Grape Harvest Soiree at The Boarding House ~ A Toast to the Season!

If you have never been to The Boarding House at 720 N. Wells in Chicago you must.  An incredibly gorgeous environment for imbibing your favorite cocktail, wine, or craft beer and enjoying delectable choices from an inclusive menu can be yours.  Just look for the unique architecture on the corner (you won’t believe that this actually was a former boarding house!) with the restaurant name subtly indicated over the door and prepare to be as mesmerized as much as I on a recent fall evening.

I attended the Grape Harvest Soiree held in The Cellar of The Boarding House.  After-work wine lovers enjoyed swirls and sips of ten interesting and, perhaps to some, little known wines from around the world.  Appetizers of cheeses, charcuterie, artisan pizzas, and more were passed, conversation was lively, and new friends were made.  And a highlight?  Alpana Singh, owner of The Boarding House and Master Sommelier, was behind the bar pouring wine and sharing tasting notes, food pairings, and other interesting anecdotes about the wines and the regions from where each originated.  She personally chose the wines based on those she considered her favorites and which would be perfect selections for the fall season and upcoming holidays.

This savvy, intelligent, and beautiful California raised woman was, at a mere twenty three years of age, the Sommelier for the highly touted Everest Restaurant in Chicago.  Three years later she passed the final level of the Master Sommelier exam and is the youngest woman to do so.  Throughout her wine experiences Alpana Singh garnered a plethora of awards and in 2012 she and a business partner announced the opening of a new Chicago restaurant, The Boarding House, this five story stunner.

The Boarding House, Singh’s labor of love, is going strong.  She is a hands-on owner and you can see her present and accessible more often than not.  The Wine Bar on the entry level boasts a stunning chandelier of 9063 wine glasses tied together…and there is a promise that it will not fall!  Offering 20 wines by the glass, 450 bottles, craft brews, cocktails, artisan pizzas and more, you do not need reservations to savor the atmosphere or a drink.  You must make reservations, however, for The Dining Room located on the second floor so don’t forget…this restaurant is one busy venue for foodies and beautiful people.  The Grape Harvest Soiree was held in The Cellar which can be used for private events such as corporate parties, meetings, and even weddings.  Check out their website for more information.

During a conversation about her knowledge of Chinese food (please don’t email me about how the chatting turned to that!) Alpana Singh mentioned that years ago, someone asked  how she became so learned about the subject.  Her response?  “I just ordered it!”  But, of course!  How will you learn about food, wine, or anything for that matter if you don’t give it a try?  Events such as the Grape Harvest Soiree at The Boarding House are meant to help you learn about and enjoy something new!  And you may want to find the wines I appreciated.  Which ones do you think may pair with Chinese food?

Grape Harvest Soiree

2010 Domaine de la Louvetrie, Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine

2012 Tenuta delle Terre Nere, Etna Bianco, Sicily

2012 Domenico Negro, Serra Lupini, Roero Arneis, Italy

2011 Elk Cove Pinot Noir, Oregon

2011 Hecht & Bannier, Syrah-Carignan-Grenache, Languedoc

2009 Ostatu Rioja, Spain

2008 Cedar Knoll Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

2011 Robert Biale, Royal Punishers, Petite Sirah, Napa Valley

2009 Alpha Estate AXIA,  Xinomavro-Syrah, Florina, Greece

2011 Tikal, Patriota, Bonarda-Malbec, Argentina

Cheers to more “grape experiences”! ~ Cindy