Los Angeles - April 04, 2008

Put a Cork in It

Vinoteque Wine Bar Opens

Nooooo. This bottle’s corked. Wuh-hieeeee?! It’s mer. freaking. lot. But! but! but! but! It’s supposed to be Franconian. It’s not fair.

Cool it. This is not another whine bar. It’s Vinoteque, opening today just south of downtown Culver City.

Working rich colors and smart, cozy design, the old Syngery Cafe transformed into a warm, welcoming space that’s part bar, part resto-lounge, and part intimate venue for live blues and jazz.

Most of the rustic Italian/French/Spanish small plates are under ten bucks. Same goes for the by-the-glass wines. But you don’t have to stick to the standard list: Pop open any of the 250 bottles, and they’ll price it per pour (a little something co-owner Adam Fleischman brought over from his old digs, BottleRock), then add the label to the specials monitor so others can swig along with you.

Hey, no complaints here.

Vinoteque, 4437 Sepulveda Boulevard, at Braddock Drive, Culver City (310-482-3490).