Big Fat Wine

My brother and his wife invited us out to celebrate their 21st wedding anniversary at Chopstix in Tacoma, WA. Since it is located near Cork (one of our favourite wine bars) and Jazzbones on 6th Avenue, we knew right where it was located.

Given its close proximity to Cork, I probably never would have ventured inside,  expecting  just a mellow candle lit place to listen to Burt Bacharach (not that there’s anything wrong with that). What a fun place to bring your friends and family! I am still astonished at how packed this place was at midnight and happy to hear they actually stay open until 2am on Saturday night. Admittedly, we were not raising our hands to volunteer our talents upfront, but if you bring an open mind, some drink money and a few crazy friends, you won’t be disappointed. They played a variety of tunes from Bon Jovi to Neil Diamond and yes, even some Beastie Boys. The food was not inexpensive but fairly priced. I had the “New York State of Mind” and the rest had the “Seafood Mornay”. Great tasting dinner but the portions left us wanting more. Perhaps that is best considering our “American Style” appetites. The waitstaff was very friendly and instictively knew when we wanted attention.

Not being a wine-centric bar, I was not expecting much, but one of the house reds was really enjoyable. The Sycamore Lane Cabernet is a foodservice-only wine made by the Trinchero Family Estates in California. An enticing aroma of red cherries and vanilla with herbal tones really enhanced everything we had for dinner. It was medium bodied with light tannins and well balanced. We were pleasantly surprised and thirsty! Luckily, we didn’t partake in more than a few glasses, otherwise we would have been up on the piano strutting to “Blue Suede Shoes” or something equally revealing! Maybe next time.

Chopstix – Tacoma
2702 6th Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98406

253.627.7555
tacomainfo@chopstixpianobar.com

General Manager – Jasmine Baker

Here is just a sample of what you can expect at Chopstix in Tacoma!

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We have been trying to hit as many new clubs, tasting rooms and wine bars as possible, but after a long hot (95 degrees at our house) Saturday we just wanted to sit down in an air-conditioned comfortable spot for a bite to eat and a glass (or 6) of wine.

Cork! A Wine Bar in Tacoma was our first thought.  I know that we have talked about this place before so I won’t go into all the fall-de-rall.  Cork! never seems to disappoint.    Nick is friendly and knowledgeable and just plain nice to be around.  The staff is always present but doesn’t hover.  The cheese plate hit the spot (you have to try the Oregon Bleu with the Root One Sauvignon Blanc).   We talked, we laughed, we drank, we ate… when we walked outside it was around 10:30 and it was still wonderfully warm… this is the life!

I have a feeling that this is the kind of place where you would feel comfortable whether this was your first tasting/wine bar or your 100th.  I highly suggest this place.  According to their website they have FREE tastings on Thursdays.  We may have to re-think our weekend focus for tastings.   Cork! has quickly become one of our favorites.  Stop by and tell Nick that Big Fat Wine sent you. While you’re there check out their awesome wine flight carriers, of all the places we have been these are the coolest we have seen.  I want one BAD!  Maybe next time we’re in we will sneak a snapshot and have one made… hmmm…

UPDATE: I found the flight carriers. Check this out!

By the way if you see a frizzy headed old hippy chick it’s probably me so come on over and say hi. And if it’s not me don’t worry about it us old hippy chicks are pretty friendly.

As Always,
Love, Laugh, Learn… LIVE!

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Saturday evening, we ventured out for someplace new. We arrived in Tacoma at CORK a wine bar! We just barely missed the live music but upon entering, we found the atmosphere pleasant and very inviting. Lots of tables spread out around the floor and since there were not alot of patrons present, we had a good selection of seating.

We ordered the First Class Flight for each of us. Three tastes galore and we enjoyed this so much. Since we are red through and through, we were ready for some swirling, smelling and slurping! Maybe I need new glasses, or subconsciously wanted to be different, but I mistakenly ordered the Root One Sauvignon Blanc with my two reds. This was not a bad mistake though! This turned out to be the best wine we ordered  that evening! The Root One Sauvignon Blanc jumped out with plenty of aroma. Apricots hit our noses right away, together with mandarin oranges and vanilla. This wine went terrific with the meat and cheese plate we ordered and made everything taste scrumptious! Especially the French Brie! We couldn’t get enough. If you have one white set aside for those warm summer days, make it this one!

The service was exceptional and everyone was very helpful. We will definitely be back. We can’t wait to bring friends and family to enjoy the comfortable surroundings. Hopefully we can enjoy the Pear, blue cheese, rosemary, and olive oil Flatbread, which they unfortunately were out of that night.

CORK is located at 3012 6th Avenue in Tacoma and parking on either side of the street isn’t much of a problem. Just plan to stay a few hours!

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