First Taste: De la Cruz Bistro has grape expectations
September 3rd, 2008, 2:25 pm by Jess HarterFor the first time in my 22 years living in the East Valley, I see people drinking wine in downtown Mesa. Not out of paper bags, I mean.
It’s opening night at De la Cruz Bistro, downtown’s first wine bar. A few people are sitting at the copper-colored concrete bar. About two-thirds of the dining room tables are occupied.
Almost everyone has a glass of wine or bottle of imported beer while munching on everything from chicken wings to filet mignon.
This is exactly what Omar de la Cruz hoped for. Since the $100 million Mesa Arts Center opened in 2005, he’s seen well-dressed people standing in line to order at the counter of his tiny Mangos Mexican Café before shows.
If only there was someplace in downtown Mesa where people could enjoy a nice, sit-down meal, they’d say. Someplace where people could enjoy a glass of wine, either before or after a show.
• Check out De la Cruz Bistro’s menu (pdf)
• View a slideshow of De la Cruz Bistro
• Previous: De la Cruz Bistro opening soon in downtown Mesa (Aug. 12, 2008)
• Previous: Paperwork snafu postpones bistro opening (Aug. 12, 2008)
• Previous: De la Cruz Bistro set to open Friday (Aug. 28, 2008)