Editor's Note: This post has changed since it was originally published.
The southeast corner of Boston and Oregon streets n downtown Chandler has had many faces. In 1926 it was the town's first post office. More recently it has been the home of Siracha, KiZake and even a boutique clothing store.
Presently it is in the middle of being gutted and refurbished. In the future (early November), it will be known as Vintage 95.
After eight years, Gavin Jacobs (best known as the evening bartender, though he's served and managed there over the last eight years) is saying goodbye to House of Tricks to begin a new venture--and he's bringing along Tricks' cook Mike Wahlberg.
Find out more after the jump.
Once upon a time, 98 South "killed it" as a wine bar. Jacobs is hoping to bring that sophisticated yet approachable atmosphere back to the historic downtown Chandler.
The Name: Vintage is somewhat a play on words in the sense that the restaurant is a winebar and vintage is a reference to the year a bottle of wine was made. Also, Jacobs' decor is primarily vintage, highlighting the historical building housing the restaurant. Ninety-five? That's the address.
The Space: Jacobs has gutted and redesigned the space for efficiency. He is a strong believer in good quality customer service. The outdoor patio is nearly the same square footage as the interior, and you better believe that the opening of Vintage 95 coinciding with great Phoenix weather is no coincidence. Jacobs will be adding a couple of larger trees and a fire place with plenty of loungey outdoor seating, including a back bar (in addition to the inside bar) so you're never too far from the comfort of your favorite libation.
The Menu: is simple or "classics with a twist." The idea is to have guests enjoy a sophisticated atmosphere with familiar comforts without breaking the bank (read: BLTs with pork belly and a tomato jam).
The Wine: Jacobs isn't giving up much as far as specifics but the list will start out with between 80-100 bottles. You'll see classic varietals, some of the well known favorites, and boutiquey geeky stuff as well. There will be a bit of depth to wines by the glass with roughly 10 reds, 10 whites, and 6 flights. The wine cellar door itself is quite the attraction; it was imported from India and is intricately carved out of rosewood. Inside the wine cellar is a beautiful chandelier with the north wall being tempered glass so everyone can enjoy these thought out details.The Man: Jacobs is from Cape Town, South Africa and moved to LA when he was 7 years old with his dad and twin sister. He graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in business management and certification in small business entrepreneurship from the W.P. Carey school of business. Fresh out of college, he started Insight Menswear, which had a successful run about for 5 years, but Jacobs closed up shop a little over a year ago to focus on his baby--Vintage 95. All the while he was honing his ideas, shaped by the guidance and leadership of Bob and Robin Trick. Jacobs says he's truly grateful for every opportunity they've provided him.
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