Moriarty’s Bistro Wine Bar
10154 100 St.
780-757-2005
moriartysbistro.com
Rating: 4.5/5
Price range: Mid
Client negotiations: Yes
Lunch with co-workers: Yes
Social lunch: Yes

Moriarty’s sleek lines and elegant, black-and-white decor impressed me as I entered.

It was busy with downtown’s  stylish crowd, but we were immediately seated.

I tried to quickly scan the wine list but failed. I was overwhelmed with choice!

I picked a glass of Nieto Benjamin Malbec ($11) and then took a stab at the equally diverse and intriguing — though not quite as long —menu.

Our choices of “small plates” arrived quickly, beginning with a beef short rib under bacon marmalade ($16) and the phyllo-wrapped camembert cheese on cranberry jam ($14).

These were soon joined by three butter-poached scallops and crisp risotto cake ($16) as well as our snow crab cakes with charred tomato relish ($13).

Every single bite of each dish was simply exquisite. The food was outstanding, the service terrific and the wine a delight.

Named for Sherlock Holmes’ arch-nemesis, Moriarty’s illicit appeal will lure me back again and again.