Phoenix Arizona Wine Bars: Postino Wine Cafe and the Kaz Bar
by Liz Suto
 |
Raise your hand if you are one of those people who pick up their bottle of wine at Safeway, and stash it in the refrigerator until that Saturday night steak dinner. Sure, it’s less expensive to break open a bottle of wine at home. I’m the first to admit that there is an open bottle in my refrigerator, with the tannins and bouquets just wasting away. However, we home-wine-drinkers are missing a wine experience that can’t be replicated at the kitchen table, and that is the Wine Bar. A great Wine Bar fuses atmosphere, wine and cuisine into an enjoyable evening that doesn’t need to be combined with a movie or any activity with the word "family" in it. For wine lovers, we’ve chosen two great places for Vino-tasting. Both have great wine and cuisine, but the atmosphere of these two Wine Bars is totally different.
For me, a little wine goes a long way – too long without food. Appetizers and light meals make a great accompaniment to an evening with wine, especially when fresh ingredients are prepared in a creative way. One of my favorite selections that go with wine is bruschetta, and some of the best bruschetta is at a Wine Bar in Phoenix called Postino Wine Café. Order the popular bruschetta sampler plate, and you get to choose from a list of topping combinations.
Housed within an old Post Office with its glass "garage doors" opening onto an expansive deck, Postino brings the outdoors in. "Light and Airy," might describe the surroundings best, along with the feeling that you might have stumbled on "the place to be." Cushy sofas beckon, along with a bar and individual tables.
Although the wine-by-the-glass selection is not extensive, Postino does have a fair amount of interesting choices. Arrive early on Saturday evening to get a table, or you may have to wait.
After the sun goes down, head over to Old-Town Scottsdale, a 15-minute drive from Postino. Old-town Scottsdale is far from deserted on weekend nights, with nightclubs on every block. Wine-lovers looking for a more subdued evening should head to the Kazimierz World Wine Bar.
"The Kaz Bar," is modeled after the old speakeasy bars in the mid-20’s, when alcohol consumption was illegal, but wildly popular at the same time. Located between 6th Avenue and Stetson drive, there is no street entrance. Park on Stetson Drive, and follow the outdoor corridor to the back of the building, until you reach a wooden door with nothing but a sign that says "The Truth is Inside."
Truth be told, all this secrecy made me feel like the local mafia might be hanging out here, but hey, a little mystery makes life interesting.
The dark intimate environment, along with comfortable chairs and sofas beckon a serious conversation and a lingering that just can’t be replaced at some of the noisier valley bars. The Kaz Bar entices you to be creative in your wine selection, touting over nearly 2000 wines, including Red table wines from Portugal, rare blends from Lebanon, and dessert wine from Arizona. And you might have to stay a while if you order one of the over 20 wine flights, a wine tasting smorgasbord. Plus, coinciding with the opening of the hybrid Japanese tapas bar, Sea Saw, located next door, the Kaz Bar also carries group of premium chilled sakes by the bottle.
During a lull in the conversation, you may notice that the music is very "worldly" as well, with Irish, jazz, big band, and some flavors difficult to pinpoint.
The food selection is extensive here, because any good wine bar owner knows that food and wine complement each other. The signature selection is the Egyption Flatbreads, which look like pizza but are oh, so much more. The toppings are meant to go with wine, like the "Barossa," with pancetta, onion, apple, gorgonzola and rosemary, or the "Baja," with chipotle-orange rock shrimp, buffalo mozzarella, pepitas, smoked Gouda, and cilantro. Another delectable dish designed for sharing (sparking a good moment to cuddle next to your date, even if it is your spouse), is the 3-cheese fondue, served with bread and apples.
Postino Wine Café
3939 East Campbell
Phoenix, Arizona
602-852-3939
Kazimierz Wine Bar
7137 E. Stetson Dr., Scottsdale,
480-946-3004
www.kazbar.net
Copyright © 2006 by Liz Suto. Liz Suto is a professional writer, real estate agent and Anthem Arizona resident. Look for her articles at the PhoenixAz Insider website and in Phoenix area magazines and newspapers.
