With its zebra-patterned bar top, plush red leather booths and state-of-the-art nitrous wine system, the Vin vibe is anything but Maryland.
But the posh new restaurant, who name is pronounced “vine,” will open Friday in Towson Circle under the day-to-day oversight of locally renowned chef Christopher Paternotte, who is also part-owner. Local officials said they hope the new restaurant?s fine and sexy dining will fill a void ? and inspire other developers to invest in Towson.
“It?s what people in Towson have been asking for and asking for,” Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith said Wednesday at a sneak peak event. “It?s contemporary and current yet comfortable. Thiswill just spur the renaissance of the Towson community.”
Paternotte and his partner, the developer Cordish Co., are offering all the extras of urban hot spots, from valet parking to an outdoor living room and bar. The nitrous wine system allows opened bottles to stay fresher longer, which means the restaurant will be able to offer premium wines by the glass. Staff will be on hand to guide connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts through an elaborate wine list.
The menu, described as classic comfort meets European sophistication, includes gnocchi, rockfish and a selection of flatbreads. The dessert menu offers mini-dishes for $2 each.
“These are classic items, but done in a new, upscale way, with his own slant,” said Reed Cordish, vice president of Cordish. “It?s bringing a big-city concept to Towson.”
Cordish is responsible for the redevelopment of the former Hutzler?s department store on the corner of Delaware and Shealy Avenues.
Their efforts have brought several “destination” names to Towson already, including Bahama Breeze and Trader Joe?s. But Vin, Cordish said, is their best work on the circle.
In support of the project, the county?s economic development department worked with the development team, testifying in favor of the restaurant?s liquor license application and easing the permits process, “from bathrooms to traffic to electricity,” said Andrea Van Arsdale, director of the county?s commercial revitalization program. The county also offers tax credits to property owners who invest in districts designated as commercial revitalization zones, such as Towson.
The community is about to begin a major redevelopment campaign, bringing in a team of planning experts known as an Urban Design Assistance Team. The team will help residents establish development guidelines for the future.
Vin has been in the works for quite some time, Van Arsdale said, but reflectsthe potential in Towson.
“When you have an end product like this, you know you picked a winner,” she said.
