2 New Wine Bars Open At O'Hare
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Chicago may be a known as a beer-and-a-shot kind of town, but now, oenophiles can look for that elusive hint of eucalyptus and blackcurrants in their cabernet as they await their flights off to faraway destinations.
The Chicago Department of Aviation reported Tuesday that two new wine bars opened over the weekend at the airport – Bubbles Wine Bar in Terminal 3 and Beaudevin Wine Bar in Terminal 1.
Both are operated by airport foodservice firm HMSHost.
Travelers can drop by either bar to enjoy fine wines and sparkling wines, which can be paired with gourmet entrées or small plates.
"Beaudevin and Bubbles are examples of the efforts Chicago is committed to making at our airports to cater to our global travelers' palates with distinctive dining and beverage options, from sit-down restaurants to cafes to wine bars," Aviation Commissioner Rosemary Andolino said in a news release.
Beaudevin, which is French for "the beauty of wine," is located in Terminal 1, Concourse C near Gate 17, and allows travelers to unwind in what the Department of Aviation calls "an informal, European-influenced atmosphere, reminiscent of a château cellar."
Beaudevin offers more than 20 red, white and sparkling wines by the glass, bottle or flight, along with small plates such as Olives de Provence or figs, or tartines such as a roasted herbed chicken, turkey berry goat cheese, or Scottish smoked salmon that are designed to complement the bouquets of the many varietals available.
Several of the wines at Beaudevin made from organically grown grapes, the Aviation Department said.
The Bubbles Wine Bar is in Terminal 3 near Gate H4, and focuses on sparkling wine and craft beer joined with sushi roll pairings. The bar chain was first introduced by HMSHost at Schiphol International Airport in Amsterdam, and has been named by Executive Life magazine as one of the "chic-est airport bars," the Department of Aviation said.
"Travelers to and through Chicago O'Hare will enjoy visiting either of these stylish, relaxing wine bars with gourmet menus, where they can linger over a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon with a charcuterie plate, or step in for a brief bite of sushi and a pleasant Ecco Domani as they find their way to a nearby gate," said Stephen Douglas, vice president of business development for HMSHost. "We're sure Beaudevin and Bubbles will delight travelers and wine lovers of all kinds."
Both wine bars will feature piano music, and patrons can make song requests when pianists are working. But even when there are no pianists, modern-day player pianos will entertain passengers with more than 2,000 songs, the department said.
