Rouge Wine Bar

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Karen Hudes

Joined 10 years ago

Plenty of reds, whites, ports and champagnes sex up this boudoir bar below Paris Commune.. The Scene
Downstairs from the vivacious dining room is a hideaway bar designed for an intimate rendezvous--or simply to soothe those waiting for a table. A wraparound red velvet banquette and cancan murals evoking the Moulin Rouge are set off with luminous crystal-strung branches--all warming up the coupled, laissez-faire clientele and charging the energy of the room.

The Draw
Latin and ambient music flow well with a crowd savoring flavors both bold and understated. Nearly a hundred wines are at the ready for pre- or post-prandial sipping. Malbecs, pinots and tempranillos from around the world are helpfully organized and described on the menu. The by-the-glass list presents a rich sampling of red, white, sparkling and dessert wines, among them a spicy cabernet from Chile, a dry, fruity Cotes du Gasgone and a smooth, gold Canadian ice wine, with a subtle flavor reminiscent of lychee.