World's First?

A new “gastro cantina” right here in Madison called King & Mane just opened. Located downtown at the junction of King and Main Streets, it’s a joint venture by Patrick O’Halloran (Lombardino’s and The Old Fashioned) and Michael Banas (Lombardino’s) who hope to charm this corner that has housed a series of to date unsuccessful restaurants, most recently the Local Tavern.

So what exactly is a Gastro Cantina?  Its roots are in the wine bar, a gastronomic institution in Europe.  Most bars everywhere serve some food, but more often than not, sandwiches or snacks.  Some smart person came up with the idea of taking a mainly-for-drinking establishment and adding many wines by the glass and relatively simple but upscale food service: the wine bar. More recently in London, the concept was applied to the venerable pub.  Dubbed the “gastro pub”, it features many beers on draft and food fit for a gourmet served in a traditional public house setting.

The food, drinks and atmosphere at King & Mane are reminiscent of a gastro pub but with a Spanish and Mexican spin.  Sound like a tapas bar?  Not really.  Tapas are small plates which King & Mane will serve, but also full meals at lunch, dinner and brunch on Saturday. To check out the menu go HERE.

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