Oenophiles Take Heed: New Wine Bar in Larchmont

When opened for business in Larchmont early last month, it marked the completion of a dream project a year-and-a-half in the making.

The quaint wine bar and eatery, located at 1985 Palmer Ave. (just next door to the ) was the brainchild of Scarsdale resident Jennifer Deutsch.  Deutsch—a former head of executive staffing for Bank of America—decided to trade up corporate America and take a more localized approach to serving the community.

“I’ve been involved in one end or another of the wine business for the last 30 some odd years and decided to leave corporate America and do something I was passionate about and the wine bar was born,” said Deutsch in a recent interview.

In fact, she and her former husband ran a wine distribution and import company on the side in Charlotte, N.C., which carried both domestic and international brands. Deutsch has taken advantage of her former business ties and still uses the same dealer to supply Crush Wine Bar with both wine and spirits.

“It took almost a year to find the correct place to open my business and it took another four or five months to build the space,” Deutsch said.  “I actually thought being next to the movie theater would be an asset,” she said, continuing, “Sitting in downtown Larchmont and watching the foot traffic, I was happy to see that it is a walking town where people tend to patronize small businesses. So, I drove by one day and saw the space open and figured it was an omen."

Crush Wine Bar features the culinary talents of celebrity chef Alex Garcia, a frequent Food Network contributor who has manned the kitchens of notable Manhattan restaurants like Patria and Calle Ocho. Garcia is known for his Nuevo Latino styled cuisine, which is what it sounds like: a new take on traditional Latin American cooking style.

Menu stand-outs include the garlic shrimp en Cazuela ($10) and small plates of bacon wrapped dates ($8), said Deutsch.

The Charcuterie plates—where diners can choose from a selection of choice meats and cheeses—are popular as well, according to Deutsch.

“And then we have things like sliders [with spicy ketchup, $9] which people can come in and order all night long,” she added.

Deutsch is currently compiling a list of wines to suit both the tastes of the casual diner and the more experienced connoisseur and readily admits that the menu is a work in progress as she adjusts to the tastes of the community.

Crush already offers a range of “rich and buttery whites,” “lighter style reds,” and a selection dubbed “jammy goodness” for the more adventurous. 

In the meantime, Deutsch is planning future special events at the wine bar/restaurant such as a special tasting event featuring a series of wines from places around the globe, including Spain, France, California and Portugal. She is also looking to collaborate with Garcia for a culinary event guaranteed to “spice up your summer.”

“I would like to be known for a being a really comfortable local place where you can enjoy a nice glass of wine with your friends,” Deutsch said.

Crush Wine Bar is located on 1985 Palmer Ave. in Larchmont, (914) 834-6600. Hours are Mon.-Thurs., 5-11 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 5 p.m.-12 a.m.; Sun., opening soon. Please visit the Crush Wine Bar website for more information here or to make a reservation.