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How do you create a neighborhood Cheers" sort of friends and family wine bar?

By Rocco "Boss Hog" Loosbrock

I recently met with Kate of the Crepe Vine Wine Bar and Bistro in Old Town Pasadena this past week. Kate has built a wonderful wine bar since she opened her doors three years ago. Her goal was to create a "Neighborhood Cheers" sort of friends and family environment. I think she has done that. It was easy to see Kate's passion for serving her customers. It was clear as she interacted with her guests pouring them wine, serving food and carrying on great conversation.

This Bistro serves European style cuisine based upon traditional French dishes. Kate's chefs are extremely resilient and make simple yet delicious dishes such as flat bread Pizzas, Gyro's, Ceviche and Crepes! In fact I had a wonderful lunch. I started with the Bruchetta for an appetizer which was made with basil oil and topped with Chevre cheese. It was delicious! For the main course I had the Gryo plate. I choose to enjoy this plate with braised lamb which was ground that gave the Gyro exceptional taste!

The wine bar has many special events and has live music Wednesday's through Saturday. They focus on two types of music. They have a Jazz duo and the music of a Flamenco guitar artist who performs music from Dave Matthews and Sting to name a few. Additionally on very special occasions such as their anniversary which is coming up this week they will have the music of a string quartet!

Kate shares over 40 wines by the glass with her customers. She offers wine from all over the world. She focuses on great wine and promises her selections won't break the bank! As a special treat Kate poured us a glass of Lomond Merlot from South Africa. She says that the wine has excellent flavor and body and since she started offering it just a week ago, it has been selling off the shelf!

If you are in Old Town Pasadena, please be sure to visit Kate's Crape Vine!

Signing off at Pigging out!
Rocco "Boss Hog" Loosbrock

Rocco owns and runs a Bacon of the Month Club called The Bacon Freak Bacon is Meat Candy Club as well as a Wine Club called the Coastal Vineyard Wine Club