Vinoteca Restaurant and Wine Bar - Italian Food in Greenwich CT

Social Media Tasting Event

This week we traveled to Greenwich CT to visit the Vinoteca Restaurant and Wine Bar.

The Vinoteca opened in late 2013 and is quickly becoming a fun place to visit for food, fun, and drink, seven days a week! Sunday features a Brunch Menu, Mondays are Burger and Barola Night, Thursdays are Ladies Nights, and weekend nights are billed with the tag line of  "Dine. Dance. Decadence."

We stopped in on a Monday night and sampled a wide array of offerings from the Vinoteco menu, including cocktails and a few wines. We were with a group of about 12 so we were able to have a great variety of appetizers, entrees, pizzas, and desserts too!

We started with their Polpettini, House-Made Meatballs, made with veal, pork, and beef, and topped with a delicious Whipped Ricotta.

Polpettini, house made meatballs topped with whipped ricotta

Then we sampled one of my favorite items! Cozze: Prince Edward Island Mussels, red curry broth, and french fries.

Cozze: Prince Edward Island mussels, red curry broth, and french fries.

The mussels were so good, but equally good was the red curry broth. We immediately requested some bread to soak up the garlicky-spicy goodness. The red curry packed a bit of heat that added a great kick to the dish.

Panetto: Italian Grilled Cheese made with Fontina Cheese, with a side of San Marzano Sauce for dipping. It is amazing that something as simple as a grilled cheese can be so delicious when made on a hearty bread with good cheese

Panetto: Italian Grilled Cheese, fontina, San Marzano sauce

We then moved on to several different types of pizza

Pizza: Rustica made with charred tomatoes, olives, sea salt, and olive oil. Quatro Formaggi made with ricotta, gorgonzola, parmigiano, and marscapone cheeses. Spicy Lobster made with marscapone, habanero peppers, lobster, and sweet corn.

Clockwise from left, Spicy Lobster, Rustica, and Quatro Formaggi 

Favorite pizza? The spicy lobster, but believe it or not, it wasn't the lobster that made it so good, - instead it was the corn that gave this pie its uniqueness. The sweet corn, rich lobster, and the spicy habenaros gave this pizza a great flavor and fresh taste.

Three types of salads were served,  Insalata:  Kale with bosc pairs, walnuts, and topped with pecorino cheese, Greek Chopped Salad, with cucumbers, watermelon, feta cheese, and red onion, and Italian Wedge Salad with Bibb and iceburg lettuce, gorgonzola cheese, tomato, and topped with crispy prosciutto.

Clockwise from left, Kale Salad, Greek Salad, and Italian Wedge Salad

Our pasta course consisted of Parpardelle Bolognese, a favorite of our table. While we all agreed it's not the prettiest of dishes, it certainly was one of the tastiest!

Parpardelle Bolognese

Vinoteca loosely translates in Italian to vino, or "wine",  and the suffix teca -  means "to specialize in." --- So, of course, we sampled some of their wines with our dinner.

Although I didn't care for the white wine (I like my white wine on the sweeter side) I did enjoy the red. It was a Nero d'AVOLA 2011, a Sicilian wine. Light and slightly fruity.

For our main course we sampled the Pollo Scarpiello, chicken made with bits of cherry peppers, sauteed spinach, and a spicy sausage. Although I don't usually order anything with sausage as I find it overpowers the dish, this was a subtle addition and I found myself truly enjoying the earthy flavor and texture it provided.

Pollo Scarpiello

We also sampled the Salmon Al Arranciata with a blood orange sauce, served with marscapone mashed potatoes,and asparagus. The salmon was wonderful, although the blood orange sauce may have been a bit to tart for our liking.

Salmon Al Arranciata

For dessert we were treated to four different offerings, Cannoli cake, Cappucino Cake, Tiramisu, and New York Cheesecake.

Desserts at Vinoteca

Although I started my meal with their seasonal martini special, the Fig Martini, it likely would have made a better after dinner drink or dessert. Prepared with house made fig voka, a splash of pama liquer, pear nectar, and vanilla syrup, it was delicious!

That concluded our evening at Vinoteca Restaurant and Wine Bar. Our only critique about our sampling was that service seemed a bit 'off' on our visit. When we asked about specialty cocktails we were advised to read the menu. Serving spoons for family style dishes as well as plates had to be requested. Minor things, but noticeable in a restaurant of Vinoteca's caliber.

Vinoteca Restaurant and Wine Bar
33 Lewis Street
Greenwich, CT
(203) 661-2354
vinotecagreenwich.com

On street parking and a metered public parking lot is one door down.

Here's a link to the Vinoteca opening menu - Vinoteca Restaurant and Wine Bar Menu.

Disclaimer: We were invited to this promotional sampling at the Vinoteca Restaurant and Wine Bar by members of  the Vinoteca Management and Marketing Team, however, the views and opinions expressed herein are our own.

The Vinoteca Restaurant and Wine Bar Opens in Greenwich CT

Press Release: January 2014

There's a new restaurant and wine bar in Greenwich CT!

The Vinoteca Restaurant and Wine Bar!

UPDATE:  Read my recap of the Vinoteca HERE

Photo provided by MaxEx, LLC

Located at 33 Lewis Street, right off Greenwich Avenue in downtown Greenwich CT, there’s a new restaurant serving contemporary  Italian cuisine. The restaurant will soon be known for more than their  exceptional food, as they feature creative cocktails, exceptional wine, and funky array of great music.

Photo provided by MaxEx, LLC

Upon entering the restaurant, an intimate wine bar and high top communal tables set the tone for the 85-seat dining room and gathering space which transitions into club-like atmosphere later in the evening. Large "Old Hollywood" half-moon banquette and booth seating, round cocktail ottomans and comfy sofas are covered in rich deep red fabrics and gray leather and paired with dark wood furnishings. Subtle light accents throughout the room keep things relaxed and warm.

The Vinoteca menu, as with the space, stays true to Groove’s overall philosophy of good food and good times. Chef Jesus Alarez brings out the best in regional Italian cuisine while incorporating global influences from as far as Asia and as familiar as California, keeping it fresh and simple, while not holding back on flavor. The wood-fired oven and display kitchen are situated in the center of the space for all to see, adding to the energy of the room.

Here's a preview of their opening menu: Vinoteca Menu Greenwich CT

Appetizer highlights include; Arancini, deep fried arborio rice balls with mozzarella and fontina cheese served with San Marzano tomato sauce; Creamy Polenta with braised short ribs, maitake mushrooms and a Barolo wine reduction; and “Spiedini Cucho”, filet mignon skewers with shishito peppers and a spicy Peruvian aji pancad.

Photo provided by MaxEx, LLC

Lighter fare options feature; Burrata with heirloom tomatoes, fruity olive oil and micro greens; Bruschetta Trio of poached lobster, tuna tartare and heirloom tomato; Crispy Artichoke Salad with organic greens, Italian parsley, lemon and chili oil; and a vibrant Kale Salad topped with sweet bosc pears, toasted walnuts and pecorino cheese.  In addition to a traditional assortment of “salumeria” items such as domestic and imported cheese, dry and cured meats and grilled vegetables, Vinoteca offers a wonderful and vibrant selection of crudo including; Tuna with blood orange olive oil, sake, jalapeno and sea salt; Salmon Tartare prepared with fennel, jalapeno and lemon zest; Hamachi with Meyer lemon, serrano chile and a balsamic ponzu; and Hand Cut Beef with artichoke, truffle oil and mostarda.

 Fresh pasta standouts include; Chitarra with house made meatballs and fresh tomato; Garganelli tossed with chipolata sausage and broccoli rabe; and Risotto with wild mushrooms, sweet peas and garlic chips. Wood-fired Neapolitan style pizza is topped with everyone’s favorite ingredients, as well as more creative combinations as seen with the spicy lobster and mascarpone with habanero and corn and the Mediterraneo of ground beef, red onions, harissa and lemon. Entrées include; Veal Milanese, a bone-in veal chop topped with arugula and tomato; Sea Scallops served over cauliflower puree with  crispy prosciutto and mustard; and Pollo Scarpariello with hot cherry peppers, sautéed spinach and spicy sausage.

Photo provided by MaxEx, LLC

House made desserts are of the creamy tiramisu and Italian cheesecake variety, in addition to large selections of port wine, cordials and spirits. The beverage program is in keeping with the fun and accessible menu and includes 60 wines by the glass, craft beer, and top shelf cocktails prepared with fresh juices, aromatics and house made infusions such as a delicious fig infused vodka.

Vinoteca offers a “Pronto Lunch” consisting of panini, pizzette or soup and salad combinations, plus a beverage, for only $12. Sunday Brunch ($ 15 a la carte or $33 with bottomless Mimosas, Bloody Marys or Bellinis) specials include: hanger steak & eggs, crème brulle French toast, eggs benedict with smoked salmon, eggs benedict with prosciutto di parma and pancakes with Tuscan orange maple syrup and Sambuca cream.

Guests can expect a revolving schedule of some of best DJs from the New York Metropolitan area, providing a break from the norm. From “Burger and Barolo” to “Ciao” Ladies Night, Vinoteca Restaurant & Wine Bar is a gathering destination for today’s modern dining and music culture.

Photo provided by MaxEx, LLC

Lunch and dinner – 7 days a week, including Sunday Brunch

Vinoteca Restaurant and Wine Bar
33 Lewis Street
Greenwich, CT
(203) 661-2354
vinotecagreenwich.com

Bistro B - American Bistro and Wine Bar in Bridgeport CT

Media Promotional Event

Real estate developer Steve Montello, Executive Chef and Owner, Jason Milanese, and Chef de Cuisine, Joseph Italiano, show their commitment to the city of Bridgeport with the opening of the delightful Bistro B, an American Bistro and Wine Bar.

Chef Jason and staff greet us at Bistro B

As part of a recent promotional event, the cowboy and I got to experience the delicious offerings available at this wonderful American Bistro and Wine Bar. And as soon as I walked in, I was "wowed" by the custom towering white cabinetry behind the bar. Clean, sleek, modern, and bright, it added a touch of airiness and organization to the overall bar station.

Tables are thick, upholstery is leather-bound and luxurious, the only drawback to the decor, is the exclusively high top tables throughout the restaurant. While some welcome the bistro / bar feeling this type of seating evokes, I tend to find it not terribly comfortable. While I'm not short in stature by any means, I still feel like I have to climb up to my seat to eat. A minor drawback, but the good thing - even the booths have "feet rests" - so while you are sitting a little high, you do have an area to comfortably rest your feet.

I started with a delicious Lemon Drop Martini, prepared by...are you ready for this? My niece-in-law, once removed. Don't even ask how I've come up with that family-designation, but take if from me, Kim, the bartender, is related to the cowboy, and she and I were both equally thrilled when we discovered the connection.

Kim prepares a perfectly executed Lemon Drop

The Lemon Drop was perfectly prepared; tart and delicious, and the sugared rim was the frosting on the cake, uh, er, cocktail!

We then moved on to some quick appetizers:  Chicken Lollipops, with a house-made barbecue glaze and blue cheese dressing. House Cured Salmon, with star anise pickles, horseradish mustard creme, and brown bread. BLT Sliders, an innovative use of the "B" for bacon, using braised pork belly, Roma tomatoes, and iceburg lettuce, with a maple aioli sauce.

Chicken Lollipops, House Cured Salmon, BLT Sliders

Loved, loved, loved, the pork belly in the BLT slider. It was delicious, and a clever take on the American classic.

We then moved to our table to continue our dining experience.

We started with a lamb's lettuce salad made with crispy fried artichokes, served with a roasted garlic hummus.

Lambs Lettuce and Crispy Fried Artichokes

We then sampled the Potato and Onion Encrusted Halibut, with forest mushroom ragout, and asparagus tips truffle.This was easily the cowboy's favorite of the night, though he was skeptical of the potato and onion mix crust, he devoured it and declared it a winning combo!  And lucky me, because he's neither a mushroom or asparagus lover, I got to have double helpings of those sides, mine and his! Just look at the broth below...and you'll get an inkling of how yummy it was!

Potato and Onion Encrusted Halibut

Next on the menu was Roasted Hangar Steak, served with pommes frittes, roasted pears, and stringed beans. This was easily one of our groups' favorites items of the night. Cooked perfectly to a medium rare, and sliced diagonally, it was truly a flavorful cut.

Roasted Hangar Steak

Next on our tasting was the Pork Schnitzel with cucumber salad mustard honey pan roast. This was one of my favorites of the night, the delicate crust outside was a great contrast to the tender pork cutlet inside. The cucumber salad was a tangy cole-slaw like side, and added a bright flavor profile to the dish.

Pork Schnitzel

Last up for entrees was Chicken Fried Chicken, a crispy Amish Chicken breast, with black pepper gravy, and cinnamon spiced carrots. This was hands down my favorite! I think it was probably the BEST fried chicken I've ever had. Crispy well seasoned crust on the outside, and moist and juicy chicken on the inside
.

Chicken Fried Chicken

A recurring theme for all of the food served was the perfect crusty coating allowing all of the food to stay flavorful. Bistro B scores high on "the sear" and "crust" allowing all of the proteins to retain their natural juices and flavors.

Last, was coffee and dessert, and Bistro B scored high there, too! Miniature French coffee presses were delivered to our tables, along with a butterscotch pudding, flour-less chocolate cake, baked on premise Madelines, and vanilla bean ice cream.

HEAVEN on a plate!

A wonderful happy ending to an equally wonderful meal!

Bistro B - Coffee and Dessert

This will certainly be one of our "must stops" when in the area, and we are already planning a return trip there!

Service was friendly, knowledgeable, and full of recommendations on additional items we should experience on our return trip (the duck confit!).

Bistro B is easily accessible from Connecticut's I-95, and, when we were there on a Tuesday evening, there was plenty of on street parking available.

I hope Bistro B will be a "must stop" for you too!

Open Tuesday-Saturday for dinner only 5-11 pm.

Closed Sunday and Monday

Bistro B - American Bistro and Wine Bar

1006 Broad Street

Bridgeport, CT 06604

203-908-4224

On the Web: http://www.bistrob.net/ 

And just prior to our visit to Bistro B, we stopped into their sister restaurant Barnum Publick House.
Check out our info from Barnum, HERE

Disclaimer: We were invited to this promotional  sampling at Bistro B by members of Bistro B's Management and Marketing Team, however, the views and opinions expressed herein are our own.