Broadcaster Street Talk - July 26, 2010

By Emily Joy Rozeske

Optimo Café – Seasonal, Local Fare with Feeling
My parents came to stay in Viroqua last weekend and as always we ended up with quite a full schedule.  On Sunday morning, in lieu of cooking a feast, we opted to try Optimo Farm-Market Restaurant & Café on Main Street for brunch.  Optimo Café is a new Macasaet family endeavor that occupies the former space of Greenman Music Hall, located between Viva Gallery and Dairyland Printing right on Main Street.

Right as we entered the restaurant, I was pleasantly surprised by the quiet richness of the interior.  The warm wood tones and the red accents were very welcoming and the space felt big and airy as the hostess welcomed us to the restaurant and showed us to our seat. 

We ended up in a nice, spacious booth by the front window with what appeared to be an avocado tree sharing the sunlight of the bright morning.  I noted that the benches were made locally by Mike & Lisa Riley, proprietors of Saving Grace Furniture.  (Find them at the Viroqua Saturday Farmers Market)  I knew that Optimo Café strived to offer as many local ingredients in their food as possible but it was great that even elements within the restaurant were locally produced. 

We were seated in a booth next to another party, but for the entirety of our meal I did not hear any of their conversation.  The restaurant leaves adequate space between the tables and high back booths creating the feeling of a private dining experience.  Throughout our meal there were probably seven other parties enjoying breakfast and I can honestly say that my attention was never drawn away from our table by the commotion and conversation that plagues many restaurant dining rooms. 

The wait staff was very attentive and worked as a cohesive team bringing our food to the table, refilling our coffee and clearing the plates when we had finished.  They were relaxed, professional and attentive; I was impressed for the restaurant having been open for just one week! 

The food was very fresh, flavorful and perfectly cooked.  Highlights for me were the bacon in my omelet, full of flavor and cooked just right, the hearty homemade bread and the colossal blueberry muffin that I had to try because it promised to be delicious.  The muffin lived up to its promise; its shear size lending itself well to sharing and among the five of us, it went quickly. 

I expect and choose to pay more for locally made and produced products and food but I was amazed at how reasonable the prices were for brunch.  Our first visit to Optimo was delightful and well worth having the morning off from cooking and clean up.
 
Optimo Café is a great addition to Main Street and delivered on the soul, sustenance and seasonality that they advertise.  I am excited to try their “tasting menu” for dinner and experience the full menu of American and International flavors.