665893 Mon Nov 09 13:02:45 -0800 2009 7 2 Los Angeles Area 0 5167835 Hi I have not done this before. This meeting a stranger for a first date. But I am. Any suggestions for an auspicious fun wine bar? Thank you Mon Nov 09 13:02:45 -0800 2009 1119980 Laurel_Alchemy_Writer 1 5167987 I haven't been to all of these i.e. Tasca, Pourtal, Vinoteque. AOC (sitting at the wine or cheese bar) is probably my favorite of the bunch; Rustic Canyon and Bottle Rock will be livelier. Mon Nov 09 13:43:11 -0800 2009 5167835 74451 vinosnob 2 5168705 These wine bars look promising, thank you. Any complex dry whimsical insouciant red wine you recommend? Slainte Laurel Mon Nov 09 17:41:52 -0800 2009 5167987 1119980 Laurel_Alchemy_Writer 1 5168932 I've had friends go to Salut on Main ST in SM, and they really liked it. Mon Nov 09 19:23:08 -0800 2009 5167835 90755 Phurstluv 2 5169754 Salut is very loud. Not conducive for a conversation. Bar Pinxto and Upstairs II are what I'd recommend. Tue Nov 10 07:28:13 -0800 2009 5168932 42095 yogachik 3 5169988 Bar Pinxto, which I love, gets crowded super fast. And loud as a result. As for Salut, my friends did not comment that it was overly loud, but I suppose it depends on what time you go. And usually, after a few glasses of wine, WE get loud, so it doesn't bother us a bit. Have you looked in Barrel, in Malibu, in the Ralph's shopping center? Supposed to be reasonable. Tue Nov 10 08:50:51 -0800 2009 5169754 90755 Phurstluv 1 5168960 Lou on Vine? It's small and lively. So, if the conversation lags, you'll mostly likely be conversing with people on both sides of you. The food is good, too...as our the wine selections. The owner is very knowledgeable. Mon Nov 09 19:33:22 -0800 2009 5167835 11375 perk 2 5169000 I suggest Upstairs 2 in West La. It's fun yet sophisticated and has great food and an extensive wine list. Mon Nov 09 19:54:27 -0800 2009 5168960 1123204 spanishfoodlover