For Smaller Wine Boutiques, Size Isn't An Issue
By Chuck Sudo in Food on Apr 2, 2009 6:00PM
When it comes to liquor stores we tend to be equal opportunity. We'll search high and low, near and far, for the best deals at stores large and small. While the boxy superstores like Sam's, Binny's and Armanetti's have their merits, the smaller stores are noted for their more personal touch. The LUSH Wine & Spirits locations in University and Roscoe Villages are wonderful for customers because they can sample practically everything LUSH has to offer and will work with customers to acquire hard-to-find wine, beer and spirits.
Boutique liquor stores are popping up with surprising frequency. Craig Perman of Perman Wine Selections in the West Loop (802 W. Washington, 312-666-4417) sold his private wine collection in order to take over the former Bennett Wine Studio. Outside of a recent expansion to accommodate tastings, Perman kept most of former owner Liesel Bennett's décor, but expanded the inventory to include select liqueurs and beers. We've purchased a couple of "Beer of the Week" selections from Perman, and his "6 wines for $60" special offered the final Friday of each month is one of the city's best wine specials. Perman has also started teaming with the undeground supper club XmarX, providing wine pairings for that group's frequent dinners.
Drinks Over Dearborn(650 N. Dearborn, 312-337-9463) owner Kyle McHugh is a certified sommelier, mixologist and student of spirits and wine whose thirst for knowledge and passion for all things booze has taken him to all points around the globe. His second floor space in River North is painted in warm colors, has a small tasting salon in the back, an inventive and ambitious inventory of liqueurs, spirits, wines and beer, and offers classes, events and tastings almost daily. McHugh also showcases artwork from local artists on a ten percent consignment; "I'm not greedy, I just want good artwork on the walls," McHugh told us Friday night at DOD's Goose Island Sofie tasting. The current featured artist at Drinks Over Dearborn is Diane Huff, mother of Gapers Block editor Andrew Huff.
A new entry to this list that's in soft opening phase starting today is the Poison Cup (1128 W. Armitage, 773-503-4801). Helmed by former LUSH University Village manager Erica Feldkamp and John Witte, a photographer specializing in natural light portraits, this store also plans on serving up some tasty vino, fine cheeses and chocolates, and offering delivery service. Artists will also be able to market their work for sale on consignment. The Poison Cup's grand opening is April 17.