Sometimes you just have to splurge. On Friday evening, my husband and I visited Sardine, a local French restaurant that was participating in Madison’s Restaurant Week. For $25 per person, we got a first course, an entree and a dessert. So, why did I pick Sardine? Quite simply, it was the dessert: chocolate hazelnut ganache on a crunch feuilletine crust with caramel sauce and hazelnut brittle tuile. I am a sucker for a hazelnut/chocolate combination and this was by far the most amazing dessert I have ever had. Yes, I said EVER!
Although our entire meal was full of butter and meat, I understand why the French are able to stay thin. Our meal lingered on for nearly 2 hours. My husband and I hadn’t seen each other in days, so it was nice to slowly savor our food and chat about our past week and our upcoming vacations. Portion sizes were small so we really enjoyed each bite, putting down our forks in between as we sipped our drinks. Throughout the meal, I just kept thinking how pleasurable it was to eat slowly, appreciate the atmosphere and company, and truly relish the food. Isn’t that what eating out is supposed to be?
Restaurant Week is also a great opportunity to try food I haven’t had before or wouldn’t make at home. For example, as the first course, I had the pâté. It might be hard to imagine someone who eats primarily vegan would enjoy the pâté, but it was unbelievably flavorful. My husband’s entree, the mushroom and leek crepe, was so rich; every bite was a little taste of buttery heaven. Even my grilled salmon was different from what I would typically make. It was perfectly done and with the addition of the beurre blanc sauce, was full of flavor and had a hint of naughtiness to it!
The house-made pâté, a hard pâté made with pork and pistachios, wrapped in bacon
Norwegian Salmon topped with Spinach and Portabella
The Mushroom and Leek Crepe
If you find yourself in Madison, Sardine is the perfect restaurant to savor a delicious meal and truly enjoy your company. The service was perfectly timed and respectful of your pace of eating. And, the atmosphere is very inviting, not pretentious and a great way to spend a Friday evening. Our total bill for the evening, including drinks and tip, came to approximately $100. While certainly more expensive than our usual evenings out, this meal was about taking the time to linger with delightful company and savor the interplay of flavors and textures in the meal itself.
