The sun has set on summer and it is time to start thinking about your favorite robust, velvety red wines. While the outside temperature is screaming chilled whites, let’s take a look at the best places in Irving to enjoy a nice smooth red for those days when the weather gives us a glimpse into fall.
Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill
350 Las Colinas Blvd W
Relax on the patio, belly up at the bar, or enjoy a full spread meal in the dining room at The Thirsty Lion Gastropub located at the Toyota Music Factory. They have a great wine list and plenty of chances to catch happy hour from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. every day of the week! Enjoy a piled high gourmet burger with a glass of cabernet. My favorite on the menu is the Gastropub Burger with a gorgonzola-infused patty and grilled sweet onion, maple pepper bacon, white cheddar, arugula and horseradish cream on grilled ciabatta. This flavor bomb of a burger pairs perfectly with Bonanza Cabernet on their wine list that comes in either a 6-ounce pour, 9-ounce pour or heck, just go for the full bottle!
Gloria's Latin Cuisine
320 West Las Colinas Boulevard
While margaritas may be on the mind when dining with Gloria’s, do not pass on their extensive wine list. Wines that would pair great with the robust flavors of Latin America include rosé, tempranillo and cabernet. Something to remember while pairing your wine is that the spicier the food, the colder and sweeter the wine should be. For Gloria’s savory Carne Flameada, go for a rich cabernet. To pair with my favorite, the Shrimp Tacos, try a light-bodied pinot noir.
Modern Market Eatery
6671 N MacArthur Blvd Suite 150
Who says wine has to be paired with indulgent foods? At Modern Market Eatery, the food is good and good for you. With a focus on fresh ingredients and made-from-scratch dishes, everything on their menu is whole, clean and sustainable, all while staying convenient and delicious. Did I mention they serve wine, too? This is a match made in heaven for me! I would pair their Summer Seared Ahi Salad with a glass of pinot noir or for their delicious Med Bowl try a merlot. What I love about Modern Market is that even if you are craving a cheat day meal like pizza, they will not leave you unsatisfied or feeling regretful with their incredible ingredients. So go for the guilt-free pizza and wine combo like the Modern Mushroom with roasted crimini mushrooms, goat cheese, marinated kale, red onion and red sauce paired with a glass (or bottle) of syrah or zinfandel.
Whiskey Cake Las Colinas
3225 Regent Blvd
As if the local meat and cheese board and wine combo aren't already pulling you through the door at Whiskey Cake, there are a plethora of amazing dishes that pair perfectly with your red wine. For starters, try the goat cheese fondue with a glass of merlot. For an entree, treat yourself to their succulent duck breast with roasted cauliflower, sweet potatoes, carrot-rutabaga mash, and creole vinaigrette that pairs great with pinot noir or malbec. You can't visit Whiskey Cake without ordering their namesake house dessert, the Whiskey Cake, made with toffee torte, bourbon anglaise, spiced pecans, and house-made vanilla whipped cream, and of course, and a glass of cabernet to end the night!
Capistrano's Trattoria
4650 Airport Fwy
We cannot talk about red wine pairings without featuring one of Irving's several incredible Italian restaurants. Not just for travelers, Capistrano's Trattoria located inside the Embassy Suites DFW Airport South features authentic Italian cuisine in an upscale, spacious environment. Some great pairings from their menu include the calamari with merlot, Margherita Neopolitan style pizza with Chianti, and the Chicken Parmigiana with pinot noir.
