Wine and Cheese

Excuse my ebullience; I am rather tipsy. A friend just introduced me to the best-kept secret in Manhattan: the $5 wine tasting at Vintage New York. This charming boutique sells New York-produced wines and cheeses. Sitting at the bar, we admired the Siamese cat and allowed our friendly host Isaiah to guide us through the vast wine list. Not content just to imbibe, we accompanied our reds and whites with award-winning Hudson Valley Camembert and Ewe's Blue from the Old Chatham Sheepherding Company. It was quite an experience to smear the buttery Camembert on slices of baguette in between sips of various wines. Isaiah was generous and threw in a free extra tasting, so I took his suggestion and ordered the refreshing Red Newt Riesling with notes of apples, lychee, and tropical fruits.

Preparing to float out of the store, I suddenly glimpsed a plate of chocolate truffles from 5th Avenue Chocolatiere. Why hadn't I noticed that before? An evening isn't complete without a bite of chocolate.

Vintage New York: 482 Broome St., (212) 226-9463. Also located at 2492 Broadway, (212) 721-9999.