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Last year, after a 10-year absence, Paul and Joan Shepherd staged a homecoming of sorts by opening The Madison Park Cafe. The homecoming was not so much for the Shepherds as it was for their patrons, who had longed for the French Provencal cuisine that the former Madison Park restaurant had brought to the table.

But a lot has changed since those days, and the trend of fine dining has become more accessible to the average diner.

Paul Shepherd recognized this. and in Madison Park Cafe, he and Joan Shepherd have incorporated the casualness of a French deli with the white-linen experience of a classic French restaurant.

Take a seat at The Madison Park Cafe and you're just as likely to hear a tune by Patsy Cline as you are Edith Piaf while mulling over a menu of Salad Nicoise, Duck and Chicken Cassolette, Poulet Pot Pie Crepes, Mussels Mariniere and Filet Mignon. Or simply peruse the chalkboard menus hanging over the display cases of classic country French entrees and sides ready to be packaged to go along with a fresh baguette and bottle of wine. These are available at prices that will not cause you to choke on your French accent.

Whether it's dine-in or a picnic in the country, The Madison Park Cafe dishes up a classic experience.

Contact Carl Wilson at 373-7145 or carl.wilson@news-record.com