Two Blocks Off The Beach

The comfortable ambiance is downright laid back, and you can dine at the wine bar, a table or at the quaint love seat and coffee table. The wine list, locally focused, typically offers two dozen wines by the glass. And you don’t have to worry that these bottles have been sitting around oxidizing to the point they’re undrinkable. Every day, Two Blocks offers every wine that’s poured by the glass for $5.00, no matter how high they’re usually priced (ranging from $6 to $12). So far, it seems, few realize this because you can still easily grab a table at noon.

At Two Blocks I decided to try the tri-tip panini with pepper jack cheese and caramelized onions on ciabatta bread. Although a bit over-toasted, the amazingly tender tri-tip (which John said is smoked five hours) and sweet, moist onions provided enough juice to make it delectable. Sandwiches are served with Kettle-brand ruffle chips or salad. The Victor Hugo ’03 Petite Sirah, so fruit friendly, was a wonderful choice for my sandwich. Two Blocks bruschetta, with choice of four out of nine toppings, is their most popular order. It’s great for sharing over a bottle of wine with friends, as are most items on the menu.

If you’re looking for an upscale dining in a contemporary restaurant, this isn’t it. But if you’re looking for a good meal, restaurant offers quality food and wine at fair prices and decent quantities, and that’s a formula for success that’s always right.

by Kathy Marcks Hardesty
Edited to fit this site by Hillary Klein