Clayton’s Bocci Bar located at 16 N. Central Ave., will unveil a new identity as Bocci Wine Bar May 1. The restaurant, which has been closed for renovation since Jan. 1, will see an updated menu, revamped decor and new additions to its eclectic wine selection. “We’re starting with some decorative changes inside to accommodate a wine display style,” said owner Frank Schmitz. This includes technological updates to offer patrons a sleek, straight-from-the-barrel experience.
“The key to me is that the wine is served at the right temperature,” Schmitz said. “We have a wine chilling system that chills the (red) wines down to 55 degrees. And we have implemented this new wine keg system of stainless-steel 20-liter kegs that are filled at the winery and shipped out.” On top of that, Bocci will offer four wines on tap using the Coravin system to keep the bottles airtight and fresh.
When it comes assembling the wine menu, Schmitz makes no bones about his international ambitions. Each month, Bocci will feature a region known for a particular varietal or blend. The wine of the moment will be paired with food and the music of the featured culture in the background. Argentina debuts as May’s featured wine region, followed by France, Italy and Australia during the summer months, Napa Valley in September and continental Europe in the fall.
Schmitz said the food menu is still being finalized, but it will reflect the diversity and breadth of his wine selection. “All our food is wine friendly – from farm, sea and land,” he said. Bocci Wine Bar will serve lunch and dinner Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and dinner Saturdays from 5 to 11 p.m.
This article appears in April 2014.