DECEMBER 4, 2009 -- A group has gathered to help celebrate my sixth 29th birthday. We all enjoy wine, but have different tastes. You know how it goes—sometimes when a group of gals gets together for grape-bred libations it’s hard to agree on a bottle—or even two—for the table.
Thank goodness for the new Ultra Lounge and Wine Bar at the downtown Ivy Hotel. Both novices and oenophiles will delight at the ability to purchase a taste, half or full glass from more than 80 selections.
Tastes (1.5 ounces) range from $1.50 to $15 per glass; full glasses range from $7 to $60.
The concepts was uncorked late this year, and has been embraced by hotel guests who sip and sample before ordering a full bottle for dinner at The Ivy’s upscale restaurant, Quarter Kitchen. Premium wines like Opus One, for example, are available to guests who may hesitate to splurge without a sample taste.
“The concept allows an informed decision with a leap of faith that you may not be willing to take from a wine list,” says wine lounge director Lindsay Pomeroy.
Each member of my group purchases a pre-loaded smart card from the bartender, at our desired increments. Then, we select our stem wear of preference. The wall of wine is expansive, and it takes awhile to hone in on a favorite. With wines selected we insert our debit cards and select the pour amount: taste, half or full glass. The wine stations hold up to four bottles of wine, which allows for experimentation, and for a few of us, discovery of a new favorite label.
To enhance the tasting experience, onsite chef Nathan Coulon created a wine-pairing menu. Highlights include a prosciutto-and-arugula pizza, a chacuterie plate, blue cheese-stuffed dates wrapped in bacon with grated parmesan and duck rillets. Wine-friendly desserts include gingerbread cake with poached pears, apple and cranberry frangipane tarts and Belgian chocolate torte.
I’ll be back before my next birthday.
(The Ivy Ultra Lounge and Wine Bar is open Sunday through Wednesday from 3 p.m.-midnight and Thursday through Saturday from 3-9 p.m.)