The Opinionated Diner Food Review 2

When I find a restaurant that far exceeds or fails to meet my expectations, I feel compelled to share my experience in a restaurant review.  In this installment of THE OPIniONATED DINER I visited the Wine Cave at Ventura Wine Company.  



     When you walk into Ventura Wine Company you first enter a larger retail space full of selections from all over the globe.  Once you make your way through rows of wine you find yourself at a food bar and the entrance to a cave.   The set up is pretty hands on since all your wine and water is self service.  A unique wine serving station is available in the center of the cave with nearly 15 reds available and a chilled serving station on the side with 8 whites. The machines serve wine in 1-5 oz pours and deduct the cost of the pour from a prepaid wine card.  Though the menu is written on a board in chalk for you to discuss as you mingle with your wine,  you also find a leather bound menu of seasonal dishes located on each table.  I found this to be an especially cool experience that allows for people to be less intimidated by the wine experience.  Although the wine is self service, there is table service available for food and dessert as well as to discuss any wine or food related questions.  With so many wines to try and such an amazing menu to explore, The Wine Cave has something for everyone.
      
       This is my second visit to the Cave. I am a huge fan of well prepared food pared with a bounty of delicious wines and after my first experience here, there was no doubt that I would return.  New wines are introduced every two weeks and the Chef prepares new menu offerings every three weeks.  Unfortunately the amazing Tan-dory glazed chicken with apple and potato puree that I fell in love with on my first visit was no longer on the menu, we found many new items to tempt our palate.

     We decided to start with a cheese plate that came with two selections.  A simple but pleasing presentation, a great starter to lead into the seasonal menu.  

       Our first selection from the menu was a balsamic glazed chicken served on a potato and peanut butter cake, garnished with a julienned peppers and carrot slaw and the plate was finished with  pesto and balsamic reduction.  WOW.  

These pictures are not my best, just a simple point and shoot, but as this blog rolls, expect some serious mouth watering imagery.  

     Our next selection was the LaDou BBQ Pizza with the house made bbq sauce, grilled chicken, crumbled bleu cheese and romaine slaw.  WOW.

     Both of these dishes where prepared with unique components that I had not previously  experienced in similar dishes.  The peanut butter in the potato cake that was served with the balsamic chicken was such a cool introduction of both texture and flavor to an otherwise simple and traditional side dish. I found that it was more peanut than peanut butter but the crunch of the nuts and the subtle sweetness of the peanut butter mixed with the potatoes made for a delicious base for a perfectly prepared balsamic glazed chicken breast.   

      The bbq pizza was also a creative twist on a classic California favorite.  I love when you taste something pleasing but can't put your finger on what you are tasting.  From the first bite, this pizza tasted unique.   It took me a while to distinguish that it was the blend bleu cheese that cooked together with the unique LaDou bbq sauce to meld into a flavor all its own. This pizza was finished off with a cool romaine slaw which I think adds another whole level to the flavors and textures of this pizza .

Curious ingredient combinations, exciting flavors, outstanding and unique dishes.

Finally, Dessert.  

         Turns out Executive Chef Gary Daniels prepares homemade gelato from wine, fruits and fine chocolates.  I have seen homemade ice-cream and gourmet gelato, but wine driven gelato is certainly a first.  I could not wait to sample his creations.  Our selection included three flavors.  Berry Syrah, Pumpkin Jonesy Port, and Chocolate Layer Cake Zin.  Is anyone else seeing stars?  WOW.  

These gelatos where rich, creamy and full of layers of flavor.  For any food connoisseur or sweet specialist, these should not be missed.  In the end, my favorite was the Chocolate Layer Cake Zin because of all of the chocolate shavings blended in the gelato.

If no one else was counting, that was a total 3 WOWs.  

Though I have only sampled a small selection of the dishes from the Wine Cave kitchen, chef Daniels' highly skilled preparations and his overtly creative menu will keep me coming back.  The entire experience was awesome from self guided wine tasting in a casual and social setting and the fantastic food to the open atmosphere that encourages interactions between the chef's and wine staff, and the guests.

     This specialty wine shop and restaurant far exceeded my expectation and comes highly recommended for a culinary treat as well as an opportunity to taste some fantastic wines in a unique yet casual and unpretentious setting.

Watch the hours as the Cave is closed on Mondays. 

The Ventura Wine Company is tucked into the northeast corner of  Telephone and McGrath in the business park.  The signage is simple and it is easy to miss.  Enjoy.