Experience world dining at Chan's Wine Bar

It’s Tuesday night and what to do?

As Tuesdays go, it’s a pretty dull night of the week.

Wine World owner Chan Cox came up with a solution that both stimulates his slow Tuesdays and offers locals a fun dining experience.

Cox is offering a world dining series on Tuesday nights at his Destin location.

The concept is simple: each week it’s one country, one dish, and one bottle of wine for two people, for $29.99.

Two Tuesdays into the series, the concept has been a huge success, said Culinary Director Alison Porter. The first night, every table was full at one point, and all those customers made reservations for the next week, she said. Week two saw 90 reservations, and 104 ended up being served during the evening, either in the café, at the bar or outside on the patio.

The series began with a foray into the world of the French, with a one-dish meal for two of coq au vin and a diner’s choice of one bottle of white or red French wine.

Week two, couples experienced Spain through a bowl for two of paella and a choice of ‘07 Las Brisas white blend or ’04 Conde de Valdemar Tempranillo Spanish wines. A sampler plate of Spanish cheeses and crackers for two could be added for an additional $15. The wine selections may be upgraded for an addition $10 or $20, depending on selection.

As an added element, the evening’s recipe is included on the menu.

Upcoming in the series includes culinary visits to:

• Sept. 1 -- Pacific Northwest: Salmon and potato casserole with citrus vinaigrette, served family style, with a choice of Pacific Rim Dry Riesling or ‘06 Red Diamond Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot;

• Sept. 8 -- Italy: Spaghetti carbonara;

• Sept. 15 -- San Francisco/Italy: Cioppino;

• Sept. 22 -- Creole/Spain/France: Jambalaya;

• Sept. 29 -- Argentina: Carbonata crillo;

• Oct. 6 -- Germany: Chicken in Reisling with spatzle;

• Oct. 13 -- Mediterranean: Lamb, lemon and olive pasta;

• Oct. 20 -- France: Bouillabaise and rouille.

Porter also has plans for additional dates to include South Africa, Australia, other regions of France and Italy.

“It’s a fun way to experience culinary regions around the world, stimulate business on a Tuesday, give folks something to do, and it fits in with our philosophy that if it grows together, it goes together,” said Porter.

The World Dining Series continues through October from 5 - 9 p.m. Reservations are encouraged, but not required. Call (850) 269-2902.