Austin TX entertainment, events, food, movies, music

Austin360 blogs > Out & About > Archives > 2008 > September > 05 > Entry

Wine Bars: Pre-Show Noshes, Part 1

By Michael Barnes | Friday, September 5, 2008, 12:30 PM

One appetizer. One glass of wine.

That’s the proven recipe for pre-show noshing in Austin. More food, more wine, and you’re likely to nod off during the first act, and you won’t revive until the fresh-air break at intermission.

Austin is home to countless bars (no kidding, we lost count) and restaurants (think Wink) where a savory bite may be obtained — in a hurry, a factor given an 8 p.m. curtain. Meet your date at least an hour in advance, preferably at the bar itself, where service is quick and departure can be instantaneous. And, if you can, pick a spot within easy walking distance of the theater, club or concert hall.

That’s a breeze downtown, given the proliferation of wine bars ideally suited to such snacking. Now, we were sad to learn that one of our discoveries, Fuego, a tiled wine paradise near the Austin Convention Center, closed its doors almost as soon as it had opened (very softly). Also, we can’t wait for Vin to open its Fifth Street location. With the original Vin on Kerbey Lane under renovation as well, when can we get our next Vin boost?

With your pre-show nibbling in mind, we asked some of our other frequently tested wine bars to suggest a signature appetizer with the perfect wine pairing. Samples to come.

Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment Categories: Food

Comments

Click here to report comment abuse.

By Alison Willis

September 7, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this

Wow. It's crazy how many new and exciting restaurants are opening their doors here in Austin. I can't wait to try all of them! I have had the pleasure of trying Vino Vino and Taste. Thanks for the heads up on these places!

By Claire Cella

September 6, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

The idea for a list of "Pre-Show Noshes," I find very constructive and valuable to both an Austinite and a tourist. You offer some sound advice on when to go and where to go in this opening post. I know it can be difficult to get the timing right in a growing city like Austin where it seems everyone had the same idea you did and thus, you end up stuck on a waiting list and missing the beginning of your show. I look forward to seeing which wine bars you chose to review.