Whole Foods/The Eight Bar
788 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90017
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/downtownlosangeles

Did you know the Whole Foods in Downtown Los Angeles has an excellent bar and restaurant called The Eight Bar? I certainly didn’t, but they were kind enough to invite me to come by and check them out. I didn’t think I’d like a bar in a grocery store so much, but I was impressed all around with my experience. The staff was very kind and knowledgeable, and I was very excited with both their wine and beer lists. They have various food specials throughout the week, but Mondays they feature oysters so I got treated to a summer wine flights paired with oysters served two ways.

With summer right around the corner, I was thrilled to do a flight of my two favorite warm weather (and day drinking!) wines- rosé and sparkling wine. All of the wines can be purchased at your local Whole Foods, so if you’re into bright, tasty rosés or some superb bubbly, I recommend any of these bottles.

The tasting list included (left to right), Presto Prosecco (in adorable single serve cans!),  the Summer Water Rosé (Santa Barbara County), Domaine de la Solitude Rose (Côtes du Rhone), Col Veterra Prosecco, and the Gaston Chiquet Brut Champagne. I honestly don’t think I could pick a favorite out of the lineup as they were all super tasty. The Domaine de la Solitude rosé was right up my alley with some great berry flavors and a subtle dry minerality. The champagne was also excellent, and a great alternative to Veuve Clicquot or Möet. Plus how cute is that can of prosecco? Perfect for a day at the beach, camping, poolside, or anytime you want just one glass of the bubbly (instead of the whole bottle).

In addition to some great wines, the folks at The Eight Bar were kind enough to let my try their oysters prepared two ways, which was the perfect compliment to these refreshing summer wines. All their oysters are steamed in a beer bath and then prepared in several ways. The first were more traditional oysters, complete with house-made cocktail sauce. The others were cooked with St. Germaine and dry white vermouth and a cream sauce. I had never had fresh oysters prepared in a such a rich and decadent way before, so the latter was definitely a treat!

I’d had never thought there’d be such a neat bar at a Whole Foods, but The Eight Bar in Downtown LA is a delightful hidden gem. The food and wine were both great, but more importantly, the staff was knowledgeable and friendly, which, in my opinion, really elevates a bar from good to great. So make sure you pay these guys a visit if you’re in the area, and if not, don’t fret – you can always grab a bottle of rosé for your lazy afternoons at your local Whole Foods.