VINZ WINE BAR (NO WINE)

Thanks for stopping by to read mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog.  Kirk is having some technical difficulties, while Ed (from Yuma) is enjoying the pleasant weather (in Yuma) and Cathy is writing a quick post.

We parked in front of Vinz a few weeks ago when stopping at EscoGelato for a sweet treat and The Mister kept it in mind when it was His turn to choose one of his birthday meals.  Vinz has been here at the corner of East Grand at Kalmia since 2008.One side of Vinz is a bar and the other side (closed during lunch) has tableclothed tables and only wines stored on display.

A daily lunch menu is provided and The Mister and I both had narrowed our choices to two – the same ones.  Serendipity!The House Cheese & Pate Plate ($14) included great multi seeded crackers along with a partial baguette, some greens, roasted garlic cloves, olives, a dollop of a hearty mustard, capers and some fig jam.  The seemingly small scoop of duck mousse pate was more than enough of pure luxury; rich, smooth with fresh herbs and cognac melded together, giving a burst of flavor in each bite.  The cheeses were a smoked Gouda, Havarti and Brie.  This would have gone perfectly with a glass of wine…but you know-daytime, driving, laws.The Pizza Blanca con Spinaci ($11) was really wonderful.  Homemade ricotta cheese, roasted garlic, fresh spinach, and mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.  You can see the wonderful thin crust.  The homemade ricotta…all of it…it just went so well together.

A very nice lunch for a special celebration day.

Vinz Wine Bar 201 East Grand (at Kalmia) Escondido 92025 (760)743-8466 website Open Mon 11:30-9, Tues, Wed, Th 11:30-10, Fri, Sat 11:30-11 Sun 11:30-8