Monthly Archives: February 2020

Wine Review: 2015 Polkura Syrah

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The following is a review of a wine provided to me gratis by Wine Merchants in Winston-Salem. All opinions herein are my own. 

I wouldn’t call myself a big wine drinker thus I do not consider myself full of wine knowledge. We probably have wine at home once a week max. However, I’m a lot like you and I know what I like. I know when something will taste good alone (like on the deck in the mountains) or with food. I’d like to think that’s why Caleb Flint, owner of Wine Merchants and Vin 205 Bistro & Wine Bar, graciously gives me a wine to try from time to time. He likes the feedback and I really appreciate that he wants to hear it from me.

I’m notoriously slow at getting around to drinking the wine. I cook a lot at home but having children at home who need to get in bed at a certain time all around homeschooling, a wine pairing dinner isn’t always possible. And truthfully, mr. foodie isn’t always in the mood for wine with dinner.

So the bottle patiently waits.

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The  2015 Polkura Syrahfrom the Colchagua Valley in Chile was finally paired with some leftover pizza on a Sunday night.  I love a good Syrah and I’ve been starting to enjoy South American wines a bit more as well. They usually have a good price point (Polkura is priced round the $17-20 range). This Syrah is definitely one I would consider with food. It’s a bit on the spicier side for me, not that I didn’t like the spiciness…it was just certain for my palate that it would be wonderful with pizza (which was a good choice incidentally) as well as steak. For sure steak.

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Since this is such a food-friendly wine, I definitely suggest you visit Wine Merchants and let Caleb or Alan guide you to it as well as any other wines from Polkura and enjoy this Syrah to elevate your pizza night or a great steak. I’ve never not found a great, affordable wine at Wine Merchants. There you’ll find a great selection of boutique type wines and some local items, like hot sauces, the best olive oil and balsamic vinegars, and chocolate.  Visit on a weeknight prior to dinner and see why Vin 205 is one of Winston-Salem’s hidden gems. It’s one of our favorites.

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Have you heard about the awesome news from Caleb and Alan at Wine Merchants and Vin 205? Read about their butcher’s market and new restaurant concept coming later this year! 

 

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Get your tickets to our Chef’s Table at Sophie’s Cork & Ale

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Hi, foodies…

We’ve been on a bit of a reunion tour of sorts with our 2020 Chef’s Tables. We’ve been going back to some of our favorites by popular demand. January-Meridian Restaurant; February-Vin 205 Wine Bar and next month-Sophie’s Cork &  Ale!

Read about Chef John Wilson and get details on our event here. 

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Chef John is one of the most creative and talented chefs in the Triad and he’s truly doing his thing at Sophie’s and getting that restaurant all kinds of recognition.

Join us on Monday, March 16 at 6:30 at Sophie’s in Lexington.

Your Heart’s Desire For Valentine’s Day

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A version of this blog post ran as an article in the Food & Drink section of YES! Weekly. Read this and my other food articles here. 

Taking your sweetie out for the most revered or dare I say, dreaded day of the year gets some extended love this year as Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday. So you know that means most restaurants are offering multiple days of multiple courses of all things date worthy. I’ve done some research and compiled a list of some notable spots to suit your fancy. 

Providence Restaurant, 5790 University Parkway, Winston-Salem

What’s not to love about Providence Restaurant and its mission of changing lives with Second Harvest and its Providence Culinary Training program.

Tuna Tartare, Roasted Beet Salad, a choice of a beef filet, pork osso bucco or snapper for your entree and a choice of dessert. At $80 per couple, it’s one of the best deals in town and a fine looking menu. You can view the menu and make your reservations at providencews.org/valentinesday. 

Vin 205 Wine Bar, 205 South Stratford Road, Winston-Salem

One of the hidden gems in Winston-Salem, Vin 205 will offer a three-course prefix menu all week leading up to a sold out Chef’s Table on Sunday, Feb. 16th. And don’t just consider the Valentine’s Day meal, Vin205 also offers Saturday and Sunday brunch from 10am-3pm. 336-765-8175

Spring House, Restaurant, Kitchen & Bar, 450 North Spring Street, Winston-Salem

For one of the sexiest spots in town, enjoy lighter fare in Spring House’s Library Bar. Pop in a couple of days earlier for their White Tiger Noodle Shop on Wednesdays this winter or enjoy the main house for a truly elegant experience with approachable food to match. A St. Valentine’s Day Love at First Bite and an early winter menu was just released. Call Spring House for info and to reserve for any of the above. 336-293-4797 springhousenc.com

Di Lisio’s Italian Restauarant, 301 Brookstown Avenue, Winston-Salem

That’s Amore! Italian is always a favorite for Valentine’s Day and DiLisio’s is one of the best spots to consider. You and your sweetheart are invited to a four course wine dinner especially curated by Tony and Maria DiLisio. This is a reservation only event and DiLisio’s will have two seatings available, 5:30 and 8:30. Price $75 per person. You must call to reserve your seat. 336-546-7202.

Undercurrent, 327 Battleground Ave, Greensboro

Always a go-to for a special occasion, once again Undercurrent Restaurant is offering special prix fixe four-course menu on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 14-15. Price is $140 per couple and includes a bottle of wine. Visit undercurrent.com to view the menu and for reservations. 

Gia, Drink, Eat, Listen, New Garden Road, Greensboro

We’ve always thought Gia as a great place for a cozy date night. Chef Anders Benton says he is adding an aged steak for two, a shareable scallop dish, and heart shape dessert to their existing menu Feb. 14-16. Reservations always recommended. 336-907-7536

 

Sophie’s Cork & Ale, 23 West 2nd Avenue, Lexington

Getting a jump on things, Chef John Wilson is offering a 5-course (yes, five) wine dinner on Monday, Feb. 10 at 6pm. Cost is $80 per person. Call for reservations. 336-300-7338

Your Dinner Awaits

Literally. Perhaps you’d rather go a different route this year and let a personal chef come to you. Chef Angelica Dantzler offers a personalized experience in your own home and takes care of all the clean-up and customers say your kitchen will look better than before they arrived. Your Dinner Awaits. Find Angelica at Your Dinner Awaits on Facebook for information and to contact. 

Chef Dion Sprenkle is also offering a Valentine’s Day special with his Table ‘0 on February 14 from 6:30-9:30. Cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres, multiple course dinner with wine pairings. Space is very limited so please call for your reservation, 336-343-9314.

Roselli’s To Go & Dessertery, 2190 Boone Trail Road, North Wtilkesboro

John Roselli will have your favorite Italian dishes or even pizza ready for you to take home but what he’s really loving this year is his heart-shaped Red Velvet Cheesecake. We suggest you call ahead for your order 336-818-4343.

Stay for awhile….

Butcher & Bull, 425 N. Cherry Street, Winston-Salem

The restaurant is featuring a Valentine’s Day menu in addition to their regular menu Thursday, Feb.13-Saturday, Feb.15. And if you want to make it a little mini-getaway, the restaurant, along with the Downtown Marriott, are offering a deluxe room package.  It includes:

-Deluxe Room

-Bottle Champagne & Chocolate Covered Strawberries upon arrival

-$100 Food & Beverage credit for Dinner in Butcher & Bull

-Breakfast for 2 the following morning 

$229 plus tax

(The package is available Friday, Feb. 14 and Saturday, Feb. 15)

You can reserve the room at Winston-Salem Marriott 336-725-3500. Dinner bookings can be made at Butcher & Bull 336-722-5232.

Have a sweet time with your sweetie, foodies! And comment below so our friends might learn where you love to go on Valentine’s Day.