CITYSCENE
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Graze
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The closest you’ll get to a pasture at Graze is the lawn of the Wisconsin state capitol building, visible through the restaurant’s massive windows. The spunky little sister to the esteemed restaurant L’Etoile, Graze casually showcases chef Tory Miller’s love for locally produced ingredients. True to its name, this bright and airy pub offers a wide selection of small plates: Meander in for the goat meatballs in spicy tomato sauce or a deviled egg with smoked paprika and a glass of sauvignon blanc from the Dry Creek Valley on tap. Or nibble on the housemade charcuterie or a Wisconsin artisan cheese board. Both are terrific excuses to check out Talish Barrow’s small but snappy wine list, strong in high-acid whites and restrained reds.
—Kristi Thom
Graze, 1 S. Pinckney St., Madison, WI; 608-251-2700,
grazemadison.com (reviewed W&S, 8/11)
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Cocoliquot
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Cocoliquot draws patrons to its sleek space with the promise of affordable, exciting and fine wine and French food. Co-owner Brian Haltinner put together 50 wines by the glass, primarily Old World, which top out at $10; bottles max at $40. Notables include an Anjou-Villages from Ogereau, the Château d'Epire Savenni¸res and a Petite Arvine from Favre in Switzerland. With so much to choose from, pairing wines with chef and partner Jeff Orr's small plates-delectable classics such as rillettes, brandade and house-made charcuterie-is inherently easy.
—Kate Bast
Cocoliquot, 225 King St., Madison, WI; 608-255-2626;
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