The Vinoteca Restaurant and Wine Bar Opens in Greenwich CT

Press Release: January 2014

There's a new restaurant and wine bar in Greenwich CT!

The Vinoteca Restaurant and Wine Bar!

UPDATE:  Read my recap of the Vinoteca HERE

Photo provided by MaxEx, LLC

Located at 33 Lewis Street, right off Greenwich Avenue in downtown Greenwich CT, there’s a new restaurant serving contemporary  Italian cuisine. The restaurant will soon be known for more than their  exceptional food, as they feature creative cocktails, exceptional wine, and funky array of great music.

Photo provided by MaxEx, LLC

Upon entering the restaurant, an intimate wine bar and high top communal tables set the tone for the 85-seat dining room and gathering space which transitions into club-like atmosphere later in the evening. Large "Old Hollywood" half-moon banquette and booth seating, round cocktail ottomans and comfy sofas are covered in rich deep red fabrics and gray leather and paired with dark wood furnishings. Subtle light accents throughout the room keep things relaxed and warm.

The Vinoteca menu, as with the space, stays true to Groove’s overall philosophy of good food and good times. Chef Jesus Alarez brings out the best in regional Italian cuisine while incorporating global influences from as far as Asia and as familiar as California, keeping it fresh and simple, while not holding back on flavor. The wood-fired oven and display kitchen are situated in the center of the space for all to see, adding to the energy of the room.

Here's a preview of their opening menu: Vinoteca Menu Greenwich CT

Appetizer highlights include; Arancini, deep fried arborio rice balls with mozzarella and fontina cheese served with San Marzano tomato sauce; Creamy Polenta with braised short ribs, maitake mushrooms and a Barolo wine reduction; and “Spiedini Cucho”, filet mignon skewers with shishito peppers and a spicy Peruvian aji pancad.

Photo provided by MaxEx, LLC

Lighter fare options feature; Burrata with heirloom tomatoes, fruity olive oil and micro greens; Bruschetta Trio of poached lobster, tuna tartare and heirloom tomato; Crispy Artichoke Salad with organic greens, Italian parsley, lemon and chili oil; and a vibrant Kale Salad topped with sweet bosc pears, toasted walnuts and pecorino cheese.  In addition to a traditional assortment of “salumeria” items such as domestic and imported cheese, dry and cured meats and grilled vegetables, Vinoteca offers a wonderful and vibrant selection of crudo including; Tuna with blood orange olive oil, sake, jalapeno and sea salt; Salmon Tartare prepared with fennel, jalapeno and lemon zest; Hamachi with Meyer lemon, serrano chile and a balsamic ponzu; and Hand Cut Beef with artichoke, truffle oil and mostarda.

 Fresh pasta standouts include; Chitarra with house made meatballs and fresh tomato; Garganelli tossed with chipolata sausage and broccoli rabe; and Risotto with wild mushrooms, sweet peas and garlic chips. Wood-fired Neapolitan style pizza is topped with everyone’s favorite ingredients, as well as more creative combinations as seen with the spicy lobster and mascarpone with habanero and corn and the Mediterraneo of ground beef, red onions, harissa and lemon. Entrées include; Veal Milanese, a bone-in veal chop topped with arugula and tomato; Sea Scallops served over cauliflower puree with  crispy prosciutto and mustard; and Pollo Scarpariello with hot cherry peppers, sautéed spinach and spicy sausage.

Photo provided by MaxEx, LLC

House made desserts are of the creamy tiramisu and Italian cheesecake variety, in addition to large selections of port wine, cordials and spirits. The beverage program is in keeping with the fun and accessible menu and includes 60 wines by the glass, craft beer, and top shelf cocktails prepared with fresh juices, aromatics and house made infusions such as a delicious fig infused vodka.

Vinoteca offers a “Pronto Lunch” consisting of panini, pizzette or soup and salad combinations, plus a beverage, for only $12. Sunday Brunch ($ 15 a la carte or $33 with bottomless Mimosas, Bloody Marys or Bellinis) specials include: hanger steak & eggs, crème brulle French toast, eggs benedict with smoked salmon, eggs benedict with prosciutto di parma and pancakes with Tuscan orange maple syrup and Sambuca cream.

Guests can expect a revolving schedule of some of best DJs from the New York Metropolitan area, providing a break from the norm. From “Burger and Barolo” to “Ciao” Ladies Night, Vinoteca Restaurant & Wine Bar is a gathering destination for today’s modern dining and music culture.

Photo provided by MaxEx, LLC

Lunch and dinner – 7 days a week, including Sunday Brunch

Vinoteca Restaurant and Wine Bar
33 Lewis Street
Greenwich, CT
(203) 661-2354
vinotecagreenwich.com