Bellavino Wine Bar with great Food in Westlake Village, CA – December 12th, 2003

Bellavino’s Wine Bar and Restaurant is a New Unique Experience you will greatly enjoy.

Bellavino (“good wine”), a small eclectic wine bar tucked away in the corner of a shopping strip on Thousand Oaks Boulevard, is Westlake Village’s best kept secret. During our recent visit, we were impressed by the nuances and fine details that make Bellavino a great wine bar: the collection of mouth-watering wines, the delicious gourmet menu by Chef Richard; the eclectic smorgasbord of plates in different shapes, sizes and patterns; the knowledge, great service and smart recommendations of our server Tim.

We first tried a glass of the Harrison’97 ($13), a buttery and smooth California Chardonnay and the French white Mersault ’00 ($10), delicate and flirtatious with a hint of summer. With these we sampled the tender and creamy Bouche of Ocean Scallops and Prawns with a Roasted Red Pepper Coulis ($10), and Caprese Salad with House Made Mozzarella ($10), deliciously topped with exquisite basil foam.

Upon Tim’s suggestion we sampled the Corte Riva Merlot ‘01($13) – wonderful with just a hint of annissette, and the Chateau Petit Gravet Red Bordeaux ’00 ($13) – simultaneously smooth and biting (my tongue instantly watered upon contact). The House Cured Wild Salmon ($9) made a wonderful accompaniment, with its slight miso undertones and oversized sweet wasabe peas cook al dente to perfection and floating in a rich Wasabe Crème Fraiche. The Chicken Poussin with Porcini Hash was tender and decadent.

The Australian Two Hands Shiraz ’02 ($10) was dangerous and divine, best described like a liquid inferno fusing our hearts. This wine was delightful paired with the Roasted Australian Lamb Chops in a Dijon and Fresh Herb Crust ($17) with minty undertones atop a bed of braised eggplant. The Spanish Hercula ’01 ($10) had a Dracula-like bite and went lovely with the Slow Braised Beef Short Ribs in a Rich Demi-Glace ($14) served atop creamy explosive potatoes and tender sautéed mushrooms. These were so succulent my otherwise-conservative friend was moved to picking up and licking the bones.

Finally, we tried a glass of the Adrian Fog ’01 Pinot Noir ($17)…silky, smooth and brilliant. Tim was adamant that it be served in its proper, wider-sized glass in order to let the wine breathe properly. But the Rolls Royce of Spanish wines was definitely the Finca Dofi ’98 ($20), with a fragile yet decadent finish.

For dessert Tim recommended we try a creamed cheese platter (three cheeses for $14) with a sweet, delicious Muscat Chateau Bernadou ($8). The Humboldt Fog cheese was a delightful pairing of a layer of sheep cheese on the outside covering goat cheese on the inside. The delicate Explorateur Brie was served with candied walnuts. The Fresh Apple Tart with Cinnamon Cream ($7) and the Coffee Crème Brulee ($7) were especially delicious.

In addition to great wines and food, owner "Richard Hyman" has done an outstanding job of keeping the environment of Bellavino both comfortable and chic. From the ceiling hangs long, curving mobiles of cut glass spheres and ovals. Upbeat jazz plays throughout, and the concrete floors enable great acoustics while giving a clean, modern look.

Bellavino is located at 3709 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. in Westlake Village, Ca. 91362. Reservations or Information is (805) 557-0202. Email is [email protected]