If you're like me, you spent your portion of this February's economic stimulus package on a Greyhound Bus ticket to the Epcot Center in sunny Orlando, Fla. You may have visited Epcot's amazing World Showcase, where you can sample the diverse flavors of Canada, America, Mexico and China, while shopping for imported trinkets and soaking in the moves of little Morocco's Moroccan belly dancer. What an amazing cultural smorgasbord¦ And I didn't even have to acquire one of those darn passports.
Seven months later, I was hanging around West Towne Mall hoping for another government-issued three-figure allocation to kick in, erase my personal economic gloom and maybe even fund another U.S. culture tour.
Then I realized that if I budgeted and planned appropriately, I didn't have to wait for Washington-issued economic relief. I could recreate my worldly Epcot experience right here in Madison just by frequenting ethnic restaurants on Odana Road. I could circumvent enormous costs – and carbon emissions – by leisurely touring a small stretch of road between Burlington Coat Factory and Jiffy Lube.
I've included some of my recommendations below. You can tour these in one weekend to get the full Epcot effect like I did.
Saigon Noodles, featuring Vietnamese Pho. Fantastic food. Fast service. Less than ten bucks.
The Maharaja for Indian. To avoid a p.m. food coma, I recommend limiting lunch buffet trips to three, but I also endorse a four-visit, one-meal-per-day, cost-cutting program.
La Mestiza. It's the only legit Mexican food in town. Yes, readers, abuelos love this place, so do primos and sobrinos.
Sai Bai Tong, a Madison Thai institution, not available at any of Walt Disney's resorts.
Don't get me wrong, I'm still waiting to hit government pay dirt and maybe catch a 'hound over to Cincinnati. I hear their chili includes spaghetti, which is like Tex-Mex plus Italian in one trip – saving through synergies and eliminating redundancies!
In the meantime, I'll stay local, cut costs and emissions, and tour Odana Road's World Showcase (no passport required).
Love the pho - but try the bbq pork w egg noodle soup - Yum! – Pho Lover, Madison(10-23-08)
You are correct that chili on spaghetti noodles is the bomb, but don't forget about shredding a pound of cheese on top of each serving. – Evil Noodles, Madison(10-27-08)
You mentioned Morocco in your lead-in but lacked a follow-up... The Dardenelles on Monroe Street is co-owned by a Moroccan chef, Yousef. You don't just get a cultural experience from the food, but also from his stories and the stories of his wife Barbara. It's my top choice for a worldly experience in Madison! – Kristi Moe, Madison(10-28-08)
