After a long winter of shivering inside our Chicago apartments, a friend of mine was inspired to break out of our Windy City coops and bask in the outdoors of SE Wisconsin. So early Saturday morning, we crammed seven friends into her car and made our way to Devil’s Lake.
Spring has sprung in Chicago, but Wisconsin didn’t seem to get the memo—our destination was gray, gloomy, and quite cold. It felt like we traveled through time to early November—some of the trees even had red leaves still clinging onto the stems.
But the hike was still quite lovely. The lake is known for its fascinating rock formations and being one of the few places midwesterners can gain elevation on a walk. And, as is the case with most hikes, we acquired a hankering for greasy diner food.
As we drove through Madison, WI, I was tasked with finding a diner to patronize. I found two options, but we all agreed “Monty’s Blue Plate Diner” sounded the most alluring.
We ordered our entrees—I got a meatloaf hash because it sounded so midwestern. Now, it is not ethical for me to review their savory cuisine, as I am a Sundae Specialist. However, I must say that with the exception of one person at our table, everyone was incredibly disappointed with their food. Genuinely some of the worst diner grub I’ve had the misfortune of consuming.
But for the benefit of dessert, we persevered. I saw a Mint Cookie Sundae that looked downright scrumptious. Once it came to our table, I realized I should’ve let my entree kill my optimism when it had the chance.
It’s a simple sundae with three scoops of mint chocolate chip ice cream, crumbled “mint” cookies, and smothered in chocolate. Sometimes simple is great! Sometimes.
Quality of Fudge
Nope, not fudge. I knew it the moment it came out—this was Hershey’s chocolate syrup. And it wasn’t even warmed up!
Yet there was something oddly nostalgic about this treat. As a child, we usually had a gallon tub of mint chocolate chip ice cream in the freezer at all times. I would drown that puppy with Hershey’s chocolate syrup and eat it as I unironically watched George Lopez on Nick At Nite.
All that is to say, if I wanted a dessert like this, I would ask an 11 year old to make it for me—not spend $8 at a lousy Wisconsin diner.
Quality of Toppings
There was a singular topping to this treat: Crumbled cookies. And they made it seem like it was some special minty-chocolate cookie. It was just Oreos. Yea, just dust my sundae with the leftover Oreos from your milkshakes. That’ll be great
Level of Comfort Ordering a Sundae
Some context: I was the first to order my entree, so it was up to me to check the vibe of this establishment. So I order my hash, and then float the idea to our waitress: “Could I order a sundae now and have it come out later?” She replied, “Or, you can just order it when you want it.” She said it with a smile. All my friends laughed at me. I was left disheveled and pouty.
Now I understand where she’s coming from. This ain’t some fancy Windy City establishment that has the resources to track the needs of every table. But neither was Stardust Diner in Vancouver, WA, and they could afforded the luxury!
Would I Rather Get a McDonald’s Sundae?
Without question, yes. One of the most low-effort sundaes I’ve ever experienced, and a terrible chaser to a mediocre meal.
Final Rating: 3.8/10
Hot for Fudge 