The Moonroom
442 Preston St.
(613) 231-2525
Rating: *** 1/2
Signature Dish: Moonboard ($8)
Dinner & drinks for 2: $65-$150 (depending on how many bites and sips you have)
On a quiet night, we wound our way into the candle-lit wee wine bar called The Moonroom. The ambiance is eclectic: wood tables, a blue neon glow, the ceiling draped in gossamer cloth, tea lights flickering in jars, and The Gambler playing in the background.
From the blackboard menu, we started with the Moonboard ($8). It was a typical but enjoyable tasting tray composed of cheese, crostini, salami and cornichons.
Next, the Sausage Pot ($6) arrived, served in a Mason jar on a rustic wooden plank. Its plain looks defy its charm. Sliced pork sausage, beer, Dijon, baked apples, and cheddar melted on top mingle into a bite of perfection that resisted sharing. The blackboard beckoned and enticed us with its Chicken Cacciatore ($9) that was comforting and yummy. Wines are offered by the glass in three or five ounce tastes. We didn’t make it past the first page of whites to wet our lips with any reds but instead enjoyed sips of Vouvray, Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewurtztraminer and Sancere.
By this time, we’d finished tasting the Flourless Chocolate Torte ($7) that was dry and disappointing. But the squish of a Blue Cheese Date ($3) soothed our dessert dissatisfaction, and we walked out sated, full and happy!
Dining out
Juniper
Juniper’s blind tasting menu is available from Thursday to Saturday. $70 for the menu and an optional wine flight for $35. The menu is only available for the whole table. Enjoy Thursday Night Jazz in the Wine Bar with Brian Browne. 245 Richmond Rd. (613) 728-0220
Vineyards wine bar & bistro
According to Wine Spectator Magazine, Vineyards has “One of the most outstanding restaurant wine lists in the world!” Many wines are offered by the glass along with a selection of malt whisky, imported beers and bistro food. 54 York St. (In the Cellar), (613) 241-4270
