Many of you are surely 10 sips ahead of me on this, but since I’m not a frequent flier, I missed the May 2008 arrival of the sort-of-swanky Vino Volo wine-tasting bar and restaurant between concourses B and C at Philly International. (And there’s apparently another one in Terminal D that opened in December ’08, plus several others in airports around the country.) I didn’t have time to sample a flight or any of the seemingly tasty nibbles, but I snapped a couple shots (photos, that is) and chatted up a couple of bartenders.
I’m no sommelier, but the wine list seems to be well thought out, and the pricing is manageable for the diverse array of travelers zipping through the airport. Flights range from $7 to $19, with the higher-priced set featuring a $29-per-glass Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (Caymus) and a $27 Grand Cru Classé Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 (Margaux).
Nibbles include marcona almonds roasted with rosemary and a three-cheese plate, plus red- or white-specific bites that come “small” or “regular” sized and priced.
There’s also a Wine Passport Club that enables participants to have wines shipped to their homes. I honestly can’t remember where Pennsylvania stands on this, but if you’re interested in learning more, visit vinovolo.com or e-mail wineclub@vinovolo.com.
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Wine Events on the Way
Media, Sept. 24: Since I rarely give the Towne House a plug, I thought it was only fair to pump up its forthcoming wine-and-chocolate pairing. For a new twist on its always-popular Wine Night Out events, Charles Silio of Southern Wine and Spirits will join forces with Media’s own Bevan’s Chocolate. Hors d’oeuvres will also be included in this exceptionally sweet evening. Though seating is limited, it never hurts to attempt a last-minute reservation. $35. 7 p.m. 117 Veterans Square, Media. Call (610) 566-6141 or e-mail joymfox@townehouse.com.
Radnor, Sept. 25: Bring your favorite bottle to Fleming’s Steakhouse for its three-course “BYO” Wine Dinner, with free corkage and a nice-sounding spread. Here’s the menu:
• Hors d’oeuvre: Lump crab crostini with tropical pineapple and prickly pear vinaigrette
• Salad: Baby arugula and spinach salad with tea-smoked duck and goat cheese foam
• Entree: Broiled filet mignon poached in butter on roasted parsnips topped with mushroom caponata and a pomegranate glaze
• Dessert: Sour cream pound cake with poached pears and blue cheese crumbles drizzled with rosemary-infused caramel sauce
$45. Reservations by phone only. 555 E. Lancaster Ave., Radnor. Call (610) 688-WINE (9463) or visit flemingssteakhouse.com.
Radnor, Ongoing: And right next door, Susanna Foo Gourmet Kitchen is getting into the spirit of the season with 20 percent off dining and drink deals during ALL Phillies and Eagles games. You can watch the big games in high-definition on Foo’s four large-screen TVs or enjoy the 20-percent savings in the comfort of your own home via take-out.
In addition, Susanna Foo will offer half-off sushi and dumplings (starting at $3) Monday-Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. Happy-hour drink specials include $5 glasses of wine, $3 bottles of beer, and $6 cocktails.
And on Sundays, it’s BYOB with no corkage fee.
555 E. Lancaster Ave., Radnor. Call (610) 688-8808 or visit susannafoo.com.
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