Libertyville's Viva le Vine a cozy spot for wine lovers
Tiny just begins to describe the wine bar in the back of Libertyville's Viva le Vine wine shop. But what the warm, inviting spot lacks in space it more than makes up for in charm.
Motif: An open curtain separates the well-lit wine shop from the darker, more romantic wine bar opened almost a year ago in the back. The walls have been painted with rich shades of eggplant, mustard and deep blue.
There are two tables of four as well as stools around an L-shaped bar. Leather chairs and a couch provide even more intimate seating in a small alcove facing the bar.
Crowd: The bar draws a mix of ages, from twentysomethings through folks in their 50s. It's a good spot to relax after work with a date or co-worker.
Service: There were two women working the night we visited; one turned out to be the owner, Marcella Olesen. She's laid-back and jovial but appears to really know her wines. We followed her suggestions and were quite glad we did.
Service throughout the night was prompt and attentive. We got a bowl of Chex Mix to snack on as soon as we sat down — and a second one when we had nibbled our way through the first.
Liquid consumption: Wine is, of course, the drink of choice with about 30 different options available by the glass on any given day. If you'd prefer a bottle from the store, you can select one for your table; there is a $10 corkage fee every day but Tuesday.
I thoroughly enjoyed my shiraz — as well as a sip from my husband's petite sirah. When we inquired about a certain cabernet, Olesen sent over samples.
Beer drinkers will find a small selection of craft beers, such as Bells Amber Ale and Dragons Milk Oak-Aged Stout. Olesen is beginning to “dabble” in martinis and introduce specialty cocktails like a recent rum punch.
Food: The menu divides between two favorite courses: appetizers and desserts. And while the tiny setting didn't inspire us to dream big foodwise, we were very pleasantly surprised — especially since we visited on a Wednesday, otherwise known as half-price appetizer night.
Our first choice found soft naan bread topped with a creamy garlic feta spread, sliced onion, spinach and olives. It was the perfect blend of tastes and textures. Other naan options were a version topped with cheeses, prosciutto, arugula and pine nuts, and another with turkey, pears and Brie. The owner, however, made everything as you waited, so she is happy to mix and match ingredients.
On her suggestion, we moved on to something called the “What the Heck, Romesco.” Olesen called it a party on a plate, and we'd agree. The main attraction was a spread made with roasted peppers, garlic and smoked paprika. Alongside the delicious spread were pieces of naan for dipping, wonderfully salty olives and a wedge of cheese.
Music: Live music is available some Saturdays, mainly piano and acoustic guitar. On other nights, the piped-in playlist is eclectic — anything from bluegrass to Michael Jackson.
Parking: There is a lot in back as well as on-street parking.
Overall: Wine bars may seem like stuffy spots; the delightful Viva le Vine is anything but.
<b>Viva le Vine</b>
338 Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville, (847) 247-0004, <a href="http://www.vlvwine.com" target="_blank">vlvwine.com</a>
<b>Hours: </b>11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday