City Winery

Highlights: Great place to see music
Lowlights: Out of most red wines
Price: Dinner; Cheese 3 for $15, add'l $4, Salami 3 for $18, add'l $4, Crostini $7-8, Flatbread $14-18, One Size $7-18, Two Size $20-22, Vegetable $8
Snouts: 2 out of 5
Location: 155 Varick St. @ Van Dam, (212) 608-0555, www.citywinery.com

I had interviewed at City Winery back in 2008, so ever since it opened I've been curious to see how they are managing without me. Some friends and I went on Friday for dinner and to check out the musical performance. First off, it's a great place to see a show which is not surprising considering City Winery was conceived by  Michael Dorf, founder of the Knitting Factory. Most tables have direct views of the stage, and if your view is obstructed, the venue wasn't so crowded that  you couldn't move. Another great thing is the price, $20 per person with no table minimum. But where City Winery excels with their musical endeavors, it comes up short on the food and wine.


It was a bit annoying that before we even ordered the wine, we were informed that about 5 of the 8 or  9 reds were not available due to the fact that they are changing their menu next week. Not really what you expect from a place promoting itself as a winery.  I was curious to try the house made wine and had a taste of their syrah which was very young, too much so for my palate. I settled on an Italian wine which was full bodied and paired well with my strip steak. The food is fine for a music venue, but falls short if they want to be regarded as a dining destination. Other menu items we had were a decent Mushroom Pizza, standard Sea Bass with fennel and polenta cake and mustardy roasted Brussel Sprouts. The menu is split into ones and two, another way of saying small v. large plate. I'm a bit tired with this concept. Ususally I just want to order my meal and not worry if it's going to be enough food. And I'm not always in the mood to share or compromise what I am eating. (bitchy, but honest!) Next time I'll opt for cheese from Murray's, since you can't ever go wrong with that choice.

I can recommend City Winery to hear music, but if you go, eat dinner elsewhere.