Bedford Resident's Restaurant And Wine
Cellar Is An Ideal Place To Just Kick
Back And Relax

By SUSAN CLARK
Staff Writer

Everything about UnWine'd is special, from the way owner Scot Kinney presents a bottle of wine to the coffee tables that lift to a dining level. Soft lighting, plush seating and a unique menu sets the mood as UnWine'd invites you to Manchester's first progressive wine and cheese lounge.

UnWine'd, located at 865 Second St., in the Mallard Pond Plaza in Manchester, is an oasis that lives up to its name, said Kinney, 29, a Bedford resident and graduate of West High School class of 1990. "It's a place to relax and enjoy the absence of pressures and demands of everyday life," he said. "You can be who you are. It's not a snobby place, but a place to unwind."

Open until 1 a.m. daily, except Sunday and Tuesday, UnWine'd is the perfect place to enjoy the company of friends, co-workers and loved ones while experiencing new wines and freshly made entrees, says Kinney. While sipping a glass of wine, try Kinney's Chardonnay Fondue, a selection of cheeses with fresh bread, vegetables and apple.

The menu also features gourmet topped baked potato, seared lavosh sandwiches, roulade of smoked salmon, and chicken Caesar salad. Special menu items are also available on a regular basis. Kinney prepares his menu with all fresh, natural ingredients from New England bakers and cheese makers. He also grows his own herbs, including parsley, rosemary, thyme and mint to garnish the desserts. "I'm a big supporter of local purveyors of cheese and micro-breweries, and I like to support America's vineyards," Kinney said.

After a light meal, Kinney's chocolate-covered strawberries and Tiramisu can be enjoyed over a game of chess, checkers, cards or backgammon. UnWine'd also serves Fresh Joe coffee, roasted and distributed by friend Bill Winn of Bedford.

Adding to the ambience, UnWine'd features a mixture of 60s and 70s music, blues and jazz with a dash of Louis Armstrong, Jimmy Buffett and Elton John.  Kinney  said. "I want people to sit down and enjoy themselves," he said. " I offer a concept of great wines and an inexpensive menu, which is hard to find. This is for the wine lover who doesn't want to spend $20 on an entree."

Kinney loves to see the expression on his guests'  faces when they experience new wines. Even if you are not familiar with wines, he will recommend a wine to fit your individual tastes. "People say, This is great. I've found a new favorite wine.  They want to walk out with an empty bottle of wine so they can remember it. That's music to my ears," Kinney said.

He also takes pride in educating people about wine and will open a bottle just to taste, he said. "I hope you get a wine youšve never had before," he said.

Kinney earned a degree in massage therapy before moving to California to study culinary art. While working in one of the finest seafood restaurants in the area, Kinney developed his appreciation for fine wines and great service. He said. "You are not my customer, you are my guest." Kinney said.

UnWine'd is open 4:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., Monday and Wednesday through Saturday, reserved on Tuesdays for private parties, wine tastings, wine classes and wine clubs and is closed on Sunday. The menu is served until midnight.

Kinney also offers outside cafe seating.

For more information, call Kinney at 625-WINE (9463), or visit his Web site at www.unwined.net.