We decided to do a little day trip to Brasserie du Vin this past week, perhaps to give Chuck a respite from parting with his treasured gems at Vino, also to explore other wine venues available in the 50th State.
Located at 1115 Bethel Street across the street from the mini park and fountain behind Indigo Restaurant, Brasserie du Vin does take you away from the hustle-and-bustle and 9-to-5 existence of Honolulu. With stained wooden floors, French bistro music along with a mini courtyard and a hidden “Cask” room, the setting does indeed transport you from the plate lunch, rat race, not-enough-time for life mentality of everyday existence.
One day we had the special Fennel Crusted Ahi on Ratatouille with Aioli ($18) and the Risotto with Roasted Duck and Brie ($13). We paired these with the Domaine Mumm Prestige ($11), Loimer Gruner Veltliner ($8) and Feudi San Gregorio Rubrato ($9). As far as I’m concerned, there’s not much to do with fresh seared Ahi other than to ruin it by overcooking. However the Ratatouille with very good and the caper spiced aioli was also very good, especially as a dip for the Pomme Frites ($5). While the Risotto wasn’t what you would expect in a traditional Italian enotecca, it was hearty with a creaminess derived from the melted Brie. We finished lunch with a Vanilla Gelato ($6) and a half glass of Donna Fugata Ben Rye Passito di Pantelleria ($18).
Brunch on Sunday had us trying the Gumbo Ya-Ya – an amalgam of a seafood gumbo with the sausage and chicken in a jambalaya ($8) along with Eggs Dauphine ($12) which paired a sunny-side egg and Lox on fried green tomatoes on top of a whole grain mustard sauce. I couldn’t resist the Steamed Mussels of Pomme Frites. We washed this down with a Gavi ($12) and Zind Humbrecht Gewurztraminer ($14). We ended brunch with Banana and Dark Chocolate Crepes and a Jonesy Tawny Port ($5).
The food is hearty and reasonably priced; the wines an eclectic mix from around the world and while a little pricey, pair nicely with the food. The atmosphere is what gives Brasserie du Vin its own niche in Hawaii’s ever expanding wine world. It does take you away – even if temporarily - from the every day. And I do savor those occasional visits to those ethereal mirages every now and then.
Located at 1115 Bethel Street across the street from the mini park and fountain behind Indigo Restaurant, Brasserie du Vin does take you away from the hustle-and-bustle and 9-to-5 existence of Honolulu. With stained wooden floors, French bistro music along with a mini courtyard and a hidden “Cask” room, the setting does indeed transport you from the plate lunch, rat race, not-enough-time for life mentality of everyday existence.
One day we had the special Fennel Crusted Ahi on Ratatouille with Aioli ($18) and the Risotto with Roasted Duck and Brie ($13). We paired these with the Domaine Mumm Prestige ($11), Loimer Gruner Veltliner ($8) and Feudi San Gregorio Rubrato ($9). As far as I’m concerned, there’s not much to do with fresh seared Ahi other than to ruin it by overcooking. However the Ratatouille with very good and the caper spiced aioli was also very good, especially as a dip for the Pomme Frites ($5). While the Risotto wasn’t what you would expect in a traditional Italian enotecca, it was hearty with a creaminess derived from the melted Brie. We finished lunch with a Vanilla Gelato ($6) and a half glass of Donna Fugata Ben Rye Passito di Pantelleria ($18).
Brunch on Sunday had us trying the Gumbo Ya-Ya – an amalgam of a seafood gumbo with the sausage and chicken in a jambalaya ($8) along with Eggs Dauphine ($12) which paired a sunny-side egg and Lox on fried green tomatoes on top of a whole grain mustard sauce. I couldn’t resist the Steamed Mussels of Pomme Frites. We washed this down with a Gavi ($12) and Zind Humbrecht Gewurztraminer ($14). We ended brunch with Banana and Dark Chocolate Crepes and a Jonesy Tawny Port ($5).
The food is hearty and reasonably priced; the wines an eclectic mix from around the world and while a little pricey, pair nicely with the food. The atmosphere is what gives Brasserie du Vin its own niche in Hawaii’s ever expanding wine world. It does take you away – even if temporarily - from the every day. And I do savor those occasional visits to those ethereal mirages every now and then.
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