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| - It apparently took us nearly three years to return to Sardine for that coveted happy hour! It's not like we haven't been back to Madison since then but Madison is full of great spots. That said, our drinks and meal from the bar yesterday afternoon were exemplary. First of all, the views! Sitting at the bar with the ability to glance out at the water was to imagine being in coastal France. Even though this isn't really a French restaurant, it is French-inspired and that inspiration extends very strongly into the aesthetics, including the music. Just trust me, though- the bar is where it's at. Beautiful zinc top, white subway tile, a very cordial bar staff and then there is the menu. I had the Provencal drink, which consists of vodka, lavender, lemon and sparkling wine. You would really be hard pressed to find a more summery, dreamy drink, which, of course, was perfectly executed. The food menu for the bar is comprehensive but somehow appropriate and the quality and quantity make every selection a great value. We went on a Sunday, so the specials did not apply. However, the prices were still more than reasonable. The Sardine version of a hot dog is $7 and everyone in my party agreed it was not your average dog. My sandwich was salmon, so a bit more pricey but well worth it. And every sandwich comes with their amazing frites and a generous helping of mixed greens. The salmon sandwich is served on toasted sourdough with an olive tapenade. It was really my dream sandwich. At the risk of gushing, I will just finish this by saying that Sardine, at least at the bar, is the perfect combination of European sophistication and Midwestern casualness. It all just works.
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