Store

Owner Beverly Shimada did a superb job creating a space that feels like a hip, intimate spot for sipping a ripe, mixed fruit cabernet sauvignon or citrusy sparkling wine from Italy. Ladies who lunch (and shop), pre- and post-theater goers, and your garden-variety wine lovers all feel at home here. Dark purple walls, a granite wine bar, teakwood seating, piano bar, and wall of windows overlooking Pine Street add to the urban ambiance of the establishment, letting you forget you're in a mall that closes at 9 p.m.

In both the shop and bar, Shimada offers a wide variety of Northwest and world-wide wines. She also offers champagnes, ports, beer and sake. Stop by Monday - Friday 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for happy-hour wines at $5 a glass. On Friday and Saturday evenings you'll be entertained by a pianist from 5 p.m. to closing. For an intimate party with 22 of your best friends, consider renting out the space for your private event.

The gift section has everything you need for a hostess gift or romantic evening-wine glass charms and coasters, Northwest gourmet goods such as chutneys from Kathy Casey, Fran's Chocolates and Cocoa Chai Chocolates. Wine carriers are great gifts ($19-$170) or can be used to keep your wine safe. Fragrant Voluspa candles, flower bouquets (coming in May), and a bottle of bubbly are perfect for a just-the-two-of-you evening. If you went a little loco shopping, pick up a fancy cigar for your significant other. The stogies range from $5 to $40 for an Opus X, a coveted smoke by any cigar aficionado.

This spot is perfect for relaxing in between buying sprees, or picking up a thoughtful gift for your honey.

By Kathy Schultz
NWsource shopping columnist