I went in for my annual check-up the other day and received a startling diagnosis: According to one medical authority, I am a “binge drinker”. I resent the claim that consuming two glasses of wine five times a week aligns me with the likes of Nick Nolte and Charlie Sheen. And I refuse to let my passion for wine be bridled! As such, I will be drinking wine every single day this week. And here’s how I’m going to do it:
I love people-watching on the weekends in the Central West End, and Brennan’s (4659 Maryland, 314-361-9444) is my preferred perch. It’s close enough to the action, but removed enough from nearby debauchery. Tonight I’ll opt for the Catena Malbec (I always do), but they have a fabulous wine list well worth exploring.
Now that I'm entrenched in my thirties, very few things make me clap my hands with kid-on-Christmas-morning delight, but wine festivals bring out my crazed inner child. On Saturday you will find me doing laps with gay abandon around the Uncorked Wine Festival at Soldiers Memorial from 3 till 11 p.m.
I usually entertain at my home in Benton Park on Sundays, and I power-shop for wine at Randall’s (1910 S. Jefferson, 314-865-0199). I recently discovered Tierra Prometida’s Bonarda: a sexy, sophisticated, affordable dark horse that has bested Malbec to become my favorite varietal out of Argentina.
Mondays are lazy, so I don’t venture too far from home. When you think of Soulard’s Hammerstone’s (2028 S. 9th, 314-773-5565) you don’t think of wine—and you shouldn’t. But both times I’ve ordered wine there, the glass has come so full I practically needed both hands to steady it enough to take a sip. Ten ounces of wine for $5? Yes please!
You can’t beat the Tuesday special at Frazer’s (1811 Pestalozzi, 314-773-8646) of free apps and $5 house wine (and $3 wells!). From 4 until 7 p.m., the princely hors d’oeuvres range from hummus and olives to ribs and peanut butter-bacon sammies.
With the exception of their reserve wines, Ernesto’s (2730 McNair, 314-664-4511) offers half-priced bottles every Hump Day. Pair one with a $10 cheese plate (which must include the decadent, heavenly triple-cream brie) and you’ll have a beautiful night on a budget.
Few patios rival that of Bar Italia (13 Maryland, 314-361-7010). With stellar, approachable wines by the glass on offer—Valpolicella, Amarone, Prosecco (ask for the latter with a lemon twist)—this is my top summer spot to while away a Thursday evening. If you have your dancing shoes on, stick around for International Night, which kicks off at 10 p.m. in the adjacent Luna Lounge.
