A Cheater’s Confession

by Stephanie Sherrill
on Friday, November 27, 2009

The love affair between Just Grapes and myself has been long standing, maybe even epic - which is why the following confession leaves me feeling rather guilty.

Just Grapes has always been good to me, greeting me with a knowing smile as I walk through its doors. If my laptop is in tow, it will take only a glass or two of wine for me to finish my latest article, after which I settle down to enjoy their delicious but reasonably priced cuisine - particularly the chicken and mushroom tagliatelle, with noodles made from scratch and cut right before cooking. On the other hand, if I show up at 3pm with a girlfriend or more for buy-one-get-one-free happy hour (until 8pm), they know to have a case chilling in the fridge.

But now that the weather has turned I find myself being tempted by a new suitor. On a cold, rainy night, I joined some friends celebrating their anniversary at Cuvee. The cozy atmosphere of this cute wine bar began tampering with my loyalties as soon as I walked inside. The nooks, crannies and comfortable seating reminded me of hanging out in a friend's living room. We sat in the cushioned chairs and sofas alongside the fireplace and ordered our first bottle. The service was polite and attentive, everything I look for in a mate. When we started to get the nibbles we ordered their fondue - a great winter treat. Another positive trait is the flexibility: Cuvee's menu also includes beers (the regular Chinese brands, as well as the great Aussie brews) for those odd friends who don't understand the enticing complexity of a full-bodied red. Wine, fireplace, fondue and friends - I think my one night cheat may become a regular wintertime affair.

Although, this week I may scandalously abandon both my other loves for a sophisticated one-night stand at the Park Hyatt. This Wednesday is their "1 Grape, 100 Bottles" wine tasting evening. Who doesn't love getting dolled up and trying glass after glass of red and white nectar, while enjoying the tantalizing treats of 100 Century Avenue, especially its gorgeous views? There's just something sexy about sipping wine, and lots of it, in one of the world's highest hotels.