What is better than one? How about — two! The great news is you get the best of both worlds of two in one! Two Urban Licks hosted a wine, tequila and dinner event. Tickets were $65 for a three-hour evening of fantastic food, intriguing wines and a taste of tequila on their amazing patio that overlooks the Eastside BeltLine. Can’t beat it! I really enjoyed this evening and I’m delighted that this Old Fourth Ward restaurant promises there will be more such events.
High-Quality Wine
The offered wines were from the Reynolds Family Winery, which is based out of Napa. The property sits on almost 15 acres near Atlas Peak, just south of Stags Leap. The growing conditions here are ideal for producing big, rich, complex wines. Steve Reynolds started the business in 1999 and shared his wines and expertise with us. There were three different varieties — two reds and one white. The reds were a Los Carneros Pinot Noir and a Reynolds Cabernet, which had rich notes of black cherry and hints of cedar, leather and candied red fruit; the white was Napa Valley Chardonnay. I was impressed with the wines as they were rich, full-bodied and had a deep enticing aroma. I even bought a wine bottle; the Reynolds Cabernet, which was $65 a bottle. Obviously I’m a fan and highly recommend it.
Tequila
After tasting the wines they served two ultra-premium, hand-crafted tequila from Penta. The first being the Diamante and the other was the Reposado, which is aged for a full six months in a combination of barrels to develop a richer sipping style. It was mellow and I thoroughly enjoyed it — to my surprise. To be honest, I’ve never had a liking for tequila, Penta is different. The tequila is owned by Steve Reynolds and some friends who wanted to create a tequila just as memorable as his wines. Penta uses 100 percent blue agave sourced from all five Mexican states where agave for tequila is legally grown. It’s not inexpensive, which may be why I liked it so much. The Diamante sells for about $100; Reposado for $125.
Tasty Bites
During the evening Two Urban Licks served up three small dishes that complemented the tasting. The first course was burrata, red pepper and sunflower seed puree, basil oil, frisee, avocado vinaigrette and chappa bread; the second course was scallops, back beans and green papaya salad. The final course consisted of brisket, red bliss garlic whipped potatoes, bok choy and mushroom cream sauce My favorite was the brisket. Anywhere I can, if there is brisket on the menu, I will order it, and and I would put Two Urban Licks’ brisket with the best around, plus it really went well with the red wines served.
If you dine at Two Urban Licks and — you should — you have to have the salmon chips for starters. You can’t go there and not have that! You may even be hooked after one bite. Honestly! I recommend the brisket and prime rib. You will not be disappointed with the food and experience and their top-notch service guarantees you will be treated like a superstar. If you have some room indulge your taste buds for the peanut butter pie or the chocolate creme brûlée.
Two Urban Licks is owned by Concentrics Restaurants and shares valet parking with its neighboring restaurants: Bazati and New Realm Brewing. Treat yourself and enjoy an relaxing experience at Two Urban Licks, and when they have another wine tasting, I’ll be the first to sign up.
Check out the links below if you would like to learn more.
