A Time and Place For Nachos

Someone once told me that it is not appropriate to eat nachos before noon. False. While it is easy for puritans to box their meal choices into rigid schedules, never experiencing the dramatic splendor of eating breakfast for supper, or steak for lunch, I believe that nachos are exempt from any such stipulations. In fact, the very existence of chilaquiles proves that nachos make the most brilliant breakfast option.

So listen, when you want to eat nachos, go eat some nachos. Recently, I followed this delicious mantra when my husband and I enjoyed breakfast at a Madison institution, Monty’s Blue Plate Diner.

Monty’s Blue Plate Diner

Monty’s should be a destination on your list of Madison restaurants for many reasons. Stop in while touring the charming Schenk/Atwood neighborhood or visiting the historic Barrymore Theatre which happens to be across the street.

Isthmus readers have voted Monty’s the BEST Vegetarian Menu and BEST Breakfast. Winning menu items include everything from the classic chocolate shake to a fantastic vegetarian meatloaf. Don’t even try to walk passed that bakery case without lusting after the award-winning pies and other sweet treats.

My menu choice on most days (at any time of the day) is the chilaquiles. The main reasons being the Berkshire pork simmered in a tomatillo chili verde served over crispy corn tortillas with two eggs, pico de gallo, and feta cheese.

Chilaquiles are Breakfast Nachos

Our breakfast was complimented by a nice playlist of Doo-Wop hits while our server ensured all of our needs were met with the professional ease and comfort of an old friend. Our food came so fast, it was as if they knew we were coming. My portion was perfect for one person to handle without feeling like a glutton on vacation. The flavor combinations were both expected and miraculous. This dish was not spicy, which may be a problem for some, but not for me, especially for breakfast. Not listed on the menu, and a pleasant surprise, was the sliced radishes which added a fresh crunch that made me feel, for just a moment, like I might be eating something pretty healthy.

As I got through most of the chilaquiles, the chips became soggy. No problem, because I had a fork! The flavor of the corn chips held up along with the bits of pork, rich egg yolk, and pico just fine on a fork. I finished every last bite, and considered ordering some dessert before deciding I was perfectly satisfied.

The prices at Monty’s will leave you smiling just like my husband, Zach. Look at how happy he was with our breakfast experience. Full disclosure: his chicken sandwich was good, but he wishes he would have eaten chilaquiles.

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Ya er No?

Ya! Go to Monty’s and try the chilaquiles. Better yet, share them with a friend and save room for some Coconut Cream Pie.