LaSalette’s Manuel Azevedo has purchased Sonoma’s Epicurean Connection (122 W Napa St., Sonoma), with plans to open a tapas restaurant and wine bar in downtown the space in early 2016.
Dubbed Tasca Tasca Tapas Restaurant and Wine Bar, the forthcoming eatery is the third for Azevedo, who also owns Sonoma’s LaSalette and Cafe Lucia in Healdsburg. Both have won numerous accolades for Azevedo’s “Cozinha Nova Portuguesa” or “new Portuguese cuisine”.
Tasca Tasca’s menu will reflect Azevedo’s focus on Portuguese cooking, small plate style, including: Sonoma Goat Cheese with Apricot Jelly; Portuguese Mac & Cheese; Herb & Garlic Marinated Olives; Linguiça-Sausage; Raw Oysters with Lemon Fennel Mignonette; House-Smoked California Sturgeon; Polvo – Octopus with “villain’s” sauce; Azoriana Sliders – Pork & São Jorge Cheese; Goat Stew with Fingerling Potatoes; Pork Belly with Madiera Glaze; Foie Gras Terrine, as well as a many other authentic and seasonal tapas including a variety of salads, soups and sweets. A curated wine list focuses on Portuguese wines and an extensive Port and Madeira selection.
Sheana Davis, whose Epicurean Connection opened on the Sonoma Square in 2010, has no plans to hang up her apron anytime soon. The cheesemaker, caterer and educator will be expanding her cheesemaking operations with new locations for her Delice de la Vallee and Creme de Fromage cheeses (found at swank spots like The French Laundry). She also plans to continue to cater and host a variety of classes throughout the region, and in NYC and New Orleans.
Davis will continue to run her Epicurean Connection shop through September, so stop by and wish her well.