff was excellent as multiple people interacted with us besides our server, bring refills, answering questions, etc. Luke Zahm Chef and Owner of Driftless Cafe and Wiscochef Enterprises-- Host of Wisconsin Foodie, as seen on PBS Zoom in to see updated info. The bill would allow bars and restaurants to sell mixed drinks and glasses of wine to-go in containers with “tamper-evident” seals. Create New Account. “It’s super flattering,” said Zahm, who purchased Driftless Café with his wife, Ruthie Zahm, four years ago. Given a nod again by the annual “Oscars of food” were L’Etoile chef Tory Miller, a previous winner of Best Chef: Midwest in 2012, Underground Food Collective co-founder Jonny Hunter and Heritage Tavern’s Dan Fox. The dessert choices were good and the taste was even better. - See 305 traveler reviews, 119 candid photos, and great deals for Viroqua, WI, at Tripadvisor. “It gives birth to all sorts of new ideas in the food world. “If a high school friend from senior year comes in with her family, that’s a whole different type of service. Rooted Spoon Kitchen Table. Due to the location and me living in the next state, I probably would not plan a trip to eat at the Driftless, but if I am in the area again, I would definitely go back. I have never had a better lamb burger in my life…(and on a recent visit to Wales I set a goal to eat an entire lamb before I left the country---burger by burger, shank by shank---I know—disgusting! Seizing on the popularity of chicken sandwiches from chains like Popeyes and Chick-fil-A, Madison's Nitty Gritty has developed its own line of chicken sandwiches that it's selling as Cluck, an online offshoot of the restaurant. driftless organics red onions, driftless cafÉ croutons, organic valley buttermilk truffle dressing. Viroqua. Wonderstate Coffee. Chef Luke sources high quality organic fruits and vegetables from Ridgeland Harvest just outside of Viroqua, WI, even well before running the Driftless Café. or. Especially in summer, Driftless Café has become a bit of a destination. The salad, beef tenderloin and truffled whipped potatoes, the desserts, the wine list, all were very good. The prices are very reasonable. When winter sets in and fewer tourists come through, it can be hard to remember why they started the café. Roelli Cheese | Driftless Cafe In this episode of Wisconsin Foodie we travel to Shullsburg, WI and meet with Chris Roelli of Roelli Cheese. We do a pre-shift (training) with the servers to talk about where the vegetables have come from that day.”. “We happen to be a part of both of those groups. One Wisconsin name was new: chef Luke Zahm, co-owner of Driftless Café in the small town of Viroqua, two hours west of Madison. Map updates are paused. I've been to a couple other options on the main drag, but always left wanting more. See more of Driftless Cafe on Facebook. Zahm took over Driftless Cafe with his wife, Ruthie, in 2013 and was a semifinalist in the best chef: Midwest category of the James Beard Awards in 2017. Winners will be announced May 1 at an awards gala in Chicago. )…that said, this was the absolute best in my life. Chef. EVERYTHING was amazing. And visitors and locals may look for different things. That the Driftless Café has been recognized by the Beard Awards, he said, “gives an identifying piece” to the farm-rich county in western Wisconsin. Driftless Cafe: Wow. Junior Sous Chef Sarma Restaurant. The housemade brat, the chicken Caesar, the catfish, the chili , the desserts…freakin’ everything. Judges include previous restaurant/chef award winners, regional restaurant critics and culinary educators with more than 400 judges nationwide. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. I had the sea bass, which was perfectly cooked and delicious. 2.2K views. But Luke and Ruthie, now parents of Eva, 12, Ben, 11, and 4-year-old Silas, still have family nearby. So many foodie friends told me about Driftless Café but I had no idea just how good it was until we visited. But I know that, because I’m here. “In a small town, you don’t get a ton of people every night. Driftless Cafe: Another Great Wisconsin Chef in Another Great Wisconsin Small Town - See 305 traveler reviews, 119 candid photos, and great deals for Viroqua, WI, at Tripadvisor. Delivery & Pickup Options - 123 reviews of The Driftless Cafe "Awesome place for lunch! The interior is very rustic and the whole place has a wonderful, homey feel to it. A group of 9 of us ate there and we all were thoroughly pleased with the meal. “I’m just excited that we have been honored and hope to pay that kindness forward.”. Established in 1990, the James Beard Awards recognize excellence in restaurants and food media. Specialties: fresh local flavors from the surrounding farms pizza, daily homemade specials, currys, pasta, soups & salads pies, brownies, cookies, cheesecake, art for sale, great atmosphere “The award gives credibility to that identity, to our farmers and producers in the area.”. “When I left the area for college in Chicago, seeing Organic Valley and Wisconsin farms was a huge piece of my own identity,” he said. Ice Bear from Third Space Brewing has a profile similar to an imperial stout but is actually a Baltic porter. I had the semolina gnocchi which were very tasty although the crust was over cooked on them ,making them difficult to cut. Forgotten account? It was… Driftless Cafe, Viroqua: See 305 unbiased reviews of Driftless Cafe, rated 4.5 of 5 on Tripadvisor and ranked #1 of 21 restaurants in Viroqua. There was a problem saving your notification. Zahm’s nomination was in the “Best Chef Mid-West” category. owner Blue Harmony Enterprises January 2010 – Present 9 years 10 months. This is my reason for not the full five stars. Driftless Café operates “in a community that feels very divided, with people moving in from cities versus the people who’ve been here for awhile and buck that change,” Ruthie Zahm said. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. There’s a tremendous sense of pride. Zahm is among the Best Chef: Midwest semifinalists, which will be narrowed down to “nominees” on March 15. She hosts the food podcast The Corner Table and runs a program for student theater critics. When the James Beard Awards semi-finalists list dropped last week, it included several names Madison diners are well familiar with. James Beard recognition, though it brings no cash reward, can feel like fuel during dark winter days. The pandemic has pushed coffee shops to more closely control their supply chains, add walk-up windows, sell at-home coffee equipment and more. Did you know that we offer beer and wine to go? If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. more, “Another Great Wisconsin Chef in Another Great Wisconsin Small Town”. Driftless Cafe: You'll be Wowed with the work of this James Beard Nominee for Midwest Chef of the Year! The cost of farm to table can be a tough sell in rural Wisconsin, where the tavern and supper club still dominate dining culture. The price seemed pretty reasonable for the quality of the meal and I'd highly recommend this restaurant! “I’m so proud to be here and be able to shine a spotlight on these amazing growers and producers,” Luke Zahm said. Vernon County is home to 113 organic farms, the highest concentration in the country. Chef Luke Zahm, who owns the restaurant with his wife, Ruthie, works closely with nearby farms; the restaurant is amid the highest concentration of organic farms in the country. I hope he's home for the duration. COVID Safety Measures. Out in the middle of nowhere, Viroqua is not exactly a destination town but thanks to the Driftless, maybe it is now!The menu is quite limited. Log In. The taste was very good, though. Create New Account. “I’ve spent my life saying I’m from someplace between Madison and Minneapolis.”. The restaurant has become a bridge for this community. 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