Brunch, for all intents and purposes, is an event, with more and more restaurants catering to a market of people who like to get up a little later on the weekends or are hoping to cure that hangover we all loath so much. No different from their dinner menu, Bodegón has a small brunch selection, but hits all the right notes and gives you plenty of options. Again, I shared (it should just be noted now and forever that if I can share, I do) and got to taste a couple of dishes. We ordered the Fruity Pebbles Pancakes and the Avocado Eggs Benedict, bringing in a little sweet and a little savory, with a side of potatoes. Always gotta get the taters.
Exciting my inner child, I was interested to see what the pancakes were all about. As a lover of Fruity Pebbles, I knew these weren't going to be my bowl of milk and cereal I enjoyed so much as a kid. And they certainly were not. With a flavor that I couldn't quite put my finger on, the cakes were not quite what I was expecting, but, to be fair, I wasn't really sure what to expect. The cakes were colorful and festive and contained just the right amount of sweetness without being overbearing or allowing the elements of the pancakes to be overshadowed. As someone that almost always orders savory over sweet, it can be a hard to get me overjoyed about a sweet meal, but anything that pulls at my childhood heartstrings is a win for me.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Avocado Eggs Benedict was pretty much what you would expect from a vegetarian benedict and therefore wasn't deemed exceptional for me either. I'm always looking for something unique that sets a dish apart from its siblings and even though the cakes weren't spectacular in my mind, they were unique and uncommon. The poached eggs on the bene were done well and the ingredients had a nice balance, but the hollandaise left something to be desired. For my taste buds, the hollandaise is really what brings a benedict together and the sauce just needed a little more punch. With that being said, it was still enjoyable and the meal as a whole was worthy of returning to try other options, such as the Peanut Butter and Rhubarb Jelly French Toast, Churros, or Veggie Hash. I would also really like to try one of their sharable signature cocktails, served in pineapples and tiki mugs. Anything pineapple, I'm there.
It was a gorgeous day in Milwaukee. The first day of the year that felt like summer. You could wear sandals and shorts and didn't even need a light jacket. It was the perfect temperature to enjoy brunch on the patio and Hotel Madrid's space was lovely. The tables weren't crowded together and there was grass that could be used for yard games or a relaxing sitting space while customers wait for their table. While I hate to say this, the service was bordering on poor in the beginning. It took at least ten or fifteen minutes for someone to come greet us and bring water. And while I certainly do not mind the wait on a beautiful day when a restaurant is packed and it is clear the servers are hustling around (I've worked in the service industry, I get the struggles), this was not the case. There were many empty tables and there was simply no reason for us to sit and wait that long. However, the service was great once our waitress came over, so enough with the Yelp-like review. Onto the important stuff, like the intricately detailed water glasses that fit the theme perfectly and the napkins that were all different colors. The silverware had a dark, perhaps oxidized finish and the furniture was nice, but could have been more in tune with the rustic style. Had the furniture been mixed and matched like the napkins, the patio would've felt more unique and original. And when you're ready to pay, your bill will arrive placed inside the cover of a book, so go ahead and read a little something while you watch your bank account dwindle even more after all the weekend adventures.
Hotel Madrid's decor was northing short of noteworthy. The rustic theme was spot on with unique elements of Spanish culture and whimsical, modern touches spread throughout. And while I am not normally for trophy hunting decor, various creatures lined the walls and somehow did not make me feel as though I was looking at an animal with its head cut off hoisted up as an accomplishment. Alongside the standard animals you see mounted up on walls were dinosaurs and alligators formed from black moldings with gold antlers or teeth rested within the perimeters of a frame. These far from realistic creatures were contrasted against white painted brick that, which acted as the perfect backdrop. The tables fit the rustic theme with a lighter, worn wood and the windows had drapery which provided great lighting and a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. The bar, called Vermutería, stood out against the white walls and paired well with animals that lined the wall. Developed from black brick, Spanish inspired tiles sat at the base of the bar and added to the subtle, but apparent cultural additions. ***Side note: Vermutería has it's own food menu, full of goodies such as grilled cheese and burgers
To finally wrap up what may be my longest post yet, it is safe to say I am excited to have Hotel Madrid in Milwaukee. The interior decor was perfect, the patio was lovely and spacious, and the food was good.
Happy hour, anyone? We can sip out of the same pineapple. It'll be romantic, like a scene out of Lady and the Tramp, but alcoholic.
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