All The News That's Fit To Eat

\ Feb 09, 2006

3 min read

Gordon Schutte Uncorks the Wine Bar at Vivace—By the time you read this, Vivace's new wine bar will be open at 3120 Central SE, in the adjoining Nob Hill storefront that used to be Bright Future Futon. “It's really striking,” says restaurateur and Vivace Chef Gordon Schutte when describing the addition's black and burgundy wine bar. “There's a lot of glass behind the counter, too,” a complement to the natural bravado of great Italian wine. Deep terra cotta-colored walls, a private dining area and expanded seating are among the new amenities.

Oh, and not to mention a change in address: Schutte moved the restaurant's entrance to the wine bar. Now, an interior archway will connect the addition to the existing space at 3118 Central SE.

All in all, Schutte stresses education as his most important objective at Vivace. “The breadth and depth of the Italian varietals is just extraordinary. We'll do things I don't think a lot of Americans have been exposed to.” Vivace will offer a shifting roster of wine flights, dinners and other wine-centric events to increase the public's awareness and appreciation of fine Italian wine. The wine bar at Vivace is open from 11 a.m. to close Monday through Friday, and from 4 p.m. to close Saturday and Sunday. The restaurant can be reached at 268-5965.

The Dish

Sandwich Fever!—The Central Park Deli opened its doors last Wednesday at the Silver Moon Lodge (918 Central SW). The deli overlooks Downtown's Robinson Park at 10^thStreet and Central, adding another notch to the Downtown area's expanding sandwich belt (other newcomers include Relish and DG's Deli). The large and reasonably-priced menu includes breakfast all day, salads (try the Danish bleu cheese and walnut salad), and about 25 sandwiches and burgers, plus build-your-own capabilities. Overall, the food is thought-out and executed well, and served in a clean and comfortable dining room. Try it for yourself weekdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 214-9100 to have the Silver Moon Lodge fax a menu over to your Downtown office.

The Dish

Wondering Where Vincenzo’s Fine Cuisine Went?—You can still find the American bistro at 1435 Eubank NE, restyled as Damon's Fine Cuisine (so named for Chef Damon Andres Flores). Same owners, same chef, different name. Same super-moist carrot cake that took third place in the dessert category at this year's Roadrunner Foodbank Souper Bowl. Mmmmm … carrot cake.