Wine Bar and Bistro Coming to Hillgrove Cellars

Danny Parrott’s voice melted as he recounted his culinary journey working on a cruise ship in the South of France.

“Every 12 days we would dock in Villefranche Sur Mer,” he gushed, recalling the picturesque town where fresh seafood is abundant and wine practically flows off the verdant hills.

Such southern-French towns are among many influences Hillgrove Cellars’ (800 Hillgrove Ave.) Director of Operations will draw on as he transitions the downtown Western Springs store from a gourmet wine shop into a wine-bar and bistro.

Parrott is no stranger to the restaurant business. In addition to his time working for a cruise line, he spent many years working for the high profile “Lettuce Entertain You” restaurant group.

Since opening, he had a wine bar and restaurant in mind for the location, “This has taken about two and a half years of work, and the Village has been very supportive,” Parrott said.

As every new restaurant concept requires the appropriate market research, Parrott had the enviable job of checking out the competition. “We researched lots of wine bars,” he said.

The result of his hard work will be a simple-yet-elegant menu consisting of open-faced hot sandwiches, cheese plates and pâtés. He will also include some signature tapas-style dishes including a salmon tartare, escargot and seasonally-inspired dishes.

The wine store will continue retail operations even after the re-launch, promoting their eclectic variety of boutique wines. On the menu will be up to 20 wines available by-the-glass, as well as full bottles for purchase with dinner.

And if you’re not a wine drinker? Hillgrove Cellars will offer several beers on tap, and will keep a full stock of bottled beers as well.

Patrons walking into the new bistro will notice an immediate difference, Parrott said. Shelving has been moved into place to allow for the expansion of the new kitchen area currently under construction. The main bar area will stay the same, but the point-of-sale system will to make room for customer seating.

Interior tables are being added south-facing windows, and in the summer, Hillgrove will add tables outside and share the terrace with their friendly neighbors, Scavuzzo’s.

Parrott has a unique idea for a décor theme as well. “We decided it can be Christmas year-round in here,” he said. “Lots of lights!”

They will also add curtains and other small touches to create a warm environment. When complete, the shop will be able to seat between 30 and 40 guests.

The Hillgrove Cellars team will expand as well, as “wine-savvy” servers are hired to wait tables. Food service should be available as early as May. Customers will still be able to book private parties, and Thursday night tastings will remain on the calendar.

Parrott may be many miles and years away from the South of France, but his vision of creating the best possible customer experience remains in the front of his mind.

“We are very focused on quality and service,” he said.