For those in Madison with a penchant for exceptional food and a sense of nostalgia, prepare to be delighted. La Brioche True Food is not just a new restaurant; it’s a reincarnation, echoing the beloved ambiance and quality of the cherished Bakers’ Rooms, which first opened its doors 36 years ago. Many long-time patrons entering La Brioche True Food immediately sense this connection, remarking on the familiar, welcoming atmosphere that feels remarkably like the old favorite.
What sets La Brioche True Food apart and elevates it beyond a simple revival is its deep commitment to the community and a philosophy rooted in true, wholesome food. This isn’t merely about recreating a successful past; it’s about evolving and deepening the restaurant’s relationship with its surroundings. La Brioche True Food is dedicated to sourcing local and pesticide-free ingredients whenever possible. While the Wisconsin winter may necessitate turning to organic wholesalers, the restaurant’s talented chef, Angelo Catteno, is adept at seasonal cooking. Chef Catteno, whose impressive local culinary background includes stints at Sardine and the Blue Marlin, crafts menus that celebrate the freshest local produce available year-round.
Alt text: Delicious and flaky morning buns, a signature pastry at La Brioche True Food in Madison, Wisconsin, showcasing their commitment to classic bakery items.
The vision behind La Brioche True Food extends beyond just serving delicious meals; it’s about creating a transformative dining experience. The restaurant is thoughtfully designed as a sanctuary, a place to disconnect from the digital noise of everyday life. The concept, originally envisioned years ago and revitalized by the owner’s marriage to a master feng shui practitioner, Jackie, centers around creating an environment of beauty and tranquility. Stepping into the space that once housed Magic Mill, an organic grocery, Jackie has woven her expertise to create a series of intimate and inviting nooks. The result is an atmosphere that feels both timeless and deeply comforting, as if La Brioche True Food has been a cherished part of Madison for a century.
The transition to this new location was a significant undertaking, described as “exciting, scary, very creative, and a lot of hard work.” Moving a restaurant, “lock, stock, and barrel,” is no small feat, but the owner credits their “unbelievable” staff for their dedication and coordination. Remarkably, La Brioche True Food was only closed for three days during the move, a testament to the team’s efficiency. The journey began in November with the selection of the space, followed by renovations starting in February. While the transformation took longer and proved more costly than initially anticipated, the commitment to creating a truly exceptional space drove the project forward, resulting in the beautiful La Brioche True Food we see today.
Alt text: Warm and inviting interior of La Brioche True Food restaurant in Madison, featuring cozy nooks and crannies designed with feng shui principles for a relaxing dining experience.
Turning to the culinary offerings at La Brioche True Food, patrons will find beloved classics alongside exciting new additions. The bakery lineup remains a cornerstone, featuring perennial favorites like their signature morning buns. Looking ahead, La Brioche True Food plans to introduce organic rustic breads later in the year, further solidifying their commitment to quality and wholesome ingredients.
The breakfast menu, served until 2 p.m., offers a delightful array of options, including various omelets, frittatas, French toast, waffles, and oatmeal. For lunch, the menu expands to include pizzas, vibrant salads, and a selection of three to six homemade soups crafted daily from scratch by Chef Angelo. Notably, La Brioche True Food boasts what many consider “the best organic cheeseburger in Madison.” Diners can customize their burger with a choice of blue cheese, Gruyere, or aged cheddar, with the owner personally recommending the intensely flavorful blue cheese.
Alt text: Mouthwatering organic cheeseburger from La Brioche True Food, Madison, showcasing the option of blue cheese, Gruyere, or aged cheddar for a gourmet burger experience.
The dinner menu at La Brioche True Food is thoughtfully curated, featuring enticing appetizers, tapas, and five main entrees. Current dinner selections include a flavorful salmon dish, an organic fillet of beef, and chicken breast in a delicate cream sauce served over creamy garlic mashed potatoes. The owner distinguishes between two philosophies of eating: “eat to live” and “live to eat.” La Brioche True Food embraces both. The majority of the menu falls into the “eat-to-live” category, emphasizing healthy and life-affirming dishes. However, the dessert offerings firmly plant themselves in the “live-to-eat” realm. La Brioche True Food’s homemade gelatos, crafted from scratch, are a must-try. With exotic flavors like cucumber and plum alongside classic organic chocolate, these gelatos offer a decadent and unforgettable finish to any meal. The organic chocolate gelato, in particular, is described as simply “to die for,” promising a truly indulgent experience at La Brioche True Food.
