I walked into the wine bar and from what I had seen I was expecting to see the wine glass chandelier--a very lighting fixture.
I visit many wine bars across North America and Europe. I have great experiences but I am rarely wowed. I was wowed at Pullman. It was few blocks from my hotel and in easy stroll for great food and a very nice wine list.
First the staff were gracious and exceptional. Service goes a long way and to have great service lengthens a good memory to be a great one.
I started off with a glass of Les Pervenches Solinou 2013 this is a blend of Frontenac, Pinot Noir, Zweigelt, and Pinot Noir - so unexpected and I think it shows that Quebec is yet another region that produces beautiful and compelling wines. Since this wine was completely unexpected I walked away craving to taste more wines from Quebec. This wine matched the food I had ordered in particular the short ribs. I had to order a Bourgogne--Domaine Billard Hautes-Cotes de Beaune 2013.
The next wine was Burja Vipaska Dolina Istrian Malvasia 2013 and the red wine I had was something I didn't expect. Southard Wahluke Slope Stone Vineyard 2011--a gorgeous wine and from a region that is hard to find even in the US.
So between my courses of wine I ordered the cod brandade, short ribs with superbly and nicely micro cuts of radish and mango, and the Italian meatballs. I was dining alone and had plenty to eat. Each dish presented was nicely plated.
And I drank my dessert - at the suggestion of the server I ordered Michel Gahier Macvin du Jura--a sublime, earthy-delicate wine; notes of beeswax, exotic citrus, dried Turkish fig and hint of freshly ground cardamom.
A very nice selection of wines and great food--I cannot wait to return.