When owners Bill and James opened Tapino Kitchen & Wine Bar back in the summer of 2004 they were firmly committed to not being just another restaurant-on-the-street.

“We wanted to be a special place for special people to explore the world’s great foods and fine wines,” they said. “The Tapino concept is both limiting and liberating at the same time. Sure, we know that we are limiting our customer base to people who are adventurous diners. Certainly we would have a broader mass appeal if we were a comfort food, Mexican, or Italian food restaurant... or for that matter, a burger joint.”

The liberating part is that Tapino is not limited to any one type of food. The food is “globally inspired”, so Tapino can cook anything that strikes its fancy! Everything doesn’t have to have chile in it or be served with pasta! Tapino can use unusual ingredients, unusual cooking techniques, and unusual presentations without violating a “concept”. It opens the floodgates of creativity in the kitchen. And, it attracts the type of clientele that enjoys food and wine as much as the owners do.

“It makes running a restaurant fun!” Bill said. “And, it sure beats the heck out of flipping burgers, boiling pasta, or frying beans all evening! We truly love being what we are... a special place for special people to explore the world’s great foods and fine wines.”

Care for some Cerignola olives? Honshimiji mushrooms? Grilled octopus? How about a lobster corndog? Some Lebanese wine? Maybe seared Foie Gras? Go ahead, do it! Let your tongue take a walk on the wild side! Celebrate life!