The Neighborhood Winery held its grand opening in early March in downtown L.A. with the goal of becoming the go-to spot where wine lovers can chill out and toss back a few glasses of natural vino created using Central California-grown grapes.
But it has a double identity.
While it may not look like a deli at all, thanks to a modern interior decorated in a wood motif with communal tables, an exposed brick wall and a bar stacked with wine bottles, the new tasting room could be considered part Jewish deli thanks to a menu inspired by the co-owner’s great-grandfather, who was a kosher butcher in Brooklyn by day and a winemaker by night.
“I knew I wanted Neighborhood Winery to have its own presence in L.A. and I knew we wanted to focus on the natural wines here, but I wasn’t sure what food we would pair the wines with,” said Nick Perr, who along with his wife Carmen Perr co-own the new wine bar.
“My great-grandfather’s story lasted with me and I wanted to pair the wines with some of these foods that I would enjoy with my dad’s family,” he added.
The Neighborhood Winery is housed in a space that was once Pali Wine Co., which was founded by Perr’s parents. The new spot is centered around a variety of natural wines that are fermented from yeast that’s naturally occurring on the grapes and in the air. This means the wines tend to be crisper and leaner in profile, with lower ABV. Some are also poured out of a tap like beer.
“They have a little more of a youthful expression and more primary fruit flavors,” Perr said.
The menu includes their own interpretation of classic New York, Jewish and Eastern European fare found in Jewish delis like latkes, matzo, pastrami sandwiches and schnitzel.
Since the wine menu is meant to be paired, Perr made suggestions for three dishes on their menu.
The dish: Matzo with Borscht butter
The wine: Natty Chardonnay
The details: This Matzo dish is inspired by an Eastern European stew made from beets, onion,…
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