Breakdown:
Location: Bahr Che, 26 Astor Place, call 212.260.2220 for reservations
Cuisine: Wine/ lunch/brunch/tapas
Cost: $50+ tip (depending on your penchant for wines/desserts)
Best Wine & Dish: With more than 1500 bottles of wine kept in the wine display featuring wines from all over the world, you really can’t go wrong with any selection. I highly recommend the D. Ventura “Burrato” 2008, a Ribera Sacra variety from Spain, though the menu changes all the time, so be adventurous and ask the waitresses as they are very knowledgeable about the best selections. Don’t forget to drink in your wine selection with the Lobster and Black Truffle Mac & Cheese which is heavenly.
Overall: Great intimate atmosphere and wine and tapas selection. Bahr Che is perfect for a date, girl’s night or just a small crew from the office.
Bahr Che is a new contemporary and intimate wine bar nestled in the heart of Astor Place at the ground floor of the Gwathmey Siegel apartment, featuring more than 1,500 wines from all over the world which are changed out regularly on the menu. To begin, my dinner companion and I selected two reds to whet our palate, the D. Ventura “Burrato” 2008, a Ribera Sacra varietal from Spain and the Turley “El Porron,” a Cinsault from Lodi, California. Both wines were bold in flavor, and the “Burrato” featured an extra kick with spices including tart cherries and crushed rocks which is sure to liven up any palate. The “El Porron” was light and offered an elegant and spicy flavor which pairs nicely with any selection from the tapas menu.
As we were hungry, we opted for something a little heavier than the main tapas menu as Bahr Che serves a selection of gourmet sandwiches including Croque Monsieur, Ham & Brie and a Pulled Pork. We chose the Ham & Brie and Pulled Pork which were fresh, crisp and the perfect wine companions.
To further dive into the many amazing wine selections Bahr Che has to offer, we opted next for the Biodynamic Chateau Maris La Touge 2009, a Syrah varietal from Minervois, France and the Bishop’s Peak “Talley” 2008, a Chardonnay from Central Coast, California with flavor profiles of red apples and vanilla. Both varietals kept with the mood of the evening, packing a powerful punch with their excellent, crisp flavors.
To enjoy the Chateau Maris La Touge and “Talley,” we chose a cheese plate selection of Latur from Piemonte, Italy, a blend of cow, sheep and goat’s milk cheese which was pungent, yet delicious, as well as the Scharfe Maxx from Grassbunden, Switzerland, a creamy Cow’s milk cheese and the Pecorino Oro Antico, a classic Pecorino from Tuscano, Italy. Interestingly, the cheese selections come from local purveyors in New York City including Murray’s Cheese and D’Artagnan, so you’re really enjoying fresh, local flavors.
Bahr Che also sources desserts and artisanal filtered coffees from other locals including Bouchon Bakery.
You’re truly in for a treat once you come to Bahr Che with the excellent selection of wines, tapas, cheeses and more. Come to enjoy some of the best flavors and varieties offered in the city and cheers to your experience!