After five years, owner-chef James Porter has closed Tapino Kitchen & Wine Bar (pictured above), citing a combination of the economic recession and ongoing disputes with the Scottsdale Promenade restaurant’s landlord.
“The economy has changed,” he says. “It’s a huge space, 5,600 square feet. I needed to put it to sleep, but it had good times and good memories in it.”
For Porter, one of the pioneers of the Valley’s local food movement, those memories will include several popular “locavore” dinners hosted by the small-plates eatery, a steady stream of fun events (such as last week’s wine dinner featuring boxed wines) and some unusual dishes (such as his homemade foie gras ice cream).
But don’t expect Porter (pictured) to be kicking up his heels. He’s already working on his next restaurant, Petite Maison, which he describes as a rustic French country bistro.
“We’re starting on construction next week,” he says. “All the permits are finally passed and we’re ready to rumble.”
Porter hopes to open his new place, which takes over the former Baby Kay’s space in downtown Scottsdale, by July 14, which is the French national holiday Bastille Day.
“The price point is extremely affordable,” he says. “Although Tapino was an amazing value, I think, for the creativity, this is going to be more approachable.”
Expect appetizers around $6, entrees from $14 to $19 and desserts for $6, Porter says,
Petite Maison (French for “small home” — it’s just 1,500 square feet, compared to Tapino’s 5,600) will offer lunch, dinner and a “weekend marketplace.” But Porter is most excited about a late-night menu.
“We’re gonna do a late-night ‘underground’ menu that will really focus on the hospitality field — the cooks and the chefs — that will be starting at 11 o’clock at night and go to 3 o’clock in the morning,” he says.
“A very cool (menu) — roasted bone marrow with toast – things that cooks and chefs like to eat. And foodies that really like something crazy and different.”
(this post updated May 20, 2009)
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The Promenade shopping center is huge. So many restaurant choices at that place. Interesting he is opening the new place in July! Wow - thats the slowest time of year.
Find it dishearting that this guy would suddenly announce the sudden death of Tapino (while the whole time he was in cahotz with a new joint), ok, well honesty I guess isnt his best character. Be honest dude, are you screweing your landlords, your creditors, your patrons, making us feel sorry for you?? To write such a lavish death notice letter about Tapino while all in the while you are opening another place in a few weeks, be honest!!!!!! Tell people like it is …..instead you decided to be deceiptful and sneaky, totally classless in my opinion!
Oh My God, I am so disappointed. I was really feeling bad for him, that is wrong to tell people your closing with an e-mail, then really doing something like this?
So glad to hear he will be staying around and starting a new project. He is a great asset to our community.
Sarah, curious what makes him an asset to our community?? There are tons of chefs in town close to his par and some much better, why is he an asset to Scottsdale. It seems the only people who think so are older woman who have never left Scottsdale, there is some talent in the Valley, you have to drive out of your bubble Scottsdale to find it however.