What’s Cookin’? – Smithtown
Le Vin Wine Bar and Tapas – Joie De Vivre comes to the Smith Haven Mall
By Nancy Vallarella
With a ribbon cutting ceremony scheduled for this month’s end, LeVin has already set itself apart from the big corporation hospitality one is accustomed to finding at the mall. This casual eatery offers a respite for shoppers and anyone who enjoys an atmosphere of detail and warmth. Once inside, you will be transported far from the mall. The wine, food, and atmosphere will carry you away to a Parisian bistro.
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French natives and local businessmen, Chef Guy Reuge and Christophe Lhopitault, have produced a wine and tapas bar of rare quality that shines. Chef Reuge, a four-time James Beard nominee and Lhopitault, a renowned retail wine boutique proprietor (Lake Side Emotions, Stony Brook Village) nuanced a comfortable and inviting, yet sophisticated adult gathering space.
Since opening in mid-March, Le Vin Wine Bar and Tapas has hosted a variety of well-wishing locals. Mom’s night out, book club gatherings, foodie fans, local chefs accompanied by their staff and date night patrons come to experience Le Vin’s je ne sais quoi.
Oenophiles, as well as casual wine indulgers, are satiated with a Wine and;)
Champagne menu spanning regions, varietals, and price ($5 - $28/glass). Take note - it is not a typo, you can get a good glass of white wine here for $5 and red for $5.50 any time after 12:00 p.m. Glass bottled soda by Harmony Springs Beverages and craft beer are among other beverages served.
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Le Vin’s tapas menu is revised based on customer feedback and local, seasonal availability. The latest menu offers small plates that satisfy appetites for comfort food, seasonal and elevated cuisine. Boneless BBQ Baby Back Ribs with Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Long Island Fluke Ceviche, and Bone Marrow with Horse Radish Gremolata are a few examples. Tapas Menu price range: $7 - $14.
Artisan cheese and charcuterie boards are standards offered at $18 - $20. Imported “Pata Negra” – Spanish Iberico Ham is also featured.
Early in the day, Le Vin serves daily lunch specials for $13. The kitchen closes at 10 p.m. most nights which makes for a lovely night cap glass of wine and dessert destination. The current dessert menu items include Bread Pudding, Strawberry, Rhubarb Pavlova and a Chocolate Pot de Crème that reads like chocolate velvet in your mouth (think chocolate mousse without the air) for $8 each.
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Beginning in May, Le Vin Wine Bar and Tapas will be hosting Educational Wine Tastings and Sunday evening Paint and Sip events. Coming soon: Le Vin’s smart phone App for 10% off dining. For more information on operating hours, scheduled events and money saving App - Click Here
If you are looking for a convenient getaway oasis, a small plate of something new or comforting, adult conversation, a class on wine, a place to relax with friends, sip and paint…give Le Vin Wine and Tapas Bar a try! Where else can you be whisked away to a Parisian Bistro and have a good $5 glass of wine so close to home?
Bon Appetit!
Le Vin Wine Bar and Tapas is located on the Middle Country Road side of Smith Haven Mall next to Bobby’s Burger Palace. Le Vin’s entrances are located outside and inside the mall entrance. For group reservations call: 631-979-9463