Understated Chic
W Wine Bistro Offers Parisian Flair
Story by Sinclair Cullner
Miami's W Wine Bistro is cool, cool, cool. Oh, and did in mentions that
it is cool? The laid-back atmosphere of this quaint, Parisian-style
bistro/wine shop located on the outskirts of the Design District is the
ideal place for an extended Chardonnay-inspired lunch or a romantic,
two-bottle dinner.
Then, of course, one shouldn't hesitate to catch a sporting event on the
high-def plasma. Whatever the scenario, this hip eatery is exactly the
kind of locale that sets the Design District apart from SoBe.
Owner Florent Blanchet established W Wine Bistro in March 2005, with the
vision of creating a "wine-friendly" environment that would fit
perfectly with the area's urban image. The restaurant also features a
retail wine shop.
Blanchet, a certified sommelier, offers 200 wines from around the world,
focusing on small wineries and organic growers. The wines can be
purchased by the glass or bottle. "That is what separates us, " he is
quoted as saying in a recent interview. "I'm trying to deliver wines
that I am passionate about, something of quality for a reasonable
price."
Upon entering W Wine Bistro, patrons are met with an industrial
vibe, upbeat, ambient rhythms keep the surroundings lively, while
stylized crimson walls offer a deep, intellectual quality. |
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With a little imagination, one could visualize Jean-Paul Sartre sitting in
a corner with a glass of Cabernet writing existential theories. An
environment like this in Miami is certainly rare and should be embraced.
The menu is simple and affordable, offering fresh salads and sandwiches
fro lunch and running between $6.57 and $12.50. The Croque-Monsieur is
especially good, as is the quiche-of-the-day. The dinner menu changes
to tapas and other wine-friendly entrees, with the Duck Parmentier
leading the way. A simple plate of cheese pairs perfectly with a bottle
of wine, and the gazpacho is recommended as a great starter.
The dessert list includes homemade Profiteroles and crisp apple tarts,
macaroons, chocolate fondant and Mikado. Prices are reasonable, ranging
from $6.50 to $7. The menu also offers espresso and sweet dessert
wines.
For those waiting to unwind after a long day, Happy Hour means you can
order bottles of wine at retail price with no corkage fee added. Happy
Hour runs from 5:30 to 7 pm Tuesday through Saturday.
W Wine Bistro is a great combination ambiance, food and wine, which
lends itself to an enjoyable experience. Hours are Monday through
Saturday from 11:30 am to 4 pm. The tapas and wine bar are available
from 5:30 to 10 pm.
W Wine Bistro, 3622 NE 2nd Ave., 305.576.7775,
wwinebistro@bellsouth.net |
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