By Hywania Thompson | Photography by Hillary Schave
Madison Eats Food Tours owner Otehlia Cassidy recalls her first test tour on Williamson Street in 2012. It involved a lot of negotiation and communication with restaurants about the content of the experience and what would be included.
Over time, Cassidy says she “grew those ideas together” with eateries around town to give tour-takers a peek into Madison’s bustling food scene.
Cassidy blends her passion for food, sustainability and connection into her tour company — and is also a travel agent that leads international culinary trips through her second company, Otehlia Travels.
Madison Eats has five distinct tours. The popular downtown tour gives a glimpse into Wisconsin history, weaving in stories of German settlers and their food, as well as Indigenous cultural information.
“The food lies more heavily on Wisconsin pasties, cheese, beer, pretzels, a good ol’ slice of pizza and ice cream,” says Cassidy.
Another favorite is the Atwood tour, which Cassidy says is a fun neighborhood with both classic Wisconsin tavern history and a newer, more diverse culinary scene.
The Bike N’ Bites tour, which began during the pandemic, is a partnership with Madison BCycle and a “fun way to explore the city.” It starts and ends at Garver Feed Mill, leading a small group toward the end of Willy Street, and then along the lake path.
Madison Eats Food Tours is as unique as the neighborhoods and businesses guests visit during their time. The experiences Cassidy and her employees curate are about relationships, community building and great food.
“I want people to experience a slice of Madison. I want them to feel welcome; I want people to know places,” Cassidy says. “When you go to the restaurants or businesses and you taste something … you might think, ‘Oh, this is so delicious’ — but I believe much of that deliciousness comes from the passion of the person who is behind it.”
