Grape Street Cafe draws new patrons with Art & Wine Walks

It bills itself as the area's best-kept secret, but the secret is out. Grape Street Cafe Wine Bar & Cellar, 7501 W. Lake Mead Blvd., has a loyal following cultivated over 14 years.

"I come in here, and I know I can relax, that I'll be well taken care of," said Jennifer Sams, who stops in for a glass of wine about twice a week. "And the people are so friendly. It's 'Cheers' times two."

Ashley Myers is another frequent patron who said Grape Street welcomes her with open arms.

"I even come in without my makeup on, I'm here so often," she said. "It's crazy cozy."

Grape Street is making new friends with its quarterly Art & Wine Walk, something it began about two years ago. The next one is scheduled from 7 to 10 p.m. Feb. 9.

The event opens up the otherwise vacant 1,600-square-foot storefront next door and sees 200 or so attendees mingling as they sip wine, view artwork and meet the artist. They can choose from about 80 wines by the glass from the Napa Valley, Washington, Oregon, Italy, France and Argentina, as well as domestic and imported beers.

A different artist is featured each time. At first, it was a mix of artists. But as the event became established, artists with larger portfolios stepped forward, and now there is only one artist holding court beside the wine. Mark Vranesh, who is well known in the Summerlin art community for producing the annual ArtWalk at Trails Village Center, 1970 Village Center Circle, is slated to be featured Feb. 9.

Vranesh drew his early inspiration from Red Rock Canyon, and many of his watercolors explored Native American themes. These days, he's making his own paper to incorporate the tactile senses as well as the aesthetic ones.

Vranesh said he plans to have "bits and pieces of different things" he has done, including cast paper depicting architectural themes. He also will offer Valentines, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Children's Heart Foundation.

Why is an eatery promoting art?

"Being a chef is a little like being an artist," said John McKibben, Grape Street owner and executive chef. "It kind of goes hand in hand."

The term "artist" can have wide meaning. One past Art & Wine Walk featured a tattoo artist. The one in December showcased Jessica Galindo, known for her hand-tooled leather pieces.

"We like to mix it up," said Dan Bessent, Grape Street wine director.

Mixing it up includes having one corner of the restaurant showcasing various bottles of wine for sale year-round. Purchase it, just as you would in a retail store, and take it home, or take a seat and enjoy it with your meal. The eatery features Italian and Mediterranean dishes with plenty of seafood options as well

"He's Irish, but he cooks amazing Italian food," Bessent said of McKibben.

This will be the final Art & Wine Walk until early summer.

"We decided not to have it every month because then it wouldn't be (special)," said Bessent. "People would go. 'Oh, it's just another wine walk, I'll go next month.' This makes it more fun."

For more information, call 228-9493.

Contact Summerlin/Summerlin South View reporter Jan Hogan at jhogan@viewnews.com or 387-2949.