From: The Isthmus - Daily Page - March, 2007

Spring Green General Store
137 S. Albany St., Spring Green, 608-588-7070
www.springgreengeneralstore.com

Back in the car, we’re headed for the Spring Green General Store in the land of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin and the world-class American Players Theatre. Spring Green, in Sauk County, has a population of 1,585 — thrice that of the metropolis of Arena.

Originally a cheese warehouse, the big blue building a block west of Highway 23 next to the railroad tracks is now a come-as-you-are café and gift store owned by Karin and Todd Miller. According to Todd, the store does about 50% retail and 50% food, and approximately 70% of the menu is vegetarian. Karin and Todd have preserved the feel of the 1960s with their tie-dyed menu.

The daily fare is breakfast and lunch, and late lunch — they close at 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and at 4 p.m. Sundays. During the week, a continental breakfast is offered, which includes vanilla yogurt with granola and Craisins, and cinnamon toast with maple cream-cheese frosting. And there’s always fresh-baked turnovers, Danish and muffins.

Every Saturday and Sunday from 8 p.m. to noon they offer a full-blown breakfast of frittatas, breakfast tostadas, plate-size pancakes, cinnamon-roll French toast, English muffin egg sandwiches and chilaquiles — crisp corn tortilla pieces topped with onion, peppers, eggs and Jack cheese, served with salsa. Tofu chilaquiles with more veggies are also offered.

We tried a few of the lunch offerings, including the hummus and vegetable sub sandwich — lemony hummus topped with tomato, shredded bell pepper and lettuce, stuffed in a baguette — a light, refreshing sandwich that won’t make you nod off once you’re back in the office. The vegetarian chili has kidney, pinto and black beans and a mess of vegetables. It’s delicate, but feel free to jack it up with sour cream, Monterey Jack cheese, salsa and chips. Or get the chili platter, where it’s served on a bed of Mexican rice with a side salad.

Be sure to allow enough time to shop the retail half. Karin does the buying and has an exceptional eye for women’s clothing and jewelry. There are also gourmet condiments and spices, whimsical gifts and greeting cards.

Oh, and did I mention the great selection of microbrews? There’s even Lake Louie Brewing beer, made right down the road in Arena.