Late September is the perfect time of year to take a slower drive through the Driftless Hills.
En route to our annual procurement of Crimson Crisp apples at Oakwood Fruit Farm near Richland Center, we decided to make a detour to Blue Mounds. What we found was diverting in the best sense of that word. Madison restauranteur and local native Christopher Berge welcomed us into his new establishment. He has resurrected a former Opera House that presented many musical acts and even the illusionist Harry Houdini back in the day. For the same reason that house museums are fascinating, the Obertalvin Coffee House enchants with surreal details and thoughtful atmosphere (open Wednesday to Sunday 8 - 3):
Bathed in natural light and adorned with warm wood tones, ObertAlvin Coffee House features book lined walls and offers a cozy nook for every visitor.Chris has created a salon. The book collection led to conversation about Anna Karenna and War & Peace.
This is not your drive by/order coffee via an app experience. The space is designed to reflect, chat and savor a salon style experience. The decor is eclectic and fun - a beautiful oil painting of Berge's mother holds sway in the main room.
We enjoyed coffee and a bit of tea along with a delicious slice of the day's cake (apple, naturally). Mostly, though, chatting with Christopher Berge was a treat. A true entrepreneur who has tasted the highs and lows that come with the territory, Christopher shared a bit of his path to Blue Mounds, the aesthetic choices made and the opportunity at hand.
Terrific.
Blue Mounds finds itself as perhaps the "schwerpunkt" with epic just 18 minutes to the east, Lands End 21 minutes to the west, Vortex and Duluth Trading a quick 7 minutes away and of course Blue Mounds State Park next door.
M.C. Escher tour. The second floor is ideal for events with a timeless stage and kitchen. I sense an opportunity for a best in market co-working space perhaps channeling Harry Houdini's presence years ago.
Later, while lingering a bit, a serious biker arrived from Middleton (52 mile round trip, she shared) seeking refreshment.
One can tell this establishment is the culmination of decades of experience in the restaurant business. A business devastated by the pandemic and related government restrictions. What Berge has created is a place for community. A group of "regulars" in the back room were solving the world's problems. Or, at a minimum enjoying one another's company and good coffee. Well worth visiting and revisiting. This is one to watch. It will be fun to see how this place evolves and matures.
Oh, Smørrebrød is on offer as well.
Immersive scenes in amuz.
