Sip owners Justin and Sarah Hummell love providing a relaxing place for patrons to hang out and enjoy quality provisions.
These days it’s great to find a relaxing place to unwind and enjoy good food and drink. Sip Wine & Coffee Bistro in Holly Springs provides guests just such a welcome refuge for hanging out and experiencing a sense of community.
“We’re a unique wine bar, coffeehouse and upscale eatery all in one,” said co-proprietor Sarah Hummell, who operates the bistro with her husband, Justin Hummell.
The couple formerly ran a successful coffeehouse in Winston-Salem before relocating to the Triangle area and opening Sip in the summer of 2013.
Since its genesis, Sip has become a popular spot to frequent any time of day. Inventive breakfast sandwiches and platters have won the admiration of morning patrons, so much so that it’s recommended you secure a reservation during the weekend.
The signature Sip breakfast sandwich comes stuffed with melted provolone, an over-medium egg, bacon and cream cheese on a ciabatta roll. Hawaiian Sunrise features two scrambled eggs with pan-seared ham, red onions, Swiss cheese and mango habanero chutney wrapped in a sun-dried tomato tortilla.
The crowd-pleasing fireman’s breakfast platter shows off Justin’s flavorsome espresso-rubbed pork loin with two eggs over-easy, bacon, hand-shredded hash browns and fresh fruit with a warm buttered French baguette.
Pancakes of the month may feature anything from blueberries to blood orange. If you’re not in the mood for a big breakfast, locally made pastries and muffins are readily available.
At lunchtime, you’ll find a variety of creative gourmet sandwiches and salads.
Photo Caption: Espresso-rubbed pork loin, over-easy eggs and hand-shredded hash browns make the fireman’s breakfast platter a winning option for breakfast or brunch.
Pressed in a panini grill, Justin’s tri-tip steak sandwich is simmered in red wine and topped with balsamic caramelized onions and goat-cheese mustard spread on sourdough bread.
An intriguing fig and fennel salad includes black mission figs, cranberries, almonds, fennel and goat cheese over a bed of mixed greens.
The eclectic Sarah sandwich combines Havarti dill cheese and roasted turkey with house-made hummus, balsamic-drizzled mixed greens, roasted red peppers and basil pesto on a toasted ciabatta roll.
“I created it once when I hadn’t eaten all day long and just started putting ingredients together in the kitchen,” Sarah explained. “Originally it wasn’t even on the menu, but now it’s our best-selling sandwich.”
Proteins range from Boar’s Head brand turkey to grass-fed chicken from Joyce Farms in Winston-Salem.
“We like knowing that our purveyors use sustainable practices,” Sarah said.
When it comes to java, Sip offers a wide assortment of traditional, signature and international offerings. Product is locally sourced from Boogie Bean Coffee Roasters in Holly Springs and Full Bloom Coffee of Garner.
While you can certainly get your fill of conventional cappuccino, latte and mocha drinks, be sure to explore one of the select specialty coffees. Consider, for instance, the curiously titled super-sweet Sexy Modias with Ghirardelli white and dark chocolate melted by espresso and steamed milk topped with house-made whipped cream.
For something totally unexpected, try the Spicy Mayan Mocha. Sip’s twist on Mexican hot chocolate involves Ghirardelli chocolate and red-hot cinnamon topped with cocoa, cinnamon and cayenne pepper.
Among the nine choices on the global espresso flight are Italian-roasted espresso, Latin American café con leche, and Vietnamese coffee with sweetened condensed milk. Alternative beverages extend from loose-leaf tea and chai latte to crème caramel and Italian soda.
Since both Justin and Sarah are sommeliers, the wine selection at Sip covers the bases of Old- and New-world varietals with labels from award-winning wineries as well as interesting finds from off-the-path boutiques.
“We try to feature red and white wines from every possible region,” said Sarah. Whether your love for the vine resides in the heart of Napa, the terroir of Bordeaux or the tradition of Romania, Sip offers something for all ranks of the wine enthusiast.
Along with your wine, order the charcuterie platter with chef’s choice of three meats, three cheeses, seasonal fruit, olives, mixed nuts and toasted artisan bread.
Small plate possibilities include crostini, pistachio pear, spinach and artichoke dip and hummus.
A spacious bar features an abundance of taps dedicated to local craft brewers. Fresh pints from Raleigh Brewing Company, Carolina Brewing Company and Holly Springs newcomer Bombshell Beer Company are readily available.
“We’re also a premier Great Lakes Brewing Co. vendor, so we get allocations of all their seasonal items,” Justin said. “We also sell bottles of local bombers.”
In addition, distinctive arrivals — pumpkin ale, anyone? — and nascent standards from the likes of Lagunitas, Ale Smith and Innis & Gunn ensure ample variety from the new masters of brewing.
Décor at Sip is warm and inviting. A centrally located stone fireplace and high ceilings provide an airy, laid-back vibe. A cozy patio out front is perfect for al fresco dining or savoring your beverage of choice.
The bistro is open seven days a week. Open-mic night happens every Wednesday, and Sip hosts live music each Friday evening. For special events and other updates, visit facebook.com/SIPBistro.
Sip Wine & Coffee Bistro
128 Bass Lake Road, Holly Springs Crossing
Holly Springs
(919) 762-7143
sipbistro.com
