If rock 'n roll had an official drink, what would it be? I've had countless beer-drenched nights in the more than two decades I've been going to rock shows, but these days, a little vino with my music suits me just fine (even if I can't take a wine glass into the crowd).
Restaurateur Terry Craig is hoping to take things to the next level, knocking wine's pretentious stereotype with some classic rock and affordable American food.
Under construction now, Craig's new spot Rhythm & Wine is set to open in mid-March, taking over the former Three Tomatoes and a Mozzarella at North Scottsdale's Shops at Pinnacle Peak (7605 E. Pinnacle Peak Road).
Craig, who also owns nearby Jalapeno Inferno, says Rhythm & Wine will be a full-service "wine-driven restaurant," serving casual small plates, pizzas, salads, and dessert fondues for lunch, dinner, and late night. Prices will range from $7 to $13. He recruited chef Rob Luna from the Millenium Resort.
As for the grapey stuff, there will be a 100-bottle wine list, with about 30 choices by the glass. Look for upcoming wine dinners, tastings, and promotions.
Renovations will radically change the vibe at the restaurant space. They're doubling the outdoor patio, adding an indoor-outdoor bar with garage door, and putting a community table in the dining room, which will have a kitschy vibe with vintage lamps and rock 'n roll artwork.
Kick out the jams with a jammy zin? I like the idea.
