Il Mondo Vecchio a Savory Choice on Madison's Restaurant Row

There's a simple bit of logic when it comes to hyperlocal journalism and municipal meetings: The more evening meetings Patch can cram into its busy schedule, the more it will be dining out on the company's dime.

So it was one recent evening in the Rose City. Facing some such council or board convo likely to stretch into the late hours, Patch sought a sit-down supper, preferably in a locale with a quiet, out-of-the-way corner table, and thence to enjoy some good grub.

The choice was , where the contemporary Italian menu tempted even Patch's pedestrian palate. [And by pedestrian, that means occasionally mixing two brands of canned tomato sauce, passing it off as some culinary labor of love from the Patch kitchen.]

But what to have? When considering menu choices, Patch is conservative. Like, so conservative we make Rick Santorum look like Abbie Hoffman (while he was alive). [Which reminds: As a student Hoffman played varsity tennis at Brandeis University under coach and future sports broadcaster Bud Collins. Patch once asked Collins if Hoffman's game mirrored his fiery political beliefs. "No," Collins said, "he was a baseliner. He was too afraid to come to the net!" Where else would you read this but Patch?]

A green salad and pasta bolognese were selected, not to any disappointment. The meat was tender and flavorful, and the pasta fresh and piping hot. Our server was helpful, attentive, and non-judgmental as Patch hoisted its laptop to the table for some pre-meeting preparation, vulgar for dinner behavior, to be sure. [See accompanying image.] In all, an excellent meal.

Il Mondo Vecchio provides full lunch and dinner menus, pasta and soups, price-fixed dinners, and desserts. Bring your own wine, beer or other liquor if you wish a drink. 

Lunch is served Monday - Friday 11:45 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Dinner is served Monday - Thursday 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m., and Friday and Saturday 5 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Call 973-301-0024 for reservations. Il Mondo Vecchio acccepts American Express, Visa, Master Card and Discover credit cards.