Tannin Wine Bar and Kitchen

I love this place for many reasons.

Being a block from work its a staple lunch spot.  Listen to me: this is the best burger in town.  The rest of their menu is also yummy and changes seasonally.  Lunch time also means half off glasses of wine.  Bubbles at lunch=you've made it :)

Happy hour is also great.  Half off all starters.  Get the tuna.  Also, get a cheese plate, even though its not on special.  

Drinks are well made.  Wine selection is good and the servers know what to recommend.  They even do a sangria of the moment in the summer.

Hang out on the patio on this relatively quiet city street.  Share some food, drink some wine with a date or with a friend.  Be happy.

Expand your mind and try the amazing fois gras off the appetizers list, or the duck confit cassoulet (the best I've ever had) should they add it back on to the menu come the next KC Restaurant week.  

From the wine selection to the amazing appetizers to the simple yet wonderful burgers and fries, this is, in my humble West Coast, CA opinion, the best (all-around) wine bar/restaurant in KC.  I've yet to give 5 stars to any other place but this one and there's a reason for that.  From the service to the setting to the wonderful, never-had-a-bad-food-dish entree/appetizer selections, this is one of the restaurants you want to call home.  

If I could, I'd pay people to come here.  To try the many completely unique and original food dish offerings they have available here.  If you want to be safe and go the burger route, great.  But don't knock this place until you try their truly "find dining" menu food options.  I've had fois gras in Paris and still, never found a place that did it as well as Tannin did.  And this is coming from a guy who (normally) does not like liver.  Please, please, please....just try this place, and the many offerings the wonderful, ever-changing menu has to offer.  You won't regret it.  I promise.

Simply, in a word, sublime.

Coming back to Tannin Wine Bar & Kitchen last night, I had high expectations following a delightful first visit last year. I'm happy to announce that the phenomenal service, excellent specials and warm atmosphere are still maintained. Not to mention the food at Tannin is truly delicious.

When you go to a wine bar, follow this simple rule: If the staff makes you feel like an idiot, leave immediately. As someone who doesn't know the difference between a Malbec and Merlot, I rely on the server to make suggestions based on what I like -woody = yuck, grapefruit = yum. Tannin's staff is incredibly helpful and will guide you through the extensive list. I chose the Clos Roche Blanche, a Sauvignon Blanc suggested to me by my server, Monique. It was the perfect wine - not too sweet, with a hint of grapefruit and so smooth.

You can't go wrong with the starters and small plates on Tannin's dinner menu. The Thai Chili Glazed Shrimp was another suggestion by Monique and one of my favorites of the night. Little spice, little crunch and is gorgeous to look at. The Braised Pork Cheeks with creamy polenta and blueberry sauce are absolute perfection. I know, I know, you're thinking blueberry and meat? Eww. But I'm telling you it will rock your world. Tannin's Steamed P.E.I. Mussels with fennel, shallots, white wine and roasted garlic butter are another home run and by far the biggest mussels I've ever eaten.

And if you don't have plans on Monday, I suggest checking out their Monday special: Buy one get one free on bottles of wine. I'll cheers to that!