DRINK: La Compagnie de Vins Surnaturels [NYC]

[caption id="attachment_89832" align="alignnone" width="497"] photo from Thrillist[/caption]
Don't let the name of this place fool you.  I was looking for someplace to have a business-type meeting and a friend recommended La Compagnie de Vins Surnaturels and I immediately assumed it was going to be super pricey.  I looked it up, and was pleasantly surprised to see that not only is it pretty standard for New York City, but they have a happy hour until 7pm that offers $5!  $5 wine is an amazing deal and this place is equally amazing.
I walked in (on a Wednesday at 6:30) an was greeted by a pleasant hostess who asked if I had a reservation.  I did not, but she said not a problem and that she would check and come back to me in a few minutes.  The place is pretty small, but didn't look like a ton of people were there.  It turns out the person I was going to meet was running about 20 minutes late and to my shock and awe, I was sat without her!  That never happens.  Usually the entire party has to be there before you can even think about sitting.  Already off to a great start.
I sat down in the back in a cozy room with a huge cushioned couch and several smaller tables perfect for two people.  Excellent for having a conversation where you can actually hear what the other person is saying.  The server who came by was also very nice and gladly explained which wines were on happy hour and I went with the Rose.  It was a warm day so I figured it was about time.  When the wine came, the pour was decent and the wine was equally decent.  I decided to order some olives while I waited, which were also $5 during happy hour.  When those arrived, I was pleased as there were a little pile of olives covered in oil and I happily munched away while I waited.
When she arrived, 10 minutes past 7, our server came by again and said that he would be happy to give her the happy hour deal.  Also unheard of!  Usually when the clock strikes 7 you are shit out of luck.  We ordered more wine and some cheese and charcuterie.  We let our competent server handle the cheese (they all had crazy names and we both happen to like anything so we felt confident we would be happy with the results.  Not shockingly, we were).
It came time to another round of wine and I asked for the Cabernet Franc.  He said it was a little funky, in a good way, but wanted to make sure I liked it before I committed to a full glass so he brought over a sample.  Did I mention how amazing our server was?!  When he came back, I agree it was funky, but it was also really good.  I have never had anything like that.  It was almost carbonated or something and know it will be even better in the summer months.
We spent two hours here and literally loved every minute.  I cannot recommend this place highly enough and will absolutely be back.  La Compagnie de Vins Surnaturels for the win(e)!
La Compagnie de Vins Surnaturels
249 Centre Street
New York, NY 10013