In July, we noted an expansion at Eagle Rock’s Cacao Mexicatessen, which is reaching into the family’s neighboring flower shop to open an attached wine bar. Owner Andrew Lujan tells Grub Street the project is slated to open in mid-February, integrated into Cacao’s existing brand and space. The design, overseen by a local husband and wife team, is based Lujan’s idea of what a forties-style Mexican wine bar might look like, with recycled Cabernet barrels serving as the chandeliers and wine bottle as orchid holders, along with embossed grape vines camouflaged into the paint job, exposed brick and castle-style stone on the walls, and restroom doors seemingly ripped from the set of Zorro (this one, not this one).
Lujan plans to use the space to showcase the wines of Baja’s Valle Guadalupe and California’s Mexican-American-owned wineries. In fact, the menu may only feature Mexican-owned wines, but will also have room for Mexico’s craft beers. And of course, Cacao’s creative kitchen will offer its seasonal specials to be enjoyed alongside the booze offerings, with Lujan promising happy hour goodies and wine-friendly specials once the bar is open.
Cacao Mexicatessen, 1576 Colorado Blvd. Eagle Rock; 323-478-2791.
