Remember the old sitcom “Cheers” where when you walked in the door of the bar and everyone knew your name? Well, that’s kind of how I feel when walking into Vino at The Landing. And, now that I’m writing this on paper, I’m wondering if that is such a good thing to admit that the bartender says “Chardonnay?” when you walk in the door. But that is the very nature of the great customer service that owner Rick McMaster has instilled in his wine bar and it is exemplified by every one of his staff. Vino at The Landing is a hip (yes, I know I am dating myself), fun wine bar and retail shop. The atmosphere is cozy; there is a fireplace in the corner of the bar that’s perfect on a rainy evening. If you haven’t been there yet, you need to go.
It’s the perfect place to stop on the way to Regal Cinemas, for an evening out with friends, or to pick up a bottle of wine to pair for dinner or for a gift. Our favorite thing to do is go to Vino for Happy Hour and have a glass of wine and an appetizer. The menu at Vino is wonderful. A recent lunch special was a pannini sandwich and tomato basil soup. The appetizers are outstanding — our favorites are the white truffle-laced popcorn, the bruschetta and the Vino Platter — ample to share for two people. It includes cured meats—such as prosciutto, artisan cheeses, roasted red peppers, hummus, and tapenade served alongside crusty bread. Yum!
The menu also includes a wonderful selection of sandwiches, wraps, and flatbread sandwiches. On my to-do list is to order the veggie flatbread sandwich with eggplant, marinara sauce, roasted red peppers, parmesan and balsamic reduction. If you aren’t all that hungry but just interested in some serious wine tasting, you can do that at Vino too. You might get to try the “Ahead of the Curve Flight” which includes a pinot noir, a syrah and a red blend. Check out one of the truly outstanding Ahead of the Curve spots in Renton — Vino at the Landing (right on the curve of the roundabout at The Landing).
And, speaking of Ahead of the Curve, today’s the day to announce my new blog that I told you about. I’m calling it “The Edible Curve.” I will be talking about all things food-related, recipes, restaurants and how to cook with our Farmer’s Market finds. In my first blog post, I have shared my other new favorite restaurant in town—Lakeside Bistro, located in Bryn Mawr. Check out the The Edible Curve at rentonreporter.com.
Susan Bressler is involved in a number of Renton organiations, including Piazza Renton. She can be reached at scbressler@comcast.net.
