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Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Que syrah shiraz

{flights of wine and cheese at Bin36 in Chicago}

I'm in Chicago this week for one of my company's conferences and last night took the fab assistant Kelly and our VP of sales to one of my favorite restaurants, Bin 36. They have a great wine selection and offer it by the flight, glass or bottle, as well as in their retail shop (unlike CT, where our blue laws prohibit retail sales and consumption sales under the same roof). They also have an amazing cheese bar that makes me so glad I'm not lactose intolerant. The wine flights all have clever, pun-y names and the restaurant's Wine 101 & 102 classes have converted hundreds of wine neophytes into oenophiles. The decor is very urban loft contemporary and the menu is eclectic and planned with wine pairings in mind. If you are ever in Chicago I urge you to make time to visit.
On a related note, the owner of my favorite wine shop in CT doesn't know my name and always refers to me by the name of a wine I asked him about when I first visited his shop last year. "Hi Carmenere!". I guess there are worse things than being mistaken for a delicious Chilean red.

15 comments:

Raina Cox said...

I love Bin 36 and have eaten there several times! Lucky you.

Anonymous said...

I`d let people call me pino any day :) and that resturant looks fantastic!! My hubbys from Chicago and often complains how people down here know nothing of good food...but then I take him to get some southern buscuits and gravy and he`s alright...

Anonymous said...

Mmmm, yes please. Here in Connecticut, Muffin and I met in the lobby to walk at 5:45. Yipes!

Pseudo said...

I've never been to Chicago, but you are making me wish I was yoru assistant. I could have wine and chees and bread for dinner every night. And I'm very grateful I am not lactose intolerant.

The House That A-M Built said...

My mouth is watering ... even at 5.14am. So sophisticated yet so groovy. A-M xx

Anonymous said...

That's a pretty name! Glad you're having a great time...but who couldn't have a great time with wine and cheese?! :)

I hope you don't mind, but I've tagged you on my blog!!! Have a great time in Chi-town!

Anonymous said...

I want to go there, I NEED to go there. Do they pair muffins with the flights? Just an idea. You suckered me into walking so early in the morning that I can't chance a glass of wine at night! Enjoy the rest of your trip, and have a glass for me.

Julia said...

I love that he calls you Carmenere :) That's a great wine shop! Your evening out in Chicago looks so inviting. I'll definitely have to look it up the next time we're down there!

Marie Louise said...

Oh yes please! Are you bringing home a doggy bag? Or should I say doggy bottle?

knitseashore said...

Oh, Chicago...please give my regards to the Art Institute. One of my favorite places! I will have to look for Bin 36 next time I visit. Mmmm.

Fifi Flowers said...

YUM! That all looks DIVINE! Wish I was sitting right next to that display with a glass of wine in my hands!

Bonbon Oiseau said...

That'd be a pretty good group food review blog..we can all have wine names but i like "hey chilean red!" better!
ummm, i'd be "hey Bourgogne!" but i'm flighty...

oh and i'll be on the next flight to chicago.

magpiesandmagnolias said...

Robin-

I LOVE the title of this post! And you are right, there are worse things than being mistaken for a Chilean Red. Too funny!

Ashley

essbesee said...

I love Chicago and I am loving the idea of a cheese bar. That place looks amazing. And Carmenere is a damn fine nickname to have.

word verification:

mogetmen

Alicia B. Designs said...

I love that place! My sister took me there when I was in town. TOO much fun!