Dream Wine Lounge
1201 NE 26th St
Wilton Manors, FL 33305
954-565-8828
Dream Wine Lounge would be easy to overlook. It’s nestled in one of the storefronts in the massive Wilton Station complex and has little in the way of street presence. That’s a shame because this upscale wine, Champagne and sake bar is a welcome addition to the Wilton Manors drinking and dining scene. It’s got the gloss and sleekness of a hip club, yet without the hipster pretentiousness.
A 56-foot glass-topped square bar surrounded by white leather and chrome bar stools anchors the room in the center. An exposed loft ceiling, gauzy white drapes, long white leather couches and low cocktail tables make it seem like an ultra-modern cocktail lounge in heaven. Dream also offers a state of the art sound system with an emphasis on house music from Paris.
There are literally hundreds of wine and Champagne choices available by the glass or bottle. Wine averages around $10 a glass and a vast number of bottles of very good wines can be had for less than $50. Understandably, there aren’t as many options for Champagne by the glass, but the by-the-bottle options are numerous and just as reasonably priced. If wine or Champagne isn’t your thing, there is a good, if not extensive, beer list, and sake and sake-based cocktails as well. It’s reasonably priced to start off, and it gets even better during cocktail hour, when all drinks are two-for-one.
On the evening of our visit, owner Gary Bouvier was pouring and explained his philosophy to us. “Every single visit to Dream should be a unique experience,” he said. “Whether it’s the music, performances, art, personnel or guests themselves, at Dream everything revolves around stimulating the senses and releasing creativity.”
The caviar service is impressive looking, consisting of a generous mound of caviar in a chilled server, surrounded by mother of pearl dishes with crème fraiche and blini. Domestic caviar starts at $28 a tray, although you can blow the budget and indulge in Osetra or Sevruga, as well. My only complaint: none of the traditional caviar accompaniments (capers, chopped egg whites, yolks and onions) were served. There’s plenty of room on the tray, so why not add them?
Cheese and charcuterie boards are available in a build your own mix-and-match concept. The cheese options include an impressive assemblage of high quality imported and domestic cheeses. The charcuterie is a little less breathtaking, but still quite satisfying. Our only complaint was that the duck prosciutto is cut a little thick, making it chewy.
At Dream, you don’t sit at a table, but relax on oversized white couches or while perched at the colorfully lighted bar. Music is kept at a reasonable level, so you can chat, not scream with your friends. It’s a place for grow-ups to enjoy each other’s company while savoring exquisite wine and snacks. Dream is cozy, informal and the perfect way to indulge in the good life! Adding to the Dream-like quality, there is abundant free parking behind the building.
