The Cave focuses on variety, with a full wine list and several entertainment options
By H.M. Cauley
For the Journal-Constitution Published on: 12/27/07
The Cobb dining scene is getting a bit more sophisticated. In addition to the many new, locally owned restaurants, diners may now enjoy a wine bar with global foods and live entertainment.
The Cave Tapas Bar and Lounge recently opened in an out-of-the-way corner near Barrett Parkway and Old Highway 41. Almost dwarfed by the adjacent Beverage Resort, The Cave is a great escape for wine lovers who will find no Internet access, televisions, smokers or children to distract from their enjoyment of a laid-back evening.
The Cave is the brainchild of Yuri and Rita Turkin, who transformed the new space into a wine cellar with stacked stone, brick walls, dark woods and a dance floor around tables that seat about 110.
"We wanted to have a space that was different, a place to escape to that was very cozy and romantic," said Rita Turkin. "Then we found a chef who had cooked in France, South America, England and Spain and could bring us food from around the world."
International bites Chef Ralf Debie hails from Holland, but his menu is global. The focus is on small plates to nibble while sampling the wine selection. Debie's top dish: shrimp, scallops and broccoli sauteed with garlic, black pepper and Pinot Noir and served with creamy dill sauce and cheese topping. Other seafood choices include New Zealand mussels and tuna marinated in lime juice.
Munch on meatballs in a spicy sauce, a smoked salmon salad or a meat and cheese plate with olives. Sweets include creme brulee, cheesecake, chocolate mousse and lemon meringue pie.
The menu changes every three weeks, so there's always a new selection to sample.
From the bar Wines are the featured beverage, with more than 200 bottles to taste. The selection mimics the menu with bottles from around the globe. About 40 are available by the glass. There's a list of specialty martinis and aged whiskies. The beer lineup includes local microwbrews and international options as well, with 10 on draft and an additional 150 in the bottle.
Beyond the bar There's something happening at The Cave almost daily. Mondays, it's wine tastings. Tuesdays bring 50 percent-off martinis. Laugh uproariously at the stand-up comics on Wednesdays. Chill with live jazz each Thursday, and get down with blues and rock on Friday. It's rock with soul on Saturdays, and everyone rests on Sunday.
For New Year's Eve, The Cave will host a live band, unlimited food and drinks, including champagne, for $190 a person.
VENTURE INTO THE CAVE TAPAS BAR & LOUNGE
By Kathie Beckett Northside News
January 7, 2008
Get over your conception of a cave as a dark and dreary place. You’ll change your mind as you venture into the warm and inviting Cave Tapas Bar and Lounge, a unique tapas bar complete with a wine cellar.
The Cave opened a few months ago in Kennesaw near the intersection of Old 41 and Barrett Parkway, adjacent to the Beverage Resort. Sip on fine wine, beer or your favorite cocktail as you savor delightful food in a warm, romantic place resembling an upscale tavern that William Shakespeare himself might have frequented.
First, a definition for those who may be unfamiliar with the term tapas. Pronounced “tah-pahs”, some people might think you are saying “topless”. But the word actually means to cover the top; over the years, it has come to mean small appetizers served over a period of time.
The concept originated in Spain at neighborhood bars. Executive Chef Ralf Debie explains, “In Spain, they were having trouble with flies at the outdoor cafes and bars, so the chef would whip up a small plate of food. The patrons would put the plates on top of their drinks to keep the flies at bay.” Usually, the chefs made whatever they had on hand, and the popular custom was born.
Ralf continues, “Americans don’t always know how to eat tapas. Sometimes they will order them all at once. Tapas are meant to enjoy while you have a fine glass of wine or beer. Remember that old saying to ‘drink while you eat and eat while you drink.’”
You won’t have any trouble picking your favorite drink: the Cave offers one of the most extensive beer and wine lists in Cobb County. Settle into one of the deep leather chairs in front of the fireplace and take your time looking through the eight-page wine list. Prefer beer? Choose from over 50 domestic and international options. A full bar is also available.
The warm tones of the restaurant, soft lights and light music make you want to stay a while, and that’s exactly what Ralf wants you to do. He said, “A tapas bar is a relaxing way to eat and enjoy yourself all through the night. Tapas can take you all night but you can keep ordering. That’s what it’s all about.”
Create your own menu each night without fear of overeating; the portions are just right. Heavily influenced by England’s fusion star chef Jamie Oliver, Ralf focuses on a fusion of international food. For example, his tender grilled beef on a stick (known as Beef Pinchos) is gently marinated in an Asian marinade. He also pulls inspiration from France, Italy, Thailand, and even Nigeria. Everything is made from scratch and cooked on the premises.
The most popular dishes are the Mussels Gratinee and the Sueno del mar. The New Zealand mussels are sautéed, flamed with white wine and made into a Parmesan cheese gratin and are served with house made garlic dip. The Sueno del Mar features shrimp and scallops in a creamy white wine and topped with Parma and provolone.
The menu will change often, however. Ralf explains, “The best selling items will stay, but I want to keep it fresh. I plan on replacing about half of the items every few months or so to make way for something new.”
The Albondigas Barcelona will probably remain on the best selling list. The house made beef balls are served in a special paprika sauce that is so good that it makes you want to lick the plate. Instead, discreetly get every bit of the sauce with the bread that accompanies the Albondigas. Ah, satisfaction.
Creators and owners Rita and Yuri Turkin explain that they wanted to create a romantic place close to home and offer excellent food and drink. They also wanted to bring great live entertainment to Kennesaw. The nightly activities change often but include wine and beer tastings, live jazz bands, dance bands, and even stand-up comedy acts.
Want to know what’s happening? Call the restaurant (678-391-7011) or visit online (www.thecavetapasbar.com). No matter what is scheduled, any time at The Cave Tapas Bar & Lounge is a wonderful escape from the every day.
The Cave is located at 1619 Collins Road in Kennesaw and is open Monday - Thursday 11:30am to midnight; Friday - Saturday from 11:30am to 2am. telephone 678-391-7011 To learn more, call 678-391-7011 or visit online at thecavetapasbar.com for daily specials and the entertainment schedule.