"Wine Guy" coming here

My husband spotted an exciting new restaurant and wine shop preparing to launch in Hyde Park/Norwood, Cincinnati.
It's called Wine Guy Wine Shop, Wine Bar and Bistro -- yes, that's a long name -- a Columbus OH based venture moving into the space in Rookwood Pavilion where Smith & Hawkins used to be.
Here's the link to the info on their website about their expansion into Cincinnati. A photo of one of the owners is above.
The Columbus menu looks fairly casual and inexpensive, focusing on pasta and pizza, although there are a few dinner entrees in the $20-$25 range.
What's most interesting, though, is that we will finally be getting a real wine bar--with wine flights, something we have lacked since Vineyard closed, and even they weren't doing flights right.
The Columbus menu lists 6 different flights, four tastes of each priced at about $15. The choices look pretty standard, to tell the truth, but perhaps they'll get more adventurous in the future.
Stay tuned for more news on this as it comes in.

New Wine Bar & Pub in College Hill

Just opened Friday 12/4/09: Marty's Hops and Vines on Hamilton Avenue in College Hill.
They're serving wine by the glass or bottle, craft beers (in bottles and on tap) as well as light food. Wine and other items are available to purchase, and if you drink a bottle on the premises you pay the retail price plus a $5 corkage fee.
Owners Marty and Kate Weldishofer are longtime College Hill residents and community activists who hope their new venture -- at 6110 Hamilton across the street from College Hill Cafe -- will become a gathering place for the neighborhood. They're open Tuesday - Saturday.
For more info, call them at 681-4222.
I just heard about Marty's from my friend, Jean Huwer, who owns property in College Hill. Haven't been up there yet, but it sounds like a place worth visiting!

20 Brix -- Milford OH wine destination

Whether you're a wine novice or an oenophile, I recommend the restaurant 20 Brix as a marvelous place to learn about and enjoy a huge variety of wines. We tried it for dinner on a Saturday night--reserved well in advance--and the verdict was 8 thumbs up. The place was packed, including the bar and lounge, and everyone seemed in a party mood.

For dinner, I had a salad called Autumn on a Plate followed by a pasta fagiole dish--penne or a related noodle with white beans, tomato and locally made mild Italian sausage. We all liked the food and especially liked how the menu is chosen so that most dishes complement a wide variety of wines.

Because here's the thing: everything on the extensive and well-documented wine list can be ordered by the taste (2 ounces), glass (5 ounces) or bottle. We all ordered by the taste -- and the pours seemed more generous than 2 ounces-- and therefore got to try several delicious wines.

It's 20 miles from our home, and there are plenty of other good restos closer, but we will return to 20 Brix. Check it out!