Introduction to Augusta On Premise
LINCOLN SQUARE — Lincoln Square neighbors will be able to enjoy wine with live jazz and vintage vibes when Augusta On Premise opens this fall.
Background and Concept
The new wine bar is from the owners of Augusta Food & Wine, 2312 W. Leland Ave., who will open the new wine bar next door to the shop at 2314-16 W. Leland Ave., said co-owner Shad Martin.
“We’re a wine bar. So we’re doing a small kitchen. No reservations. Just walk-ins and only small plates. We’re obviously going for an early 1900s, kind of French vibe. And then, more of a jazz concept,” Martin said.
Location and Previous Use
The two storefronts Augusta took over were previously home to an art studio and a pet groomer.
Opening Date and Construction
Augusta On Premise is slated to open this fall, possibly as soon as September. Construction crews are nearly done on the finishing touches of the interior and staff is being hired soon, Martin said.
Owner’s Background and Experience
Martin grew up in southwest Missouri and moved to Chicago in his early 20s. Before opening his wine shop, he was the wine director at Volo Restaurant Wine Bar, 2008 W. Roscoe St., in Roscoe Village for 10 years.
“Prior to that, I was just working in restaurants and playing music around the city to support myself. I started getting interested in wine, helping to open Volo,” Martin said.
Inspiration and Philosophy
During that time, he met people from Oregon who were working with professors from the University of Indianapolis to study the chemistry behind food and wine pairings.
“Rather than just like pairing flavors, you’re looking at how acid, salt and sweetness pair together,” he said.
Their research opened Martin up to how wine and food pairings can be considered through the lens of taste and flavor, he said.
“Flavor is all-encompassing of aroma and the tactile mouth feel of something. So there’s a lot of elements involved in what we would just define as flavor. As far as taste, that’s what we can actually taste with our taste buds,” Martin said.
Delving into the chemical aspect of wine and food pairings and sharing that knowledge became his focus, which led to the opening of Augusta Food & Wine in 2016.
“I suppose there’s traditionally a certain kind of a pretentiousness that translates through the wine world. But I’m more interested in people that don’t know a lot about wine, that want to learn about wine,” he said.
Expansion and New Venture
Augusta On Premise is the next phase of Martin’s plan to transform his little corner of Leland Avenue in Lincoln Square into a welcoming port for neighbors interested in learning more about wine.
“So right out of the gate, I don’t anticipate there’s going to be music every night. It’ll be something we’ll slowly figure out once we get the training wheels off and get it up and running,” Martin said.
There aren’t other business like his in the nearby area, which means neighbors enjoying the Lincoln Square farmers market and other events (once construction on the new public plaza across the street is complete) can wander over to check out the new wine bar, he said.
“It’s going to give me a platform on a street where there’s really not much else on this little stretch here,” Martin said.
Interior Design and Features
Augusta On Premise will include a custom bar and wall art made from three early 1900s upright pianos that have been deconstructed and converted into functional works of art.
“We used as much of the materials from the pianos as possible,” he said.
He also acquired vintage mahogany wainscoting from jazz legend Billie Holiday’s Harlem estate in New York to use in the interior of the new business. The wainscoting dates back to the late 1890s, Martin said.
Some of the wallpaper in the bathrooms consists of sheet music from Martin’s grandmother, Lottie Carter, who played music for silent movies when she was 12 years old, he said.
“She’s one of my favorite people ever. So this whole place is kind of an homage to her and her influence on me,” Martin said. “I grew up playing music, so that’s a big part of my life.”
Conclusion
Augusta On Premise promises to bring a unique and exciting experience to the Lincoln Square neighborhood. With its vintage vibe, live jazz, and focus on wine and small plates, it is sure to become a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
FAQs
Q: When is Augusta On Premise expected to open?
A: Augusta On Premise is expected to open this fall, possibly as soon as September.
Q: What type of cuisine will Augusta On Premise offer?
A: Augusta On Premise will offer small plates, with a focus on wine pairings.
Q: Will Augusta On Premise have live music?
A: Yes, Augusta On Premise will feature live jazz music, although it may not be every night.
Q: How can I stay updated on Augusta On Premise?
A: Further updates on the new wine bar will appear on the August Food & Wine website and on Instagram.
