There aren't really any good Bistro's in the Fremont / Wallingford area. I've been disappointed on several occasions, and was disappointed again at Smash Wine Bar & Bistro. Their wine selection... More

There aren't really any good Bistro's in the Fremont / Wallingford area. I've been disappointed on several occasions, and was disappointed again at Smash Wine Bar & Bistro. Their wine selection is really strong, and their pours are generous (6oz for a glass, 3oz for a taster). We enjoyed their cheese plates and salumi meats plate. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable and I enjoyed the crisp, but warm interior. I was a bit surprised when my wife ordered "the Riesling Sampler", and was forced to clarify for the waiter that she really wanted the "Feeling Fruity" flight. The menu was one that I wanted to love, but we were unfortunately both disappointed with the two entrees (actually called small plates, but big enough for an entree). We tried the paella and the braised lamb. Both featured mild, but unsubtle flavors that left us fairly underwhelmed. The dessert menu also read incredibly well, but the vanilla bourbon creme brulee was unspectacular.
Less

Smash is a new wine bar in Wallingford. Founded by the former wine director at Cascadia it boasts 50 wines by the glass and a nice little menu. Being new it's got some pains to work out, but all... More

Smash is a new wine bar in Wallingford. Founded by the former wine director at Cascadia it boasts 50 wines by the glass and a nice little menu. Being new it's got some pains to work out, but all in all it's worth a visit. This is a small place - sits maybe 30 people. It's a little crowded and a little loud, but you get used to it quickly. The staff is small - last night it was the busboy, a server/manager, and the wine director/bar tender. And the place was full. But we never felt neglected. The wine menu is a little daunting - 50 wines by the glass, and 2 11x14 pages of bottles. It's well organized and shows pretty good variety. Wines are available in 3 and 6 oz pours. What really jumped out for me was the opportunity to order flights - 3 3 oz pours of a given varietal from different vinyards/regions. I had the Pinot Noir, my wife had the Voignier. Great way to sample good wines and compare them. Best of all the wine director came out and spend a few minutes talking with us about each wine (and brought my wife a 4th sample for comparison). If you don't really know which way to go other than they type of wine you want to drink, flights are the way to go. The food menu was good, organized by nibbles, small plates and larger plates. They have a good cheese menu that is also arranged by type and lets you order flights. We had the sheep - very good. The salads were tastey. Crab cakes were small but had no filler and were topped by an excellent pickled onion relish. We also shared the Wisconsin cheddar and truffle mac and cheese. Good flavor, very rich. Dessert was homemade ice cream sandwiches. In all Smash is good. As it continues to get its legs under it it will become better.
Less