After being homebound for many chilly and snowy nights, it’s time to get out for more entertaining evenings.

 

By Georgetta L. Morque

After being homebound for many chilly and snowy nights, it’s time to get out for more entertaining evenings. Fortunately, one doesn’t need to stray far to find live music, great food and finally, a chance to toast to spring.

 Bar’Lees Wine and Whisky Bar in Mamaroneck has only been open for 15 months but has cultivated a following among those seeking a sophisticated setting in which to enjoy wines and whiskies from around the world.  With 130 wines by the glass, there is a wealth of choices in addition to 112 whiskies, signature cocktails, and an assortment of liqueurs. For dining, Bar’Lees offers small plates meant to be shared, along with homemade pizzas, such as its popular “meat lovers,” plus a variety of salads and sinful desserts.

Setting the scene are large colorful and glossy paintings depicting people enjoying wine by Canadian artist Vincent Cordo. The same bold red colors are echoed in the décor, the bar stools, ceiling and walls, and hinted in the shiny tiles behind the bar, as well as the comfortable chairs.

 Once or twice on month on Thursday evenings and once a month on Saturday evenings, Bar’Lees offers acoustic rock entertainment featuring area performers, including Rye’s Gary Adamson. On select Sundays, there are jazz performances and comedy, a recent addition, now offered on the last Sunday afternoon of the month, showcasing top comedians from Manhattan. Only on Sundays is there a cover charge.

The name, Bar’Lees means “time out” in Western Australia where founder Colin Goundrey grew up on a sheep farm and winery. The Larchmont resident built most of the wine bar himself, an experience he calls a journey, but an enjoyable one. He and partners André Cohen, a French wine master, and chef Kelly Corcoran, also Larchmont residents, work together to create a relaxed atmosphere and pleasant experience for their clientele. They will also arrange private dinner parties in the downstairs wine cellar which stores 11,000 bottles.

Bar’Lees, located at 157 Mamaroneck Avenue, is open every evening except Monday. For more information, visit barlees.us.