Our new favorite restaurant

Last Saturday, in a belated celebration of our 30th wedding anniversary, Lynn and I made our first visit to Wine Vault & Bistro. In the course of an evening, five courses and a flight of five wines, this "break the mold" restaurant has become our new favorite.

Chris & Mary Gluck, the owners of Wine Vault & Bistro, have created a new category. The business model is as brilliant as the execution.

Our experience...we ordered the five course Chef's Tasting Menu. There was only one other choice, a cheese plate. This was the first indication that this restaurant was different. Only one choice? Keeps the food costs down, which with a $25 charge for the tasting menu, were passed along to the customer. And who would have thought that fried watermelon, served with a tomato, burrata cheese and micro-basil with a splash of balsamic vinegar, would make an appetizing appetizer? Obviously, the chef, and it worked! As did everything else on the menu. In a time when most restaurants cater to the bland, Wine Vault & Bistro ain't afraid to challenge those taste buds. The rest of the menu consisted of black truffle gnocchi, roasted poussin, brisket with spaetzle, and a flourless chocolate cake.

All accompanied by paired wines. You wander to the wine bar, located in the center of the restaurant, and dutifully hand your check-sheet to the keeper of the grape. He pours your wine in a small carafe and you march back to your table. On the check-sheet are complete, detailed descriptions of each of the wines. Keeps the chatter at the bar to a minimum.

OK, great food paired with perfectly complimenting wines. What's to not like? Well, located at 3731-A India Street, parking is a challenge, but not insurmountable.

Chris and Mary were gracious hosts and have created a wonderful experience.

We learned about the restaurant from Eddie Osterland, America's First Master Sommelier. You won't find the restaurant advertised anywhere. Strictly word-of-mouth, strictly by invitation only through their e-mail list.

If you want to experience this amazing restaurant I would recommend checking out the website, www.winevaultbistro.com and plead to be added to the mailing list.