Tenderloin tagliata- seared beef tenderloin with goat cheese and a mango saffron drizzle.
In a world where bigger is better, Syrah is the ideal choice. It’s darker than Carbernet Sauvignon and contains high amounts of health-invigorating antioxidants. But when it comes to Syrah Wine & Tappas it’s simple, small plates served in a cozy cellar atmosphere.
At capacity, Syrah Wine & Tapas seats only 40, and you are going to want a seat at the table. The chef teases your senses with tiny tastes and treats, as you dine nestled between fine wines from around the world in the cellar café.
The small plates are for sharing or mixing and matching to get the meal of your choice. The possibilities are almost endless.
Deciding on what to eat can almost be a challenge in itself, as the options on the menu will leave you wanting to try this, that and everything in between.
On a recent evening out at Syrah Wine & Tappas, I couldn’t decide whether I wanted the crispy falafel balls with creamy Tzatziki dip, (and anyone that knows me knows how much I love falafel) or their mini minced mushroom and herb balls served with a smoked paprika aioli (which I just had to try). I got both. And while Syrah says it’s small plates, their was nothing small about the items that came out on the plate. And I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the mushroom balls. I also gave the tenderloin tagliata — a house specialty a whirl — the seared beef tenderloin with goat cheese was offset perfectly with the mango saffron drizzle.
Of course, with mixing and matching the order of the day, I shared with my dining companion.
I opted for a little lighter fare for my entrée and went with the grilled salmon with roasted asparagus. Syrah’s key lime tart rounded out the meal.
With a menu that’s so appealing, the arancini with prime beef, arborio rice and prime ground tenderloin rolled in panko and pan-fried called out to me, simply because I love arancini, but that will have to wait for a return visit. It’s also one of Syrah’s specialties, along with their mini bagel with smoked salmon of cream cheese, capers and diced red onion.
Their mahi mahi taco — grilled and flaked mahi mahi is served in a soft taco with shredded lettuce and diced mango salsa; and their Mediterranean Mezze is comprised of hummus, Tzatziki, and olive tapenade with garlic bread.
Syrah Wine & Tappas also offers cheese (soft and hard with a crostini basket and mango marmalade) and charcouterie boards showcasing deli meats and sausage with garlic crostini and English mustard.
The menu also features a variety of sandwiches and flatbreads.
Petit filet mignon with Himalayan pink salt French fries.
Sandwiches that whet the appetite include their grilled BBQ chicken with Swiss cheese, smoked bacon, lettuce and tomato on brioche; to a braised short rib ragout with melted Parmesan shavings on a brioche bun; petit filet mignon with horseradish aioli, lettuce and tomato on brioche; a jerk mahi mahi burger with lettuce, tomato and a dill tartar sauce; a crispy mini falafel burger on bakery roll with cucumber tzatziki; and a mini minced mushroom burger with sautéed mushroom and herbed pattie on a garlic toasted brioche.
Their flatbread options run the gamut from classic cheese to BBQ chicken and bacon with tangy BBQ sauce base and melted mozzarella; to a tagliata tenderloin quad with sliced tenderloin, sautéed onions, mushrooms and goat cheese; to a braised short rib quad with pepperoni, mushrooms and sautéed onions to the Philly flatbread with sautéed mushrooms, onions and peppers with melted mozzarella; or you can create your own.
Petit filet mignon, mahi mahi filet and an Abaco chicken breast round out the options for those people who may want an entrée that’s simply grilled.
Sides on offer include shoestring French fries dusted with Himalayan pink salt; Moroccan 3-bean salad with a sweet and tangy balsamic vinaigrette; steamed organic spinach with Himalayan pink salt to a twist of organic lemon and extra virgin olive oil; a green side salad with house vinaigrette and roasted asparagus in extra virgin olive oil and garlic rolled in Parmesan.
Syrah Wine & Tapas is located in the Cotton Tree Traders Plaza on East Bay Street, and is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 12 noon to 9 p.m.
Shavaughn Moss, Guardian Lifestyles Editor
Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian
