review - The Red Room Food and Wine Bar

17499 Ventura Blvd, Encino
(adjacent to the Coral Tree Cafe)
818-386-0278

Sitting right next to the Coral Tree Cafe at 17499 Ventura Blvd in Encino, The Red Room Food and Wine Bar may be small in size but, boy oh boy what a more than ample treasure! It's a pleasure when owner and ambiance are a match, and Fernando, originally from Argentina, is really proud of his huge international wine selection and literally beams as he serves his product. There is a large black board on the back wall above the bar that lists all of the wines, which come from as far away as Spain and as close as the best vineyards of Encino, California.

Fernando brought me a lovely glass of rosee from Navarra, Spain - 2011, and after he received my thumbs up, he wanted to explain his connection to what he calls the poetry of wine tradition. He obviously has a passion for the grape as he in great detail talked about how 3 grapes, not of the very best quality, when crushed,  fermented and dried, can produce the greatest tasting wine. A little known fact, at least for me, as I usually associate the best with the best! I will think differently from now on. I also savored a glass of cool refreshing Braquetto and later, from a nearby Encino vineyard, 19 ROWS Syrah, a scrumptiously dry red wine. Not being a primo wine connoisseur, I learned a great deal from Fernando’s vast knowledge.

As well as being known for their fantastic wine selection, the Red Room offers delectable cuisine with only the finest and freshest ingredients. Fernando and his pretty server Nikki offered my friend and me quite an array of delicious tapas. Sonoma lamb meatballs with merguez spices, goat cheese polenta and charmoula yogurt, topped the list, followed by Burrata, an incredible flatbread with nicoise olive tapenade, burrata cheese, a local cherry tomato and basil. My friend really praised the Ahi Tuna Tartare with avocado, Persian cucumber and Belgian endive wedges. We sampled two very different salads. One, my favorite, is Panzanella Salad with Persian cucumber, feta cheese, heirloom tomato and red onion. It is the first time I have not seen lettuce in a salad, but it is unnecessary. The flavors of the fruits and vegetables mixed together provide a pleasing, mouth-watering feast, unlike any other I have tasted. The second offering Kale Chopped Salad with organic kale, quinoa, toasted almonds, golden raisins, parmesan cheese and lemon vinaigrette is quite hearty and most definitely prepared with healthy eating in mind. Next came some delicious tacos with Mexican shrimp, steak and chicken. Riquisimo! (rich!)

We were given three entrees to share: Grilled Scottish Salmon, Bistro Steak served with fries, and tender boneless Short Rib, resting on a bed of crushed heirloom potatoes and roasted carrots and covered with red wine sauce. I love fish of any type, and chef Joseph Gillard chatted with us briefly about the salmon. When asked by my friend if he can tell simply by tasting from which waters the salmon has been caught, he gave a resounding "Yes!" It was Atlantic salmon we were sampling, known for its farm-raised goodness. Needless to say, the short rib was so tender it melted in the mouth and the sirloin steak was right behind it in tenderness, and flavorful deliciousness.

For dessert, we enjoyed a cheesecake, which had the smoothness of a rich creme brulee and served with homemade blueberry jelly. All jellies are made on site.

The Red Room has a lot to offer: reasonable prices, incredible wines, unparalleled cuisine...and also three nights of guitar music on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. There is a comfortable enclosed patio, perfect for chilly nights, right outside the bar itself. Ask for Fernando! He's a world-class charmer and really knows his stuff. I will most assuredly return for more great food, drink and company.

Grade: A+

Fernando and Nikki

http://redroomencino.com/menu.html