HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo., Oct. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- South Metro Denver is in for a new treat on October 27 when Indulge Wine Bar officially opens. The only wine bar within a 7-mile radius, and the only one in Highlands Ranch, Indulge Wine Bar will offer an extensive collection of wines from every wine-growing continent.
Indulge will also feature a variety of tempting lunch and dinner tapas and decadent desserts, ranging in moderate price from $5 to $15. The small-plates theme will offer customers an opportunity to explore and share Indulge's creative cuisine. Indulge will offer 25-30 wines by the glass, 15 half-bottles as well as over 130 full bottles of old and new-world wines, including a collection of diverse wines to explore in their "30 under $30" program, champagne and wine flights. Indulge will also feature a variety of specialty and boutique cocktails and spirits.
Recent National Restaurant Association research shows that wine is among the hottest culinary trends in restaurants. Two recent studies commissioned by the wine industry found that wine is favorably perceived by U.S. consumers. Consumers are driving more wine than ever before and more often than they had in the past (Wine Market Council and Wine Institute research, 2006). In 2006, Americans consumed more than 3 billion bottles of wine, a record-setting statistic.
Indulge Wine Bar's Executive Sommelier and Wine Director is Sarah Almand, one of the very few nationally and in Colorado certified through the Court of Master Sommeliers. Almand brings San Francisco sophistication (Spruce Restaurant, Ritz Carlton) to Denver, yet snooty is not her style.
"My background is in teaching," says Almand. "I want to teach people about wine, give them what they ask for, and give them something they perceive as a great value. I enjoy turning them on to something new, not too far out of their comfort zone."
"We are no longer in a world where a man always orders the wine," Almand adds, and Highlands Ranch has a dense female population. Indulge will also offer monthly wine education classes, taught by Almand.
Indulge's Executive Chef, Kristen Reisinger, comes to Indulge Wine Bar with over 19 years of culinary experience, and particular expertise with beef and veal products. She previously worked for the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island and the state of Illinois' past governor Jim Edgar. Reisinger is a member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals and the American Culinary Federation.
Reisinger places an emphasis on supporting local Colorado companies, including 34 Degree Crackers, Primo, Loredana's, Lombardi Meats, Coda Coffee, Savory Spice Shop, Wen Chocolates, Boulder Ice Cream, and Cheese Importers of Colorado. "We've paid a lot of attention to detail in order to create a one-of-a-kind experience at Indulge," says Reisinger. "The menu will change frequently, bringing a variety of new tastes in tapas, paired with new wines, for a truly new and memorable dining experience."
Eric Mandil, well-known award-winning Denver interior designer and architect, was selected by the owners of Indulge to craft the wine bar's interior. Mandil has been responsible for the architectural interior design and coloration of FAO Schwartz's retail stores for Mattel Toys in New York City and Las Vegas and some of the most popular award-winning restaurants in Colorado -- Barolo Grill, Radex, Papillion, Mel's Bar & Grill, L'Chanteclair and L'Atelier, to name a few. Mandil has created unique interior at Indulge. Designed for communication and luxurious contemporary comfort, the interiors reflect warmth and earth as central elements. Orange and chocolate brown are the central colors with red as the passionate accentuating point. Customers will also enjoy outdoor patio dining with conversational seating and fire pits, outdoor music, and panoramic views of the Rockies.
Indulge is the brainchild of co-owners Peter Fatianow and fiancee Delinda Romero. "Our passions are friends, travel, food, wine and music," said Fatianow. "Having lived in Highlands Ranch for more than a decade, I knew there was a dining niche that was desperately under-served -- a local place with an upscale feel, great food and wine, and world-class music."
Romero added, "We wanted to develop a neighborhood place where people could escape and enjoy amazing food, wine and the company of good friends in an upscale, but welcoming, environment. We think our customers will love our food, ambience, wine and staff."
Indulge's General Manager is Brad Holley. Brad brings years of restaurant management and ownership experience. In addition, Brad has studied food and wine in Paris, France and Northern Italy.
This new South Metro Denver destination spot has already captivated local residents. "We are very excited about the addition of the independently-operated Indulge Wine Bar to Highlands Ranch and the Town Center. Indulge will provide a unique, fun and entertaining place for the residents of Highlands Ranch," Steve Dyer, President, Highlands Ranch Chamber of Commerce.
Beginning October 27, Indulge will be open Monday through Thursday, from 4:00pm - 10:00pm, and Fridays from 4:00pm - 12:00am. Indulge will be open for lunch and dinner Saturdays from 11:00am - 12:00am, and Sunday from 11:00am - 10:00pm. Indulge will also play a mix of contemporary, energetic music throughout the week, and will feature live music from local Denver artists on Fridays and Saturdays.
Indulge Wine Bar is located at 1601 Mayberry Drive in the Highlands Ranch Town Center, one mile south of C470 on Lucent Blvd., (303)991-1994. Please also see http://www.indulgewinebar.com.
SOURCE Indulge Wine Bar
