"CLASS ACT ON COLUMBUS"



"A husband and wife duo's
sophisticated hang-out "
by Wendy Ilene Friedman

November 1, 2007 - "With its tasteful, cool interior of exposed brick walls, dark wood and a room defining marble counter-top, Upper West Siders Jennifer and Todd Klein have transformed what was once  a "World of Nuts" shop into a much-needed upscale adult wine bar called Wine & Roses. 
"We were in need of a grown-up place," Co-Owner Jennifer Klein said.  As Zagat's said, "It's the first adult bar on the Upper West Side."
The bar, on Columbus Avenue between West 73rd and 74th Streets, was a neighborhood favorite from day one.  The proprietors visualized a place where people could gather and enjoy themselves.  They succeeded.  Although it opened just a little more than a year ago, the establishment is busy every night.
"They took such joy in the project," said Barbara Adler, executive director of the Columbus Avenue Business Improvement District (BID). "They put their heart and soul into it.  The pay-off is that they were an instant success."
The husband-and-wife team did a complete renovation of the building.  During the construction they continually discovered elements of the landmark building's pre-war structure behind walls and in the ceiling. "We kept digging and we kept finding." Jennifer Klein said.
Inside the bar, fresh roses on each table, a meticulously clean sidewalk cafe and floral-shaped ceiling lamps ad to its ambiance.  The light fare menu complement the most notable element of the eatery -- the wine list.  "We don't sell any corporate wines," Jennifer said. "We use smaller producers.  "They are a little different and off the beaten track."
When the bar was honored with the prestigious Wine Spectator award in 2007, the Kleins realized that their work, dedication and intensive study of wine-making had finally paid off.
"When you put a lot of effort and you are appreciated, it feels good," Jennifer Klein said. And the neighborhood also appreciates them.  At any time during the night the room is filled with a sophisticated crowd of singles, couples, friends, co-workers and first dates. "You'll find people from all over here," she said.  "It's a communal-type place and caught on by word of mouth."

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APRIL 1, 2008 -- Need a spot to bring your significant other after a big fight that was all your fault? Wine & Roses is a modern, but still sexy wine bar that attracts oenophiles as well as amateurs. They’ve got an extensive selection from around the world, and New Zealand pinot noirs are not placed too far from New York State Rieslings. The experts here can pour you 40 wines by the glass and there are over 180 wines by the bottle (you might need them all if that fight was a biggie). Meticulously matched food pairings are offered as well. Open seven days a week and packed to the walls most weekends, be warned, it gets overly loud at night. They can accommodate your needs for parties and can help you set up a private wine tasting. Hmm…maybe privacy will be better!

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"Wine & Roses is packing them in, which is good for socializing singles.  As wide ranging music plays, you can sample (45) wines by the glass, along with finger foods such as pizza bites and panini... Just don't get too comfortable... There are plenty of other wine lovers jostling for your table."

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theBUZZ:)

Have you been to W&R ? 
Please email Jennifer with your comments and your email address to put on our VIP mailing list.

email: jennifer@wrbar.com

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