Enoteca Wine Bar

Iovino's (in all of its permutations over the years) has been a long time favorite of mine.

My first experiences were when the restaurant was in what is now Cloud 9 and Downward Dog (?) during my high school and college years. It was a laid back, tasty, and solid choice for a nice meal.

My later experiences were at weddings where piles of food greeted us with color, beauty, and out of this world flavors.

I have now had the pleasure of dining at the Wine Bar (this past December for full disclosure) whilst planning the menu for my own wedding this coming summer. All of my experiences were great, if very different. Versatility with the same outcome, quite a feat, really. And the common demoniator: great food done well, and Regina. It seems anywhere she goes, greatness follows (and a full belly).

Back in December we had a consultation to share our hopes for the food and the general feel of our wedding. Regina got it, embraced it, and offered us tips for organization and cost savings. The 'you should, shouldn't, don't bother, I wouldn't-s' from her experience. In the beginning of planning with everything so overwhelming, this was a gift!  

After we met and hashed out some details, we then invited some close and valued friends and family to come back later for a taste test. It. was. all. wonderful. Chesse, antipasta, salad, tortillini, beef braciole, bread and more. Delicous. The wine complimented it all; even better. I think we were too full for dessert, but I'm guessing that would have gone over just fine as well.

I will update this when I go back in June and/or after the wedding, but I can say with confidence, from 3,000 miles away, the food is spot on. Regina and her team work wonders, and you'll feel like you've been invited to an Italian family's kitchen rather than being in a bar/restaurant.

The decor inside was whimsical around the holidays, with stars and holiday lights. In general, the space is intimate, dimly lit, and personal. Go here for a special occasion or just to treat yourself,cause ya can and should,  you won't be sorry.

My boyfriend and I went to Enoteca/Iovino's last night. We'd been to Regina's southtown location, but it had been a while and we'd never been to Enoteca before. We were mostly not disappointed. The atmosphere is chic but relaxed; the lighting was comfortably low, the decor was beautiful, and Jack Johnson was on the stereo. The food was great and very well priced. There are a couple of awkward things I'd like to see addressed, but we'll probably go back again regardless.

1. Menus. I know it's a relaxed order-at-the-bar kind of thing, but some paper menus on the tables would be convenient so people don't have to crowd around the menu board.

2. Napkins. This place is so chic until you unwrap your flatware and find a paper napkin. I would love to see an upgrade to either much nicer paper napkins or preferably cloth napkins.

3. Seating. There is a table for four right in the nook where the wines are displayed. I had to invade another diner's personal space to grab the bottle I wanted, and I had to squeeze past another person at the same table to get from my table to the bar or restrooms. I know space is limited, but some rearranging could go a long way here.

But, like I said, we'll probably go back regardless. Those problems are small, and everything else was fantastic.

Dropped in to Enoteca Saturday eve and who should we see but Regina Iovino. She cooked for our party and everything was wonderful - not to mention the Italian beer. Go see Regina and have a wonderful evening.