Bash American Bistro

Bash American Bistro is holed up like a dark cave in a drab suburban strip mall, but the overall effect is as comforting as a pile of kittens wearing hand-knit, woolen booties. Starters include fabulous housemade hummus painted with spicy kimchi sauce and served with wedges of grilled pita; gooey spinach dip with freshly fried tortilla chips has the same warming effect. Entrees are just as homey, like short ribs braised in Mr. Pibb, meaty bones with lightly sweet sauce that cuts right through the fat. Nothing on the menu is priced over $18, and each bottle on the wine list is under $40.Bash hosts a monthly wine tasting on the last Thursday of each month from 7 to 9 p.m.