There is something special about discovering local businesses that work together to create the perfect neighborhood experience. Recently, I hosted a small group at Triangle Wines in Westchester for an evening of wine tasting, conversation, and beautifully prepared charcuterie from Olive It. Together, they created the kind of relaxed atmosphere that reminds you why so many people love our community.
Triangle Wines, family-owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Andre, Christine, and son, Alex Belotto, has quickly become a neighborhood favorite since opening just over two years ago. Like Olive It owner Leslie Augusto, Andre, Christine and their son Alex, are longtime members of the Westchester community, adding to the strong neighborhood connection both businesses share. I had the opportunity to speak with Alex, who shared how the idea for the wine bar first began almost as a family joke.
“Wine has always played a role in our family BBQs and get-togethers,” Alex shared. “We should open a wine shop! After saying it a few times over the years, it started becoming less of a joke and more of a possibility.”
The wine bar offers a warm, welcoming setting that feels equally suited for a casual weeknight meetup or a special evening with friends. They focus on boutique and small-production wines from California, Oregon, Washington, and international regions. During our visit, we sampled both red and white wine flights while relaxing around the table. Triangle Wines pours from a rotating 12-bottle wine list that changes monthly, typically around the middle of the month. Guests can choose between a $15 tasting flight or a larger $25 shareable flight, both allowing customers to select any four wines from the current menu.
“Not everyone’s preferences are the same,” Alex explained. “We figured it would be best to let our customers choose for themselves instead of trying to make everyone drink the same thing.”
That flexibility makes the experience approachable and interactive, especially for first-time visitors who may still be discovering their wine preferences.
“It’s always good when a first-timer has a flight to start,” he said. “Based on their feedback from those four pours, we can kind of zero in on what their taste profile is.”
Part of what makes Triangle Wines stand out is its easygoing neighborhood feel. Guests are welcome to bring in food from nearby restaurants or even from home, creating an atmosphere centered around community and connection.
“When we’re asked, we always try to refer people to the businesses on our street,” Alex said. “They do such a good job of sending people our way when their wait times are long, so we try to return the favor as much as we can.”
That spirit of collaboration inspired our group to order charcuterie from Olive It, conveniently located just a few doors down. The beautifully prepared board arrived just in time for our gathering and paired perfectly with the wines.
Olive It has been part of the Westchester community for 25 years. Owner Leslie Augusto shared that the business first began by selling olives at local farmers’ markets, where customers repeatedly asked where their storefront was located. That growing interest eventually led to opening Olive It in 2001, and it quickly became a favorite among locals for its sandwiches, salads, and specialty foods.
Our charcuterie spread included bread, olives, cured meats, cheeses, and a creamy goat cheese topped with fig spread that was heavenly. Olive It currently offers customizable charcuterie boards for gatherings of all sizes. Smaller boards for two to four people are often available same day, while larger boards generally require advance notice.
Beyond the food itself, the heart of Olive It is clearly its connection to Westchester. Leslie shared that one of the most rewarding aspects of the business has been building relationships with loyal customers over the years.
“Those customers add a break in the day and make us smile or laugh,” she said. “And when people love our creations, that makes us happy.”
That same sense of community pride is something Triangle Wines has experienced as well.
“I was born in Westchester, and I’ve never left,” Alex shared. “It’s been so fun working in my own backyard.”
He also noted how supportive the area has been toward local businesses throughout the Triangle district and highlighted the growing popularity of the Westchester Saturday Strolls, which feature festivities, treats, and local businesses coming together for a block-party vibe on 87th Street.
“Music, food, drink, activities, community—something for everyone,” he said.
As the evening continued, what stood out most was not only the excellent wine and food, but the sense of connection woven throughout the experience: sharing wine flights and charcuterie from two locally owned businesses that naturally complement one another created the kind of simple, but meaningful, night out that can sometimes feel rare in a large city.
Perhaps the most rewarding feedback for Triangle Wines has come directly from the community itself.
“People have said to me probably a hundred times at this point, ‘We needed a place like this!’” Alex said. “That’s the exact reaction we were hoping for when Triangle Wines only existed in our imaginations.”
Visit Triangle Wines at 6235 87th St. in Westchester and Olive It at 6231 87th St.
Join the Conversation
I want to hear from you! What is your go-to local dish—the one you’d tell a new neighbor they have to try? Drop a comment, send me a message, or say hi if you see me at the market. Let’s keep swapping favorites! Email me at birkettcory@gmail.com.
Cory Birkett is a foodie, and admin for the “Quarantine Cooking-Westchester & Silicon Beach” Facebook Group. When she’s not trying new recipes or checking out local restaurants, she spends her days as a real estate agent and long-time community volunteer, which includes serving on committees for the Westchester/Playa Neighborhood Council.
By Cory Birkett