by Bob McClain
(www.wordsmithbob.com)
12-10-05
Riverview Wine Bar

Taking Flite

I love going to the Riverview Theater. When you walk into the lobby, it literally teleports you back to the 50’s. It’s a marvelous opportunity to get out of the ordinary. And that makes for a really fun evening out. And the best way to top off the evening or start it out for that matter, is to “take flite” at the Riverview Wine Bar across the street.

What do I mean by “take flite?” The Riverview Wine Bar offers over 100 varieties of wine. And their sommelier took 50 of them, made them available by the glass, and then broke them down into wine flites so you can explore the various flavors and, quite possibly, diversify your palate without breaking the bank.

Of course, there’s a lot more to the Riverview Wine Bar than just wine. There’s beer! Forty varieties of beer, all in bottles, and either imports or microbrews. And there’s also a nice selection of Belgian beers for fans of the area. And with the Riverview Café right next door, you can get organic, free-trade coffee or tea to entertain non-drinkers.

Chefs Ryan John Gracey and Stephen Dale have stirred things up with a simple but extraordinary menu. I was fascinated by the Roasted Beet salad: Mesculin greens, bib, and watercress topped with roasted beets, green apple, toasted walnuts and Gorgonzola with curry vinaigrette for $9.00. And in the Pizza menu, “The Stephano”: prosciutto, crumbled bacon, Italian sausage, caramelized onions, pesto, Blue, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Asiago, Romano, and Provolone cheeses, on Stepho’s World Famous Red Sauce, for $10.50, sounds out of this world. What do you think? There are five different pizzas to choose from, all at $10.50.

And then there are the Specialties; Cheese Plate for $9.75, Spread Sampler for $9.25, and several other choices around the same price. Desserts are Dark Chocolate Cognac Truffles for $2.25 and Flourless Chocolate Cake with Raspberry for $5.50. The Riverview Wine Bar also runs daily specials.

The Riverview has a modern but charming atmosphere with burnt mustard walls, a wine country inspired mural, and a saucy red suspended ceiling. And there’s a “leather-lounge” in the back, near the fireplace, that’s great for friends to hang out, sip wine and share a plate.

The Riverview Wine Bar is kitty corner from the Riverview Theater at 3747 42nd Ave S. in Minneapolis. They are open Tues-Thurs from 5pm until 11pm, Fri from 4pm until 12am and Sat from 5pm until 12am. Call (612) 729-4200 for more information.

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