Blonde Ambition

Most often one gets what one expects when entering an establishment for the first time. Decor, location, even signage all are indicators cluing potential customers in to what is offered inside. Occasionally though, one comes across a location that goes against the grain. The ultra-cool bar hidden behind a rundown front is an example of a joint that uses a sketchy image to keep away certain clientele while offering up a welcome surprise to others. Tragedy ensues though, when a slick looking new spot opens, only to offer nothing of what was promised.

A recent visit to Budapest Blonde, a new smoke free wine bar in Independence was one such experience. To go with the sexy name, Budapest has a dark interior equipped with intimately spaced tables and a few couches, all wrapped around a tiny bar. Beyond this though, the sexiness ends. Waiting over ten minutes for a menu while owners gab with friends is enough to turn anticipation into boredom. Doctor's office easy listening piped in turned boredom into displeasure. Once the menu arrived a staid experience was no longer in doubt. Miniscule and boring are the antithesis of what the opium den atmosphere had promised. Sticking to the most obvious varietals with four or less to choose from each. The most important aspect to the wines was not quality but that they have a novelty animal name on the label. There were a few champaign choices; none that wouldn't turn up at a modest chain restaurant. And they don't serve beer. Not one.

I didn't enter Budapest looking for beer but leaving is a different story. I went seeking a palace to vino. After finding only a scant selection paired with appetizers and an assortment of vodka drinks labeled "martinis" I knew I had been had. Were this in any sense at all a wine bar--having say, half the selection of a decent restaurant-- the lack of beer and prohibition on cigar smoking could be overlooked. A few decent reds, some Miles Davis, or a server with even a mild interest in the product would of made it bearable. Sadly though, this blonde was showing her roots.

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