Mercy is so pleased to announce that is been named winner of OpenTable Diner’s Choice awards for Top 50 Wine Lists in the United States. The winners are derived from more than 10 million reviews submitted by OpenTable diners for more than 12,000 restaurants in all 50 states. Mercy Wine Bar was the only restaurant/bar in Texas selected for this honor.
The Diner’s Choice Award compiles the feedback from their customers to select the top 50 wine lists for the US. This is such an honor to have received this national award. Vincent works daily to select unique wines from around the world. This is a task that must be tended to daily since these types of wines are usually limited in quantity and once gone, we can’t get more. Keeping the wine list fresh and new items for our guest is something we take seriously and we so appreciate this level of recognition.
This is the second major national award Mercy Wine Bar has received this year. Earlier this year Nightclub and Bar magazine voted Mercy #1 Wine Bar in the US. We are so appreciative of our loyal customers and their support over the years and this continues to motivate us to be in a constant mode of improvement.
OpenTable is a leading provider of real-time online restaurant reservations for diners and reservations and guest management solutions for restaurants. The company is headquartered in San Fransisco, California and open table is available throughout the US as well as Canada, Germany, Mexico, Japan and the United Kingdom. (opentable.com)
Thank you all that have voted for us.
Glen Agritelley
Owner
Monday, October 24, 2011
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Seeing Red
It started with the Red Room...with its rich, dark walls, burgundy drapes and Red lighting (or did it actually start with Red wine) ? A discussion for another time. Then we added the Red neon that surrounds the Mercy logo sign which welcomes guests at our front door. Red does make a great accent to our logo. Initially, there was some concern that the Red neon lighting would be too bright or that it would distract the cars traveling on Montfort Drive. These concerns all proved to be unfounded as it is difficult now (after almost nine years of growth) to see our sign which is partially obscured by the trees.
When it was time to add additional (and more comfortable) seating for our patio, a bright Red fabric was selected to cover the cushions of our furniture, with further additions of Red ashtrays to accommodate the cigarette smokers.
A year ago, we were host to a private party and to dramatize our entrance further, we rented LED lighting to bathe the building front in a vibrant Red sheen. It gave an almost Hollywood-like feel to our wine bar and restaurant. It served a dual purpose as it increased the available reading light and made it easier to read both the food and wine menus at night.
Quite often we are tasked to provide directions to Mercy's location in the Village of the Parkway. Located at the traffic circle is beneficial but confusing to the first-time visitor. Flash back to a year ago and the dramatic Hollywood lighting. With appropriate fan fare, we decided to purchase the Red welcome beacons at our entrance. Just in time, I might add, for an upcoming holiday season and a visit from a jolly man in a Red suit.
As the holiday season is approaching fast, drop us an e-mail, give us a call, and let's talk about some event planning for your office or social gathering. It should be much, much easier for your guests to find us this year, just look for the Red Light(s)....and STOP IN !
Mike Castagne
Operations Manager
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
World travel through your palet
I always love bringing in wine from different countries as it gives you a little bit of world travel through your palet.
The 2005 Gaili Mountain Shiraz Cabernet, is 53% Shiraz and 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, again at 15% alcohol. Though the winery does produce wines under the label of Syrah, they decided to use the “Shiraz” designation based on this wine's affinity with Australian styles.
The wine is aged ten months in American oak. It's got great berry aromas—blueberry, cassis and black plum—with additional palate notes of chocolate, vanilla, black pepper, baking spice and well toasted oak. The fine-grained tannins are extremely well integrated into this wine, a delight to experience. The finish is long and fruity, well supported by those tannins.
This is fun stuff indeed, and meant to drink now.
$13 glass $40 bottle
Vincent Havard
Operating Partner
The 2005 Gaili Mountain Shiraz Cabernet, is 53% Shiraz and 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, again at 15% alcohol. Though the winery does produce wines under the label of Syrah, they decided to use the “Shiraz” designation based on this wine's affinity with Australian styles.
The wine is aged ten months in American oak. It's got great berry aromas—blueberry, cassis and black plum—with additional palate notes of chocolate, vanilla, black pepper, baking spice and well toasted oak. The fine-grained tannins are extremely well integrated into this wine, a delight to experience. The finish is long and fruity, well supported by those tannins.
This is fun stuff indeed, and meant to drink now.
$13 glass $40 bottle
Vincent Havard
Operating Partner
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
We are very appreciative
For the eighth consecutive year, Mercy Wine Bar has won Wine Spectator magazine’s Award of Excellence. The honor, which is reserved for restaurants that meet the publication’s strict criteria, puts us in good company with some of the finest establishments across the country.
“This is truly a great honor for us,” said owner Glen Agritelley. “We strive to provide excellence in every way, and to be acknowledged by an authority like Wine Spectator only reinforces our commitment to our customers.”
To earn an Award of Excellence, an establishment must have a wine list with a well-chosen selection of quality producers; the typical list must offer at least 100 selections. The list must present complete and accurate information for each wine, including vintages and appellations for all selections – including which wines are available by the glass. Overall presentation and appearance of the list is also taken into consideration.
We currently offer more than 100 wines by the glass with an additional 50 wines that are available by the bottle. Food and wine will always be our main staples however, the current changes in zoning laws allow us now to be a true retail wine shop as well.
“We take the Award of Excellence very seriously,” Agritelley said. “This is truly a great honor for us, and we appreciate the fact that Wine Spectator feels we meet their high standards.”
The complete list of Award of Excellence recipients will appear in the Aug. 31 issue of the magazine. In addition to receiving another nod from Wine Spectator, Mercy Wine Bar was named “Best Wine Bar” in the U.S. by Nightclub & Bar Magazine earlier this year, and has previously been named among the top 100 wine bars in the country by the same publication. It was also voted one of the top 10 wine bars in the country by AskMen.com. In 2010, it was voted the “Best Wine Bar” by D Magazine and has also won numerous “People’s Choice” awards from Addison and the North Texas Corridor Guide, including “Best Lounge” and “Best Place to Sip Wine.”
“This is truly a great honor for us,” said owner Glen Agritelley. “We strive to provide excellence in every way, and to be acknowledged by an authority like Wine Spectator only reinforces our commitment to our customers.”
To earn an Award of Excellence, an establishment must have a wine list with a well-chosen selection of quality producers; the typical list must offer at least 100 selections. The list must present complete and accurate information for each wine, including vintages and appellations for all selections – including which wines are available by the glass. Overall presentation and appearance of the list is also taken into consideration.
We currently offer more than 100 wines by the glass with an additional 50 wines that are available by the bottle. Food and wine will always be our main staples however, the current changes in zoning laws allow us now to be a true retail wine shop as well.
“We take the Award of Excellence very seriously,” Agritelley said. “This is truly a great honor for us, and we appreciate the fact that Wine Spectator feels we meet their high standards.”
The complete list of Award of Excellence recipients will appear in the Aug. 31 issue of the magazine. In addition to receiving another nod from Wine Spectator, Mercy Wine Bar was named “Best Wine Bar” in the U.S. by Nightclub & Bar Magazine earlier this year, and has previously been named among the top 100 wine bars in the country by the same publication. It was also voted one of the top 10 wine bars in the country by AskMen.com. In 2010, it was voted the “Best Wine Bar” by D Magazine and has also won numerous “People’s Choice” awards from Addison and the North Texas Corridor Guide, including “Best Lounge” and “Best Place to Sip Wine.”
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Put away the white shoes
Labor Day is the unofficial end of summer and in Dallas, we were greeted to a welcome 20 degree drop in temperatures to signal the coming fall months. Summer travelers have returned home; the kids are back in school; bags of candy and Halloween decorations are appearing in stores, fall has definitely arrived.
Looking forward a bit more, Mercy is already booking holiday parties. I was grateful for the break in the temperature, as it is difficult to put your mind set on holiday event planning when you are sweltering in 105 degree heat. I really do love that time of year, holiday festivities both at work and at home, really have produced some cherished memories.
When the banter at work, the discussion for venues come up, please think of us at Mercy. When we host a large or even a smaller gathering at Mercy, there is such a sense of purpose in the air. We get to showcase what Mercy has to offer to a multitude of new guests all at once and that is really, so much fun !
Drop an e-mail note or give me with some specifics for your company's holiday party; we would really welcome being a part of your holiday festivities.
Mike Castagne
Operations Manager
Looking forward a bit more, Mercy is already booking holiday parties. I was grateful for the break in the temperature, as it is difficult to put your mind set on holiday event planning when you are sweltering in 105 degree heat. I really do love that time of year, holiday festivities both at work and at home, really have produced some cherished memories.
When the banter at work, the discussion for venues come up, please think of us at Mercy. When we host a large or even a smaller gathering at Mercy, there is such a sense of purpose in the air. We get to showcase what Mercy has to offer to a multitude of new guests all at once and that is really, so much fun !
Drop an e-mail note or give me with some specifics for your company's holiday party; we would really welcome being a part of your holiday festivities.
Mike Castagne
Operations Manager
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Ripasso or Ripassa ?
I always love a very good Amarone. The word Ripasso designates both the winemaking technique and the wine, and is usually found on the wine label. Amarone, is a typically rich Italian dry red wine; made from partially dried grapes. Grapes are harvested ripe in the first two weeks of October, by carefully choosing bunches having fruits not too close to each other, to let the air flow. Grapes are allowed to dry, traditionally on straw or bamboo mats. This process gives intense flavor to the wine that could remind you of dark chocolate with a balsamic reduction. These types of wines can be pretty expensive and not the everyday kind of wine that you keep at the house.
This type of winemaking can be pretty expensive and produces not the everyday kind of wine that you would keep at the house. That’s why I love the Ripasso (translates as “re-pass,” it is a second fermentation of vapolicella of the leftover skins of the Amarone). I like to call it a fresh baby Amarone,
Zenato Ripassa 2008 Veneto
This Zenato Ripassa/Ripasso offers rich, elegant aromas of dried fruit such as raisins, prunes, cherries and dark berries ending with a touch of sweet vanilla. This wine is not on the list yet. So do not hesitate to ask one of our servers. They know about it and it is becoming one of their favorites.
Glass $20 ~ Bottle $60 ~ Retail $ 33
Vincent Havard
Operating Partner
This type of winemaking can be pretty expensive and produces not the everyday kind of wine that you would keep at the house. That’s why I love the Ripasso (translates as “re-pass,” it is a second fermentation of vapolicella of the leftover skins of the Amarone). I like to call it a fresh baby Amarone,
Zenato Ripassa 2008 Veneto
This Zenato Ripassa/Ripasso offers rich, elegant aromas of dried fruit such as raisins, prunes, cherries and dark berries ending with a touch of sweet vanilla. This wine is not on the list yet. So do not hesitate to ask one of our servers. They know about it and it is becoming one of their favorites.
Glass $20 ~ Bottle $60 ~ Retail $ 33
Vincent Havard
Operating Partner
Monday, August 22, 2011
A rare treat is in store for you !
I’d like to take a diversion in this week’s blog from the business side and talk a bit about music!! As most of you that know me are aware; music is one of my passions in life. From a garage band in the late 60’s, to recording in Nashville, music has been a constant in my life. It was one of my missions, 10 years ago to create a venue for live music, not simply a bar that hosted bands. I wanted to recreate a nightclub atmosphere where you could go and sit and listen to great music,a place where the music was the center of the evening and people would want to come and listen. I am very pleased to say that Mercy now hosts live music every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. Sunday evening is a bit more mellow and laid back but a great time to end your week with a glass of wine, great music and hopefully the company of someone special.
This Thursday we have a rare treat to have secured a Nashville recording artist, singer songwriter, Karen Waldrup. Karen has been named one of the top 25 songwriters in Nashville and her second CD “With Love, Karen” has brought her into prominence in the Music City. She has shared the stage with Hank Williams, Jr., Carrie Underwood and Jake Owen. Most recently, she is one of 12 artists selected to be on Bravo’s new “Platinum Hits” show. Her latest single and video “Bayou Baby” is doing well on the charts.
Karen’s style is blend of blues and soft country. She is in Dallas for a charity event on the weekend and we were very fortunate to snag her for Thursday night at Mercy. This is the second Nashville dignitary we have had play at Mercy. Many of you will remember my good friend Bucky Barrett who has played at Mercy on a couple of different occasions when he was in town visiting me. Bucky played lead guitar for Roy Orbison. One of the times he visited he brought with him legendary guitar player, Scotty Moore. Scotty played for Elvis at the very beginning of it all. Imagine in one room in Mercy having guitar players for both Elvis and Roy Orbison. Karen joins a distinguished Nashville team to have played Mercy.
We are really excited about her being with us and hope you all can come out and see this great new singer/songwriter. Karen goes on at 8 pm this Thursday. You might want to get there early as we are booking up fast !
Mercy……………………!
Glen Agritelley
Owner
This Thursday we have a rare treat to have secured a Nashville recording artist, singer songwriter, Karen Waldrup. Karen has been named one of the top 25 songwriters in Nashville and her second CD “With Love, Karen” has brought her into prominence in the Music City. She has shared the stage with Hank Williams, Jr., Carrie Underwood and Jake Owen. Most recently, she is one of 12 artists selected to be on Bravo’s new “Platinum Hits” show. Her latest single and video “Bayou Baby” is doing well on the charts.
Karen’s style is blend of blues and soft country. She is in Dallas for a charity event on the weekend and we were very fortunate to snag her for Thursday night at Mercy. This is the second Nashville dignitary we have had play at Mercy. Many of you will remember my good friend Bucky Barrett who has played at Mercy on a couple of different occasions when he was in town visiting me. Bucky played lead guitar for Roy Orbison. One of the times he visited he brought with him legendary guitar player, Scotty Moore. Scotty played for Elvis at the very beginning of it all. Imagine in one room in Mercy having guitar players for both Elvis and Roy Orbison. Karen joins a distinguished Nashville team to have played Mercy.
We are really excited about her being with us and hope you all can come out and see this great new singer/songwriter. Karen goes on at 8 pm this Thursday. You might want to get there early as we are booking up fast !
Mercy……………………!
Glen Agritelley
Owner
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)