Vinted Wine Bar & Kitchen has opened for business in the space formerly occupied by Uncorked in Blue Back Square in West Hartford.
"We've had great feedback from people coming in," said General Manager Gary Evangelista on Friday. Vinted had a soft opening on Nov. 8, and Evangelista said they had already received two five-star ratings on Yelp.
The modern space is perfect for those who like to be adventurous and try a variety of different drinks as well as foods. Vinted currently offers a selection of 68 different wines, all available in sizes as small as a 1-ounce taste. Wines are also available as a 3-ounce half glass as well as in a 6-ounce full glass.
In addition to wines, Vinted prides itself on a full bar which includes a selection of craft beers, including Allegash White, Dogfish IPA, and selections from Hartford's City Steam as well as Berkshire Brewery. "Our emphasis is on local," said Evangelista.
Vinted is in the process of developing several signature infused spirits and signature cocktails, and Evangelista said they would soon have eight selections featured. They also offer a selection of champagnes.
Owners Ralph Santaniello and Michael Presnal refer to Vinted as an "owner-operated, chef-driven restaurant with 68 wines available," and the pair has an extensive restaurant background developed at The Federal Restaurant & Bar in Agawam, MA, which they have owned and operated for the past 10 years.
Vinted is more than just a wine bar, with the word "kitchen" in its name signifying the array of tapas (snack size and half-entree size) available for those who want an early evening or post dinner snack, a small meal, or an enticing combination of foods to create a full meal.
Selections include cold dishes such as steak tartare, sea scallops crudo, oysters, several salads and an array of cheeses. Hot foods include Federal risotto balls (a signature offering borrowed from The Federal Restaurant & Bar), pork dumplings, and "stained" confit chicken wings.
There are also multiple dessert selections including something called “candy dish,” of which the menu claims "Willy Wonka would be proud."
“We wanted to open a wine bar and "modern American tapas" place for a while, so when the space became available in Blue Back Square, we jumped on it,” said Santaniello in a news release.
According to Evangelista, major renovations in the kitchen have been the most extensive change to the space. "We cook with gas which makes a big difference," he said.
"The chef-drive ownership has a strong presence, too," said Evangelista.
“Vinted is yet another great addition to our already dynamic restaurant scene in Blue Back Square,” said Blue Back Square Project Marketing Manager Barbara Lerner in a news release. “There’s no better place this holiday season- do some shopping then enjoy a great dinner,” Lerner said.
Vinted is located at 63 Memorial Road in West Hartford and open Monday through Wednesday and Sunday from 4 to 10 p.m., Thursday from 4 to 11 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 4 to midnight. For more information visit www.vintedwinebar.com, www.facebook.com/VintedWineBar or by call 860.206.4648.
