Pour it on Valentine Day Style at Sip Wine Riverside

After 13 years as the River Room, the restaurant in the Post Riverside complex quietly morphed into a new concept in late December. Now as Sip Wine Riverside, the space boasts a refreshed, lighter interior that matches the approach to dining.

The idea is to give diners a variety of dishes as well as wines, all while keeping the prices affordable.

Veteran chef Daniel Massie's menu is anchored by 20 small plates that are more than bite-sized samplings. His well-executed servings are reasonable portions that diners can savor

And tomorrow the restaurant is offering a Valentine Couple Tapas Special. For $30 per couple, receive a champagne split, truffle papas fritas, three small plates and dessert.

"There's something here for the most finicky eaters," said Massie. "And it's not only diverse; it's value-based."

The same can be said of the 40-bottle wine list that owner Foster Smith serves in 1-, 3- or 6-ounce pours. Among the options are several bottles rarely offered by the glass, including a Barolo Prunotto and a Vineyard 29 Cru Cabernet Sauvignon. Don't worry about being overwhelmed by the variety: Each dish on the menu comes with a suggested pairing.

"We have lots of customers who will start with a sip of the pairings, then return for a half or full glass," said Smith. "Then they'll move onto some of the exclusive bottles that they can't usually taste elsewhere."

For those who just want to focus on wine, Smith has installed an innovative, computerized pouring system in the bar. Just insert your credit or gift card, then pick a wine and how much you want to sample. The bottles are kept under pressure that's akin to recorking, ensuring the quality of each pour.

SIP BASICS
Sip Wine Riverside
4403 Northside Parkway, in the Post Riverside Town Square
www.sipwineshop.com
404-233-5455
Lunch, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Mondays-Fridays
Dinner, 5:30-10 p.m. daily

Text "sip" 90210 for discounts, deals and tons of free stuff.