The winter blues have definitely set in. Lack of sunlight and Vitamin D has left us pale and withered. We live under an obscene amount of layers, our jeans rimmed with salt. Our veins practically pump chicken noodle soup. However, there is light to be shed. Rochesterians have a new upscale retreat located in Corn Hill Landing across from Nathaniel's Pub and nestled along the river. This ray of light is Virtu, a new restaurant and lounge.

Sienna owner David Alkaher strikes gold again with Virtu. Inside you'll find elegance, amber-colored lighting, and an expansive dining area separated into intimate sections. I came for the bar, which was very cozy and centralized in the room. It's perfect for drinks before dinner or the sure-to-be slammed happy hour. Given the establishment's location it may very well become the watering hole for the legal community. On a Wednesday night, just a week after opening, I found the bar busy and buzzing as patrons drank and checked out the place. The crowd definitely breathed an air of sophistication; this was a classy group.

The menu features inventive salads, pastas, and entrees like the Guinness-marinated flank steak. At the bar I enjoyed one of chef Jill Mondry-Doebler's appetizers, pan-seared, black and white sesame-crusted Ahi tuna with a five-spice salt and Asian barbecue sauce. It was excellent, and beautifully presented.

The wine list is expansive, with wine by the glass ranging from $7 to $18. I had a glass of the Hess Estates Cabernet and spoke to Sherwin the bartender. He was friendly, as was the rest of the staff. Sometimes the term "upscale" quickly brings to mind another word: "stuffy." Virtu is anything but --- it's simply classy.

Virtu's grand opening is set for Valentine's Day, which could make a nice surprise for someone you love. Or stop by any day of the week for a drink or a bite to eat. Lunch is served weekdays, 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m., dinner 5-10 p.m. On Fridays lunch is served until 5 p.m., and dinner until 11 p.m. Saturday the restaurant is open 2-11 p.m., and Sunday 4-9 p.m. Happy hour is Friday 2-5 p.m., and the bar is open for drinks and bar food after hours until midnight. Stop in next week, and make sure to wish Sherwin a happy birthday.