Have you ever found yourself in the clutches of Seasonal Affective Disorder (aptly abbreviated as S.A.D., the condition is commonly known as the “winter blues”)?  Well, pop some Vitamin D and get yourself over to the latest locals-centric restaurant offering from Elizabeth Blau and Chef Kim Canteenwalla – MADE.LV at Tivoli Village, where the mood is decidedly cheerful, and the food brings to mind summer picnics and beach barbeques on the Cape, the Vineyard, and P-Town (or your favorite New England summer-spot).

Under the watchful gaze of Executive Chef Daniel Boling (himself a transplant from sunny San Diego, where he received accolades as Executive Chef of The Lodge at Torrey Pines, where his farm-to-table cuisine was all the rage), Blau and Canteenwalla have filled the menu with some of their favorite dishes from their summer sojourns.

Bite into one of the fresh-from-the-oven Bacon Cheddar Biscuits, after you’ve slathered some Honey Salt Butter, onto it.  I dare you not to be transported by your taste-buds!  The décor is Williamsburg, but the flavors are Backyard U.S.A., and they are sublime.

The Thick-cut Salt & Pepper Chips are perfect for dipping, so it’s no surprise that the menu is full of things like Lentil & Chickpea Hummus, Smoked Onion Dip (like Mom used to make, but probably sans Lipton Onion Soup mix), and Black Truffle Cheese Fondue (so rich, and so good).

My friend Alissa swears by the Bacon & Eggs Plate, while my friend Gigi tells me the Grilled Salmon Salad is tops (and that the pickled-onions really make it pop).

As for me, nothing reminds me of summer like hot dogs and hamburgers; and MADE.LV’s versions are solid.  The Nueske Hot Dog (first steamed in beer, then finished on the grill) comes with a hearty Grain Mustard, House Relish, and Ketchup; while the Double-stack Burger Meister features a pair of Beef-patties from Creekstone Farms, covered in melted Cheddar Cheese, topped with a dollop of MADE.LV’s homemade Steak-sauce.  Recollecting the juicy goodness of both, I’ve begun salivating and can’t seem to stop.

Representing New England is the Fish Fry.  Tender strips of Cod, deep fried, covered in Malt Vinegar Dust, and served with Fennel Slaw, Dill Tartar, and crispy French Fries, it’ll warm you up and put a spring in your step.  And while the only preparation of the Hot-Smoked, Flash-Fried Butcher-style Chicken Wings that I’ve yet to taste, is the Salt & Vinegar (delish!); I’ve heard great things about the Sriracha, Buffalo, and BBQ, too.

But, I recommend that you don’t go cray-cray without saving a little room for the sweet stuff, because in addition to the Bag of Donut Holes with Cinnamon Sugar and Berry Jam, and the taste of Nashville that is the Banana Pudding with Nilla Wafers, Whipped Cream, and Salted Caramel; there’s the Loaded S’more Nachos.  Made with Graham Crackers, Torched Marshmallows, Oreo Cookie Crumbs, Chocolate Sauce, and Fluff, and they’ll bring a tear to your eye (and some plaque to your arteries).

And, for those of you needing a reason, this Tuesday, December 9th, MADE.LV is double-dipping, playing host to two affairs – a Beer Dinner, featuring the craft-beers of the Firestone Walker Brewing Company; and Temple Beth Sholom’s Family Night.

So, this season, get over being glum, chums; at MADE.LV.

MADE.LV
Tivoli Village
Click HERE for info and menu

Get into it!