Boire

LOCATION
Five minutes from the city, close to the corner of Smith and Gertrude Streets. No 86 tram runs directly past.

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
Boire is a chic wine bar and bistro owned and run by Frenchwoman Catherine Chauchat, who has a passionate love of the grape. She scours the countryside of her native Bordeaux for small producers who share that same passion and imports their wines to serve exclusively at Boire. There are also French beers on offer as well as boutique Australian and New Zealand wines. Coffee is served in resolutely Gallic style – black espresso only. The French focus is matched by a small seasonal menu which has been designed to complement the wines. Choices are made simple with just two entrees, mains and desserts available at any one time, as well as some snacky items such as unshelled walnuts to crack at the table, cheeses and house made pate.

Despite its limited size, the menu is constantly evolving and focuses on traditional French peasant fare. This includes mains such as salt bush lamb shank braised in tomato with olives, carrot and chickpeas, pot au feu or organic zucchini stuffed with mushrooms, onions, herbs and parmesan served on a bed of Puy lentils. Desserts of the moment might feature an organic poached pear in red wine and spices or tangelo, lemon mousse and almond praline. A stripped-back, Spartan style features in keeping with the carefully chosen wine list and tightly reined-in menu. Dark wine-coloured tiles, concrete flooring and a large blackboard painted wall which houses the menu, set a serious contemplative tone.

Angela Costanzo