Oakville Grocery Co., a California-based market cafe founded in 1881 that's considered by many to be the West Coast version of Dean & Deluca, is getting ready to open its doors in early December at the new Scottsdale Quarter shopping complex -- already home to hot retailers like H&M and the Apple Store. A second location is already being considered for downtown Phoenix, at CityScape.
Oakville's already lined up some top local talent, including executive chef Walter Sterling (of Autostrada, Sol y Sombra, and Mary Elaine's) and wine director David Johnson, who made Sol y Sombra's Spanish wine program the talk of the town when it opened.
Now Johnson says his big focus will be on Northern California wines -- Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Santa Cruz, and beyond -- with about 70 percent of the selection from the Golden State. Oakville will feature wine retail as well as a winebar with rotating selections by the glass.
"I'm excited for good, fresh, seasonal gourmet food that's simple and goes really will with wine," Johnson says.
The menu will feature pizzas, sandwiches, and salads, and catering will be available. Johnson says the target opening date is December 1 but construction may set it back about a week.
