caren's wine and cheese bar

to celebrate mimi's twenty-something birthday (we have forgotten to actually count howmanyeth), we did a little something fancy at caren's wine and cheese bar in yorkville. it is a small and cozy venue with dimly lit interior which was quite romantic but very difficult to snap photos. at the entrance, there was a fresh bouquet of stargazer lilies, which we thought it was overwhelmingly sweet. if you are sensitive to scent of flowers, perhaps ask for a seat in the back. we sat right by the entrance and left with bit of headache from the smell of lilies.

the food menu was very simple. only few selection of entrées to choose from. the wine menu, on the other hand, was extensive indeed. we ordered 2008 malivoire ladybug rosé which was crisp and rich in raspberry flavour. also light-bodied with a dry finish, which i really like in rosé wines.

Spicy Baked Mac & Cheese Penne
with Sao Miguel, Cheddar, Swiss & Parmigianino - Reggiano in a spicy sauce

i had the mac&cheese. it came out sizzling hot. it was not spicy at all. very creamy and cheesy. if you are a cheese lover, this mac&cheese will satisfy your craving. i am not a huge cheese fan, but i enjoyed it.

Penne (hot)
Roasted chicken, chorizo, sun dried tomatoes & spinach, in a spicy tomato sauce

mimi, the birthday gal, ordered the penne, hot. indeed. it was hot hot hot. mimi and i shared our pasta dishes to balance the spiciness and the cheesiness. it was a perfect match. her pasta was a little undercooked, bit too chewy for her taste.

Mediterranean Shrimp Tagliatelli
Sautéed Tiger shrimp, roasted garlic, kalamata olives, tomato and finished with feta cheese

ros's tagliatelli had the best presentation of all. plump and juicy fresh tiger shrimps were mouth watering. she really enjoyed the garlic and olive oil seasoning. i guess having feta and olives make it "mediterranean", but it did not really have that "mediterranean" oomph.

the overall experience was pleasant. when we arrived, there were no male patrons and majority of the seats were filled with 40something ladies enjoying wine and cheese with their girlfriends. but later on in the evening, more couples showed up, taking that cozy and romantic window seat. i think it could be a great place for a date night. more for wine and cheese after dinner type rather than dining. they also offer home-made dessert menu and truffles are from local chocolatier couple doors down.

i would visit here again in summer to enjoy some vintage on the patio. the photos from their web looks amazing.

happy birthday mimi!

caren's wine and cheese bar
158 Cumberland Street
(416) 962-5158
www.carenswineandcheese.com

posted by rin