Wine Bar of the Year
Bar Avignon wins the first ever “Wine Bar of the Year” for simply being very, very good at the basics- great wine selection, surprisingly good food, a warm, sultry atmosphere, and knowledgeable service that makes you feel as if you have your own personal sommelier (because you do!).
To me, a great wine bar has two requisite necessities- good wine and romantic atmosphere (see better pictures on the website). Everything else is gravy. However, Bar Avignon has it all with really good wines by the bottle and a varied glass pour list ranging in price from $7-$11 (including quality sparkling wine).
In fact, I’m not sure Bar Avignon is really just a wine bar at all, as the food has evolved from small plates centered around charcuterie and cheese, to a new chef who provides entrees like roasted chicken for $14.
We started with the Netarts Bay oysters with champagne mignonette, perfectly paired with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. Next, The house made chicken liver mousse is spectacular, and you receive a generous rounded ball for $5. It is served with a delicious onion jam. With the chicken liver we chose an organically raised bresaola, and a sharp, raw cow milk cheese. Randy recommended the Kermit Lynch imported Beaujolais. The focus on seasonal, local quality food is unusual in a bar of any sort, and the winter vegetable salad with hazelnut fig dressing as a third course was spectacular.
New Category for 2010 Awards: "Best Ever Chicken Liver Mousse"
If you feel the need to be gluttonous (like we did!) the orecchiette pasta with brussel sprouts and tomato sauce is hearty and flavorful. Overall, the food at Bar Avignon has very good QPR.
We loved how Randy matched the wine with our food, and we felt like our “personal sommelier” helped craft a delicious dinner pairing. In addition to great food and wine, Bar Avignon occasionally has special tastings in the back room like the Beaujolais Nouveau tasting last fall.
This year’s Wine Bar of the Year was certainly deserving due to the quality wine, food and exceptional service. We had a wonderful experience and will be back often as it’s a perfect date-night destination.
Bar Avignon
2138 SE Division Street
Portland, Oregon, 97202
503-517-0808
www.baravignon.com
