Sand Castle Winery, the European vinifera estate vineyard in Bucks County, is reopening and reconceptualization its Phoenixville outpost, TASTE, located at 236 Bridge Street. The opening is planned for Thursday, May 18.
Situated in the heart of historic downtown Phoenixville, TASTE, the former wine and small plates retail store, has been transformed into a chic vegan restaurant featuring savory and elegant comfort food, with the emphasis on proteins.
Executive chef Theo Charitos, formerly of Davio’s and The Drafting Room, consulted with TASTE to develop its menu. He is also the chef behind Montgomery County’s The Red Cedar Grille, which focuses on local flavors with a global flair. Charitos has developed the menu using products from the Herbivorous Butcher, the world’s first meatless, plant protein-based butcher.
A full bar featuring Sand Castle wine will offer Pennsylvania-only spirits from Pittsburgh’s Wigle Whiskey and Boardroom Spirits in Lansdale and local beers from Free Will Brewing in Perkasie and Easton’s Weyerbacher Brewing. Cocktails will showcase drinks that were created to pair well with the menu.
Chef Charitos developed the menu around the Herbivorous Butcher’s proteins, incorporating Sand Castle olive oils, and paired it to Sand Castle wines. The result yields offerings that every person will love—healthy but authentically remarkable.
“Rather than emulate the ‘leafy-greens,’ raw foodism model that is commonplace, we sought to form a concept that provides a savory, gourmet menu which satisfies both the diehard and reluctant vegan,” explains managing partner Chad Sletten. “When we sampled the ‘meat’ and products from the Herbivorous Butcher, we were blown away,” Sletten continues. “The ribs had the exact same texture, flavor and consistency as traditional meats. The chicken tasted like chicken. The steak tasted like high quality beef.”
The restaurant will seat approximately 50, with 20 seats at the bar, and will host live music. TASTE aims to appeal to vegetarians and carnivores alike. Look for additional locations opening in the area throughout 2017.
The restaurant’s chic modern aesthetic was created by New York City designer Dean Arcuri of INIMITABLE Designs. Arcuri’s impressive resume includes tenures with Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani and Ralph Lauren.
Find TASTE at 236 Bridge St. in Phoenixville; phone: (484) 924-9530.
- Photo: Dallyn Pavey
