Natural Wine Bar Vinbar, Sister to Vinland, Approved for Portland

Business partners Colleen Callahan, Robert Swain, and Vinland owner/chef David Levi have been approved for a beer and wine license for Vinbar at 3 Deering Avenue in Portland. The spot housed Arabian Days coffee shop for a brief period last fall; prior to that it was home to Mr. Sandwich and Mrs. Muffin.

In her application (see page 52 of linked document), Callahan revealed a focus on natural, sustainable wine. Drawing on Levi's experience serving entirely local ingredients at Vinland, she also said Vinbar plans to offer "food items that are thoughtfully made...at an accessible price point," primarily "buckwheat crepes, or 'galettes.'" Expect outdoor seating and "live music on a somewhat regular basis."

In an interesting move for a wine bar, the application also notes that Vinbar plans "to offer breakfast and lunch to the surrounding residents and workers." See below for a sample menu, which lists Vinland Chris Newton as sous chef and suggests Happy Hour could run Monday to Friday 4 to 6 p.m. with 25% off all food and wine. Galettes include chicken, squash, and sage for $12 or a lobster "roll" option for $19, while the "Larger Plates" section includes a burger with chips for $12 or mussels with oat brown bread for $16. Are these the accessible prices West Enders are craving?