(Update: Since my interview with owner Jon Lane, please note O.H.S.O. is taking over the location of the Black Forest Mill restaurant not the German Sausage Co., which will continue to operate. Also, beer, wine, and cocktails will be available on opening day, November 15, the nano brewery, however, will not open until next year pending federal approval.)
In the past few months, the stretch of Indian School Road between 40th and 64th Streets has been bustling with new restaurant activity like Kitchen 56, Black Cat Coffee House, Cave & Ives, and (maybe) a second location for Essence Bakery. Good news for folks in the area who don't want to venture into Scottsdale for something good to eat. And soon, they'll have another option to add to the list: O.H.S.O. Eatery & Nano Brewery.
Located in the former home of the German Sausage Company at 4900 East Indian School Road, the building for the new restaurant is undergoing major renovations for its casual upscale look -- among them, updating the 1970s interior, adding a patio, and making room for a small brewery operation.
A source at the site who's helping with the updates and spearheading the nano-brewery idea, told me that not only will folks be able to brew their own beer at O.H.S.O., they'll be able to get it on tap, something no one else does in the Valley. And if they want to learn how or get a few pointers, a brewmaster will be on hand to help.
Then there's the chef and the food part.
The menu at O.H.S.O. will consist of American comfort food and Italian favorites with the bread being baked on-site. Think antipasto plates, flat bread pizza, pasta, burgers, baby back ribs, and sandwiches featuring arepa (a bread made of corn.) Although not confirmed, the source told me the chef has roots at Kai, the AAA Five Diamond Award-winning restaurant in Chandler.
O.H.S.O. is slated to open in the next few weeks and will most likely be B.Y.O.B. until the liquor license is secured. The kitchen will be open until midnight.
What does O.H.S.O. stand for? Beats me. When I asked, I got a big smile and a "you'll have to wait and see." Any guesses?
