Frenchie Wine Bar: A Secret Foodie Spot You Didn’t Know Existed

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As a foodie traveller, I’m always on the lookout for hidden culinary gems. Some of those restaurants might be hard to find, but those tucked-away spots often serve the best food you will ever have in your life. Few days ago, I had a chance to check out Frenchie Wine Bar in my city, Calgary. While it is located on 17th Ave, the buzzing commercial heart of the city, this modern french inspired wine bar, with no sign outside to advertise the spot, is a brand new foodie find that not many locals have ever heard of!

Hidden at the back of UNA Takeaway, the very intimate Frenchie Wine Bar is the the perfect way to enjoy your evening in true comfort and style. The 15-seat space is carried through with a hand-carved bar, vintage crystal chandelier and red leather banquette and stools, which when combined with the dark, moody lighting creates privacy and mystery. With its rustic vibe, I can say it is the ideal place to chill with friends over a glass of vino! 

Frenchie sets itself apart by its unique wine offerings. Its rotating special curated wine list features natural and organic wines that come from small producers. Food wise, Frenchie is devoted to being local. It offers charcuterie from Empire Provisions and cheese from Peasant, along with house-made accompaniments.

At our visit, we sampled the meat & cheese platter for two  ($30) which is is thoughtfully assembled with items from the frequently changing menu. After tasting the array of artisanal cheese and meat on the board, we were highly impressed by the freshness and quality of the products. It is also worth nothing that their house made baguette & local, cultured butter ($6) served as a perfect addition to the cheese and charcuterie board!

meat: chicken liver mousse, lonza, finocchiona; cheese: grey owl, shepard’s harvest

[bctt tweet=”Frenchie: a secret #WineBar at the back of @unatakeaway on @17thavesw that you didn’t know existed! #yyc #yyceats” username=”fortwoplz”]

Want to pair wine with desserts? Not a problem! Frenchie offers a short selection of mouthwatering desserts that are sure to please. Something that really hits the spot is a slice of the delightful churro pie ($5), which is coated in cinnamon sugar and topped with chocolate ganache frosting!

Beyond Frenchie…

After a few drinks and snacks, if you are up for something a little bit more substantial, Una Takeaway just outside the wine bar is a fantastic option. The casual eatery is known for the pizzas, but it also serves other items, including salads, sandwiches, pastries, desserts, and even family dinners like beef lasagna! Right besides the counter is a coffee bar where you can grab coffee or tea. How convenient!

Inside the store, you can also find a fridge full of house-made and local products like sauces and dressings, cured meat, cheeses, sweet treats as well as take-home dinners like lasagna that are available for purchase. Many of these food products are used in the dishes at Frenchie and UNA Takeaway. So if you taste something you like, it is likely that you can bring them home.

Summary

For a quintessential French experience in the city of Calgary, Frenchie Wine Bar is a great choice for connoisseurs and wine newbies alike. The unique wine list and locally sourced cheese and meet are designed to stir the senses like nowhere else. Kev and I had a fabulous time there and we highly recommended it!

Disclaimer: I was formally invited by Frenchie Wine Bar to dine at the restaurant. The meal was paid for by Frenchie. As always, all opinions on For Two, Please are my own and I only recommend brands that I 100% stand behind.