Opened: April 2024
Tucked away in a business park near the 101, this adorably decorated, French-inspired wine bistro is a pleasant surprise. Both the name and décor (including a cool mural of bubble gum-blowing Audrey Hepburn and a vintage aqua phone booth) allude to the actress and her movies in Paris. Naturellement, alcohol abounds: Champagne cocktails, craft cocktails, spritzes, 15-plus wines by the glass and an affordable, global selection of bottles – with an emphasis on sparkling wines and Champagnes. After all, in the movie Sabrina, Hepburn famously said, “Champagne is always a good idea.” The menu runs to snacky wine bar fare, including arugula-strewn bruschetta, half of them topped with goat cheese and fig, the other half with Gorgonzola and steak ($16). Crêpes aren’t made in-house, but the Portabella Perfection crêpe (mushrooms, spinach and chives in creamy mornay), is gooey-good just the same ($16). Ditto for melty barbecue pulled pork and Hatch chile white cheddar panini. Nearly every dish contains cheese (not a problem), including creamy mac and cheese – plain or gussied up with mushrooms, crab Creole or pulled pork ($14-$17). Stick with the theme and have a house-made Champagne cupcake ($5).
Wild Card: Check out the Champagne Lounge upstairs for Champagne flights ($39).
9299 W. Olive Ave., Peoria, 480-272-7099, theaudreybistro.com
