Guest post by BeccaBrinton and I decided to take advantage of a night out without the kids and went downtown last night.
We were looking for somewhere we could sit outside and not feel rushed. We went into the Omni Hotel (which is really amazing) and looked through their lobby of restaurants and bars only to decide that we wanted to patronize a local restaurant. The Omni was a bit too corporate for our mood.
We decided on Zambrano's, the local wine bar started by Cef Zambrano. Cef was the Somelier at Del Friscos before starting his own place -- and it is enjoyable to learn from someone who really has a passion for what he does --seriously guys, forget Wine Styles! Zambrano's, is the real deal. I was in the mood for a Rose, but did not know which one. The waitress retrieved Cef and he told us about some bottles he had in his cellar which were very reasonably priced at $25 per bottle. We chose the Sawyer Rose of Merlot from Napa and loved it! In fact we loved it so much we finished the bottle. (Editors note: just one?) For a meal we had an appetizer, and split the Garden Vegetable Pizza and Creme Brulee. Total cost: about $60.00.
Brinton and I have been visiting wine bars lately looking for a place we feel comfortable. We did not like Winslows. I wanted to leave the minute I arrived because it is too pretentious. I didn't feel like I could drop in casually with Brinton and just get a drink. On our last visit, we asked the manager/owner(?) for some help in choosing a wine and were told, in so many words, to buy the most expensive wine on the menu. When we told him our budget, he demured and suggested we buy wine by the glass. Not quite what I was looking for. We finally chose a moderately priced wine on our own and purchased it by the glass. We were approached more than once about buying the bottle. Needless to say we bolted as soon as we were done.
We have tried Wine Styles which is fine, but I don't really like the chain feel. Wine Styles is a franchise, and feels like it.
Put a Cork in It, on Park Hill, is cute but I received no help in the wine-choosing. I was overwhelmed by all the wines, and started wishing I was at Costco where I could check the ratings.
Pop's Safari is great --love the comfortable chairs! But I could do without the heavy cigar smell. I have to wash everything when I get home because the smell is so strong.
We will definitely go back to Zambrano's. The service was exactly what I was looking for. Also, Cef is licensed to sell retail, so you can call him for a special party, or have him hand pick a wine within your budget.
Z WINE CELLAR
910 Houston Street
Suite 110
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Phone: (817) 850-WINE Hours:
Mon-Thurs (4:30 pm - 11 pm)
Friday (4:30 pm - 1 am)
Saturday (4:30 pm - 1 am)
Closed Sundays
http://zambranowines.com/
6 comments:
I while heartedly agree with you on Zambrano's. My husband and I attended the Valentines Day dinner and were very pleased not with just the wine parings, but the food as well. We go back as often as we can. In fact, we're going there for a low-key anniversary dinner next WED. We always enjoy ourselves when we're there and Cef is wonderful. :)
Editor's Note: Becca did mention to me on the phone how much she liked the food as well as the drinks. Thank you.
I was glad to read this review. My girlfriends and I go out about once a month and we were talking about Winslow's for next month...now I know to steer us towards Zambrano's!
Sunni,
You will love Zambrano's! Let Cef know that you read this blog-he will be sure to make your experience unforgettable.
Times Ten Cellar is a great Wine Bar in Fort Worth, great wine and great service! MY friends and I go on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, and last time we were there we asked to tour the back where the wine is made and they were more than happy to show us around and tell us how it is made.
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