Eat, Drink and Social at Bacchus Bar & Bistro

Driving through the rolling hills, I was quite taken by the luxurious and tranquility of the Quail Hill. The surrounding was mostly residential communities until you come upon Quail Hill Shopping Center  where Bacchus is located. Bacchus has been around for quite a few years as a ‘Secret Cellar’ and eventually evolved to a Bar & Bistro with much more to offer than just wine. Last month, September 2014, Bacchus Bar and Bistro received the 2014 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and announced the addition of a trio of new wines to its Fall lineup. Selections include Sojourn “Sangiacomo Vineyard” Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, August West “Rosella’s Vineyard” Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir, and Moshin Vineyards “Estate Grown” Russian River Pinot Noir. Chef Charity and Manager Deb created Bacchus with friends and family in mind. The comfortable sofas to relax on, the communion tables to have a friendly conversation and great food to share, it is a perfect place to EAT, DRINK and SOCIALIZE.

(Photos by Allen Taylor Photography)

There are over 350 bottles of wine from around the world. The wine bar with state of the art wine preservation system offers 60 wines by the glass. You can create your own tasting experience or choose from 12 creative flights. For beer loves, there are 6 craft beers on tap along with 20 bottled micro brews hand picked by Bacchus’ Beer Meister, Aaron. I am not much of a drinker so I opted for a bottle of Republic Darjeeling tea and a small tasting of Vie Vite Cotes de Provence Rose and Allen got a glass of Golden Road 329 Lager. To start off, we ordered a Cheese Board with 5 cheeses served with grape, guava paste and Fog & Honey Bread. The flavors were Ille de France Brie, France, Saint Andre Triple Creme, Cow, France, Le Gruyere, Cow, Switzerland, Rosey Goat, Spain and Collier Reserve Cheddar, Cow, Wales. These were all on the milder side with creamy flavors. Chef Charity runs a small kitchen, but that doesn’t hinder her from creating amazing food and utilizing locally sourced fresh ingredients. The menu offers many food plate options that are familiar and yet current. Whether paired with wine or beer, you will find your favorites across all budgets. The staff is extremely knowledgeable, so just ask. The RIOJA BRAISED LAMB QUESADILLA (white bean puree, red pepper yogurt sauce, radish pickles) was one of our favorites. The lamb was tender and flavorful tucked inside the lightly grilled crispy tortilla. The red pepper yogurt sauce was perfect with just a hint of heat. I will order this dish every time I come here.The VEAL AND FONTINA MEATBALLS (house meat sauce, Parmesan garlic bread) felt like home. It’s one of those comfort food that you could eat everyday. Not a surprise because, as we discovered,  it is from “Mama’s” secret recipe. 😉 Did I tell you I love salads? Of course I couldn’t pass off this beautiful KALE AND FARRO (broccoli, dried cranberries, pistachio, sunflower seeds, balsamic glaze, sherry vinaigrette). Fresh and light, a perfect compliment to any meal or by itself. CURED MEATS (spicy soppressata, spanish chorizo, italiam salmi, marinara, mozzarella, sliced banana peppers) flatbread is great for sharing.  The LAMB BURGER (goat cheese, roasted tomato, pickled red onions and cucumber, lemon tahini yogurt, egg bun) reminded me of the flavor of koobideh, more Mediterranean favor than American. A bit surprising, but I enjoyed it.  We chose GOAT CHEESE PANNA COTTA (fresh berries, whipped cream) to end our meal. It definitely tasted cheesy, a bit creamier and heavier than the ones made with cream. Couldn’t ask for a more beautiful ending to our delicious meal! Join Bacchus on Wednesdays for wine tastings. Live entertainment from different bands that play every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. Don’t forget to check out their Wine Club. It has many perks such as 20% off wine and beer by the glass, 10% off Bistro menu, 10% off retail bottle purchase to go and much more. There is no fee to sign up. Whether it’s a date night or a casual gathering, Bacchus offers great wine, great food and great service for you and your friends and family. When was the last time you took some time to enjoy life a little?