Hard as it is to believe, Vinz Wine and Dine is nearing the end of its fifth season of providing a cozy, convivial spot to unwind at day’s end for an ever-growing cadre of regulars.
It was five Novembers ago that proprietress Zandra Simm opened an intimate drinking and dining spot in the atrium at Pelican Plaza, and set out to prove that this was just what the island – particularly the northern end of the island – had been waiting for.
Prove it she did. Today, this casual yet classy spot seems like it has been part of the island place-to-go-after-work dining scene forever (in the perilous restaurant world, five years is forever).
With a musician du jour holding forth either in a corner of the wine bar or in the atrium, dozens of patrons drop by regularly in the early evening – some just for a glass of wine or cheese plate, some to dine light on delicious soups and flatbreads, some to enjoy a full dinner.
We fit into the latter category when we arrived shortly before 7 p.m. last Thursday. It was a gorgeous night, warm but with a nice breeze, and we quickly decided to take full advantage of the spring weather and dine in Vinz’ courtyard.
We started the evening with glasses of chardonnay. For appetizers, my husband and I opted to share the large beet and walnut salad ($16, but plenty for two), and our companion went for the soup du jour ($8).
The salad, a mix of organic greens and arugula with slices of beets, chevre goat cheese and crunchy candied walnuts, was dressed with a fig balsamic vinaigrette. The homemade chicken noodle soup was delicious.
Then for main courses, I ordered the evening’s special entrée, short ribs ($27), my husband chose the wild Alaskan salmon ($28), and our companion settled on the chicken pesto quesadilla ($15).
The red wine braised beef short ribs were very tender, and were served with tasty blue cheese grits and roasted broccolini that was a bit overcooked. My husband’s pan seared salmon was grilled rare, as he likes it, and was accompanied by sautéed spinach and broccolini. Our companion gave high marks to her quesadillas, served with sour cream and salsa,
For dessert, we chose the pound cake with lovely fresh strawberries and whipped cream ($8). A great way to conclude the meal. On previous occasions, we also have enjoyed the very tart Key Lime pie.
A full dinner for two with a couple of glasses of wine can easily hit $100, but if you opt to dine on salads and small plates or flatbreads, your tab is more likely to run in the $70-$80 range.
If in five years you haven’t yet discovered Vinz, give it a try at the end of your next stressful day. It is never too late to find a good place to decompress.
I welcome your comments, and encourage you to send feedback to me at [email protected].
The reviewer is a beachside resident who dines anonymously at restaurants at the expense of this newspaper.
