You don't need to be a chic wine snob to step into Chic Chef 77 Bistro & Wine Bar, but you'll certainly consider yourself one by the time you walk out. Featuring a menu complete with wine pairings to enhance dining experiences by heightening flavors and texture, the first black-owned bistro and wine bar in the state (Tempe) hosts special events highlighting black-owned wine markers and paint and sip parties, presented in an upscale environment.
Founded by Celebrity Chef, Entrepreneur & Restaurateur Nik Fields, Chef Nik aims to promote education and discovery among wine-lovers old and new. She helps sippers pair wine and foods based on chemical compounds and overall impact on the five senses. Chef Fields curates a Taste Makers series, where spirit makers discuss their flavor profiles, educating wine lovers and celebrating wine, while introducing interactive and luxurious dining experiences. The journey includes table side pouring instead of the bar, a sommelier on-site to answer questions and discuss wine etiquette.
Her tips for wine etiquette? Step 1: See – Look at the appearance of the wine and see what it tells you. Step 2: Swirl the glass to let aromatic notes come out. Step 3: Sniff – Smell the wine and see what scents you can isolate. Step 4: Sip – Taste the wine and think about components like acidity and tannin. Wine is served in only 1 oz pours, not filled to the rim of a glass and clients are taught the proper way to hold a wine glass.
Nik says, "We will have the owners of the wine on-site and house international wines from all countries, not just local and Italy, which is the traditional way. We have wines from Greece, Asia, Pakistan and Poland, but our focus is the majority of wines coming from black-owned brands. We will have live music including DJs, a violinist and poetry on designated nights."
Chic Chef 77 will offer a 200-bottle wine list and rotating selection of by-the-glass pours. In addition to nightly upscale bar bites and prix-fixe dinner service, the venue will play host to private tastings that chic patrons are sure to raise a glass to. The bistro and wine bar offers a selection of charcuterie boards with cheese imported from Denmark, a few entrees like fresh Norwegian salmon, farm to table veggies from local farmers and desserts like crème brûlée and apple Pie Crumble with vanilla ice cream and salted caramel drizzle.
Nik continues, "Each month we will invite a Chef (local or national) to create a dinner and menu. The Chefs will be selected based on their particular ingredients, certain seasons and tools they love to cook with. Phoenix is a destination spot and there’s only about 12 black-owned wine bars in the country."
While the wine is the star of the show, the food and ambiance certainly add to the allure. Outfitted with plush furnishings, rich hues of blue, and gold-accents, sets a stylish scene, and everything was designed by Nik. The furnishings were chosen to create a perfect setting for a romantic date night, but also a welcoming atmosphere with cozy seating. After all, a rare blend just tastes better when you're sipping it somewhere beautiful and Instagram-worthy.
Nik says, "Each table is different and represented by a diverse color. Colors affect our moods, so we have a rainbow collection of chairs. When you see a rainbow, you can’t help but be in a good mood. This space isn't your typical wine bar, but a place to create experiences and bring to light several black-owned wine brands that are hidden gems, overshadowed by the larger brands."
The Grand opening will happen on Wine Down Wednesday 2/8 and will begin at 5pm, located at 1221 E Apache Tempe, AZ 85281.
Open in the evenings 5-10 pm Tuesday-Friday
Saturday 11 am-11 pm
Sunday Brunch 11-3
"Pour, sip, Vibe"