You're probably already aware of the usual hot spots around Madison. Sure, Pasquals is great. And who doesn't love the Thirsty Thursday specials at Chasers. But if you're willing to try something new and go a bit off the beaten path, there's a neighborhood grill that's well worth the effort. Tucked in between Zeier and E Springs Drive is one such place, Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar.

I arrived at Applebee's around 4:45 on a clear Friday night. In a clever bit of marketing, the Applebee's logo is literally a delicious red apple. I admit to feeling a bit like Eve as I approached, lured in to take a bite. Once inside, I was greeted with a vibrant atmosphere. There was some lively chatter from the seniors across the dining room, and one of my favorite Nickelback songs played at a moderate volume in the background. The decor was an eclectic mix of Madison memorabilia and colorful lighting. There did not appear to be a firm dress code, but this was my first meal out in some time, so I dressed to impress.

I was quickly greeted by a cheerful twentysomething named Jake, and after confirming a few times that I was not meeting someone else, he led me to my table.  As I sat down, I noticed the tables were well spaced, and that Jake and his co-workers were sufficiently masked. I felt welcomed and safe. I know you look to me for an escape, though, so I won't focus on this. My focus is all about the food. And let me tell you, there is no shortage of amazing food to talk about.

• • K-tip: If you arrive before 6:00 like I did, you can take advantage of Applebee's legendary happy hour, with half price on most apps! But be aware this is dine in only.

I started the night with a couple no brainers. The spinach and artichoke dip was a standout. The chips were thin and crispy, and were a salty counterpoint to the rich, savory dip. The brew pub pretzels were excellent as well. The plate came with four large pretzel sticks, each about the size of a large toddler or small child's forearm. I sampled each pretzel to test for consistency, and they were all wonderful, with a browned exterior and soft, pillowy inside.

After the apps, it was time to drop it like it's hot. Hot double crunch wings, that is. The eight wings were still sizzling when they arrived. They weren't eyes watering hot, but packed a decent punch and had that great Siracha flavor. Aside from the ranch I dripped on my blazer, I was feeling great and ready for the main course.

For the main course, I debated between the Fiesta Lime Chicken and the Whisky Bacon Burger. Both would have been great choices, I'm sure, but then I remembered hearing that Applebee's had a secret menu that would make the CIA blush. Jake initially pretended like he didn't know what I was talking about, but then my man hit me with an $11.99 off-menu quesadilla burger, and it did not disappoint! It was juicy and crispy and evoked an elevated version of what I imagine authentic Mexican food to be. The side slaw could have used a bit more acid, but did offer some nice crunch alongside the quesaburger.

After polishing off the main course, my mind shifted to dessert. I deadpanned to Jake that it was my birthday, and asked what they'd bring me to celebrate. He laughed awkwardly but ultimately couldn’t tell if I was serious or not, and arrived minutes later with the infamous TRIPLE CHOCOLATE MELTDOWN. I of course would have paid if Jake made me, but who wouldn’t try this for a little birthday treat? :) Needless to say, the dessert exceeded my lofty expectations. The inside was rich and fudgy, and the top was covered in creamy vanilla ice cream and white chocolate chips. I'm usually a Werther's Original kind of guy, but this was a worthwhile indulgence.

Overall, my experience at Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar was second to none. The food was spectacular, the ambiance was pleasant, and if you convince them it's your birthday, it won't break the bank. 

Mackdaddy seal of approval: Yes!

I know what you're thinking. Do we really need a Subway review? Would we need a blog post to explain that Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player ever (he is!)? Or that Matchbox 20 is the best band to come out of 90s (they are!)? And do we really need Kevin to inform us that Subway makes the best sandwiches in the world (they definitely do!)? Probably not, but hear me out. These days, you can get a decent sandwich at any corner store or gas station. But it's worth a reminder that for a truly special sandwich experience, there's no beating the OG, my favorite deli for a hungry belly, the one and only, Subway. 

As you probably know, the first Subway opened in 1965. Since then, it has grown into a global culinary icon, with more than 20,000 franchises worldwide. Whether you're ordering a cold cut combo in Chicago or a sandwicho muy delicioso in Argentina, the love of a good sandwich is truly universal.

Madison alone has over ten Subway locations, and tonight I'm headed to the Verona location. I arrive around 6:30. The inside of the sandwich shop is basked in the soft neon glow of Subway's iconic light. There's a subtle smell of fresh baked bread, welcoming but not gimmicky, like some notable competitors (I'm looking at you, Jimmy John's). The short line moves quickly and I'm excited to be helped by Michelle, who in my opinion is one of the top three sandwich artists in west Madison. 

There are a few basic choices to make when you're ordering at Subway. Traditional bread or flatbread, toasted or untoasted, 6 inch or foot long.  You really can't go wrong with any of the menu options, but my go-to order is a footlong Italian BMT on toasted Italian Herb and Cheese, with American, provolone, and swiss cheese, onions, peppers, lettuce, tomatoes, and red wine vinaigrette. The key here is to have the onions and peppers added to the bread before it's toasted, getting them nice and browned. For tonight, I decided to try a Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki, as well.

Subway also has a kid's menu if you're feeding a family. I don't know what children like to eat or how often you need to feed them, but there appears to be a lot of tasty options. Each comes with a squeezable apple sauce on the side and a milk.

K-tips:

• If you have an experienced sandwich artist like Michelle, ask for the "old cut," which is a V cut out of the top of the loaf. More toppings and looks like a real submarine!

• It's not advertised, but you can get unlimited veggies at no additional cost. Have your sandwich artist load your sandwich with veggies, then take them off when you get home and reassemble as a side salad.

• Subway doesn’t have a secret menu per se, but they will make old favorites if you ask (psst, try the pizza sub!).

BMT stands for Biggest, Meatiest, Tastiest, and that couldn’t be a more apt description as I dig into my first sandwich. The salami/pepperoni/ham combination rivals any charcuterie board in town, and the red wine vinegar offers a nice balance to the sweetness of the caramelized onions. As usual, Michelle's BMT is an absolute knockout.

The Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki was…fine. The sandwich was well made, the chicken was perfectly microwaved, and the sauce had a pleasant zing. For some reason, though, it just didn't make the same impression on me. If I'm being honest, I think the flavors may have pushed me too far out of my comfort zone. Don't let me stop you from trying this sandwich, though - Michelle assured me it's a customer favorite, and you might like it more than I do!

Once again, my experience has confirmed that Subway is the best of the best. Many of you already knew that. But for those of you that haven't been in a while, I'd highly recommend giving them another shot. For me, it comes down to who has the tastiest sandwich. I don't care if Subway's bread can't legally be called bread, or that their tuna is not tuna, but a ' mixture of various concoctions". I care if their sandwiches taste great, and they absolutely do. Besides, their bread tastes awfully real to me. 

Mackdaddy seal of approval: Yes!

4. Melon baller: Let's be honest, sliced or cubed cantaloupe can be a pretty blasé. But perfectly symmetrical balls of melon placed artfully on a serving platter? Well now you have my curiosity. Add some chili pepper and flaked sea salt? And now you have my attention. 

5. Watermelon slicer: Yes this is a variation of the melon baller, yes you should still get it.

6. Dash mini waffle maker: I love this waffle maker because 

1) The waffles are excellent, and 2) I get to pretend that I'm making normal size waffles and I'm a giant.

7. Chef'n Stem gem strawberry huller: Nothing in life is perfect. Not even me (as my co-workers are quick to remind me, LOL). And not even sweet, delicious strawberries, with those darn green leaves that get between a juicy snack and my belly. Enter the Chef'n strawberry huller! The huller makes quick work of that hull and gets you one step closer to your strawberry shortcake.

8. Automatic pan stirrer with timer: I get it, this one looks frivolous. But think of it like a Roomba for your saucepan, and imagine all the time you'll get back when you don't need to stir that risotto. King of Queens rewatch, here I come!

9. Sloth tea infuser: Ok, this last one is less practical and more aesthetic, but these sloths are adorable. When I host dinner parties I like to plate these little guys alongside my famous Mackdaddy Sloppy Joes to bring a little whimsy to the meal.