Barrique Kitchen & Wine Bar

This place owns rustic sophistication. The decor is a combination of wood accents and gleaming glass wine bottles. It’s an open porch type seating area that combines the best of the outdoors and indoor glam. At Barrique, you can explore their book long wine list with flights. I went on a busy Friday night. It was time for a classy night out with the girls and we were ready to dress up and hit the town. With heels, clutches and freshly styled hair, we took 95 past downtown and I-10 past Riverside to land in this somewhat further destination. Avondale’s downtown area offers some unique fine-r dining restaurants (including a slightly ritzy looking seafood place) as well as laid back options. The large Mellow Mushroom looks like a relaxing place to spend a different sort of Friday.

A Busy Spot Requires a Rezzie

My friends and I made a reservation, then sneaked one more into our party, which meant waiting a little longer and sharing a high top. All was well though. We had a moment to stop by the bar which wasn’t packed like the dining area. When we were sat, we dove into the menu to find the list of items we chose this place based on: cheese platters. Sure the wine list was great and who doesn’t love tuna tacos, but we had one goal. Also the price of small plates can quickly skyrockets. I originally was going to do a little pre-eating and have a snack before so I could splurge on my favorite item without the distraction of mind-numbing hunger. But getting ready took a while. But about the food.

The Cheesefest Beginneth

We thoroughly enjoyed ordering all the cheese and meat platters. The cheeses they have available are rich and delicious. While they might not have the largest selection, I would say each is well chosen. The only thing I was add is one more soft cheese! The prosciutto in the meat platters was also quite tasty. We cleaned the restaurant right out of charcuterie boards. The servers seems slightly taken aback, though impressed with our overall food game. When our food came, the table was decked out in these tiny wooden cutting boards. Plus the ramekins full of figs, marcona almonds, apricots and honey made the fest superb! And a few wine flights, if we’re being honest.

I also tried their cauliflower side which was tasty and perfectly cooked. Our server was extremely attentive and kept our glasses full (whether we needed water or wine). The veal meatballs were savory. The calamari had a soupy red sauce which was different than the norm but not bad. My fave detail was their small plates that are served on mini cutting boards – I wish almost all food were displayed like that. Shabby elegance is the perfect accessory for weekend dining

I will have to return to Avondale’s Barrique soon so I can explore the rest of their offerings.