Southtowns Takeout and Wine: 189 Public House (East Aurora) and Honoro Vera Organic Monastrell 2014

Our final wine pairing with East Aurora take out will lead us to 189 Public House on Main Street. 189  (www.oneeightynine.com) is a relatively new comer to East Aurora and is owned and operated by John Crook whose family also runs the Bar Bill next door. The pub, known for excellent live music, has a warm, dark wood atmosphere which includes a well appointed bar and is a great place for lunch, dinner and pub fare later in the evening.  One look at their menu and you’ll know you are in comfort food heaven. Their beer list is extensive and they offer some solid wines as well. They are particularly proud of their whiskey selection and their signature cocktails.

On the other hand, if you want dinner at home, give them a call and bring home a burger or Beef Stew with a bottle one of our rich tasting reds.

For three or four of my favorite dishes at 189, I recommend the Honoro Vera Organic Monastrell 2014.  This bold spice and fruit heavy wine from Spain begs for a hearty meal that can stand up to its complex flavors. Dark fruit consisting of blackberry, plum and black cherry with pepper and licorice make this wine a natural with several meat based dishes. Try this with 189’s Smoky Blue Burger with Bleu cheese mayonnaise and pickled tomatoes. You might also want a side of Brussel sprouts with bacon.

Check out the 189 website for menus and a calendar of music acts.

Right now the Honoro Vera Organic Monastrell which was given a 90 rating from Vinous is a terrific bargain at $8.99.

I’ve enjoyed sharing just a few of my favorite hometown eateries along with some tasty wines as well. I wish I could have written about the other wonderful places to eat in East Aurora (many I’ve been familiar with since childhood and some that are quite recent) but I had to limit my choices.