Looking to change up your dining experience? Take a short voyage to Nouveau Monde Wine Bar & Bistro, 6 Washington Avenue in Sandy Hook Center, to embark on a taste bud exploration. As a full-service restaurant, Nouveau Monde serves new American cuisine in a cozy and stylish atmosphere. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are marked on the menu.

Nouveau Monde is French for “New World.” Newtown residents and owners Peter Chang and Bill Towne’s experiences show that on the East Coast, there is usually an emphasis on what are called old world wines, those from France, Italy, and Spain. In addition to having old world wines, Mr Chang and Mr Towne want Nouveau Monde to emphasize new world wines from places such as the United States, South America, and Australia and how these wines complement the restaurant’s cuisine.

“We really want people to get excited about food and wine,” said Mr Towne. “We want our guests to dine in a relaxed atmosphere and appreciate our extensive wine selections, delicious cuisine, and excellent service.”

The menu focuses on seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients, incorporating inspirations from a variety of global influences. Continuing the theme of food and wine, the menu provides a suggested wine pairing for each entrée. Knowledgeable servers encourage guests to sample the chosen wine before committing to the glass. In addition to the extensive wine list, Nouveau Monde offers a wide variety of craft spirits, bourbons, scotches, whiskies, craft beer, and one of the largest port selections in the area.

Nouveau Monde Wine Bar & Bistro is an elegant venue for a variety of special events. Whether hosting a bridal or baby shower, celebrating a rehearsal dinner or wedding reception, or holding a work group dinner, Nouveau Monde has a variety of customized special event menus to fit the guests needs and budget. The restaurant can tailor seating and venue options based on the number of guests, including a private dining room and a stand-alone 20th Century barn space, as well as entire restaurant buy-out. Events can be planned directly from the restaurant’s website or through its dedicated event coordinator.

Since opening in April 2016, Nouveau Monde Wine Bar & Bistro has received the Award of Excellence recognition from Wine Spectator Magazine three years in a row, which is awarded to fewer than 3,600 restaurants worldwide. Nouveau Monde was also featured in Connecticut Magazine’s “Best of Connecticut” issue as the best wine bar in the state for 2018 and 2019.

A Sample of the Menu

Starters and Share Plates: Nouveau Monde Wine Bar & Bistro has a wide variety of appetizers. The scallop taco features a zesty citrus aioli and house pickled vegetable slaw, while the escargot en croute is layered in garlic herbed butter and pancetta, covered in puff pastry.

Soup/Salad: The house-made New England clam chowder is a staple and guest favorite. The restaurant’s own version of the wedge salad is served with house-made buttermilk dressing, grape tomato, bacon, red onion, and crumbled Danish bleu cheese on hearts of romaine.

Entrées: Wondering what wine will pair well with a certain dish? Each entrée has a suggested wine chosen specifically for the flavors that enhance both the food and wine. Some of the most popular menu items are the New England scallops with spicy tomato, cous cous in saffron-garlic cream and locally grown corn; and the natural Angus New York strip, served with potato, seasonal vegetable, and maître’d butter.

Dessert: A variety of desserts are featured, including seasonal additions such as the restaurant’s own version of banoffee pie, which is a combination of banana, amaretto whipped cream, and dulce de leche, all on an Oreo crust. The restaurant also has a large selection of after dinner drinks, including Sauternes, ports, scotch, and whiskies.

Brunch: On Sundays until 2:30 pm, guests can enjoy a specialty menu of brunch options, including the crab Benedict with lump crab cake, hollandaise, and home fries; the very popular corned beef hash; or the decadent chicken & waffles. Salads, soups, burgers, and other savory dishes are available as well.

Coffee/Tea: Coffee is from Shearwater Organic Coffee Roasters in Trumbull. A custom blend made specifically for the restaurant is rich and aromatic and available for purchase in one-pound bags. Nouveau Monde also features Newman’s Own organic black and green tea.

Wine: Nouveau Monde’s wine list has more than 350 selections, from budget-conscious options to exclusive grand cru Burgundy and first growth Bordeaux. In addition to numerous wines by the glass, including a short list of hard-to-find wines, there is an extensive number of half bottles, perfect to share and try multiple styles of wine during your dining experience. The Sommelier’s special list has great wines by the bottle that are all excellent values.

Nouveau Monde Wine Bar & Bistro, 6 Washington Avenue in Sandy Hook Center, is open five days a week, closed on Monday and Tuesday. Hours are Wednesday and Thursday, from 4 to 10 pm; Friday and Saturday, from 4 to 11 pm; and Sunday, from 11 am to 9 pm. Reservations can be made on the restaurant’s website or by calling 203-491-2723. For the special events concierge, call 203-408-6229. For more information, visit nouveaumondesandyhook.com or search “nmwinebar” on social media.