Atlantic Highlands, NJ (June 2009) – Just in time for those summer winds , The Wine Bar - a smart, contemporary and  spacious loft in Atlantic Highlands - will throw open its doors on Friday, June 12, 2009. Diners seeking a new wine and dine adventure will find exactly what they are looking for just a short stroll from the Atlantic Highlands Marina. The completely renovated and decorated 4,000-square-foot restaurant and lounge surrounded by airy French doors, which open to catch the refreshing sea breezes. It offers a variety of special dining areas creating a different way to experience the Wine Bar whether dining with a loved one, with a group or solo.  The full-service bar includes a sensuous Indian marble bar top and comfortable leather upholstered barstools. The lounge is filled with overstuffed sofas and animal print armchairs arranged in conversation style. The dining area sets a romantic mood with deep wood tones and soft verdant carpeting. The Wine Bar is the latest creation of local restaurateurs Courtney and Michael Rosa. The couple called upon their tastes, talents and passion for wine to create the kind of place where they wanted to enjoy a night out. The result is an exciting dining adventure for a romantic rendezvous or a meet-up place for friends and family. Separating the lounge from the dining room is a baby grand piano, where in the future singers and pianists may perform. There are semi-private dining areas including an enclosed banquette. And proving that no detail has been overlooked, the restaurant is bathed with a warming glow from unique honeycomb wall sconces.

The wine list features over 120 labels and 24 wines by the glass designed to impress but not overwhelm, inviting both novices and aficionados alike to enjoy wines from the world’s greatest wine regions. The wines-by-the- glass list has a unique flight option offering two, four and six ounce pours. Bottles of wines are priced at $26 and up. The Wine Bar is all about taste adventure, and the menu reflects this with wine-friendly selections that will satisfy the palette.  The menus have a fun cosmopolitan tone with compelling Mediterranean influences that offer flavorful and healthy ingredients. Sharing is also recommended;  one menu, in fact, is simply dubbed “To Be Shared…” and suggests items intended for passing around, such as Yellow Fin Tuna Croustinis, cracked pepper, fennel, seared sliced tuna topped with tomato, caper and black olive confetti ($14), or Tuscan White Bean Dip, garnished with hydroponic tomato and cucumber salad served with Tuscan croutons ($9). The a la carte menu features appetizers such as Grilled Fresh Calamari, with grape tomatoes, French string beans, grilled red onions, chick peas, red wine vinegar and virgin olive oil ($14), and Roasted Beet and Fennel Salad, with ricotta salata, orange segments, shaved red onions and white balsamic vinaigrette ($12). Main entrees include Sautéed Jumbo gulf Shrimp, with whole wheat penne, fresh plum tomatoes, garlic, Pinot Grigio and basil ($25), and Sliced Cracked Pepper Grilled Black Angus Sirloin, with rocket arugula, hydroponic tomatoes, red onions and shaved parmesan ($29).

The dessert menu, appropriately called “And finally” is so delectable that many patrons may choose to start with the a little bit of paradise and choose Dark Chocolate Eden with coffee Crème Anglaise and Frangelico Whipped Cream or the Butterscotch Brule. “Michael and I began our restaurant career 12 years ago by investing our wedding money into our first venture,” said Courtney. “We created the kind of restaurant where we wanted to go on our nights off – hip and chic, yet relaxing, good food and wines.” The Wine Bar is also available for private parties.

Quick Facts: The Wine Bar, 40 First Avenue, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 732.291.1377 Owners: Courtney & Michael Rosa 4,000 Square Feet, Seating capacity 130 Full service bar/lounge with a Wine Focus, Specialty Martinis & Traditional Drinks