24 Plates for Magnolia Ave. Live acoustic guitar will be an integral part of the concept at 24 Plates, a small-plates restaurant set to open in early 2014 at 407 W. Magnolia Ave. This is the first restaurant gig for owner Joel Kleven, a former chiropractor and longtime foodie, and while planning is still in the works, patrons will indeed find 24 plates on the menu. The vintage, 3,300-square-foot space was historically occupied by WF Laurence Fine Flowers, and upscale industrial design will give a nod to the historic flower shop. Artwork from local artists Rebecca Low and James Hinkle will be featured, keeping with the Near Southside’s eclectic, anything-but-commercial vibe. Design will come from Marta Rozanich, whose resume includes work for 1301 Throckmorton Omni Residences. Construction will be handled by Clear Fork Construction.
WINEHAUS NEW FOR BERKELEY Berkeley residents who like to BYOB will appreciate WineHaus, a new wine shop that also doubles as a wine bar at 1628 Park Place Ave., next door to Chadra Mezza & Grill. Opened by Kansas City native Lindsey Crawford, who learned wine shop talk from a friend and fellow operator in her hometown, WineHaus allows guests to sip on-site or simply purchase and go. “We’re kind of the hybrid,” said Crawford. “Anything I have in a bottle is priced retail but you can drink it on premise. That’s unique to any other wine bar in this area.” Also unique is WineHaus’ eight wines on tap and growler program that’s in the works. Two of Crawford’s current tapped wines are from Texas Hills Vineyard in Johnson City. She says supporting Texas wines is a goal for her new venture. “I think there’s a stigma to overcome with some people on Texas wines,” she said. “I’ve got a few on the shelf as well. The ones that I have on tap are extremely high quality. Everybody thus far has been really happy with them.” WineHaus carries a 50/50 mix of Old and New world wines from high-end and boutique wineries, and guests can enjoy their purchases inside or on the back patio. “I always said if I could find a place to do this in Fort Worth, I would,” Crawford said. “I love the Southside area.”
NINE YEARS OF RAHR, PLUS NEW RAHR BREW After surviving the Great Recession and even a snowstorm, Rahr & Son’s Brewing Co., located at 701 Galveston Ave., will celebrate the brewery’s ninth anniversary with a party Nov. 9 that will include an unveiling of Rahr’s new 9 Year Anniversary ale. The Belgian-style brew comes in a 22-ounce bottle with its own gift box, or in a 12-case box. Party guests can pick from more than 30 Rahr beers on tap, including several limited editions, and enjoy food from Chadra Mezza & Grill and live music. Festivities begin at 12:30 p.m. Admission is $10 or $20 for VIP, which allows for earlier entry.
LONESOME DOVE REOPENS AFTER FIRE Lonesome Dove Western Bistro, the flagship restaurant from celebrity chef Tim Love, has reopened after a destructive fire tore through the Stockyards steakhouse in August. The kitchen has been restored with equipment upgrades, and new lighting and a refurbished ceiling have been added. The restaurant is located at 2406 N. Main St. and is open for lunch Tuesday-Saturday and dinner Monday-Saturday.
WINE AND CAR CONCEPT COMING TO W. MAGNOLIA AVE. Frank Kent Motor Co. will combine fine wine and automobiles in a new concept developed by owners Will Churchill and Corrie Wilson, the duo who opened Cadillac Wines at the new Frank Kent Cadillac last year. The dealership purchased an 8,000-square-foot property on the corner of Magnolia Avenue and Adams Street and the facility is set for completion in April. “This is a unique and exciting venture for us,” said Churchill in a news release. “It is being designed with the goal of creating a flexible space, an open-air environment as well as usefulness for our current and future customers.”
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