By Steve Kiehl

I had been waiting for the perfect day to try Lunch in the Garden, the outdoor restaurant at 4 East Madison Inn in Mount Vernon. It’s only open Wednesday through Friday, and it’s been too hot lately to eat outside.

But today, at last, seemed just right. I took a seat on the shaded patio, surrounded by trees, plants and a fountain with large goldfish. They, fortunately, were not on the menu, which was a mix of sandwiches and salads in the $6 to $8 range. The salads came with a choice of crab cake, chicken or tuna, while the sandwiches included roast beef, roast chicken with apple and brie, and smoked turkey with chutney cheese.

In the mood for something light and refreshing, I went with the tomato and mozzarella with basil sandwich ($6), on a French roll. The roll was a little soft, and slightly soggy, for my taste. But the tomato and mozzarella were fresh, and it came with “Sandy’s Vegan Potato Salad” — sliced red potatoes with onions, all covered in a fantastic vinegar sauce.

For dessert, I opted for a brownie ($1). But the alternative, a watermelon slice, was also tempting. The brownie was homemade, soft and delicious.

What couldn’t be beat, though, was the setting. The tables are set far enough back from the street to reduce city noise. The brick patio is tucked between two tall brick buildings and overrun with greenery. It was as pleasant as could be.

When the check came (a reasonable $8), it included a note from the server: “Enjoy the 1st day of summer!”

Indeed, I already had.