First look: Tea House Wine Bar

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Tea House Wine Bar is the newest dining addition to La Quinta’s long list of gorgeous restaurants. Located on Highway 111, right across the street from Souplantation, THWB is an ideal place to escape from a hectic day.  Whether you spend an hour nursing a glass of sweet Riesling or meet friends for a multi-course dinner, drop by before the masses start flocking to this desert eatery.

Food: My biggest complaint with THWB is the misleading name.  +I walked in the door fully expecting to plop down at a mammoth mahogany bar and order a nice glass of Zinfandel, but was surprised to learn the cozy establishment has a full-and might I add delectable-menu. Appetizers range from shitake leek soup and spring rolls to orange ginger glazed scallops. Executive chef Keith A. Swift has created a lip-smacking dinner menu with entrees like Tuscan stuffed pork porterhouse, ($19) filet minion, ($28) grilled duck breast, and red snapper with seared Szechwan spices, a house vegetable blend and spicy hot and sour sauce. The dessert menu is just as intriguing with offerings such as citrus cream cake and baked apple tart. The prices are a bit on the expensive side but the quality is well worth the cost.

Drinks: Any restaurant with wine in its name better live up to the title, and THWB does just that. The vino selection is chalk full of reds, whites, blushes and sparkling treats, starting at about $7 a glass.  Tea is also a huge deal here too (we know, shocker) so make sure you try one of the flavorful bends such as green, lavender or lemon spice.

Digs: This place is adorable. The dim lighting, big gold curtains and warm color tones create a very European feel.  You may want to brush up on your French dialect before heading over to THWB, or perhaps don a beret to blend in with the scenery.

The bottom Line:  It’s definitely not a bar, but THWB is a very cool restaurant with an awesome menu.

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