Drink with a View

Nov. 1, 2008
Place: Sardine


Can't believe it's taken us this long to get together for our next bloody mary. Looking for a place on the East side, we try Sardine, a trendy bistro on Lake Monona. http://www.sardinemadison.com/

This was my first time there and I have a bit of trouble finding the parking lot ( I know, I know I'm such a westsider) drive right past the restaurant and down Williamson street. Oops. So I turn back and end up back at that crazy intersection (Williamson, Wilson, John Nolen and Blair all converge there) but finally figure out I park in the lot behind Machinery Row Bikes.

The restaurant isn't crowded at 11 am on this Saturday so we get a table with view of the Lake. Unfortunately it was a little too chilly to take advantage of the late Autumn sunshine and sit on the outdoor deck.

Our waiter - a seemingly hungover college student - was not in the mood for any banter and impatient for us to order, so along with our drinks we both choose omelettes. I opt for herb and gruyère cheese, while J tries the arugula, brie cheese, crimini mushrooms and scallions, both with spring salad and frites. They are excellent.

"It looks like a party in there," says J when the waiter sets down our drinks. A confetti of spices float in the bloody mary. The zesty drink is garnished with pickle, olive and pepperoncini. We especially appreciate the horseradish and agree that the appeal ranks a '5'.

Overall, a pleasant way to spend a late fall morning and we agree to come back during warm weather.

Spice/sauce - 4
Strength 4 (a bit of a buzz for this lightweight)
Appeal - 5
Size - 3 (10 oz? or maybe 12)
Price - $6