Unlike traditional wine bars, samplings at Splash Wine Bar in North Park are ultra casual - self-serve from one of the three centric red wine Enomatic wine dispensing systems (maintained at approximately 57 degrees), or from the back side bar featuring chilled white wines (a refreshing 47 degrees).
Before we start, let me tell you a little bit about this futuristic machine that makes Splash so extraordinary: Enomatic is an Italian-made wine preservation and serving system that uses inert gas to displace the air in open bottles of wine and preserves the wine for up to thirty days. The enomatics at Splash have automated portion controlled pouring (one ounce a shot, ranging from $0.99 - $6.00/ounce) so that you may self-pour whichever splash your heart desires, allowing you the freedom to walk around, read about the different vintages, and choose your own flights by inserting your prepaid smart card (Splash Card) into the dispensing machine. Some of the prices per ounce of wine seem excessive, but keep in mind that the higher price tastes are for wines that cost in excess of $200.00 per bottle. Cheers to a simple and unpretentious way to expand wine culture and education!
Nothing goes better with wine than bread and cheese, and plenty of each we had. The mini caprese ($5/4 piece, $1/additional piece) offers simple stacks of fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil, olive oil, and the plate’s highlight, a sweet and herby balsamic reduction.
The savory goat cheese boat, served with warm dipping bread ($7) comes with warmed goat cheese topped with olive oil, pesto, and sundried tomatoes.
The warm and melty baked brie wedge is
topped with raspberry chipotle sauce and toasted pecans – also served with warm
bread bits. This sweet yet savory dish
may be enjoyed as an appetizer or dessert.
A convection oven is the only cooking
mechanism used by the kitchen at Splash, so it is wondrous how innovative their
menu has become. The talk of Splash are
the thin and crispy flatbread pizzas topped with varied assortments of pesto
and BBQ chicken, salamis, pepperoni, feta and mozzarella – choose one of the
eight artful combinations or build your own.
The standout of the evening was the ricotta and mushroom flatbread
pizza, a 15” long garlic heaven, topped with mozzarella, spinach, mushrooms,
creamy fresh ricotta, and drizzled with white truffle oil ($12).
The Splash dessert selections change on a
daily basis and tend to be offerings from local bake or chocolate shops, but
the housemade brie apple stack has a refreshing sweetness suitable for dessert,
with agave toasted pecans and grape garnishes.
Unfortunately the segmented flavors of the dish never come together,
leaving you dissecting an otherwise appealing presentation.
Whether you’re out for a night on the
town, a low key evening with friends, or just in the mood to try some wines,
tour the world one splash at a time.
Take advantage of Happy Hours every day from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. when
you’ll receive $5 with every $20 card purchase or enjoy $3 select wines and
beers, as well as $5 snack items. Two
Splash Tuesday is also a great time to double your fun: all Splashes are half
off.
Check out their website for many other
great promotions and events!
SPLASH WINE BAR
3043
University Ave., North Park
(619) 296-0714
Hours:
Mon, Sun 4 pm - 10 pm
Tue-Thu 4 pm - 11 pm
Fri-Sat 4 pm - 12 am
