By: Syrie Roman-Legnon

I love wine, don't get me wrong. But it was the promise of Spanish tapas that had me bee-lining to Just Vino. We sat at the bar of the cozy yet elegant wine house. The temperature was cool, the atmosphere warm, and the service prompt and knowledgeable, just how I like it. After a brief introduction, the bartender gave us some recommendations based on what we were in the mood for. I went for the bubbly--I always do.

The wine list doesn't disappoint, it has more than 80 different wines by the glass and about 20 higher-end wines by the bottle which rotate on a regular basis. There is even a carefully selected beer list, just in case wine is not your thing. If you can't choose only one of the wine selections available, there are wine flights which feature 2oz pours of 4 different wines, giving you the opportunity to choose the ones you want, or pick from the selection they already have displayed on the wall that is grouped by region. Wine flowing freely, conversation spilling through, things are good.

The menu is the perfect example of sophisticated simplicity, it is moderately priced ($3 - $10) with generous portions perfect for sharing. I ordered the Brie and Fruit Plate, which consisted of Eiffel Tower Canadian Brie with sliced strawberries, pears, apples, cherries and crackers, and the Breads and Spreads, a variety of fresh baked breads with some mouth watering olive tapenade, garlic herb goat cheese and cream cheese pesto. Last but not least, we enjoyed the star of the evening--the Spanish Plate. It was comprised of a scrumptious combination of olives, Manchego cheese, smoked Gouda, salted Marcona almonds, bread, crackers, real deal Spanish Chorizo and my beloved Serrano ham. My taste buds had a party.

The place was alive with good wine, good food and good conversation. Jeff, one of the proprietors, made sure everyone was well taken care and took time to converse with every patron. There is always something special about a small (seating capacity is 20 people), quaint, classy neighborhood bar where one can come mingle with the locals and feel right at home. Just Vino has accomplished this while giving its customers the highest quality of product and service. So if you're ever on the corner of Main and Virginia make sure to stop by. Your taste buds will thank you.

Just Vino
846 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 725-0166


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Woman. Puerto Rican. Wife. Culinarian. Loves to cook, eat, drink, write and read, Syrie Roman-Legnon can't swim, curses like a sailor and is convinced there are few better things than a really cold beer.


Lead image courtesy of queenseyes.