Highway 18 Outdoor Theatre

Ah, nothing draws out American nostalgia like the drive-in theater, a dying breed among entertainment venues. On Friday I checked out the Highway 18 Outdoor Theatre (www.highway18.com), about a 30-min. drive from downtown Madison. To get there, take the Beltline east and follow until you hit Hwy 18, then turn left. The theater will be on your right.

Like most theaters, this one doesn't allow carry-ins. In rare instances they will actually check your car. Tickets are $7 at the door for two movies, a steal in this day and age of $8 movies. Bring lots of cash, because they don't accept credit cards anywhere on premise, nor is there an ATM.

Once you get in, most any spot will be a good one for viewing. Just be forewarned, the best spots will be taken up by 8, so plan on arriving early. The first movie doesn't begin until it gets dark (in the summer, past 9 p.m.), so bring cards or other items to keep you busy.

Otherwise, hit the bar. On the top of the hill is an older building that the theater opened recently as a bar (in fact, it opened for the first time when I was there). Prices are moderate; I was able to get a tap of Bud Light for $1.75 (they don't serve Miller products because their "distributor is an ass"). This bar, like everything else, is cash only. Other than some bar stools, there isn't any seating, and the bar is sparsely decorated save for a foosball table--I would assume this all will improve over time.

Unlike typical drive-in theaters, you don't have to use the audio box to get sound from the movie. That's because they also pipe in the audio via 93.1 FM (its broadcast range is just enough for the theater area). With the use of the radio, many people put out blankets and lawnchairs in front of their cars and watched the movie outside their car. It does get chilly at night, especially during the second movie (midnight+), so bring a light jacket.

This theater is very family oriented; you'll see more little kids running around than you will teenage couples looking to make out all night. With of all the kids, the lines for the bathroom are extra long, because parents have to take kids with them to the very small bathrooms (the women's restroom line was often around 30 deep). So think twice before you drink that 32 oz. soda.

Speaking of food, I ate dinner ahead of time, so I didn't purchase anything. However, I did see the concessions menu, and beyond candy and popcorn, it includes burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, chicken strips, nachos, fish, onion rings, mozzarella sticks and other snacks.

I certainly enjoyed my experience at this theater, and I plan on coming back some day (once the movies change, about once a month).

Osteria Papavero

I ate at Osteria Papavero yesterday. It's that new Italian restaurant on Wilson Street near Restaurant Magnus. The restaurant, which is tiny, has a bar and outdoor seating (only three small tables for two). It's owned by Brian Haltinner, who also owns Maduro and CocoLiquot.

For hours and menus, check out http://www.osteriapapavero.com/.

I had the special, stuffed pizza with three meats, and my companion had another special, rolled up pasta with prosciutto. The pizza was quite dry; it seemed like a dry calzone that needed marinara sauce. Still, it was good, but not overly filling. I also had a side green salad, which had yellow peppers (cooked) and black olives.

The rolled up pasta (imagine a flat piece of pasta that is rolled up) was pretty good, though it could have used more prosciutto. It also wasn't filling. For the price we paid ($9 for the pizza, $7 for the pasta), we could have at least gotten some bread or something.

Though the lunch and dinners menus aren't lengthy, there are several items I would like to try later down the road. And I would like to try some of their wine; they have a good-looking list.

Our service was less than stellar. After our waitress took our order and delivered our food (only 10 min.), we never saw her again. Eventually, I went inside and asked the bartender for our bill. The restaurant was only moderately busy at this time--I think she simply forgot us.