Baltimore Drink Examiner - My Week of Wine

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My Week of Wine

POSTED May 8, 7:41 PM

So it's been a while since I posted here, but I have a good, highly relevant excuse: I've been out every night this week! Not that I'm exactly proud of this feat... even the Drunken Intellectual needs his "me time"... but the burden of social obligation has always been mine to bear, and this week, more than usual. It all started this past Sunday evening. I was sitting at home, relaxing after an active day outside, when I received a call from a friend. She was looking to get out and pass some time away from the house, but wasn't looking to get silly. And while, to many, Sunday should be a day of rest, to some... including me... a nice, slow evening spent with a few glasses of wine does not mean you are "drinking" on a school night. I therefore joined my friend on the quest for wine in our neighborhood. Quite naturally, this search ended at the lovely oenophilic haven on Canton Square... Helen's Garden. That night I was reminded how much I enjoyed the fermented grape. From that point, I found another few glasses on Tuesday night after a filling meal of steak with my boss, and then enjoyed some Sangria and white wine with friends at a dinner party last night. Hence... my week of wine.

Now, as a slightly heavier drinker than most, I probably tend towards beer and liquor more than wine. However, I do come from a family of Swiss vintners... and I could hardly call myself an intellectual if I didn't occasionally partake in the fruit of the vine. Therefore, I am comfortable in the realm of wine. Still, if I hadn't spent several of my college years waiting tables in some of Louisiana's finer dining establishments, it is likely I wouldn't know much about the finer points of the genre. As it is, I know just enough to be dangerous. Meaning... I know what I like and don't like. I can describe a wine when I'm drinking it... is it spicy? ...tart? ...oaky? And there are a few labels for which I have developed an affection. However, I'm no Al Spoler (host of "Cellar Notes", WYPR's weekly wine review) and I don't buy wine by the case. In fact, I rarely drink at home, preferring to save my wining for dining. So it definitely helps to know a few restaurants where I can find a nice, meaty Cabernet, or a place I can sit outside on a summer's evening with a light Pinot Grigio. Here are just a few of the places I've been where the wine selection is excellent and, more importantly to a rookie like myself, the staff is knowledgeable...

Helen's Garden - The first place I choose to visit in my 'hood, Helen's Garden offers an excellent selection, with a friendly staff and a legion of regulars. Plus their wine happy hour at the bar is a great way to try a variety wines with little risk. Oh, and the food's delicious too... always helps to have a friend who's a chef. ;)
Chesapeake Wine Company - This is less a restaurant, and more a wine shop, but don't let that dissuade you. There are many good wines here, with excellent descriptions accompanying each bottle. And feel free to grab a table or a seat at the bar for some wine by the glass and a light meal of hors d'oeuvres and the like. And no, I didn't have to spell-check that word, either...
Grand Cru - Located in Belvedere Square, near the historic Senator Theatre, this place offers a nice array of wines and a palate-pleasing menu of appetizing fare, all in an upscale setting with pub-level prices. I'm partial to the cheese plate, but I could say that about any of these places. I freakin' love cheese.
The Wine Market - Don't let the name fool you... in my eyes, this is an exceptional restaurant with a wine bar thrown in as a bonus. In addition, the wine shop is phenomenally well-stocked, so you don't have to leave and never taste that amazing Malbec again. Definitely a favorite, this South Baltimore gem is well equipped to make any occasion that much more special. (That means it's good for dates.)
Tapas Teatro - Now this is what movie-going is all about. I look forward to those Saturday evenings in the summer, enjoying a glass of sweet, sweet Riesling and a plate of tapas at an outdoor table before heading into the Charles Theatre next door to catch the latest indie flick. And maybe we can swing back afterwards for a glass at the bar to talk about the movie? Sounds good to me...

Well, I hope I haven't overloaded you with reading material... like I said, it's been a while! But I definitely felt like I was leaning too heavily on the beer angle for the last few weeks. Glad I could break it up with a little vino for you (and me). So here's an assignment for you, kids: Tell me about your favorite bottle, or your favorite place to drink or shop for wine. I am hardly the expert I may pretend to be in front of the ladies, so I can use all the help I can get... Thanks in advance, everyone!

Mark Burlet
Drunken Intellectual

Categories: bars , wine , restaurants

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Mark Burlet
Mark Burlet frequents the Baltimore bar scene with a mission of uncovering all that is new and unique. From a grasshopper martini to a billowing microbrew, Mark will sacrifice his stomach and senses all in the name of research. Night crawlers beware.