Aldo Sohm Wine Bar

Aldo Sohm Wine Bar Restaurant Review:

Le Bernardin's personable and knowledgeable Austrian-born sommelier, Aldo Sohm, is the namesake and the man behind this wine bar with a hidden entrance off 51st Street through a revolving door. (Chef Eric Ripert is involved behind the scenes as a co-owner.) The living room-like interior invites you to relax and dine, with an affordable, casual menu of light French fare. As you’d expect from the sommelier who has been with Le Bernardin since 2007, the wine offerings are extensive, including more than 40 by the glass and 200 by the bottle. They also have beer and many spirits. Food leans toward charcuterie, served with Maison Kayser baguettes. Lunch lists a $27 bargain with a choice of two courses: soup, salad or sandwich plus wine. Or choose other bistro fare at lunch or dinner such as grilled foie gras, endive salad with Roquefort, spicy lamb merguez or boudin blancs. Dessert includes caramelized apple, a chocolate marquise and Linzer cookies.