Pair the surge in patriotism over the election with the plummeting state of the economy, and there’s no better time to drink American. The city has a fine source for domestic bourbon at Char No. 4, and Friday marks the official opening of Sweet & Lowdown, an all-American wine bar. Tree-huggers beware: The candlelit space is where American oak trees came to die, and is a departure in style from owner Israel Katz’s flowery other venture, Le Jardin Bistro. Wine collector Scott Sinawi curated Sweet’s wine list from the domestic regions you might expect — California, Oregon, and Washington — but New York and Virginia are also represented. There are small plates and even a mini-cupcake assortment from How Sweet It Is bakery next door for dessert. Check out the full menu of bites and booze below, then click through the slideshow to see more of the lumber-jacked space.
SMALL PLATES
1. “Strong cheese” melts on toast with shredded dry sausage and pickles $9
2. Buckwheat crepe with truffle salami and goat cheese $10
3. Mixed pickles $5
4. Snails with garlic parsley and Vermont butter $8
5. Warm baby potatoes with crème fresh, domestic caviar and chives $8
6. Hand cut Colorado beef tartar $10
7. Rosemary roasted “piggy” with polenta and blue cheese pie $12
8. Assortment of domestic blue cheese with port glaze and pistachio $10
PLATES
1. Assortment of domestic cheeses (Three – $11 five – $14 seven – $17)
2. Assortment of domestic cured meats (Three – $11 five – $14)
3. Mixed cheese and meats plate $22
4. Goat brie baked in box with cured meats and pickles - $25
DESSERTS
1. Mini cupcake assortment $8
2. Pie of the day P/A
*Additional daily specials will be written on chalk board
Red Wine
1. Lyeth, Meritage, Sonoma CA, 2006 9/34
2. The Zin, Zinfandel, Lodi CA, 2005 12/45
3. Simi Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley Ca 2004 20/75
4. Bedell “First Crush”. Merlot/Cab Franc, Long Island NY 2007 10/36
5. Erath, Pinot Noir, Dundee OR, 2007 11/42
6. Judds Hill, Petite Syrah, Lodi CA 2005 15/55
7. Bonny Doon “Ca del Solo”, Sangiovese, CA 2005 13/47
8. Tolosa, Pinot Noir, San Luis Obispo, CA 2006 16/64
White Wine
1. Albemarle, Viognier,, VA 2006 10/38
2. Heron Hill, Riesling, NY 2006 8/30
3. Fortress, Sauvignon Blanc, CA 2006 8/30
4. Lamoreaux Landing, Chardonnay, NY 7/26
5. Koehler, Chardonnay, CA 2006 12/ 48
6. Babcock Vineyards, Sauvignon Blanc, Lompoc, CA 2005 13/52
7. Seven Hills Winery, Pinot Gris, Walla Walla, WA 2006 11/44
Rose, Sparkling, Dessert, and Reserve Wines
ROSE
1. Sofia Coppola Rose, Napa, CA 2006 12/46
SPARKLING
1. Kluge, Sparkling Rose, VA 2006 12/46
2. Gruet Champenoise Gold Label, Brut, NM NV 11/44
DESSERT WINE
1. Vidal ice wine 2007 NJ 8
RESERVE LIST (November 2008)
1. Joseph Phelps Vineyards Insignia 2002
2. Beaulieu Vineyards Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 1997
3. Dominus Estate 1999
4. Joseph Phelps Vineyard Insignia 1998 (magnum)
123 Allen St., nr. Delancey St.; 212-228-7746
