Many Pace students can be found at Paulie’s Bar or Michael’s Tavern, both within a reasonable walking distance from campus. With the bar scene so apparent in town, there is also one other establishment that seems to be overlooked: Batonnage Wine Bar.
With the endless “fun” and quality time one spends with their friends, it would be thought that going to other places in town would be fun and quite relaxing. Westchester’s Best for First Date’s very own Batonnage Wine Bar offers a wide variety of wine and music, as well as an exquisite menu of appetizers, entrées, and desserts.
“This bar is different from what most students are used to,” manager Alex Benedectis said. “The experience here is not for everyone, but for those who appreciate a higher level of socializing.”
When taking part in the romantic and relaxing atmosphere, customers can choose from a variety of wines, including red, white, and even sparkling, that satisfy everyone’s taste; Batonnage also has a stocked bar of other liquors. The way Benedectis operates is on a more mature level and not like the typical bar scene. You may not find the typical student at Batonnage, but you will find that students who do visit are enjoying their time with a variety of audiences. Each weekend, the bar provides live acoustic music, as well as classical music at 8pm, just in time for that downtime everyone is looking for.
“I would definitely go to the wine bar,” senior applied psychology major Emely Olsen said. “I love wine and I would go to Batonnage if I had the time.”
Olsen isn’t the only student that is willing to try something different. However, the reasoning behind not students not venturing off to the wine bar is for more reason than one. The local bars are mostly driven by beer and liquor, whereas Batonnage thrives off of their “exquisite” selection of wine and warm atmosphere.
“We like that our facility attracts a mature audience,” Benedectis said. “A lot of the students who come here are usually older than 21, come on date or with family. Sometimes we get a few alone with a small group of friends.”
Being that college students may not find wine entertaining, they certainly haven’t thought about quality versus quantity. One of the major differences between Batonnage and say, Paulie’s, just so happens to be money. Since the wine bar does serve a more mature clientele, there is a slight price differential. A glass of wine at Batoonage can starts between $7 and $9, but can go up to as much as $15. That being said, students are really only pushed away because of their pricing.
“Wine is expensive and college students don’t have as much money,” said senior marketing major David Hoff. “If I was trying to spend a little more money or go on a date to a nice place, then I would visit the wine bar, but money is really an issue.”
Because of location, there really is no need to change their pricing, according to Benedectis, but that shouldn’t discourage students who are of legal age to stop by.
“Students are always more than welcome to come by, as long as they are of legal age and have a valid I.D.,” Benedectis said. “It is important that they can appreciate a nice evening with a glass of wine, or other beverage. We are more than willing to assist them in the selection of wine as long as they understand that we serve a different purpose.”
Students at Pace have a variety of locations within the Pleasantville community that offers different experiences. After all, la vie est trop courte pour boire du mauvais vin.