☕ “Coffee raves” are coming to State Street

💰 Mayor Unveils $452 Million Operating Budget

• Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway’s proposed 2026 operating budget includes funding for the new Imagination Center library, staffing at the new men’s homeless shelter on Bartillon Drive, and money for nine new paramedics.
• The budget, released Oct. 7, proposes a 2.7% property tax increase, the lowest in 40 years. The average valued Madison home of $481,300 (a jump from $457,300 in last year’s budget) would see an increase of $30 per year.
• The budget also includes funding for the Office of the Independent Monitor, although the monitor, Robin Copley, recently resigned. The Madison City Council will debate the budget Nov. 11-13. [Isthmus, City of Madison]

🧒 Madison Children’s Museum CEO Stepping Down

• Tom Linfeld, the president and CEO of Madison Children’s Museum, will step down Nov. 3 for health reasons, the museum announced Oct. 7. Linfield has served in the role since June 2024.
• While the museum’s board of trustees evaluates next steps, Brenda Baker and Kia Karlen will serve as interim co-CEOs. Baker is the vice president of exhibits, facilities and strategic initiative, while Karlen is vice president of education and community engagement. [WisPolitics]

☕ Meet Up For a ‘Coffee Rave’ After the Farmers Market?

• Cielo, a new nightclub and cocktail bar on State Street, will throw its first “coffee rave” on Oct 11. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., patrons can follow up their trip to the Dane County Farmers Market by enjoying espressos, cocktails and dancing to live DJs.
• The owners hope to throw coffee raves every other Saturday. Otherwise, the space at 118 State St. is open Thursdays through Saturdays starting at 8 p.m., with a cocktail bar on the first floor and a dance floor up above.
• If you want a somewhat more subdued coffee, Golden Nest Pancakes & Cafe is opening on University Avenue in the former Panera Bread location. This is the fourth Golden Nest in Wisconsin, the Madison location is scheduled to open in January. [Madison Magazine, Cielo, 🔒 WSJ]

Peruvian food is hot in Madison right now. Mishqui Peruvian Bistro just opened a new location on King Street that’s serving both Peruvian and Colombian empanadas, chaufa (a Peruvian take on Cantonese fried rice), ceviche, and more. The downtown location joins a second Mishqui in Middleton (the flagship restaurant in Monona recently closed).

On the City Cast Madison podcast today, host Bianca Martin talks to Mishqui owner Cynthia Garcia about her restaurant’s rapid rise on the Madison dining scene and what it means to bring unique flavors to the community.

Here’s a few other places in Madison where you can get delicious Latin American cuisine. Check out the locations on Overlook Maps!

Samba Brazilian Grill

You get dinner and a show at this downtown Madison institution, where gauchos carve grilled meats tableside along with salads and desserts and the grill’s signature cinnamon-dusted grilled pineapple.

Estacion Inka

If you’re in a hurry for lunch, this fast-casual student-friendly spot on University Avenue is your jam. The Polla de la Brasa chicken is juicy and flavorful, and the chicarron sandwich is a delicious lunch option with roasted pork and sweet potato fries. Wash it down with an Inka Cola, a Peruvian favorite that looks like Mountain Dew but tastes a little like bubble gum to me.

Pikkito

This fast-casual Peruvian spot offers mouth-watering rotisserie chicken, ceviche, and lomo saltado (stir fry tenderloin). Pikkito opened its first location on Parmenter Street in Middleton, and recently converted the more upscale AmarPeru on Madison’s far west side into its second Pikkito location.

La Taguara

While La Taguara specializes in Venezuelan dishes, the expansive menu draws in favorites from across Latin America, including arepas, empanadas, and cubano sandwiches. They’re especially family-friendly, with a kids menu and kids-eat-free specials.

Along with all the new City Cast Madison Neighbors who joined during our fall membership campaign came a bunch of new Neighbor Shoutouts! Our members get the chance to call attention to a business, a nonprofit or some other cool thing that makes Madison just a little bit better.

📣 Kathryn M. wants to shout out Monona Grove Nursery School! “A play-based preschool since 1958, still continuing to do amazing work with kids and families as a parent co-op on Madison's Eastside. Currently fundraising after having to move to a new space after 50+ years.”

📣 Catherine S. wanted to point out the good work being done by the Autism Society of South Central Wisconsin, which “provides support, education, and social opportunities for Autistic people, families, caregivers, and the community.”

And a welcome to our newest City Cast Madison Neighbor, Barb S.! We’re looking forward to hearing who you shout out, Barb!