EAST COUNTY EATER - THE VINE WINE BAR & BISTRO: VINTAGE CHARM IN ALPINE

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2502 Alpine Blvd., Alpine CA 91901
(619)722-7046
www.visitthevine.net

April 1, 2009 (Alpine) — Let me recommend a sure-fire place to unwind. The Vine Wine Bar & Bistro in Alpine is situated in a cozy wooden building with hand-hewn beams and split-rail trim, reminiscent of places sure to be found in the back-closets of our memories. Places surrounded by trees and cool running creek water. How could you not feel comfortable in a restaurant that has a tree growing up through the middle of the bar and a huge river-rock fireplace warming the place?

When I need to relax and escape the pressures of today’s tough times, I can’t afford to waste my time or money. Fortunately, the Vine Wine Bar & Bistro has not only a friendly atmosphere, but also a delightful array of food and more than 60 vintages of wines. Every item is hand-made from scratch. A popular item is the cheese platter, which includes fruits and tangy sauces. I’ve also savored the antipasto salad and the best fish tacos in town. (Check out “Taco Tuesdays” for great bargains.) Another favorite is a chicken salad sandwich on raisin-walnut bread from Dudley’s, East County’s famous bakery. Or opt for a tasty array of soups, salads and main dish fare ranging from Shepherd’s Pie to steak and seafood.

If you stop by in the afternoon, you can savor peace and quiet in secluded nooks –and the only TV is usually turned to the food station, with the volume off! If a livelier scene is what you’re after, stop by on an evening when Paul Nichols and Cynthia Burnham are performing. Paul’s bluesy acoustic slide guitar style and foot-stomping accompaniment suits the environment here perfectly; when he and Cynthia sing a duet, the music is sweet, pure and lyrical.

What more could you ask for when you need a little relaxation and diversion? Getting friends of the East County Eater and fans of East County Magazine together at the Vine Wine Bar & Bistro for a special after-work interlude! Michele Little, gracious owner, has agreed to open her restaurant just for us on Monday, April 20th from 6 to 8 p.m.—and you’re invited. Reserve early! The place only seats 50.

RSVP to (619)316-0657 or writerink@cox.net. Make checks payable to our publisher, Heartland Coalition-ECM, and mail to: attention Miriam Raftery, East County Magazine, 4438 Hideaway Place, La Mesa, CA 91941.

The $25 price will include tasting of three red and three white wines (beer lovers can substitute a favorite ale). Michele will provide delectable munchies from the appetizer menu (a selection of great cheeses and cold cuts, seasoned nuts, fresh fruits, breads, crackers , sandwiches and perhaps some surprises. Paul will entertain in strolling minstrel fashion with blues harmonica, guitar and vocal.

We’ll have a drawing for prizes and also an East County Trivia contest. What a great way to break the ice—and get to know each other. Of course, the identity of the East County Eater will be revealed!

If you have a favorite restaurant, hide-away, bistro or wine bar east of Highway 15, bring your suggestions for a future review. I’m hoping we can make “On the Road with the East County Eater” a regular monthly event. For more details, see our flyer.

Until then—happy eating and I’ll see you in Alpine.

The East County Eater


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Comments

The wine tasting, coupled

The wine tasting, coupled with some cheese to sample whilst you tipple, sounds like an idea evening out here. I'm salivating as I type!