Phil Your Glass: A cure for the happy hour blues at Blu-Tique Hotel
The plume of smoke hovering over the intersection of Main and Market streets in downtown Akron has finally been cleared. Construction has moved down the street, and I finally got a glimpse of Blu-Tique Hotel. I’ve been hearing great things about chef Alex Baxter’s food and decided to wander in and check out the happy hour menu.
Developer Tony Troppe and his team did an amazing job restoring the 1923 United Cigar Store Co. building back to its midcentury glory. I spent an hour marveling at the furniture, fixtures and the magnificent view of downtown Akron from my cushy corner seat.
Phil Your Glass: A crisp sauvignon blanc for clambake season
I had a hard time choosing between the five $12 happy hour menu options: Korean short rib tacos, pan-seared pork belly, Thai shrimp, Spanish chorizo or margherita flatbreads.
I was feeling adventurous and decided on the the Korean short rib tacos with Korean slaw, gochujang aioli and shishito peppers in a grilled corn tortilla. I’ve read about them in food magazines but have never had the opportunity to try them.
Now that the biggest decision of my day had been made, it was time to scan the small but mighty wine list. There were many wines on the list that I have featured in past articles, so this was not a daunting task. I spotted an $11 glass pour of Gregory James old vine zinfandel on the list. Definitely one of the best zinfandels by the glass I have seen in the area.
Gregory James Wines is owned by New Philadelphia, Ohio, resident Jim Demuth, who sources the grapes for this wine from the School House Vineyards’ 60-year-old vines that overlook Lake Sonoma in California. The rich red berry and cherry flavors were the perfect complement to the drizzle of spiciness of the gochujang aioli. The shishito peppers added more flavor without the heat.
The food and wine were a delicious pairing along with the jazz music playing in the background. It was a cozy respite with a wonderful view. I’ll have to invite friends for my next visit, so I can sample all of the other tasty options.
Phil Your Glass: Pick up a bottle of Blackbird Project to celebrate National Merlot Month
Buy this wine for $19.99 a bottle at Mustard Seed Market, Krieger’s Market, Beau’s Market in Copley, Top Shelf of Ohio in Jackson Township, and Craft Bistro & Lounge in New Philadelphia.
Contact Phil Masturzo at philyourglass@gmail.com or on Instagram at pmasturzo_philyourglass.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Appetizer and wine at Blu-Tique Hotel is cure for happy hour blues
