Brave the smashed-up streets for Taste Of Willy Street

When it’s not smashed into a million pieces and laying in a pile somewhere, Williamson Street is one of Madison’s best destinations for eating. But even in the street’s current obliterated state, the draw of a wide, wonderful variety of food is enough reason to tolerate some construction. The ninth annual Taste Of Willy Street, at the Wil-Mar Center on May 10, is a Greater Williamson Area Business Association fundraiser showcasing food from more than 15 Williamson area restaurants. The A.V. Club likes the red bean and tofu rice stir fry from Jamerica, pad thai from Bahn Thai, tofu veggie curry from Lao Laan Xang (1146 Williamson St., 608-280-0104), and especially dumplings from Umami Raman & Dumpling Bar enough to say “hellz yeah!” and bust a move to mow down on some of that action. Awesome spread aside, the event is for a good cause: The annual feast raises funds for GWABA’s ongoing support of Common Wealth Development youth programs, which provide services to disadvantaged teens in Madison. There will be two seatings, at 5:30 and 7 p.m., and tickets are $15 or $12 in advance, but the youth of today (under 12) pay only $7 or $6 in advance.