A couple months ago I found myself wandering the aisles at Costco, killing time while my faithful steed (2001 Nissan Frontier) was getting new rear tires.  I had too much time to wander and shop.  One item that caught me eye was the book "Texas Hill Country: A Food and Wine Lover's Paradise."   Since the wife and I are winers and foodies, the purchase was one of those no brainers.  The rest of the stuff I picked up was also no brainer, but of a different kind.

Anyway, I started looking over the restaurants in the area.  Angie and I decided we would start venturing out of the S.A. area and try some of the book's recommendations.  Last night we drove to Bandera and "The Grotto Grill and Coffee Bar."

The restaurant is a block or so off the main drive (Highway 16) and is set back from the road among the trees.  You walk in and set yourself.  The atmosphere is, as the book quotes the owner as "urban-retro-modern."  I think they need to preface it with "Hill Country."  It's definitely a family friendly place, and by the time we left, it was packed.

The first thing that caught my eye was the Charles Smith wines on the wine menu.  I gave the place an immediate plus in that category.  Kung Fu Girl Riesling or Chateau Smith Cabernet were my picks whatever we were to order.

Charles Smith is one of those interesting characters in the wine world.  I watched an interview/tasting on Gary Vaynerchuk's video wine blog (www.winelibrarytv.com) with Smith.  When Gary asked him what he liked about the Kung Fu Girl Reisling, Charles replied "Reisling and girls kick ass!" At first you think he may have partied a little too much in his youth, but then you realize he is also very passionate about his wine.  During the interview, he said he wants to make wine that tastes like where is comes from (Columbia Valley, Washington in this case).  He also makes wines that they are ready to drink when released.  With wines named  "BOOM BOOM!" Syrah, "The Velvet Devil" Merlot, or "Kung Fu Girl" Riesling and wine labels in stark black and white, they tend to grab your attention on the shelf.

The Grotto is only open for dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings.  They offer their standard menu filled with interesting sandwiches, salads and pizza (with interesting combinations) , but they also have the specials listed on a large chalkboard.  Angie and I both went for special number two: black angus ribeye with tandori sweet potatoes and brussel sprouts with bacon. We also selected the focaccia bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar as an appetizer.  I went with the Chateau Smith for our liquid refreshment.

Our dinner was phenomenal!  The starter (obviously cooked in a pizza oven) was tasty and light unlike some heavier breads that weigh you down before the main course.  We both agreed; if the focaccia is this good, what much the pizzas taste like? The steak portion was very ample (we took some home) and flavorful, one of the best I've tasted.  Our veggies were cooked to perfection and accented the beef.  In fact, the steak started to pick up a little of the curry-like sweet potatoes spices and it went to another level.  It was a meal that made you eat slow,  savor every bite and want to come back for more.

So, now we get to the wine.  At first, it tasted a little thin for a Cab, and I didn't get much from the nose.  Tasting notes on the menu and Smith's web site mention pencil shavings and tobacco leaf.  I was smelling chicken until I realized it was coming from a nearby table.  The flavor, however, was filled with black currants.  For me, all Cabs should have black currant somewhere in there, but this one shouted it. 

Any doubts I may have had about the wine evaporated once the food arrived.  They complemented each other beautifully;  the wine made the food taste better and reverse was equally true.  I was worried about the tandori spices clouding the wine, but no such problem existed.  Even the brussel sprouts worked.

We were extremely pleased with our visit to Bandera.  The Grotto Grill and Coffee House earned it's place on the "definite repeat list."  I will also be on the lookout for more Charles Smith wines.