The month of August has been a lovely blur of dining out multiple times week, celebrating both my birthday and many friends’ birthdays as well. And as much as I would love to blog about every new menu I’m trying, the reality is that perhaps ten percent of my dining experiences are featured on my blog. This is one of the months though, where there have been so many great hits I feel compelled to share, that I might be playing catch for the next month or so.
First up on my list is a new wine bar from winemaker Mark Bright, co-founder at Saison Hospitality (Saison, Saison Winery, Angler). Located down the block from two Michelin-starred Saison is the two-part concept Saison Cellar and Wine bar. Marketed as “affordable luxury,” the wine bar is a sleek space, with deep blue walls and taxidermy. I didn’t know I was into sexy modern, hunting cabin vibes, but I’m a new fan.
Wine enthusiasts will be excited to see a large selection of wines by the glass, ranging from $11 to $90, many of which you would usually only be able to purchase by the bottle.
Along with the great wine is a concise, but excellent French food menu. Diners can snack on a strong cheese and charcuterie selection including Maison Nico pâté en croûte, to an instagrammable caviar parfait a la Mina, with layers of créme fraîché, smoked salmon, and egg.
The traditional croque monsieur (ham and cheese sandwich) is perhaps the best I’ve tried, with an option to add shaved perigord truffle. And you can’t go wrong with classics like bread and butter, featuring Tarts de Feybesse levain bread, or truffle fries.
Dessert was also memorable – I loved both the cherry gâteau basque with cherry ice cream, and the stone fruit financier with sour cream mousse and vanilla ice cream.
I thought the service was impressively polished just a month after opening. Sommelier Paul Carayas and team were personable and made the affordable luxury experience very approachable as well.
Next to the wine bar is Saison Cellar, a private members club with access to climate-controlled personal wine storage. They are offering a founding cellar membership, with storage for up to 78 bottles, a $5000 dining credit, private cellar space access for hosting small groups, and first access to special events by Saison Hospitality group restaurants.
