A plate of food made from the heart has the ability to make you feel loved. Pair that with a cultivated wine from a vineyard in France, Washington state, or Italy and you have a perfect evening with that someone special.
Domacin Restaurant and Wine Bar was named one of America’s Best Wine Bars by Travel and Leisure Magazine in 2012 and has been recognized by Wine Spectator with awards of excellence in 2014 and 2015. You’ll find an extensive wine list at this Stillwater restaurant and wine shop with more than 900 choices and an ever-changing menu.
The wine list is approachable for those who are new to wine, while also being comprehensive enough to intrigue the most discerning wine aficionado. The list is organized by grape and offers options for all price points; many of the wines are a terrific value for under $36. Whether you’re interested in ordering a glass or bottle of your favorite wine, or trying something new, your knowledgeable server can suggest something you are sure to enjoy. This is a great opportunity to explore wines you’ve never had before, and maybe discover a new wine region to fall in love with. Since Domacin offers a variety of Italian wines, a server might suggest a Sangiovese or Sangiovese blend, sometimes called the defining grape of Italy. These are food-friendly wines that pair well with tomato-based dishes such as the linguini with lamb ragu, harissa, tomato, lamb bacon and feta ($20). Also, some of the more oak-treated Sangiovese blends are great for pairing with a steak; try the center-cut ribeye, which features a root vegetable mash, roasted cauliflower, red wine demi and truffle ($30).
For those heading to this cozy restaurant for a date night, the menu is set up perfectly for a romantic three-course meal. Domacin’s menu changes frequently to follow the seasonality of the ingredients. You’ll be wowed by the restaurant’s specials and the creativity of each dish. One entree that shouldn’t be missed is Domacin’s risotto. This delicious dish is made with short grain rice that is carefully selected for its ability to absorb liquids and has a rich and creamy taste. Other entrees range from beef tenderloin with roasted potatoes, Brussels sprouts, gorgonzola fondue and cider mustard ($30), to lighter preparations of fish such as yellowfin tuna with couscous, shrimp, artichoke, tomato aioli and haricots verts ($28).
If you have room, the desserts finish off the entire experience on sweet note. For those whose guilty pleasure is chocolate, there is a selection that pairs nicely with an after-dinner wine. If you go for something fruitier, like a vanilla bean panna cotta with pomegranate ($6), you might consider pairing it with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot. And of course, a glass of champagne for Valentine’s Day—or any romantic evening—can be the perfect ending to a special meal.
The name of this restaurant comes from a Serbian word meaning “host.” When visiting Domacin, you can see that the staff wants their restaurant guests to feel welcome in this beautiful, warm dining area where great emphasis is placed on the excellence of wine, food and service.
This month and throughout the year, Domacin offers a $30 tasting menu with an optional $15 wine pairing every Sunday evening. Additionally, if you find a wine that you love during your meal, you can purchase it in the restaurant’s wine shop and enjoy it anytime to recreate your dining experience. It’s like falling in love over and over again.
