About
For everyone who loved Jolly Bob’s, and the unforgettable place it was.
The moment you walked through the door, the world slipped away.
There was music in the air, spice in the walls, fire in the kitchen, flowers and water on the patio, and rum in the glass.
A place where time slowed down—and flavor came alive.
Welcome
Step inside, and the scent hits you first: charred jerk spices in the air, a hint of ripe citrus, maybe a splash of rum being shaken behind the bar. Jolly Bob’s wasn’t just a restaurant—it was a feeling. A little escape tucked into the heart of Madison’s east side. A place where reggae played loud, the drinks were strong, and the food had soul.
For over two decades, Jolly Bob’s served as a tropical outpost in the Midwest. It was the kind of place where regulars came for comfort—fiery jerk chicken, a perfect Purple Meanie, curry that warmed you all the way through—and stayed for the rhythm, the conversation, and the unapologetic flavor. It was lively. It was laid-back. It was unforgettable.
This cookbook is a tribute to that spirit.
Tropics & Tonics brings together the bold, bright dishes and cocktails that made Jolly Bob’s a legend. These are recipes inspired by memory, by flavor, and by that irresistible mix of sweet heat and island soul. Inside, you’ll find coconut-crusted seafood, smoky jerk pork, zesty slaws, rich sauces, and a full bar’s worth of cocktails—from the classics to the wild ones you only dared to try once.
Some dishes are faithful recreations. Others are reinterpretations—refined for home kitchens, but never tamed. A few are original creations that feel right at home in the mix. All are made with love and deep respect for the place that inspired them.
Whether you’re a longtime fan trying to recreate the magic, or someone discovering these flavors for the first time, I hope this book brings a little sunshine, a little heat, and a whole lot of flavor to your table.
Cheers to the memories, the meals, and the music.
About the Author
Jeanne Russell is a lifelong locavore and seasoned food & beverage professional with deep roots in Madison, Wisconsin. She brings a passion for bold, seasonal ingredients and a curiosity for global flavors to everything she creates. With a background grounded in hospitality and a love for vibrant culinary traditions, Jeanne celebrates the ways food connects people and places.
Tropics & Tonics is her tribute to the unforgettable flavors, spirited cocktails, and beloved memories of Jolly Bob’s—an island-inspired gem that once lit up Madison’s east side. Through this book, she honors the dishes that made it a local legend and invites readers to bring that same energy into their own kitchens.
