Finally, the post you've all been waiting for: Bob Ganoosh's review of the newest addition to the Baltimore eats & drinks scene - 13.5% Wine Bar on the Avenune (W. 36th St.) in Hampden! The new wine bar opened its doors on Friday the 10th, and we were there to check it out.
The bar opened at 6pm, and by the time we got there at 7pm the place was packed. The owner Wayne greeted us at the door, saying "we're packed but go wherever you can find space!" There was about a 30 minute or so wait for tables, which we suspect will be on a seat-yourself policy on less busy nights. While we nursed glasses of blush from our first bottles of wine, awaiting our table, we admired the ambiance, which was very hip and modern, but managed to also incorporate the rustic aspects classic of Hampden (such as the stone wall, which was new, but still a very nice touch). One of the members of the group, and regular blog commenter "Barget", became particularly excited when they turned on the orange glowing lights that illuminated the whole bar.
Our party fluctuated between 6 and 7 people, which made seating a little challenging on this opening night, but we managed to get a table with little drama (just a bit of patience). Our server Megan was very nice, and despite it being the establishment's first day in business, she was very knowledgeable of the menu (both food and beverage). Whatever she didnt know, she referred to the resident wine expert, who was running around answering questions and keeping things in-check.
The menu consisted of a list of paninis, all priced at less than $9, and a selection of mediterranian tapas dishes. Everyone ordered a panini with the exception of Barget, who ordered the antipasta plate. Each of the paninis was different, offering various combinations of italian meats, cheeses, veggies, and spices. Everyone enjoyed the paninis thoroughly, and it was the general consensus that the portion was well worth the modest price. They are generally served with potatoes, but they were totally out by the time we ordered, so we'll get back to you on those. They were also nice enough to give Bob Ganoosh a very nice salad with Italian Bacon, in lieu of the potatoes. As for the antipasta plate, Barget finished every bite. I tried a small piece of one of the imported cheeses, which at least seemed of much higher quality than one usually gets on an antipasta plate. Overall, the food was excellent.
As for the wine, we were generally pleased with this aspect as well. They have a decent list of wines sold by the glass, and a huge variety of wines available by the bottle. The bottles can be bought for carry-out (like your local wine store), or opened to drink in-house (subject to an $8 corkage fee, regardless of the price of the bottle). We ordered several bottles, including 2 different blushes, a very smooth red, and a sweet Moscato for dessert. The staff was very prompt with refilling our glasses (they kept the lighter wines chilled and refilled them for you).
We were also given a free sample of their desserts, due to an error in the kitchen. They were offering 2 desserts that night, which to our understanding were not their regular menu items, but were prepared for opening night by the owner of the Puff's & Pastries Bakery in Hampden. Our sample included a cream puff filled with fresh peaches, which was delicious; and smoked applewood bacon covered in chocolate, which was... interesting (I wouldn't say it was my "cup of tea," but definitely worth trying!). The quality was superb; however, we are interested to see what their regular menu desserts will be like.
Due to the large amount of merriment and drinking we did that night, I did not do a good job keeping track of the price of each bottle we drank. But I will say that for 6 people eating and drinking, our bill came out to less than $150 ($25/person). Not bad, given the amount of wine we drank. The only disappointment as far as price is concerned, is the $8 corkage fee, which I found to be a little more than "nominal" (as the website described it). The establishment claims to focus on more budget-friendly wines that are as tasty as more expensive wines - although there are bottles available in excess of $100, everything we drank was under $20. Given that, the $8 fee represented a pretty significant mark-up on each of our bottles. We suggest, perhaps, a percentage corkage fee, maybe with a "not-to-exceed" amount for the pricier bottles. But regardless, overall we found the evening to be pretty reasonably priced given the amount we consumed.
We feel 13.5% would be a very fun place for a large group; however, given the size of the place, a group larger than 6 would probably have trouble finding a place to sit at peak times. So, large groups would probably have more luck on a Wednesday night than a Friday night. And the staff will definitely be as accomodating as possible, based on our experiences.
So, Team Bob Ganoosh happily gives Hampden's newest addition its Seal of Approval, and recommends to anyone who hasn't checked them out yet, to give them a visit.
And, after seeing how busy they were on Friday, and how people basically flooded the gates as soon as the doors opened: I think it is safe to say that for high-end establishments in Hampden - IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY WILL COME!
I love being right!
13.5% Wine Bar
1117 West 36th Street
Baltimore, MD 21211
410-889-1064
Editor's Note: Please see our update to this review written December 29, 2010.
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