The SAN DIEGAN » Wine Bars

Eno Wine Room at The Hotel Del Indulges in Perfect Pairings of Wine, Cheese and Chocolate

Barry Berndes — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 08:53:41 +0000

The Del’s latest culinary offering, ENO, is devoted to providing a one-of-a-kind tasting experience of the three most delectable indulgences in the world—fine wine, rare cheeses and gourmet chocolate. The tasting room stores more than 2,800 wine bottles featuring about 55 wines by the glass with more than 300 selections by the bottle.

A rotating selection of 33 artisanal cheeses from all over the world is also available individually or in flights. Assembled and presented by the resident cheesemonger, cheeses are arranged on marble slabs and stored in a temperature-controlled cave. ENO also serves as a Charcuterie, offering cured meats such as pates and prosciutto or salami.

Exquisite craftsmanship of world-class chocolatiers can also be seen at ENO with its variety of handmade, exotic chocolate confections available separately or in flights.

As a refreshingly approachable San Diego wine bar, ENO is a favorite destination for novice wine sippers to oenophiles alike. Wine director Ted Glennon and his knowledgeable staff specialize in no-pressure, accessible service, and are on hand to recommend pairings, suggest flights, and or answer any questions about their menus. In addition to well-edited and easily paired selections of wine, cheese and chocolate, their sophisticated San Diego wine bar offers features that include:

Eno-Versity classes, covering the histories, varieties, and pairings of wine, cheese, and chocolate
Featured wine, showcasing a particular vineyard and wine each month
Retail store, allowing you to purchase your favorite wines, cheeses, and chocolates
Food and wine events, held regularly

ENO also offers weekly tasting and pairing classes offered as part of its ENO-versity program, available for hotel guests and locals alike Click here to view the wine flights or cheese and chocolate sensations menu.

Also impressive are their “Tasting Tuesdays” on every Tuesday from 5pm to 8pm, where ENO sommeliers offer guests the opportunity to sample 10 wines for just $10. This fun experience is perfect for individuals or groups of people who want to learn more about their favorite wines or just love sampling different flavors. Enjoy the California sunset out on the outdoor patio with fire pits overlooking the Pacific. 3-hour parking is validated with purchase.

Source: Hotel Del Coronado

Sage Grill is Where Friends Gather For Delicious Cuisine and Fine Wine in Encinitas

Barry Berndes — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 19:30:44 +0000

Being selected as a Gold Medallion Award Winner in 2005 by the San Diego Chapter of the California Restaurant Association is an award of distinction that places this restaurant above its peers. You’ll be instantly impressed with this restaurant’s warmth and upscale contemporary decor with its abundance of inviting booths and tables.

Their cocktail lounge is also a local favorite especially during happy hour. This innovative restaurant’s most recent accolade is that they are now a licensed wine bar and retail store selling the best wines, often below retail prices. They are also well-known for their wine dinner series with famous winemakers. And there is no corkage fee on Tuesdays.

Highly recommended is the tender grilled filet mignon topped with a savory green peppercorn brandy sauce, served with garlic mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. The grilled Atlantic maple glazed salmon and the pan-fried buttermilk catfish will almost melt in your mouth. Save room for a slice of their delicious, warm bread pudding.

You will undoubtedly be delighted with this superb dining experience.

The Vine: A Wine Bar with an Ocean Beach Attitude

barry — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:51:28 +0000

The Vine in Ocean Beach has an extensive variety of wines and beers from around the world, with a special emphasis on small production, high quality wines and hand-crafted beers. To compliment their excellent beverage selection, they have a cafe-style menu of eclectic dishes and twists on old favorites. This is the perfect comfortable, neighborhood… (read more)