“Wine Country” – be it in California, Oregon, Washington or locales around the world – typically is home to a number of wonderful restaurants.
But there still are plenty of fabulous wine-focused restaurants in America’s and the world’s big cities.
With that in mind, we begin a series of occasional “Cellarmaster” excursions to destination restaurants where wine shares the spotlight with the food. We’ll begin with America’s three largest cities…
* NEW YORK – Adour Alain Ducasse, inside The St. Regis Hotel, has an elegant yet unobtrusive atmosphere and a menu that features expertly prepared dishes that will dazzle, rather than overwhelm, the palate. Among our favorites: hamachi, thickly sliced, embellished by bits of avocado, apple, crouton slivers and green apple mustard.
The wine list comes in two versions: one with about 600 selections, and the other with around 1,800. And if you’re lucky enough to snag one of four available seats at the bar, you can use touch-screen technology to learn everything you could possibly want to know about the wines.
2 E. 55th St., New York, NY; 212-710-2277
CHICAGO – Vivere is the star of the three restaurants housed in the downtown Italian Village. That’s because the food is so impressive; the wine list is shared by the other two establishments.
For a meal you’ll not forget, try the agnolottini di fagiano (pasta rectangles stuffed with pheasant).
As for the wine, with 600 Italian selections and 200 from the rest of the world, you’re bound to find something you’ll love.
71 W. Monroe, Chicago, IL; 312-332-4040
LOS ANGELES – Montage Beverly Hills is home to the popular Parq restaurant, but we prefer Muse, which is located on the mezzanine level.
The food is elegant as opposed to fancy. The turbot, for instance, is served with nothing more than charred romaine and apples – and it’s exquisite.
The wine list includes 500 selections and is focused on boutique producers, providing an opportunity to try a bottle you’ve never had.
225 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills, CA; 310-860-7800
