A great way to add a little shape (and vino) to your kitchen.

Black Hexagonal Wine Rack

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Txakolina, aka Tkakoli or Chacolí- that seemingly hard-to-pronounce (chock-oh-LEE-na) but once you figure it out, fun-to-say Spanish wine that races with acidity, minerality, citrus notes and a slight spritziness. Txakolina wines come from the north east region of Spain, the most popular of the bunch hailing from that food mecca that is the Basque region.

Imagine sun-baked Spaniards sitting on the sun-drenched terraces of San Sebastian gulping this stuff up all summer long, that’s pretty much the way it goes down there- not a bad way to wile away the dog days of summer. I know, it’s not summer yet- not even close but a girl can dream. Instead of lamenting over the ice rink that is my driveway left behind by the latest late winter snow storm, I’ll saddle up to my dinner table and swirl a glass of refreshing Txakolina to my heart’s content.

The grapes used to make Txakolina are the mysterious white Hondarrabi Zuri grape and black Hondarrabi Beltza grape. I say mysterious because not a whole heck of a lot is known about these particular grapes and they aren’t grown anywhere else in the world. Barkeeps at Spanish pinxtos in the Basque region theatrically pour these fizzy wines at a distance to create even more bubbliciousness and add to the mystique of their local treasure.

Txakolina wines are churned out as whites, rosés and reds. The reds are less well known in the States as the rosés and whites are the ones that usually take up space on our wine lists, but they offer up a refreshing red alternative to a Cab Franc or Gamay light bodied red.

Mostly thought of as a solid partner-in crime to a sweltering summer, a Txakolina wine is a great addition to your winter or spring table. Natually low in alcohol, a Txakolina is a great way to start off your evening. I serve a white or rosé Txakolina as an aperitif and even as palate cleanser. Who said a palate cleanser needs to be sorbet or something of the food stuffs sort, why not a tiny glass of clean and zesty Txakolina? It’s absolutely delicious with a flaky white fish and shellfish. This is the type of wine I think Steve Martin’s character in The Jerk was talking about when he asked for a “fresh wine”. Fresh indeed. You want these guys young, that’s their charm. Txakolinas are also great with salty tapas- croquettes, spicy shrimp, and sardines are all perfection with this Spanish fizzy lifting drink.

A Few Favorite Txakolinas: 

Whites: 
Doniene Gorrondona Bizkaiko Txakolina ’12: wild herbs, flowers and great minerality, $20

Bodega Ulacia, Txakolina ’12:  zippy, lime-tinged and clean: $19

Bodegas Berroja Bizkaiko Txakolina Berroia ’12: sea-sprayed, citrus deliciousness, $16

Roses:
Ameztoi Txakolina Rosato Rubentis ’12: white flowers, strawberries and clean minerality, $24 (My Go-To Txakolina)

Red:
Gorrondona Bizkaiko Txakolina Red ’12: pepper and spice, crushed red fruits with great acidity and minerality- a refreshing red, $30

Map: Quentin Sadler

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1. Sager + Wilde

Charlotte and Michael Sager-Wilde’s top notch wine bar lights up an otherwise nondescript section of the Hackney Road. The sophisticated oenological selection spans the globe, from California to Jerez. A sturdy assemblage of various meats and cheeses accompany the wines to perfection.

2. Sketch

Divided into five flamboyantly decorated dining rooms and bars, Sketch is more of an experience than a restaurant. From decadent afternoon tea at the front room Parlour to a multi-course tasting menu at the Michelin starred Lecture Room, the venue caters to every whim. The Gallery, Sketch’s brasserie, offers ever-changing installations by emerging artists to complement your French inspired meal. The bathrooms upstairs, consisting of retro-futuristic giant individual egg-like pods, are otherworldly.

3. Eyre Brothers

Arguably London’s best Iberian restaurant, Eyre Brothers melds culinary artistry with a cultivated, contemporary decor. Every element, from the splash of green olive oil bursting with flavour to the stellar wine list, evokes pure pleasure. Muted lighting, modernist wood panelling, tasteful artwork and a buzzing bar add to the restaurant’s infinite appeal; but its culinary might is certainly worth multiple visits in of itself.

4. Jose

A cracking addition to the culinary hotbed of Bermondsey Street, José is a modern Spanish classic. Primarily a bustling sherry and tapas bar, the list of jerez is concocted by Masters of Wine associated with the neighbouring Wine and Spirit Education Trust, which ensures a rigorously curated selection. The tapas and deserts, including a highly recommended chocolate mousse, are equally stellar. For those seeking more substantial Spanish fare visit owner José Pizarro’s Pizarro (map p 90), a wildly successful full-scale Spanish restaurant just down the street.

5. Brawn

Decked out in warm wood and exuding comfort, Brawn specializes in locally sourced delicacies in a wonderfully unfussy setting. The highlight of Columbia Road’s many culinary treasures, a meal at Brawn can include such divergent delights as Scottish langoustine, braised rabbit leg, soft polenta and gremalata, and the rather more unusual sounding snails, oxtail and salsify pie. Brawn’s predominantly French list of sustainable, organic and biodynamic wines is particularly satisfying.

 

Thank you Alana!

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It’s officially here folks and I have to say, today it actually feels like Spring in my neck of the woods. It’s 55 and sunny- who can believe it! Here are a few of my favorite things for Spring.

1. A Batch of Lemon Thyme Bars- because who doesn’t want a little citrus and fresh herbs with their sweets- done.

2. Some Stella McCarney Two-Toned Oversized Sunnies: a bit of a splurge for me considering I usually lose my sunnies each season but if I can keep track of them, they’ll be worth the splurge.

3. Some Sabre Tortoise Salad Servers- I can’t get enough of the Sabre spoons from Paris. I love these salad servers and Spring is all about fresh veggies- the better to toss them with, my dears. I’ve got to get my hands on these teaspoons too, sold exclusively in the US at Happy Bones Coffee in NYC’s Nolita. (They’re currently out of stock but are expecting more in late April). Aren’t they great.

4. A Great Rosé: a list just isn’t a list without a good rosé on it- any time of year. But Spring beckons for a mineral and crisp glass of salmon-y pink juice. I’m loving this one imported by the can-do-no-wrong pioneer, Kermit Lynch. When in doubt, reach for one of Kermit’s bottles, he doesn’t disappoint. This one’s $15 and lip-smackingly good.

5. A Darling Baby Zebra Print: Springtime reminds me of freshly hatched chicks and fuzzy baby animals. How sweet is this little zebra. Sharon Montrose’s lovely animal prints start at $25.

6. A Pair of Raffia d’Orsay Slippers- fresh and fun and so nice to get a little fresh air on your tootsies.

7. A Jet Black Hinge Bangle- because it’s just cool, and Spring is a cool time of year.

8. An Octagon Embellished Terra Cotta Planter: ’tis the season for planting and gardening and stuff of the green-thumbed sort and also, I love an octagon. And also, I have a backyard! Say What?!

9. Some Shiny and Shapely Hardware: there’s that octagon again. An easy update.

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One of the questions I’m asked most frequently about NYC’s theater district is, “Where in God’s name can I get a good glass of wine?”- well, maybe not exactly in those words, but the point being, it’s tough to surf through the tourist muck and saddle up to a really good glass of vino around the Great White Way.

I used to work on the B-Way. It was my turf for years, and I did my fair share of bad-wine imbibing alongside my fellow hoofers who were more than happy downing their well made martinis. There are lots of  joints serving up a great cocktail, but finding a good wine list in these parts, doesn’t come as easy. Midtown’s got its fair share of blue-hairs and buses, but not a whole lot of Barberas.

Here’s what I know- my five go-to spots to thrill any oenophile.
Drum Roll please…. and Curtain Up:

1. Ardesia: hands down the best and most interesting wine list in midtown Manhattan. These guys are true winos and know of what they serve. Mandy Oser hails from Le Bernadin so she packs a foodie punch and serves up some serious vino cred. I like this place so much I got a job here (I didn’t end up pouring here as we abruptly moved to Virginia- sigh). I always pop in whenever I find myself in the ‘hood. The list is always interesting with a great group of grower champagnes.

2. Caselulla Cheese & Wine Cafe: the cheese and the wine share the stage here- true co-stars, if you will. Stinky, soft, sharp- whatever your fancy, you’ll get your cheese on here with a perfectly-paired pour. Ask the somm here to pair you up so that you get the most out of your flavors. Try a Tokaji or a Madeira with your cheese flight- you won’t be disappointed by this list.

3, Marseilles: this spot has been a favorite of mine since the early aughts. The bar is cozy, boisterous and fun. The wine list is stellar (I used to sell wine to them in fact, by way of my former life as a rep for a small French importer). The wine director has a great nose and manages to sniff out some really rogue and unique picks here. Their sister restaurant, Nizza, next door is also always a good idea. It’s a smaller place and you can grab a yummy pizza with your vino, or better yet- try their Chicken Milanese with a bottle of the very reasonably priced Rosso di Montalcino- double win.

4. Kashkaval Cheese Market and Wine Bar: I adore this colorful little place, it has a special place in my wino heart. I used to live around the corner, and it was the closest thing I ever had to a Cheers. It’s casual, very local and completely unassuming but make no mistake, their wine list is a varied and thoughtful one. At the back of this cheese and Mediterranean market/deli, you’ll find a few tables. No reservations accepted, just hope you can find a spot because the word on this deli/wine bar is definitely out. Enjoy some fresh cheeses, dips and spreads with your glass of Alsatian or Greek white. It’s likely you’ll end up sharing your personal space with a Paulie look-alike from The Sopranos and a woman that resembles an extra from the set of Fiddler on the Roof- babushka and all. Kashkaval feels like real New York.

5. Bar Centrale: the wine list here is good. Not blow your socks off good, but it’s good enough and not really why you’re here anyway. I know this post is about where to get a good glass of wine (and you will get one of those here), but I have to include Bar Centrale as it’s likely that the star of the play you just saw will be sitting right next to you enjoying the very same glass of wine. It’s a little surreal and it’s a lot awesome. It’s small, it’s cozy and it’s for the Broadway babies in the know. Make a reservation if you’re popping in post-show and try to go mid-week, that’s when the show folk go out- not in the middle of their 5 show weekend.

*Another show folk spot not to miss if you like to saddle up next to the stars- Joe Allen‘s- always a good time old school-style- the walls are hung with the posters of Broadway’s most spectacular flops. A Tony-winning choreographer will inevitably be seated next to you- they have to eat too. Joe Allen’s is the real deal, one of my happy places.

Newcomer: Aldo Sohm: the top somm in the world opens his own place. A former Rockette runs the joint. Need I say more? This is a must. Eric Ripert’s right-hand wino curates a meticulously edited wine list that will make your mouth water just reading it. The place is both comfy and buttoned-up, the perfect summation of Sohm’s personality and palate. You feel very taken care of here, and you can kick back on the cozy (but tailored) sofa while sipping your Gruner. You’ll find lots of yummy Austrian picks representing Sohm’s homeland on the list. You cannot go wrong here. Period. Put it on your list.

Honorable Mention: Pigalle: this one may surprise some of you, as it sits on the ground floor of a Days Inn, and seems to cater to the theater-going masses, but this French brasserie is brought to you by the same folks at Marseilles and Nizza, and they know what’s up. While their wine list may not be the most innovative and skews a bit more to the middle, their selection is always good and the food very good and reliable. A plate of French fries dipped in their roast chicken au jus, paired with a Cotes du Rhone, is one of the greatest things on 8th Avenue.

Runner Up: Bocca di Bacco- a good little Italian restaurant on 9th Avenue with a more than good Italian wine list. If you’re into Italian wines, this is your place.

Cin Cin and Enjoy!

Photos: Ardesia top photo: Johnny Simon, Bar Centrale: Jessica Lin, Kashkaval: Robyn Lee

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This one is a duh, but I have to say, it’s new to me. As C said last night after I poured him a Black Velvet, “this is the way I always want my Guinness- with a little Champagne.” Blasphemy, you say? Especially for a man who is 1/4 Irish? Well, I say- why not? The Black Velvet still gives you a rich, mealy, manly stout with a bit of bubbly thrown in for that feminine balance. Hey, I’m all for a tall, dark glass of Guinness when the occasion calls for it, I’ve always been a big fan, but the bubbles here lift that dark, brooding drink to a more lighthearted level. It doesn’t take itself so seriously- like a little J.K. Rowling-infused Joyce.

Invented in London, this cocktail still qualifies as an Irish lassie. After Prince Albert’s death in 1861, the bartender at London’s legendary Brooks Club deemed that all should mourn- even the Champagne- so he mixed it halfsies with the Guinness. A tasty surprise was born.

The Black Velvet: Guinness Champagne Cocktail

What You Need:
Guinness
Bubbly

What You Do:
Pour half your flute or wine glass with Guinness.
Top off with some bubbly, just make sure it doesn’t lean toward the sweet side.  (I went in for a bottle of Gruet- a great mix with the Guinness.)

Cin Cin and Happy St. Paddy’s Day!

P.S.: Thank you all for voting in the Saveur 2014 Food Blog Awards. Fingers crossed Volatizing will receive a coveted nom. Thanks again!

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Happy Weekend dear readers. It has been such a tumultuous, sad and mysterious week in the world with so many tragedies and the Malaysian Air mystery. My heart and prayers go out to the families. I hope we can find some answers soon. Prayers to the victims of the Austin and East Harlem accidents as well.

This weekend we’ll be bidding adieu to our beloved Old Town as we prepare for the big move out to Fairfax County. In reality, we’re only moving 15 minutes away, but in spirit it is another world entirely and the beginning of a new and ‘burby life. Bring on the adventure.

What I’m Drinking:

It’s still cold around here so I’m still craving an earthy, chewy red. This is one of my go-to’s for under $15. I just picked up a case at my local Whole Foods. Great with pizza and burgers. A casual and rustic, while still complex, expression of the Tuscan Sangiovese grape from the Maremma region near the sea. A solid and yummy budget red.

’11 Ghiaccio Forte Vigne de Passegno Morellino di Scansano (what a mouthful!) , $15

A Few Things:

An awesome DIY Sculptural Hand Dish a la the highly coveted Kelly Wearstler design- this one comes at a much cheaper price tag (and isn’t sold out). I’d like to find time to make this, mostly because I just love the way a fresh block of clay feels.

How to style your space like a Wes Anderson movie. I will find a place for that fabulous Scalamandre Zebra wallpaper one day.

Roahhhhr! Carly- what a tigress. I’m always inspired by the divine Ms. Simon, her style and her timeless sound.

Picasso as your pen pal. This is so cool.

A super quick tour through SJP’s NYC Brownstone as she answers 73 quick questions (and very well). Her brownstone is fabulous. I love all the books, there is a real live dictionary and those globes!!!

I can’t wait to read this. Walter Kirn, author of Thumbsucker and Up in the Air, shares the details of his friendship with the killer and con man, Clark Rockefeller and how it felt to be duped.

Bringing Down Bebé- a year in Paris brings this mother and her kids to their knees. This is a great read for any parent who has wondered why their kids can’t patiently play and self-amuse like those well-behaved Frenchies.

Teach your kids how to hustle. Frank Deford is my new favorite- how have I never heard this guy before!

Oh Shirley, how I love ya. This is great.

Gettin’ Freekah with Chicken and Kale in salad form. Thank you Bon Appetit- this one looks delish.

And A Few More Things:

My new favorite show. Talk about mind blowing. This guy is my 2nd favorite new favorite.

You’ve probably seen this video of parents lip-synching to Frozen’s “Love Is An Open Door” while their daughter yawns in the backseat. Last night, C and I performed an entire rendition of Sesame Street’s “La-Di-Da-Di-Dum What’s The Name of That Song” (quite possibly one of the catchiest tunes ever and the reason for my recent insomnia- I CAN-NOT stop singing it- all. night. long.) for our kids, and while our daughter bopped right along, our son repeatedly hit himself in the face. We didn’t blame him. We are pretty obnoxious when we get our full-on musical theater game faces on. And he was sort of trapped and forced to listen to us in his car seat. Seriously one of the funniest things ever. T- not a fan of musical theater (or maybe he’s just not the biggest fan of our singing voices).

Cin Cin all and Happy Weekend!

Photo: Hand Dish by Mandi Johnson

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Lately I’ve been talking to some fellow winos about identifying wines by grape vs. terroir. For all my fellow winos out there, I know I’m preaching to the choir but indulge me.

I’m a big proponent of focusing on the terroir that grapes hail from as opposed to the actual grapes themselves. Why? Because the characteristics of one said grape can change drastically depending on where they’re planted, how they’re grown, on what types of vines, in what type of soil, on what type of incline (or not), in what type of weather conditions (that can vary hugely from year to year), not to mention the human effect- once the winemaker gets his hands on the grapes, it’s all up for grabs. Some winemakers like to let the winemaking happen in the vineyards whereas others can’t wait to put their own stamp on their fruit. Neither is right or wrong (although I prefer the former method), they can just produce drastically different results. Case in point:  Compare an Australian Shiraz and a Northern Rhone Syrah- apples and oranges my friends, not even close.

So… it isn’t that useful to talk about grape characteristics after all, right? Ummm, with all that being said, it can be helpful to know a few basic identifying characteristics of grapes if you want to start sniffing things out and get to know your juice a little better. Personally, I find that getting a little better acquainted with my grapes in their typical states can be pretty useful.

Take it all with a grain of salt, but I’ve rehashed a former Champers Cheat Sheet of mine to put out there in the world. Taking aside the multitude of factors that can alter any of these characteristics, not to mention the subjective piece being that your nose may sniff out some Pineapple Lifesavers while mine sniffs out Swedish Fish, I think it can be helpful on a very basic level.

For Sparkling or Champers, the grapes usually used are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier but that’s for the traditional stuff. There are a multitude of terrific Sparkling wines out there made from all types of grapes- anything from Gamay to Xarel-lo to Shiraz- the possibilities are endless. Whew- and… exhale. It’s all a little overwhelming, isn’t it? It can be hard to get a grip on grapes when you’re first really getting into wine, so let’s get back to the basics.

Here a few yummy things to look for in your glass of bubbly:

Bacon? Mushrooms?, you ask. Why yes, Pinot Noir is famous for producing a very earthy mushroom-y note, especially when harvested in Burgundy- its home turf. Bacon? Sure. Sparkling wine can be incredibly complex, there’s no end to what can be found in that delicate little glass of bubbly. The bread and toasty notes are a result of the lees (the yeast that lie on the bottom of the bottles during fermentation). It’s all very colorful isn’t it?

I hope you found this helpful, I’d love to hear your thoughts. What are some of your favorite sparkly notes?

For me, a great bottle of bubbly is one of the greatest creations on the planet but I think Dom Perignon said it best- “Come quickly, I am tasting the stars.” True that, Dom.

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Happy Weekend dear readers. I hope you are all off to some fun adventures this March weekend. We are busy renovating and beginning the big move. It’s still absolutely freezing here and we Virginians (I can’t believe I’m actually calling myself that!) are over it as I know much of the country is. I’m taking my little man to the barber today for his very first official haircut. Milestone alert- this will be one for the baby book (if I had one, I WILL get to that someday).

If you’ve not had the chance to vote for moi in Saveur’s Best Food Blog Awards, ante up- of course, if you are so inclined. I would feel so honored to be be nominated amongst the talent of the blogosphere for Best Wine Blog.
Nominate Volatizing here. Grazie Mille and Thank You!!!!

What I’m Drinking:

I’m dreaming of Spring and warmer weather so I’ll be busting out one of my favorite rosés. Even though I drink this stuff year round, it still signals warm weather for me. From the house of Mas de Daumas Gassac, it’s their Moulin de Gassac Guilhem ’13 Rosé - it’s French, it’s organic, it’s $10, it never disappoints, and it’s made by a wise man (seriously- if you haven’t seen Mondo Vino and you are a fan of naturally made wines, check it out. Aimé Guibert of Gassac is truly a philosopher when it comes to making wine). Perfect with seared salmon, Domaine LA (one of my favorite wine stores in LA) sells this pink beauty so if you live in La La Land, you’re in luck. It’s widely available too so you can pretty effortlessly procure yourself a bottle. Pop that top and dream of balmier weather along the Southern French coastline. Ahhh… That’s better.
Moulin de Gassac Guilhem ’13 Rosé, $10

A Few Things:

This asterisk print is so fun. This would be fun to recreate- filed away for that rainy day when I break out the easel.

10 Rarely Seen Images of Jackie O. What a rockin’ grandmother. That hat is killing me.

The greatest little side dish courtesy of Anna Watson Carl at The Yellow Table. Her cookbook is cooking along, this is my latest favorite recipe.
P.S.: The Yellow Table is one of the best food blogs around. If you don’t read it, you should and if you agree, nominate The Yellow Table for the 2014 Saveur Best Food Blog Awards here.

Fennel Orange Cocktail anyone? Sounds like Springtime to me.

A Few More Things:

This made me happy.

So did this.

This made me sad. Come on- you can’t leave out Jonathan Winters and Dennis Farina- really people. Shame Shame.

Particle Fever- The Search for the Higgs Boson. You know, just some light movie material, like particle physics and the structure of the universe- no biggie. Our pal Matt Bennett was involved with the development of this doc (he also married us- fun fact). A worthwhile subject to be sure, I can’t wait to see it. The trailer looks mind-blowingly cool.

A DIY even I can handle- a spray paint-splattered cowhide rug. This is great.

The “Ugly Marble” trend. This stuff is so delicious, I just want to eat it.

The PBS American Masters tribute to Marvin Hamlisch is fabulous and worth a watch. Seeing him light up all of those great 70s variety shows and specials makes me so nostalgic for those days (not that I much remember them, but I’ve always felt akin to the 70s). I have so many Broadway friends who were fortunate to work with him, he was so loved. What a talent.

The Great Baby Escape. Ha ha.

And A Few Really Random Side Notes:

My friend Matt Miranda brought to light an interesting ponder this week:
Read this.
And then think this: “Skynet IS the virus. It’s the reason everything’s falling apart!” – John Connor
Things are getting a little too Terminator-esque, if I do say so myself.

And lastly, Lorde- you make me want to sit in the dark corner of a smoky bar with a well-made drink and act all moody. Thank you Lorde for sending me straight back to my early 20s. We all need a healthy dose of moody youth in our lives now and again.

Happy Weekend! Cin Cin and Enjoy!

Haricots Verts photo: Signe Birck, Moulin Gassac photo: Domaine LA

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Here it is folks, my top 5 picks to clink your glasses of vino in Old Town Alexandria. This was a toughie as there are a slew of terrific bars in Old Town, but these 5 are the tops for this vinophile. Tried and true, each spot in this quintet boasts a homegrown feel, a bar you’ll really want to sit at, and most importantly- great juice.

Grape + Bean
The most perfect little family-run local wine shop/wine bar/restaurant/coffee bar, this is the place I want to open one day. I’ve always dreamed of opening a cozy little spot that served up la dolce vita. These guys are big proponents of honest made, natural and terroir-driven wines- my kind of peeps and my kind of bar. I’m a big fan of their classes and winemaker evenings as well. There’s nothing like drinking wine with the guy or gal who made it. The Old Town location fills up quickly, so go early to grab a spot at the tiny bar or an outside table if the weather’s nice. Situated on the magical Royal Street- my favorite street in town- it’s next door to the locally owned cupcake shop, Lavender Moon, across the street from the greatest little creperie, Fontaine, and down the street from a very cool industrial design shop, Carbon. You can’t go wrong on this block. Pop in for a glass of really good vino and a strong cup of coffee. Does it get better?
Grape + Bean  118 S. Royal St.  703-664-0214

Restaurant Eve
Yep. Eve. Not Society Fair, The Majestic or PX- though I would be sorely remiss not to mention these 3 bars/restaurants that complete Chef Cathal Armstrong’s Alexandria dynasty- they are all fabulous, each with its own kind of perfect bar and innovative wine list (they would be my 6th, 7th and 8th pick), but the little bar in the front room of Restaurant Eve is tops for me and my vino. Thanks to master mixologist Todd Thrasher, Eve boasts a great cocktail list too but I’ve never gone wrong with a glass of wine here. The Restaurant is most famous for hosting Presidents, politicos and Washington’s finest in its terrific tasting room, an experience not to be missed, but the bar feels like a little secret, an in-the-know local spot. It’s just a good old-fashioned bar, the kind of room that you want to hang out in and catch up with good friends or spend some quality time solo.
Restaurant Eve  110 S. Pitt St.  703-706-0450

Hank’s Oyster Bar
The Alexandria offshoot of this locally owned seafood restaurant has recently added a gorgeous rowhouse-length marble-topped bar. The better to saddle up to and eat your dollar oysters on, my dears. Hank’s offers up a great wine list serving up salty Muscadets, luscious Italian rosés and zippy sparkling wines- all perfectly paired with those bicoastal bivalves. This is one of my favorite spots in Old Town in general. I’m a “regular” there, it feels a little like Cheers and who doesn’t want that in a bar? Don’t miss the fried oysters with that Muscadet and make sure to show up early. No longer a secret (it never really was but used to be much easier to get into), that long marble top is lately summoning the masses. Even with its recent addition and subsequent boom, Hank’s still feels small and quaint. You’ll count yourself lucky to nab a barstool here.
Happy Hour Dollar Oysters Monday-Thursday from 5-7pm and Fridays from 3-7pm
Hank’s Oyster Bar  1026 King St.  703-739-4265

Brabo Tasting Room
Sitting on the opposite end of King Street, Brabo Tasting Room is the dressed-down little sister to its adjacent and swanky big sis, Brabo Restaurant. I’m more comfortable in the tasting room where they don’t take reservations and I can get a great wood-fired tart with my 3 and 5-ounce pours. A taste or a glass offering of any wine makes it easy for the indecisive, taste a few- that’s the point here, I think. There’s plenty of good juice to go around and any joint that lists a good Loire Valley Savennieres is aces on my list.
Brabo Tasting Room  1600 King Street  703-894-3440

Bilbo Baggins
Ok, so it’s not on this list for the vino, but a glass full of delicious microbrew beer is a worthy clink afterall. Baggins offers up over 150 microbrew vintages with over 32 by bottle and 10 on tap. Mostly, this is a great local joint just off of King Street where you can grab a good glass of suds with some pals. It’s not fancy but it sure is fun and it’s named after a Hobbit. Need I say more?
Bilbo Baggins Global Restaurant  208 King Street  703-683-0300

Images: Hank’s- Andrew Collins, Brabo- Urban Spoon, Baggins- Matthew Culbertson

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