As reviews go, this one was pretty easy. The new Nowhere Wine Bar is just a few metres from the Edify office. And, since I picked a very, very rainy day to review the new spot, well, let’s just say the location was a fringe benefit.
Tucked in a corner of the MacLaren building at the corner of 124th Street and 102nd Avenue, the small wine bar offers picture windows that look onto the street. My wife and I got a great view of the construction going on at the moment, but, in months to come (we hope) what you’ll get is a pretty great streetscape. There are rough-edged wood tables that offer communal spots for friends to gather — it’s the kind of place that can stand as a place to get together as a group, or to visit as a couple.
The menu is meant for sharing; chef Filliep Lament’s offerings aren’t overly complicated, but they are elegant — and meant for pairing. My wife and I shared the asparagus salad, which had the crunch of almonds, radish and a garlic-shallot vinaigrette that added the appropriate measures of sharpness and tang to the overall package.
Then, we got the chip stack. Yup, elevated potato chips, folks. If your idea of elevating potato chips was plunging them into a sour cream dip, think again. These ridged chips were served with pickled red peppers, truffled Manchego cheese and prosciutto. So, you’re drinking a nice, full-bodied red, and it’s coming after the earthy tones of the cheese, the richness of the cold cuts and the tart-sweet blast from the pickled peppers. I think, once you’re inspired by this, you might try this at home next time you’re looking for something to snack on during the game or a Netflix night.
As well, there was Glass Tiger playing while we were there, part of a mix of ’80s hits that were on in the background. And now I can’t get that Glass Tiger song out of my head. “Someday, you’ll be shedding your tears, to cry over me.” Since I can’t get it out of my head, I am going to the next best thing: I am going to put that damn song in your head.
Nowhere Wine Bar
Oliver | 12315 102 Ave NW | nowherewinebar.com
