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Red Velvet Wine Bar - CLOSED
Categories: Restaurants American (New) Nightlife Bars Wine Bars American (New), Wine Bars [Edit]
750 W Fir StSte 101
(at Kettner Blvd)
San Diego, CA 92101
Neighborhood: Little Italy
(619) 501-4561
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Classy, Trendy, Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
42 reviews for Red Velvet Wine Bar
Review Highlights
"You can do the entire tasting menu with wine pairings, or..."
(in 7 reviews)
"Great food with a tapas style menu designed for sharing."
(in 3 reviews)
"Small and quaint place with high ceilings and perfect decor."
(in 4 reviews)
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42 reviews in English
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Review from Regis V.
Menlo Park, CA
4/19/2011 1 photo
I was looking for a light dinner (late for San Diego's time [9:30pm]). I came across the Red Velvet Wine bar which had great reviews on Yelp so I went.
The place is extremely friendly with a U type bar where everybody seats ( you will end up talking to the persons next to you).
The wine list is pretty amazing (short but great) with wine from Savoie, Crotia, Spain, France, etc.. Personally I had a Pommard 1er Cru that was great.
Now the food is on par with the wine, it's small plates (so if you are hungry that's not the place) but amazing plate skills from the chef and great fresh ingredients.
I'm a fan, I will come back for sure.
My rating is probably 4.5 stars but I have rounded up.Listed in: san diego
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Review from Danny W.
6/8/2011
Bring your manners. It's a total boo spot.
In a few ways it's like Prince. Not a prince, but The Prince. The "Purple Rain" one. Why? It's tiny, yet very showy. The ceiling is about three stories high making it appear to be a heck of a lot bigger than it really is. Looks really cool, but be prepared that you might be in for a wait if you want to sit down.
The food is the same story...It's glamorous and delicious, but for about $16 a plate you get a serving size that you'll think ,was a complimentary tasting sent out by the chef. Regardless of the small portions both the white asparagus and the lamb dish were out of this world. I just wish I wouldn't have to eat two of each to fill my stomach.
What most people come for though is the wine list. I don't really viknow enough to determine what a good one is, but my friend who was with me grew up on a winery and claims that this is a magical place if you know your way around the vineyards.
If you're looking for a hearty meal and a place to act obnoxious this is not it, but if you want to impress a babe, or just a chance to wear those new Dockers you bought check it out!Listed in: Little Italy, Good Date Spots
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Review from robin s.
Cardiff by the Sea, CA
4/4/2011
This is hands-down my favorite place to eat downtown. The chef is SOOO talented and uses fab ingredients. He's the only guy in SD that really knows what to do with items such as halibut cheeks and pea tendrils. If i had one complaint it's that the prices are starting to creep up and the plates are staying small. The wine list is fabulous. One of the only places to find stuff liked aged Musar and there are always new interesting wines like that to try. Most are priced very reasonably since they aren't the usual-suspect type of bottlings that you'll see at most places. Kyle is very knowledgble and can recommend based on your taste preferences.
Killer room and decor. It is pretty small but I have yet to have a problem getting a table. -
Review from lisa m.
San Diego, CA
6/3/2011
Word has it that Red Velvet is closing tomorrow night -- Saturday 6/4.
What a loss for this town -- the chef is one of the best in town -- someone needs to offer this guy a job FAST! -
Review from danieL R.
San Diego, CA
4/14/2011
Ive heard good things about the food, yet I have not tried it. I am writing about the ambiance and the drinks. A great little place to bring the lady (or ladies, if you're single) because its very discreet and the decor is very trendy yet elegant and simple. The giant red curtains they have kick ass, and i am not ashamed to admit I was checking out their decoration. I've tried a few of the wines and even though I am FAR from a wine expert i know i like some 'grape juices' better than others. The vinos I tried here, were very good.
This is a great place to come after dinner, after a show, after whatever - just to cap the night off for one more drink before ending the night off in a classy way and have better chances of taking her home. -
Review from Ariane B.
San Diego, CA
4/3/2011
Finally, a Micehelin worthy establishment here in the infant culinary sphere of San Diego... Chef Luke's immaculate presentations & use of ingredients warrant a star or a James Beard acknowledgment... or something! Just get this place on the FOODIE MAP & legitimize San Diego in the eyes of New Yorkers, Seattle-ites, Chicagoans & other savvy refined eaters.
Kyle & Dan's no frills, non-snobby service style should be taught to all of San Diego' wait staff...spot on, never missed a beat, no mishaps, professional & yet, personal, not harried or hurried... I could sit there all evening... And...
Literally, you will...sit there for a majority of your evening if you plan to dine on the full tasting menu...good food & six (6) courses take time...it's not a chain, folks...patience is a virtue & there is plenty to talk about & drink while you anticipate your next taste bud extravaganza! Can't rush perfection!
Suggestions: 1. Arrive early.
2.Sit at the bar for a more intimate overall experience...tables don't turn quickly, (or sometimes at all) so early arrival will be key to securing the seats which best suit your preference.
3. Enjoy the food orgasm that the Chef will initiate. -
Review from Christina W.
San Diego, CA
12/24/2010
My boyfriend and I come to this great little wine bar whenever we can. Originally we came here for the wine, but it's really the chef that keeps us coming back. The menu is always daring and fresh, the bartender is incredibly well informed and helpful, the atmosphere is fun yet sophisticated, and the experience is just overall amazing.
The menu is a little pricey for the size you get, but the quality is definitely worth it. It's a great little date place if you love trying new food and aren't afraid of creative and unique dishes. -
Review from Phu P.
3/5/2011 48 Check-ins Here
Great little wine bar. Classy, but casual. Perfect for Little Italy.
Just street parking. Fortunately, I only live a few blocks away so it's just a short walk there and back.
I've never had a wine there that I did not like. All sorts from expensive wines to budget conscious wines. I have not had the food here.
They serve wine by the half glass, glass, and bottle. Big Fan... I bounce back and forth between and Enoteca Styles.
(Boo to Sogno Di Vino!) -
Review from Amber E.
San Diego, CA
2/26/2011
Definitely a hidden gem in Little Italy - so intimate, unique, with lots of glass, high ceilings, unusual wines and amazing food. My husband and I have been wanting to go since it opened, but finally went last night for the first time, and both agreed it's some of the best food we've ever had in San Diego. The descriptions on the tasting menu were vague and sounded a bit strange, but everything was incredible - especially the spring pea gnocchi (so tender, and with a delicious lemon foam) and the halibut (with onions, blood orange, olives, and another foam), but we really enjoyed the cauliflower soup and pork belly too (although it was very rich).
The service was so friendly and unpretentious. They gave us wine recommondations for each of the dishes we ordered, gave us a taste to make sure we liked it (nice touch), and generous half glass pours. We enjoyed all of their wine recommendations, but especially the sparkling malbec and a white Posip from Croatia - we even bought a bottle to take home with us (they offer good discounts on bottles to go).
We will absolutely be back and can't wait to introduce some friends to this place. -
Review from Susan V.
Sherman Oaks, CA
9/3/2010
If you are in the mood for a few tapas style menu items and some good wine, this is your place! I do not recommend this place for dinner because you would have to order quite a few menu items to have a complete meal, and that gets expensive.
It is a small U-shaped bar with about four tables on the outskirts. The ambiance is nice and quiet. The crowd is respectful and not boisterous. The wait staff are very friendly and helpful with your wine/food pairings. They will help you plan out your dining experience there.
The chef always comes out and asks how your food is. He is very friendly and professional. The flavors he uses are very unique and surprising. He gets his ingredients locally, so he supports the economy in the area.
If you do not wish to eat, they still have an impressive wine list from which to choose. The sommelier gives great recommendations for all price ranges.
Highly recommend if you want to relax and share a glass of wine with someone special! -
Review from Keonda B.
San Diego, CA
6/12/2011
If your in to wine the way I am I recommend you stop by Red Velvet. They have a big collection of all kinds of wines. The only reason they got 4 stars and not 5 is because they are a bit pricey. If your in Little Italy and looking for a nice place to have dinner and a good glass of wine be sure you will have a great time at Red Velvet Wine Bar.
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Review from Gus L.
6/16/2011
I would love to have tried Red Velvet this past weekend but was unable to, so I guess not too much to review here...Yet. We stopped by at about 5pm, the place didn't look vacant but was definitely not open yet. So we went for a walk and came back by around 6...No change. .Maybe they took the night off?
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Review from BeBe D.
La Jolla, CA
12/15/2010
Simple, Intimate & Modern.
Even though RV is trying to push the envelope to be Avant- Garde,
this conservative city of SD could use anything different from the usual. I enjoyed this simple wine bar tucked away in traditional Little Italy, while the staff was extraordinarily friendly. They did not offer any cheese plates to compliment with their wine selection.... to me, that is like ham without the burger ;) -
Review from lilly g.
5/13/2010
Great service, delicious wine, easy parking.
This spot is a hidden gem in Little Italy; no attitude, you walk in, get a table, and get right down to the business of workin the menu. They have half-glasses if, like me, you can't commit to a full glass but need to shop around (as in wine, as in dating people).
The prices on food were on the higher end; I am still doing this vegan kick so I had to avoid all the tempting menu options and instead special order a side plate of veggies. (And of course the chef comes out and explains your dishes, so then I felt like a complete jerk) I'm sure their dairy-and-meat-laden food is well worth your while. Unfortunately for you cupcake lovers, the name of the place is a nod to decor, not dessert options. Let's be clear about that (but cross reference my Babycakes review, ye Red Velvet lovers!)
This is where you need to go when you want tasty wine and time to catch up with some good, uninterrupted conversation. Welcome to the neighborhood. -
Review from Fred W.
Escondido, CA
4/21/2011
The only beef I have about Red Velvet is the difficulty in finding parking nearby. It's just a block from all the Little Italy restaurants, though, so that's understandable. This little flaw, which is hardly the management's fault, is counterbalanced with absolutely delicious food choices, excellent and widely varied wine choices, and a very flexible menu. You can do the entire tasting menu with wine pairings, or just choose a couple of tasty delights. If you have any questions about the wine, just ask the sommelier, who obviously takes pleasure in what he does. I love this place, have been several times, and it would be one of my top choices to bring an out-of-towner to. Highly recommended.
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Review from Elle D.
San Diego, CA
Romantic, elegant, homey, comfy, and ultimately, very yummy. The wine, beer and food selections were all very well thought out. Not-so amazingly, the staff is affable, knowledgeable and down-to-earth, much like the owner/operator. My favorites: Barbera, Xingu, Tuna...and the fact that I don't have to really go outside to enter the bar. (That's worth a glass of wine, especially with the inclement weather we have here in San Diego!!)
UPDATE: This was WELL worth adding++Talk about FRESH!! I'm walking down the street and just happen to see Chef Luke carrying bags (environmentally conscious BAGS not mass delivered boxes!!!!) of what I can only assume are the key ingredients of tonight's menu. MAN! If you don't check this place out, you'll have missed an amazing experience.Listed in: My Neighborhood, The Places I Go Out
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Review from Kenneth S.
San Diego, CA
5/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Went there last night for a date with a pretty lady. With SD still in its culinary infancy compared to the likes of NYC, LA, SF, & LV, I'm glad to finally have an establishment attempting to put SD on that map! This place will impress the palat of any food an wine connoisseur. Chef Luke warrants some recognition here. He creates some great dishes here. Great food & Freat Wine=Good times! Good place to come to have a light meal and drinks! My only complaint is finding parking. Even though it's cramped, it made me get to know the people I sat next to. Good place to meet some interesting people. My suggestion is arrive early. I had to jockey for position with some good people from Santa Barbara and New York while waiting for my date. Sit at the U- shaped bar. It fills up fast! Here's to you SOHO!
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Review from Ashley E.
Pasadena, CA
4/13/2010
Oh la la - what a great cute find. Small and quaint place with high ceilings and perfect decor...a must when going to Little Italy.
I just had a glass of wine..which they have 1/2 and full pours. The food that came out looked delish.
Looking forward to another trip:) -
Review from Michael E.
San Diego, CA
3/4/2010 1 photo
Looking forward to coming back again.
The wine selection is pretty interesting, both for the wine newbie and the snob.
I'll have to post again with details of available wines but I strongly suspect they change often.
We had about three whites and three reds; the vouvray was my personal favorite.
The food offerings were structured like a tasting menu - portions were on the smaller-side, rather diverse, and very yummy.
The lamb was awesome.
They blew it by not having bread with the cheese plate - or crackers or any starch for that matter.
We'll bring bread next time...
Service was top-notch.
The bar tenders are sommeliers so they know their stuff and they're not pretentious or snooty which is a major plus for someone like me who doesn't know a lot about wine. -
Review from Rion M.
San Diego, CA
7/24/2010
Red Velvet represents the highest integrity in food I have experienced in San Diego and most passionate wine service since my time in Europe. Chef Luke brings care and precision to each dish he prepares. The integrity of the food comes not only from the preparation but the quality of the ingredients. My understanding is that he chooses local and sustainable whenever the quality is appropriate to meet his standards and sources from only highest quality reputable producers otherwise.
The wine service is a treat. You can see the passion of Kyle and Katie in the way they smell each glass (even the water glasses) before pouring a drop of fluid. I personally witnessed that not every glass makes it to the table. Those that carry a smell that would change the character of the wine or beer are set aside to be washed and returned to service.
Being called a "Wine Bar" you expect wine, but you will not find the typical BevMo selections here. The wine list is well selected from global producers. Allowing the team to pair your meal will open your experience to some pleasantly unexpected tastes. For those who are not wine drinkers there is an impeccable beer list that is also designed to pair with the dishes.
You should be aware that the menu is a tasting menu. To call is Tapas is an injustice to the preparations, but if you are coming for dinner you will likely order 2-4 plates to reach your fill. If you are adventurous, do as I did and skip the menu. Just put your self at the mercy of the Chef and allow the Sommeliers to pair each course. You can control costs by only having 1-2 plates but shooting the moon is not any worse than any other restaurant of this quality in San Diego. -
Review from Meg M.
San Diego, CA
5/13/2011
Great place for light dinner and a fabulous selection of wine. The staff take great care of you and ensure you have a mellow, lovely time. I highly recommend it!
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Review from Bradly F.
La Mesa, CA
2/13/2011
Last night my wife and I went to Red Velvet for the first time and was blown away.
Usually with wine bars the food is an afterthought, but the food at Red Velvet is some of the best food in San Diego. The menu changes weekly and everything is made in house. Even the sorbet was made from scratch in the kitchen.
We aren't big drinkers but we did have a glass with our dessert course. We asked one of the bar tenders for a suggestion and it was perfect. It tasted like it was part of the plate.
The ambiance is great. Beautiful space and the chef comes out and describes each course as it is served.
We can't wait to go back. -
Review from Curtis M.
San Marcos, CA
2/13/2011
Red Velvet is certainly one of the best surprises I've had in the San Diego food scene in recent years. I have eaten at Red Velvet twice in the past month, and both times the quality of the food and wine have greatly exceeded my expectations. In my opinion, this is one of the hidden gems in the San Diego food scene.
Chef Luke Johnson is certainly one of the most exciting rising stars in San Diego's food scene. The artistry and attention to detail Chef Johnson brings to his creations is worthy of the finest restaurants in California. I can think of no other restaurant that delivers cuisine of this caliber for such a reasonable price.
With regard to the wine selection at Red Velvet, prepare to be surprised. The inventory contains some old favorites, but also many new and less traditional wine offerings. The wines are available as half glasses, full glasses and by the bottle. The prices are very reasonable, particularly when considering the quality of the selections. The staff are very knowledgeable about the wines in their inventory, and adept at recommending wines to drink by themselves or to pair with items on the food menu.
If you are looking for amazing food and surprising wine selections, give Red Velvet a chance. You won't be disappointed -
Review from Jen W.
Updated - 3/23/2010
Came back already. I must really like wine.
This time I was here later on a Friday night after dinner and this place was packed!
We ordered a bottle of rose which wasn't chilled yet, so they offered us all half a split of champagne while we waited. Seriously nice touch. The service was great again. I had to get another glass of the Talisman pinot noir, which I loved so much the first time around. It was just as good as I remembered.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/11/2010
It's a small wine bar, pretty much a U shape bar and a couple small two tops in the corners by the… Read more »
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Review from Allison T.
Vallejo, CA
4/6/2010
This is a little overdue.
So my friend M and I have a standing dinner once a month to catch up on the latest gossip and such.
M suggest RVWB since it just opened and a family member was head chef.
I'm not gonna say no to M and I'm not gonna say no to wine.
This place is super sleek in the set up, though I have to say a little confusing finding the front door. The staff was really nice and knowledgeable and genuinly excited to be working there.
I'm not used to spending $12 for one glass of wine so that was a little shocking, but the real review here is for the FOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!
Oh my g-d. Everything brought out showed creativity and consideration in the preparations. The dishes were unique and not a re-hashing of something else I had seen somewhere else. I can say with confidence I enjoy ostrich now. Really top notch and delicious.
My complements! -
Review from Andy L.
San Diego, CA
4/9/2011
Stop reading these reviews and just go, right now!! You won't be disappointed. If you don't like your meal and wine selection, I'll pay. Seriously, just send me the bill. Yes, it's that good.
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Review from Paul J.
San Diego, CA
4/25/2010
A great little place. I was there their 3rd weekend after opening. They're still working out some bugs, but I'm definitely a fan.
It's a small place. Mostly a U-shaped bar with chairs around it and a few high tables against the widow side of the bar. Maybe 28 seats total. Nice urban minimalist feel to it.
Great food with a tapas style menu designed for sharing. My friend & I had 3 each & were happy. With paired French wines by the glass , it was $80 per person including tax & a generous tip. They have a unique selection of French wines grown with sustainable agricultural methods.
The sommelier (I can't remember her name) has a gift for pairing wines with their dishes. Kudos. Service was gracious & friendly.
They became a little overwhelmed with the supportive & enthusiastic crowd that showed up later in the evening. Word travels fast! We'll definitely be back. -
Review from Samantha M.
San Diego, CA
9/9/2010
Temperature controlled. Enough said!
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Review from Sharon D.
Aliso Viejo, CA
11/14/2010
My husband and I celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary at Red Velvet. And it was absolutely perfect. We did the whole 7 course "tapas" tasting menu paired with 7 wines. The food was magnificent! Everything was prepared to perfection. We loved the creamy rutabaga soup, sweet potato with brussel sprouts and truffle, and venison with pureed persimmon and star anise. It was one of the most creative food I ever tasted.
The wines were delicious and my favorite one was the sherry which was served quite cold.
We stayed over 3 1/2 hours and walked out a little tipsy, but extremely happy. Everyone needs to visit this place!
And service was impeccable. -
Review from Kath R.
San Diego, CA
12/14/2010
Amazing restaurant! I love that they make sustainable purchasing decisions! :)
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Review from Elizabeth R.
Portland, OR
11/7/2010
I like this place. It's totally unpretentious while actually having a point of view about wine. I've only been here once but the food was excellent and super high-quality, if not exactly filling. The bar/dining area is subdued (read: you can have a conversation with the person you came with!) but very friendly. Bartenders are very knowledgeable and more than happy to help you explore all the varieties of wines they offer. I'll definitely be back.
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Review from T B.
Los Angeles, CA
8/22/2010
Fantastic space and a really down-to-earth, knowledeable staff - who don't look at you sideways if you mispronounce a wine's name... they are keen to get you into the stuff that you like and share some of their more interesting pours. Jackie's descriptions are bonkers but when you taste the tipple all of the odd notes (cigar box, saddle, river rock, gum, rubber, petrol etc etc) are in there - very intimate and totally worth the visit!
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Review from Melonie G.
San Diego, CA
3/19/2010 2 photos
Secret find in Little Italy, passionate about wine, amazing gourmet bites, and intimate neighborhood atmosphere. #score
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Review from Daniel D.
Manhattan, NY
8/18/2010
Located on the ground floor of a sleek new apartment building in Little Italy, this wine bar is able to pull off just the right balance between chic and friendly. The space is stylish and modern, but the helpful and very knowledgeable staff create a surprisingly relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere, despite the high ceilings and high prices. The wine list is short but stellar; I had Domaine de la Chanteleuserie Cab Franc that blew me away. The food comes in modest sizes, lovingly prepared. Sometimes there seemed to be a bit too much technique for its own sake (I didn't care for the bell-pepper foam that smothered the scallops), but dishes like the gnocchi were very impressive. All the ingredients were clearly top-notch. Overall, highly recommended.
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Review from Ty N.
San Diego, CA
8/11/2010
Outstanding wine list....not long but high quality. The food is even better.......
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Review from Ivana N.
San Diego, CA
4/26/2010
The place is absolutely charming. I have been walking by it for weeks and finally my boyfriend and I decided to have a little celebration last Thursday. Everything was excellent, staff was knowledgeable, polite, attentive. One major downfall is since the bar is so small fumes from the kitchen quickly spread and fill the bar area. The smell of fried food and oil can be little bit overwhelming and it makes it hard to enjoy your food or wine. I'm afraid we will pass on sitting inside in the future and opt out for out door sitting but we will come back.
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Review from Cory M.
Spring Valley, CA
3/28/2010
Red Velvet is an intimate and classy wine bar. Educated selection of wines by the glass. The food was excellent, prepared on the spot by the (solo) chef. The small crowd made interesting and entertaining conversation. Owner and staff were superb. An excellent overall wine bar experience.
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Review from Sas C.
San Diego, CA
5/12/2010
Not a fan. Tried going here on three different occassions and this place was always closed. Then I learned that they have a limited liquor license. My friend and I went here just before 11pm last Saturday night (my fourth and final attempt) and we were told that they cannot serve past 11pm. The bartender (who I also guess is the owner) was not nice. When we asked where else we could go she acted like she did not know any other place in the neighborhood and said that, "none are worth going to". Now, I understand thinking your place is the best and all that but if you are turning away patrons because you cannot serve them anymore, you will make a much happier customer by helping them find a way to have fun. The wine was fine but good thing we didn't want apps because they only serve wine and beer. The room needs some art or something else. It's not a warm place. Like I said, not a fan.
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Review from Ricki C.
Imperial Beach, CA
7/8/2010
First I must start with upon seating our selves at the Bar we were greeted by the Sommlier she was very friendly and super knowledgeable and best of all unprentitous and approachable! All things I personally appreciate as a budding wine lover. My girlfriend and I started with the beet salad which was really flavorful and the plate had a ton of color purple, red, yellow pink. Next we had the octopus and the accompanying wine pairing which was frankly amazing! The octopus was extremely flavorful and the chef slices it super thin so not only does it pick up more complimentary flavor from the sauce but there were no textural issues which you usually find when octopus is placed infront of you. The wine pairing really complimented the dish beautifully. The third course I had the duck dish which was a boneless duck confit leg with crispy skin a small mesculin green salad and a walnut cherry compote there was also an apricot sauce accompanyment. The dish was supurp and I have never experianced a more perfect wine pairing. Overall the whole experiance was fantastic and frankly the value interms of what you are paying compared with what you are getting are uncomparable with anything else in san diego hands down. If you want to experiance a perfect melding of food and wine this is the place to go
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Review from Kendra K.
San Diego, CA
3/30/2010
This place in unbelievable. I think what I like the most was the ambiance. I went on a Wed night. It was quiet due to the road construction that was making it difficult to get to Little Italy. The ambiance was quietly sofisticated without being pretentous. The bartender was amazingly gracious and intelligent on her recommendations for both wine and food. We enjoyed an amazing bottle of Zin, with the Ostrich and a chocolate truffle for desert. This is just shot to the top of my favs!
