Un-Granola

Every once in a while, there are business concepts so destined to succeed that I kick myself for not thinking of them first. (Like Snuggies. A blanket with sleeves. Duh.)

Henri’s Cheese & Wine is like that. A wine bar and cheese shop right next to Barley Swine, where people regularly wait hours for a table. Those people can now wait in a cute little wine bar instead of in a parking lot on South Lamar. Brilliant.

Henri’s space is simple and cozy,with tables and a small bar. There is a deli case for the cheese and a few shelves of wine (you can buy both and take ‘em home instead of eating in).

We had the Verata cheese plate, which had wedges of St. Andre brie (triple cream, inevitably delicious), Tomme de Savoie (a nutty semi-hard milk’s cheese), and Deep Ellum (a mild blue cheese made in Dallas). All were delicious, but it was nice to check out the last one, which was new to me. The cheeses were served with a dollop of tasty jam, marcona almonds, and a cone of baguette slices.

Along with a glass of Lioca Chardonnay, it made for a great start to our evening. (Henri’s wines by the glass range from $7-15.)

Once they get going, Henri’s will have sandwiches and salads, with options for the cheese-loving vegetarian, along with plenty of food for those who eat meat.

So check ‘em out – whether you’re waiting for a table at Barley Swine or not.

Tags: Barley Swine, Deep Ellum, Lioca Chardonnay, marcona almonds, South Lamar, St. Andre brie, Tomme de Savoie, triple cream brie, wine