Vintage Year Restaurant Celebrates 40 Years of Excellence

March 7, 2024 | Leave a Comment

Montgomery’s beloved dining institution, Vintage Year, is proud to announce its 40th anniversary. Since its establishment in 1984, Vintage Year has been a cherished destination for patrons seeking exceptional cuisine, warm hospitality, and exceptional dining experiences that delight the senses and create lasting memories. Over the past four decades, The Vintage Year has stood as a symbol of tradition, quality, and community in Montgomery. Through its dedication to culinary and innovation excellence as well as unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, the award-winning restaurant has become a beloved gathering place for families, friends, and food enthusiasts alike.

“We’re proud that Vintage Year holds so many treasured memories across generations,” said current owner Jud Blount. “With pride, we continue the tradition and extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our valued customers. Cheers to 40 years!” 

Vintage Hospitality Group operates the fine-dining flagship restaurant, Vintage Year, Vintage Café, a coffee shop, daytime eatery and retail store as well as Frenchie’s, a French bistro, all in Montgomery’s historic Old Cloverdale neighborhood. Ravello Ristorante is its hot Italian establishment, along with several private event spaces located downtown. The company also owns the hydroponic farm MGM Greens and Red Bluff Bar, a venue that offers live music, beer, wine and small bites along the scenic Alabama riverfront. Vintage Hospitality Group’s national press accolades include receiving coverage in the New York Times, U.S. News & World Report, Garden & Gun, PBS NewsHour, USA Today, Forbes and Newsweek Magazines.

For interviews, photos, menus, complimentary media tasting or additional information, please contact Lorrie Griggs of Eskimo Advertising at lorrie@eskimoadvertising.com. For more information about Vintage Hospitality Group, visit www.vintagehg.com. 

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Ravello Ristorante Announces Launch of Lunch Service in Montgomery, AL

January 26, 2024 | Leave a Comment

Ravello Ristorante, a renowned dining destination in Montgomery, is pleased to announce the introduction of lunch service starting on February 13th. The new offering will provide guests with an opportunity to savor delectable fare expertly crafted by the talented culinary team in a warm ambiance with attentive service. Ravello will offer our exceptional Italian cuisine to patrons during the daytime hours from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Tuesday through Friday. The restaurant is taking reservations for lunch service through RESY, providing customers with a convenient and efficient way to secure their table and ensure a delightful dining experience.

“Adding lunch service is in response to the growing demand for a memorable midday dining experience in the downtown area,” said Vintage Hospitality Group Executive Chef and Co-Owner Eric Rivera. “Our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional cuisine and hospitality, and we are excited to extend our offerings to accommodate the lunchtime crowd.”

Vintage Hospitality Group operates the fine-dining flagship restaurant, Vintage Year, Vintage Café, a coffee shop, daytime eatery and retail store as well as Frenchie’s, a French bistro, all in Montgomery’s historic Old Cloverdale neighborhood. Ravello Ristorante is its renowned Italian establishment, along with several private event spaces located downtown. The company also owns the hydroponic farm MGM Greens and Red Bluff Bar, a venue that offers live music, beer, wine and small bites along the scenic Alabama riverfront. Vintage Hospitality Group’s national press accolades include receiving coverage in the New York Times, U.S. News & World Report, Garden & Gun, PBS NewsHour, USA Today, Forbes, and Newsweek Magazines among others. 

For interviews, photos or additional information, please contact Lorrie Dixson Griggs of Eskimo Advertising at lorrie@eskimoadvertising.com. For more information about Vintage Hospitality Group, visit www.vintagehg.com. 

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Vintage Hospitality Group Presents an Unforgettable New Year’s Eve Celebration in Montgomery, AL

November 27, 2023 | Leave a Comment

Vintage Hospitality Group invites you to ring in the New Year with an extraordinary celebration featuring the renowned Tyler Neal Band. The festivities will take place in the exquisite ballroom of City Fed, promising an unforgettable night of music, dancing, and joy.

Event Details: Date: December 31 Time: Doors open at 9:00 PM Location: City Fed Ballroom, 36 Commerce Street, Montgomery, AL

Highlights of the Evening:

  • Limited ticket availability: Only 150 available, priced at $25 each
  • Ticket includes a complimentary drink and delectable hors d’oeuvres throughout the night
  • Live DJ and dance party starting at 9:00 PM
  • Tyler Neal Band’s electrifying concert from 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM

Tyler Neal, a dynamic artist known for his exceptional talent in funk, soul, blues, and rock, will lead the night’s musical journey. Formerly the lead guitar player for Col. Bruce Hampton, Tyler and his band, featuring some of Atlanta’s finest musicians, promise to deliver a performance that transcends genres and captivates the audience. Tyler Neal’s music, inspired by legends before him, adds a modern twist to soulful roots, showcasing a unique and refreshing perspective. Tyler brings a fresh energy that, combined with the expertise of his seasoned band, creates a live music experience that is both timeless and evolving.

Vintage Hospitality Group operates the fine-dining flagship restaurant, Vintage Year, Vintage Café, a coffee shop, daytime eatery and retail store as well as Frenchie’s, a French bistro, all in Montgomery’s historic Old Cloverdale neighborhood. Ravello Ristorante is its hot Italian establishment, along with several private event spaces located downtown. The company also owns the hydroponic farm MGM Greens and Red Bluff Bar, a venue that offers live music, beer, wine and small bites along the scenic Alabama riverfront. Vintage Hospitality Group’s national press accolades include receiving coverage in the New York Times, U.S. News & World Report, Garden & Gun, PBS NewsHour, USA Today, Forbes and Newsweek Magazines. 

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this extraordinary New Year’s Eve celebration by securing tickets now at Eventbrite. For interviews, photos or additional information, please contact Lorrie Dixson Griggs of Eskimo Advertising at lorrie@eskimoadvertising.com. For more information about Vintage Hospitality Group, visit www.vintagehg.com. 

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Montgomery Pietrasanta Culinary Exchange Program Welcomes Renowned Chef Gianluca Tolla to Ravello Ristorante

October 20, 2023 | Leave a Comment

The Montgomery Pietrasanta Culinary Exchange Program is thrilled to
announce the arrival of Chef Gianluca Tolla, a celebrated culinary maestro from Pietrasanta, Italy. His visit marks an exciting milestone in the program, fostering cultural collaboration and culinary creativity between Montgomery and Pietrasanta. Throughout the next five months, Chef Tolla will take over the helm at Ravello Ristorante offering new flavors while tantalizing taste buds and taking food innovation to the next level. Additionally, he will play host at a series of gastronomic events and experiences curated to delight food enthusiasts and celebrate the rich culinary heritage of Italy at various Vintage Hospitality Group properties. In partnership with the Montgomery Pietrasanta Culinary Exchange Program, the events will include a Meet and Greet session, exclusive Chef Dinners, immersive Cooking Classes, and much more, all showcasing Chef Tolla’s exceptional talent and creativity.

“We are thrilled to welcome Chef Gianluca Tolla to Ravello as part of the Montgomery Pietrasanta Culinary Exchange Program,” said program President and Vintage Hospitality Group Chef Eric Rivera. “This exchange is a testament to our commitment to fostering cultural exchange and promoting culinary innovation. Chef Tolla’s presence will undoubtedly enrich our local culinary scene and provide an unparalleled experience for our community.”

The Montgomery Pietrasanta Culinary Exchange Program invites residents and visitors alike to participate in these extraordinary events and celebrate the union of diverse culinary traditions. For event details, schedules, and ticket information, please visit Ravellomgm.com. 

Event Highlights:
1. Meet and Greet Session: Join us on 10/24 at Ravello Ristorante for a Meet and Greet with Chef Tolla. Guests will have the opportunity to interact with the renowned Italian chef and learn about his culinary journey and inspirations.
2. Chef Dinners: Experience the exquisite flavors of Italian cuisine at the exclusive Chef Tolla’s Dinners. Indulge in a carefully curated menu that showcases the best of both Montgomery and Pietrasanta’s culinary traditions.
3. Cooking Classes: Enhance your culinary skills with hands-on Cooking Classes led by Chef Tolla. Participants will learn the art of crafting authentic Italian dishes under the guidance of the master chef himself.
4. Culinary Workshops and Demonstrations: Explore the nuances of Italian cooking through interactive workshops and live cooking demonstrations. Chef Tolla will share his expertise and passion, providing valuable insights into the world of gourmet cuisine.

The Montgomery Pietrasanta Culinary Exchange Program is a unique initiative aimed at promoting cultural exchange and culinary innovation between Montgomery, Alabama, and Pietrasanta, Italy. By bringing together chefs, culinary experts, and food enthusiasts from both regions, the program seeks to create enriching experiences and foster a deeper appreciation for global cuisine. To donate to the program, click here. 

Vintage Hospitality Group operates the fine-dining flagship restaurant, Vintage Year, Vintage Café, a coffee shop, daytime eatery and retail store as well as Frenchie’s, a French bistro, all in Montgomery’s historic Old Cloverdale neighborhood. Ravello Ristorante is its hot Italian establishment, along with several private event spaces located downtown. The company also owns the hydroponic farm MGM Greens and Red Bluff Bar, a venue that offers live music, beer, wine and small bites along the scenic Alabama riverfront. Vintage Hospitality Group’s national press accolades include receiving coverage in the New York Times, U.S. News & World Report, Garden & Gun, PBS NewsHour, USA Today, Forbes and Newsweek Magazines. 

For interviews, photos or additional information, please contact Lorrie Dixson Griggs of Eskimo Advertising at lorrie@eskimoadvertising.com. For more information about Vintage Hospitality Group, visit www.vintagehg.com. 

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Vintage Hospitality Group Recognized at Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association’s Stars of the Industry Awards

November 18, 2022 | Leave a Comment

Montgomery, Alabama-based Vintage Hospitality Group (VHG) received recognition across multiple categories at the Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association’s (ARHA) Stars of the Industry Awards annual dinner on November 14th. The event honors Alabama’s lodging, tourism and restaurant industry and represents over 1,200 members. A highlight from the evening included VHG’s Executive Chef Eric Rivera receiving the acclaimed Chef of the Year title for his work at Ravello.

Rivera’s extensive culinary skills, visionary leadership, entrepreneurial drive and community engagement were on full display this year as the VHG team opened their most ambitious project to date, Ravello Ristorante. This popular new Italian fine dining restaurant located in historic downtown Montgomery achieved national recognition for its wine program and hosted over 12,000 reservations within months of opening. Later this month, Ravello will open the city’s first and only rooftop bar, Bar Attico.

In addition, VHG Proprietor Jud Blount, named Restauranteur of the Year by ARHA in 2021, was selected as a finalist for ARHA’s Humanitarian Award, and VHG team members Maykol Garcia and J.R. Williams, both of Ravello Ristorante, were named finalists in the Front of the House Employee of the Year and Restaurant Manager of the Year categories. Ravello’s Beverage Director Joshua Hungerford competed as a finalist in the Bartender of the Year Competition as well.

“The Vintage Hospitality team is honored to receive this recognition from our partners and peers in the industry,” said Blount. “The high-quality experience we strive to create for our guests starts with each team member, and we are so proud of their dedication to delivering outstanding culinary and beverage selections with unparalleled service.”

In addition to Ravello Ristorante, Vintage Hospitality Group operates their fine-dining flagship restaurant, Vintage Year, as well as a coffee shop, daytime eatery and retail store, Vintage Café, in Montgomery’s historic Old Cloverdale neighborhood. The company also owns the hydroponic farm MGM Greens and Red Bluff Bar, a venue that offers live music, beer, wine and small bites along the scenic Alabama Riverfront.

For more information on Vintage Hospitality Group, please visit https://www.vintagehg.com/. For more information on the ARHA Stars of the Industry Awards, please visit https://www.arhaonline.com.

Release courtesy of the Lou Hammond Group. 

 

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Vintage Hospitality Group Takes Top Alabama Hospitality Award

November 9, 2021 | Leave a Comment

Martha and Jud Blount, Eric and Alyssa Rivera

Vintage Hospitality Group gains recognition with prestigious honors at the Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association’s Stars of the Industry Awards. Proprietor Jud Blount won the Restaurateur of the Year award for showing exemplary customer and community service, employee relations, and dedication to advancing the foodservice industry of Alabama. Executive Chef Eric Rivera was a finalist in the Chef of the Year category for his creative culinary excellence, staff rapport and reputation of community involvement. Both were nominated by their peers and an esteemed panel of judges as of the “Best of the Best” for 2021. 

“Eric and I are honored and humbled to bring home the trophy to Montgomery,” said Vintage Hospitality Group Proprietor Jud Blount. “We celebrate the honors along with our committed VHG team.”

While Vintage Hospitality Group’s flagship restaurant Vintage Year is a fine dining establishment, Vintage Café is a coffee shop, daytime eatery and retail store. As the group also owns the hydroponic farm MGM Greens, it will be also opening City Fed in downtown in early 2022 that will include Ravello, a new Italian eatery, along with several private event spaces. Vintage Hospitality Group’s national press accolades include receiving mentions in the New York Times, U.S. News & World Report, Forbes and Newsweek Magazines. In addition to being named a Smart Catch Leader, Executive Chef Eric Rivera has been recognized by the James Beard Foundation as a winner of its Blended Burger competition. Vintage Year has also been named one of OpenTable’s 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America and a Traveler’s Choice winner by Trip Advisor. Vintage Hospitality Group is dedicated to providing guests with the finest culinary selections, premium coffees, specialty teas, outstanding wines and spirits along with unparalleled customer service.

For additional information, interviews, photos or a complimentary media tasting, please contact Lorrie Griggs of Eskimo Advertising at lorrie@eskimoadvertising.com. For more information about Vintage Hospitality Group, visit www.vintagehg.com. 

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Vintage Year to Offer Burger Week for July 4th Holiday

June 25, 2021 | Leave a Comment

                                                   Mac Attack

Vintage Year restaurant presents Burger Week during the week leading up to the July 4th holiday from Tuesday, June 29th-Saturday, July 3rd. Along with the regular and burger menus, the daily special burgers include the Mac Attack, Guacamole Burger, Cajun Seafood Burger, James Beard award-winning Blended Burger, and The Great Fondue Burger for $15 each. The full burger menu will be available each evening for in house dining or take out. 

“Customers love it when we offer a special burger menu,” said Executive Chef Eric Rivera. “Plus, we always like to offer an easy family option for those not traveling over the holiday”.

While Vintage Hospitality Group’s flagship restaurant Vintage Year is a fine dining establishment, Vintage Café is a coffee shop, daytime eatery and retail store. As the group also owns the hydroponic farm MGM Greens, it will be also opening City Fed and Ravello restaurant in downtown in late 2021. Vintage Hospitality Group’s national press accolades include receiving mentions in the New York Times, U.S. News & World Report, Forbes and Newsweek Magazines. In addition to being named a Smart Catch Leader, Executive Chef Eric Rivera has been recognized by the James Beard Foundation as a winner of its Blended Burger competition. Chef Eric has also led Vintage Year to be named one of OpenTable’s 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America and a Traveler’s Choice winner by Trip Advisor. Vintage Hospitality Group is dedicated to providing guests with the finest culinary selections, premium coffees, specialty teas, outstanding wines and spirits along with unparalleled customer service.

For additional information, interviews, photos or a complimentary media tasting, please contact Lorrie Griggs of Eskimo Advertising at lorrie@eskimoadvertising.com. For more information about Vintage Hospitality Group, visit www.vintagehospitalitygroup.com. 

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Vintage Hospitality Group Expands its State of the Art Hydroponic Farm in Montgomery, Alabama

September 10, 2020 | Leave a Comment

In partnership with Alabama Power, Vintage Hospitality Group recently expanded MGM Greens by adding Freight Farm’s Greenery, a fully climate-controlled hydroponic farm built inside of a compact 320 sq. ft. container. This smart farm is self contained, growing vertically and hydroponically without soil, getting its nutrition from water and light energy from powerful LEDs. Through these climate controlled components, plants can thrive inside the containers offering the capability to harvest fresh produce multiple times a week and grow 365 days a year. This addition lets MGM Greens work within multiple environments to grow additional produce allowing a diverse crop yield for its restaurants, Vintage Cafe and Vintage Year, both 50 feet away. With the Greenery expansion, the group is selling retail and also plans to host its own local neighborhood farmers market on a monthly basis. 

“Purchasing the second Greenery has allowed us to now be able to curate our menu based on new successful crops,” said Vintage Hospitality Group’s Executive Chef Eric Rivera. “It will further maximizing growing potential as it also offers the capability for multiple test crops for upcoming menus at our new restaurant, Ravello.” 

While Vintage Hospitality Group’s flagship restaurant Vintage Year is a fine dining establishment, Vintage Café is a coffee shop, daytime eatery and retail store. As the group also owns MGM Greens, it will be opening City Fed and Ravello restaurant in 2021. Vintage Hospitality Group’s national press accolades include receiving mentions in the New York Times, U.S. News & World Report, Forbes and Newsweek Magazines. In addition to being named a Smart Catch Leader, Executive Chef Eric Rivera has been recognized by the James Beard Foundation as a winner of its Blended Burger competition. Chef Eric has also led Vintage Year to be named one of OpenTable’s 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America and a Traveler’s Choice winner by Trip Advisor. Vintage Hospitality Group is dedicated to providing guests with the finest culinary selections, premium coffees, specialty teas, outstanding wines and spirits along with unparalleled customer service.

For additional information, interviews, photos or a complimentary media tour, please contact Lorrie Griggs of Eskimo Advertising at lorrie@eskimoadvertising.com. For more information about Vintage Hospitality Group, visit www.vintagehospitalitygroup.com. 


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Vintage Year Earns Wine Spectator Restaurant Award in 2020

July 8, 2020 | Leave a Comment

Vintage Year restaurant has been honored for its outstanding wine program in Wine Spectator Magazine’s 2020 Restaurant Awards. The Award of Excellence recognizes restaurants whose wine lists feature a well-chosen assortment of quality producers along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style. Vintage Year is also on James Beard Foundation’s Smart Catch Leader list in 2020 for sustainable seafood sourcing. 

“It’s quite an honor to be recognized again on such prestigious lists,” said proprietor Jud Blount. “We have assembled an outstanding staff who are focused on bringing the best experience to our customers.”

“This year’s Wine Spectator Restaurant Award program celebrates restaurants’ resilience, dedication and bravery during these unprecedented times,” said Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher, Wine Spectator. “We look forward to raising a glass together, and to new beginnings.”

While Vintage Hospitality Group’s flagship restaurant Vintage Year is a fine dining establishment, Vintage Café is a coffee shop, daytime eatery and retail store. The group also owns MGM Greens, a hydroponic container farm, and will be opening City Fed and Ravello restaurant soon. Vintage Hospitality Group’s national press accolades include receiving mentions in the New York Times, U.S. News & World Report, Forbes and Newsweek Magazines. In addition to being named a Smart Catch Leader, Executive Chef Eric Rivera has been recognized by the James Beard Foundation as a winner of its Blended Burger competition. Chef Eric has also led Vintage Year to be named one of OpenTable’s 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America. Vintage Hospitality Group is dedicated to providing guests with the finest culinary selections, premium coffees, specialty teas, outstanding wines and spirits along with unparalleled customer service.

Wine Spectator is the world’s leading authority on wine. It examines the world of wine from the vineyard to the table, exploring wine’s role in contemporary culture and delivering expert reviews of more than 15,000 wines each year. 

For additional information, interviews, photos or a complimentary media tasting, please contact Lorrie Griggs of Eskimo Advertising at lorrie@eskimoadvertising.com. For more information about Vintage Hospitality Group, visit www.vintagehospitalitygroup.com. 

 

  

 

 

 

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City Fed Development Project Underway Downtown Montgomery, AL

October 29, 2019 | Leave a Comment

Vintage Hospitality Group is proud to reveal its major restoration of 36 and 46 Commerce Street in downtown Montgomery called City Fed. While construction has already started, the official groundbreaking will take place on Wednesday, November 6th with Mayor Todd Strange, Alabama State Council Director Dr. Elliot Knight, Senator Massimo Mallegni, City Counselor Gabriele Marchetti and other special guests. Partnering again with renown architect Tom Blount, the company hired Pfeffer Torode Architecture, R.F. Pruett Construction and Laura Dockery Design to bring this modernization to life. Opening in late 2020, the team will restore the historic structure back to its original grandeur with ornate plaster crown moulding, tall ceilings, and marble floors to house an Italian restaurant to be called Ravello. The rest of the building, set to be used for event space, includes two mezzanines, one that overlooks the restaurant, as well as a courtyard, cellar and ballroom, complete with the original antique heart pine floors.

City Fed Coming in Late 2020

“Ravello will feature simple and thoughtful dishes inspired by Italy’s Amalfi Coast,” said Executive Chef Eric Rivera. “With an old-world, ingredient-driven approach, Ravello’s authentic Italian dishes will highlight versatile and local Southern ingredients.”

Set to be open for lunch and dinner, Ravello’s menu will provide plenty of seafood and pasta options. Guests can begin with small plates that will include fresh crudo, cured meats, hearth roasted octopus, and burrata. The rotating selection of house-made pasta dishes will range from squid ink spaghetti with tomato-uni ragu to rich gnudi with house ricotta and brown butter. Menu highlights will feature seasonal entrées such as Maine sea scallops and wood roasted branzino. After dinner, Italian-inspired desserts like chocolate torta al tartufo and loukoumades with honey-cinnamon syrup will be available. When stopping by after work or joining friends, patrons will enjoy specialty cocktails, handpicked beer and wine at the spacious bar or on one of the mezzanines.

With over 50 years of combined experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry, Vintage Hospitality Group’s Proprietor Jud Blount and Executive Chef Eric Rivera are overseeing the extensive City Fed project. While the group’s flagship restaurant Vintage Year is a fine dining establishment, Vintage Café is a coffee shop and daytime eatery, both located in Cloverdale. The award-winning Vintage Hospitality Group is known for providing guests with the finest hand-cut meats, freshest seafood, premium coffees, specialty teas, outstanding wines and specialty spirits along with exceptional customer service.

For additional information, interviews, photos or a tour, please contact Lorrie Griggs of Eskimo Advertising at lorrie@eskimoadvertising.com. For more information about Vintage Hospitality Group, visit www.vintagehospitalitygroup.com. 

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