Joe’s Bar at the bottom  of East Hotel in Kingston has got to be one of the best spots in the area for a drink or casual meal.

The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, decor warm and welcoming and the menu is well priced with plenty of inviting options.

Joe’s Plate (see below for more detail) – large $26 an excellent choice to share with a drink.

The wine by the glass is well priced and well sized.

The 2013 Valpolicella Classico Nicolis Corvina Rondinella (Veneto) $11 is very good.

The buttered popcorn with rosemary, fennel and pecorino is also tasty.

ANTIPASTI – Piatto di Joe – The house antipasto plate embodies the Chef’s favoured selection of meats, cheese and accompaniments. Imported San Daniele Italian Prosciutto (the celebrated best of breed from Friuli), Salame Cacciatore (a classic thin pork salami), Black Pepper Mortadella (Italy’s version of devon but oh so much better), Taleggio Lombardo (gooey and morish), grape infused Pecorino (a sharp hard cheese made with sheep’s milk, infused with dried red wine grapes from Barolo), smoked baby corn puree & pickled baby fennel – Small $15 | Large $26