Java Vino – Good things come in threes!
By Ben Potaracke
Good things come in threes. The rule of three suggests that a trio of events or characters is more humorous,
satisfying, or effective than other numbers. Java Vino is no exception. They have embraced this rule with wine, food, and coffee.
I had the opportunity to visit Java Vino and was greeted promptly and warmly by the hostess. There are plenty of options for seating, depending on what mood you are in. Tables and high tops if you want to enjoy dinner, multiple bars to sit at and read about the happy hour specials and available wines, or you can pull into a cozy corner with comfortable chairs and round tables for a quiet and more intimate environment. Plus, they offer plenty of WiFi to go around if you want to pull out your laptop and get some work done with a glass of wine or a cup of coffee.
When it comes to wine, it’s common for a restaurant to have a basic white and red selection. The wine list “should” usually be simple, serving up the same vintner with minimal options, or a house wine with no complexity or structure.
That may be fine for some, but if you are going to get a glass of wine, you need food options to pair it with or the ability to try something new and different from your typical grocery store selection.
Hello Java Vino!
Java Vino has an impressive and more extensive selection than your average restaurant. They offer white and red varietals from both the New World (United States, Australia, South Africa, Chile, Argentina, and New Zealand), and the Old World (France, Italy, and Spain). They offer unique styles, like a sparkling Syrah, and choices from the regional vineyards, for example Elmaro, a popular producer out of Trempealeau Wisconsin. You can’t go wrong if you are looking for a good glass or a new wine to try.
So now we need something to go with that wine. Jav Vino’s food menu is stellar with options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And we just happened to stop by for a late lunch.
The hummus plate is nothing short of amazing and they don’t skimp on any of the Mediterranean details. I’ve been to a few places where you just get the basic bread with mashed chick-peas and olive oil. Not here at Java Vino. Our plate consisted of roasted garlic, red pepper, Greek olives, feta, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber with warm toasted pita bread. It’s a light feast all by itself. Side note, I paired it with the Barrel Burner Chardonnay. No regrets, I’m loving my lunch!
Jav Vino also has a variety of choices for panini’s and burgers, plus all their soups are house made. We also tried the Pear Gorgonzola Salad. This delicious dish has spinach, arugula, sliced pears, gorgonzola, celery, craisins, candied pecans and maple vinaigrette. Definitely a favorite especially if you embrace a plant-based diet.
On your way out you don’t want to leave without a cup of joe. There are plenty of choices from Americanos, Cappuccinos, Espressos, Mochas, Lattes and Teas, just to name a few. My favorite is the dirty Chai, which is Chai tea with not one, but two shots of espresso. If you are in a hurry and don’t have time, you can grab that cup of coffee at their drive-thru.
To sum it all up, Java Vino really has embraced the three essentials; food, coffee, wine.
Ben is an amateur chef & certified WSET level 2 wine expert. Professionally, Ben is the CTO of a large tech company in the La Crosse, WI area.
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