In Vino Felicitas

Raise a glass at Swirl Wine Bar

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:22:47 -0500

I was a little bit surprised when I walked through the rain--so long freshly straightened hair--a few blocks from the Merch Mart and into the welcoming arms of Swirl Wine Bar.

I was expecting--well, I'm not sure what I was expecting. Most of the wine bars I've been to have a very obvious theme. D.O.C. is lush and richly colored with a speakeasy kind of vibe. Bin 36--clean, minimalist, all about the wine.

In Vino Felicitas

Wine: It's not just for weekends

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:43:37 -0500

Midweek Happy Hour doesn't have to mean overpriced martinis or cheap, watered-down beer. Drink your antioxidants, and this week, drag your co-workers to the local wine bar.

Here are some ideas to tempt your palate:

Tuesday (8/12)

In Vino Felicitas

Can't get away? Day-trip it to Michigan for vino goodness

Sat, 09 Aug 2008 14:16:52 -0500

My husband and I toured Napa for our honeymoon, and we try to do little mini-trips to taste the local vines wherever we are. We've done Missouri (pretty good sweet/dessert wines), Texas (definitely up-and-coming) and even Arkansas (not much to say there).

In Vino Felicitas

There's more to Geja's than great fondue

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 13:25:37 -0500

You might know Geja's Cafe (on Armitage just east of Clark) for being voted one of Chicago's most romantic restaurants, and it certainly fits that bill.

But another important attribute is its extensive and well-chosen wine list, as well as its wine-themed decor. Note the bottles that line the partitions between booths. (Please excuse the color ... it was the red "mood lighting." See? Romantic.)

In Vino Felicitas