Speckled Hen Inn » Summer

Another Concert on the Square season begins next week

Pat Fischbeck — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 21:03:30 +0000

It is that wonderful time of year in Madison. Summer! Time to celebrate with family and friends in ways that become a tradition. A very special summertime tradition in Madison is the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra’s Concert on the Square series. For 5 Wednesday evenings, starting June 24, the orchestra performs on the steps of the Wisconsin State Capitol building in front of a huge crowd of fun and music loving fans. Concert goers arrive early, around 5:00PM or a bit later to spread their colorful blankets on the green capitol lawn.

Reserve your space on the Capitol lawn.

The concert won’t begin until 7:00 so there is time to do a little shopping or just walking around the downtown area. Some bring games or a good book to pass the time until the crowd has gathered, dined on the available box suppers or well packed picnic baskets, chatted with friends they haven’t seen for ages, and just basically soaked up the sights and sounds of a summer evening. Then the concert begins. The music tends toward the light classical. You can hear it even if your blanket space is not right in front of the orchestra. Little boys pretend to be the conductor. Little girls twirl with bubble wands in their tiny hands. Lovers hold hands. Grandmas cuddle their grandbabies. Stressed out workers kick off their high heels and loosen their ties. Those who know the music close their eyes and sway slightly with the melody. Wine glasses are lifted and all is well in Madison.

Happy folks at the Concert on the Square

Start Your Saturday in Madison Right

Pat Fischbeck — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:51:47 +0000

When my guests at The Speckled Hen Inn ask me what there is to do on Saturday morning in Madison, my automatic response is, “Go to the Farmers Market!” The Dane County Farmers’ Market is the largest producer-only farmers’ market in the country. All the items are produced locally by the vendor behind the table. The market is back on the Capitol Square for the summer months and thousands of locals as well as and tourists and market lovers from far and near flock to the brightly colored vendor stands to fill their shopping baskets with the freshest fruits and veggies imaginable. You will also find meats, baked goods, specialty food items like honey and pesto, and, of course, lots of Wisconsin cheese.

Honey and Plants at the Dane County Farmers

If you have ever considered eating seasonally or locally, the farmers market is a great resource. Vendors will often let you sample their products and are eager to share preparation instructions and sometimes even recipes with their customers.

One of the favorite breakfasts served at The Speckled Hen Inn is the Farmer’s Market Strata. It contains sourdough bread, cream and mozarella cheeses, fresh eggs, basil pesto, tomatoes, and smoked ham or turkey. All of the ingredients can be found at the farmer’s market. Please help yourself to the recipe and share the bounty of Wisconsin with friends at breakfast or brunch some beautiful summer morning.

Farmers

Group Special Events: Dining al fresco

Pat Fischbeck — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 19:04:58 +0000

The Party Patio at The Speckled hen Inn

The Speckled Hen Inn offers group outdoor party facilities and food/beverage service. The service is available only during the summer season (May-October). Join us for such events as family reunions, graduation parties, birthday parties, wedding rehearsal dinners or company sponsored events. We have a complete outdoor kitchen and dining area. We feature outdoor BBQ and Pizza venues. Beer, wine and soft drinks are also available. Seating is limited to 20-30 people. Larger groups can be accommodated and served buffet style around the pool. The swimming pool may not be used due to licensing restrictions.

Enjoy the view from the patio

BBQ dinners feature slow smoked ribs, pulled pork, and/or hot dogs/brats with baked beans, coleslaw and chips. Pizza is available by the pie or can be served individually as a “build-your-own” buffet. Our chef is passionate about smoking/grilling and gourmet pizza-perfection; this may well be the best party food you have ever had.

Partytime in the outdoor kitchen

Please call to plan your next event and to receive a price quotation. Prices average between $12 and $25 per person depending upon menu selection, exclusive of beverage costs. There is a $70 setup charge per group for county permit application fees. No tipping is required, thereby effectively offsetting the mandatory county fee.

Relax on the patio

It doesn’t get much better than this. Make your next event something special at the Speckled Hen Inn.