🚧 City wants Johnson Street lanes reopened

🚧 City Says Construction is Throttling Johnson Street Traffic

• Madison motorists are used to new developments slowing down traffic downtown. But city officials say the slowdown caused by construction on Johnson Street needs to change.
• Tom Mohr, Madison’s assistant director of traffic engineering, said that construction on the street, including new student high-rises and a new UW-Madison building, has caused a bottleneck for eastbound traffic, especially during rush hour. The slowdown has really been a problem since construction started on John Nolen Drive, Mohr said.
• With lane closure permits for those Johnson Street sites up for renewal, officials are now asking the construction crews to reopen those lanes at least during rush hours. [🔒WSJ]

🇻🇪 La Taguara Owner is Happy To See Maduro Go

• Jeykell Badell, a Venezuelan immigrant and owner of Madison’s La Taguara restaurants, said on the restaurant’s Facebook page that he feels “relief” at seeing longtime Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro out of power and arrested by the United States.
• Badell first came to the United States in 1999 to study English, and said his home country has experienced decades of economic and political turmoil under the reign of Hugo Chavez and now Maduro.
• He said he posted not to make a political statement, but to express his personal perspective as a Venezuelan. He urged Americans to learn more about the country’s history and recent events. [Facebook, WMTV]

😮‍💨 THC Regulation at Top of List for Wisconsin Senate

• Wisconsin State Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu said his GOP-controlled chamber is making regulation of THC a top priority before the legislative session ends in March.
• LaMahieu said that he would like to see an age limit and a serving limit for THC beverages, gummies, and other products, as well as some regulation about how such products are taxed. A federal ban was tucked into the federal funding bill last fall that ended the government shutdown, but the ban allows time for legislation to regulate the industry.
• 🎧 What comes next? On the City Cast Madison podcast today, executive producer Hayley Sperling talks to Phillip Scott, head of the Wisconsin Hemp Farmers and Manufacturers, about what the industry faces in the state. [WMTV, 🎧 City Cast Madison]

Himal Chuli, the Nepali restaurant that operated on State Street for nearly 40 years, abruptly closed on Jan. 1. The Ohio Tavern on Madison’s east side also closed over the holidays, but will reopen in March under new management. The owner of Buraka, the longtime Ethiopian restaurant on Williamson Street, said last month that lagging business might force him to close, but said he’s been encouraged that diners have been showing up lately to show their support.

In today’s economy, it’s a real feat to keep a restaurant going for 20, 30, or even 40 years. Times change, tastes change, and foodies sometimes are so eager to chase the next big thing that they forget to support their longtime faves. (As somebody who writes a monthly “Best New Restaurants” column, I’m as guilty as anybody.)

So here’s a reminder to visit some of Madison’s most beloved long-running restaurants, who have stuck around for good reason. Make sure to support them before they’re just a fond memory.

Lombardino’s

Located on the same location on University Avenue since 1952 (and on State Street before that), this old-school Italian restaurant has updated its menu and its look over the decades, but still offers a taste of classic red-sauce Italian-American charm.

Kavanaugh’s Esquire Club

A family-owned supper club on Madison’s north side for nearly 80 years, this longtime favorite closed briefly after switching ownership last year. But the family has reclaimed ownership and intends to keep the tradition (and the prime rib specials) alive.

Plaza Tavern

One of Madison’s oldest establishments opened during Prohibition in 1930, but it wasn’t until 1963 that the tavern off State Street invented its signature Plazaburger (with Plaza Sauce), which makes it a must-stop for UW-Madison alums returning to town.

Tornado Room

Technically, the steak house on South Hamilton Street has only been open for 30 years. But because the building dates back to the late 1800s, and the new owners retained the decor of Crandall’s restaurant that had been there before, walking in feels like entering a vintage bar and grill from the 1940s.

Quivey’s Grove

This historic 1840s farmhouse and stable in Fitchburg was turned into a restaurant by 1979. While development has sprung up all around the former farm in recent years, Quivey’s Grove rustic charm remains intact.

Meet Lucy! This four-year-old pup is a little nervous meeting new people, but warms up with patience and time to become your best pal. She’s crate- and house-trained and knows “sit,” “lie down,” and “come.”

She’s super sweet and smart, and loves to take walks, where she’s friendly with both people and other dogs. She’s looking for a home without cats, small animals and young children. She also loves toys, but can go through them pretty fast!