Spill the Wine, located in the theatre district of Minneapolis is a contemporary wine bar with flair.  Diners are instantly drawn in by the warm colors of the walls, and interesting lighting, which makes it seem like there are snow flakes falling gently from the ceiling.  Each table has a romantic feel with a candle lit in the center, and it is impossible not to look around at all of the interesting artwork on the walls.

The center of attention is the open kitchen.   What goes on behind the scenes in most restaurants is put front and center in Spill the Wine. Diners are able to watch as chefs quickly and professionally slice, grill, and sauté.

Spill the Wine is dedicated to its wine selection.  This is definitely a good place to start if you are just getting into wine.  The wine flights are reasonably priced ($12-$18) in which you get to try three different wines.  They all seem to be a little on the sweet side and not too dry, perfect for the beginner.  The wine list can be intimidating as it has selections from all over the world.  The staff, however are very helpful, and would be able to give you a great recommendation.  The wide variety gives the new wine connoisseur a great base to start from.

While the restaurant is all about wine, it also offers American Cuisine with  continental characteristics. The appetizers are amazing.  The bruschetta was everything and more:  the usual tomato and mozzarella but with a twist.  Layered between the garlic bread and tomato was a subtle olive tapénade that brought out the creamy, yet salty flavors of the cheese.  A slight drizzle of pesto topped it off giving this little dish a new but great taste.

The entrees were lacking given the price range of the wine bar ($25-$30).  The steak was juicy in the center, but grilled a little too long on the outside giving it a charred taste.  It was plopped unceremoniously on top of a pile of mashed potatoes and surround by gargantuan pieces of asparagus.

The jumbo scallops were not so jumbo, but were instead the size of a half-dollar.  They too were thrown without care on top of a pile of mashed potatoes and surrounded by a crab minestrone, which made for a different and disastrous combination.  It would have been much better  if all were served separately.

Dessert made up for the unsavory entrées.  A substantial slice of chocolate cake drizzled with hot fudge and white chocolate was light on the tongue: decadent but not overly so.  They also offer Muddy Paws Cheesecake which could easily be boasted as the best cheesecake in town.

Spill the Wine is a cozy, relaxing place recommended for wine beginners and connoisseurs alike.  If you’re looking for a place that’s friendly to all ages with atmosphere and great appetizers or desserts this would be a great place to go.  However, if you’re looking for a good steak or seafood, this is not the place for you.