Vine Restaurant

In Short
Though it sounds like a one-word fermented grape bar, Virginia Highlands' Vine is an upscale-casual eatery with self-proclaimed ''European flair''. The Euro-influence may be tough to spot, but the atmosphere in dining room is elegant with creamy walls and romantic lighting. The slow-starting wait staff is friendly and willing to take time to explain the conceptually-challenged menu. Curious appetizers such as the Baby Cola Rosa salad which mixes salty prosciutto with Fuji apples and sharp cheddar was interesting, however confusing as a salad. Velvety bleu cheese polenta is the sidekick on a lamb app, though the bleu overwhelms the wonderful lamb which cements the overarching theme of the menu - great ideas eclipsed by powerful seasoning. The signature prosciutto crusted halibut is overwhelmingly salty only curbed by the removal of the ''crust.'' If very strong flavors are your gig, you will feel right at home.