Tuesday night is ladies' night in my weekly schedule. The lineup always changes, but it’s always a lovely group of lasses ready to have a responsibly good time (note, responsibly – no drunken debauchery here - usually). This Tuesday we all went down to Bacchus Secret Cellar Wine Bar located in the Quail Hill Center in Irvine. My partner in designer crime here at The OC Gazette, Sara Wilkins, works on their ad every month, and every month we look at their ad and comment on how we really need to try it out as we drool over the pictures of endless rows of glistening wine bottles. This Tuesday was the night we put our words into action.
{The stylishly cozy seating.}
{The State of the Art Wine Bar.}
I was a little wary going to a wine bar on the night of Game 3 of the NBA finals when my Lakers desperately needed a win (which we GOT! Thanks Derek Fisher, Ole’ Faithful); My panicking mind went into shock thinking of all of the horrible possibilities: Bacchus would not have a TV; Or even worse they would have a TV but the environment would be too hoity-toity-stuffed-shirt to actually enjoy it. I’ve never been so glad to have my womanly intuitions proved so horribly wrong.
As we walked in the door we were greeted by a nice young man with a great smile telling us we could sit wherever we wanted. I scanned the room and there it was, Game 3 playing on a screen by the bar (which utilizes a state of the art wine preservation system). The atmosphere was sophisticated with dim lighting, high ceilings, and stylishly comfortable nooks and tables well dispersed throughout the room to relax and socialize at. Despite it’s well furnished interior, not a stuffed shirt or air of hoity-toit was to be found. I felt instantly comfortable among the relaxed, chattering clientele and friendly staff. Maybe I was coaxed by the quiet hum of the game from the TV, or the table of purple and gold clad gentlemen in the corner of the bar; but whatever it was, Bacchus wine bar was the perfect blend of refinement and comfort.
{Sara and I with our delectable cheese and meat plate.}
We sat at a table by the TV, right behind the table of Lakers fans. Bacchus offers over 350 labels from around the world, and has 48 “on tap”, so choosing a glass was my only real problem of the night. Lucky for me they offer 12 different flights (2.5 oz. pours of several wines for a set price) for the indecisive. My friend Melissa, not the wino, was pleasantly surprised to find that they also offer dessert wines, sparkling wines and micro-brewed beers. Tuesdays are Taco Tuesday at Bacchus, two tacos and a glass of wine for only $10! Half of the girls took advantage of that delicious deal, one of us ordered a Rustica pizza (very tasty), while Sara and I ordered a meat and cheese platter with Prosciutto, Smoked Gouda, Camembert and olives and dried fruits, in true French fashion. The food was all amazing. Like a group of little birds, we picked at each others dinners, trying each plate, only pausing to laud and praise. Dinner was capped with chocolate truffles from the Chocolate Soldier in Laguna Beach, which were enjoyed while we cheered on (along with the rest of the wine bar) D-Fish and the Lakers as they held off the Celtics and regained home court advantage. The perfect ending to a perfect meal.
{Chocolate Soldier Truffles for dessert.}
If you haven’t tried Bacchus yet, I highly recommend it. The staff is friendly, inviting and knowledgeable, the food and wine is amazing, and the environment was stylish and laid back. It’s the perfect place for post-work happy hour (which they offer Monday through Thursday from 5-7pm) or a hot Friday night date (they feature live music on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights).
{Click to enlarge.}
This Thursday, join Bacchus for their Grand Opening Celebration. The party starts at 6pm and won’t stop till 10pm. There will be live music, a wine and beer garden in the beautiful courtyard overlooking the fountain and hills of Sand Canyon, and food will be provided by Quail Hill Restaurants. Say hi to our Sales Rep Wendi if you see her there!
- Amy
On my iPod: Anders Osborne's "My Old Heart"
Bacchus Secret Cellar Wine Shoppe & Bar
At Quail Hill Village Center
6735 Quail Hill Pkwy., Irvine, CA 92603
949-502-4600
hours:
M-W: 11am-10pm
Th-Sat: 11am-11pm
Sun: 11am-7pm
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