The Wine Kitchen

I am so glad wine has been increasing in popularity over the past decade. Wine bars are opening up all over the place, and I had the privelege of drinking (and eating) in one last week.

The Wine Kitchen is only 4 1/2 months old, but you wouldn't know it. The cozy space is right at home in quaint, historic downtown Leesburg. The service was polished, the wine list was the most affordable and imaginative I've ever seen, and the food was just phenomenal. I wish I lived closer; I'd be there all the time. (On second thought, perhaps it's good that Leesburg is a 25 minute highway drive away or all of my money could end up in their cash register.)

The bar always has 30 wines on tap. You can order a taste, a glass, a flight of three wines, or a bottle. You can also buy bottles to bring home. The very best part of drinking at The Wine Bar: you get a little card with your order, listing the wine's "Who, What, Where, When", as well as a description of the wine written by the folks who work there.

I had a flight of three roses, one of which was sparkling. My favorite of all three, which I then ordered by the glass, was a 2008 Antis Rose, made from the malbec grape by Antis Wines, Mendoza, Argentina. It tasted and smelled like cherries and strawberries, was well-balanced, and perfect for a warm day (which it was the day I went).

The food, as I mentioned above, was wonderful. All the dishes are small plates, so you can order one or two, or if you're starving, more. I had a harvest salad with fennel, baby artichokes, and a cumin-lime vinaigrette and seared scallops with cauliflower puree, fried capers, and a balsamic reduction. By the time dessert came around, I was feeling pretty...good. All I remember is that my dessert was chocolate.

I dined out with four friends. We lingered at our table as the non-drivers finished up their wine. Even though the place was crowded by 9pm, the owner even came over and told us not to leave until we were ready. How rare is that?! I can't wait to return, but next time, I am not driving.

Check them out: www.thewinekitchen.com.