Eskimo Advertising

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.

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.

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.

Filed Under: Sales and Events Tagged With: alabama food, Chef Eric Rivera, Chef Gianluca Tolla, Montgomery, Montgomery dining, Montgomery eats, montgomery events, Montgomery restaurants, Vintage Hospitality Group

Red Bluff Music and Arts Festival Announced in Montgomery, AL

March 17, 2023 | Leave a Comment

Vintage Hospitality Group presents the inaugural Red Bluff Music & Arts Festival on May 27th at the Riverwalk Amphitheater on the banks of the historic Alabama river. Gates open at 4pm with music starting at 4:30pm. Musicians for the event include headliner Robert Randolph Band along with Sweet Tea Trio, TUB and Blues Old Stand. DJ Jeffrey James will also be spinnin’ tunes.

“Building community through music, art, and hospitality are common threads that tie us all together,” states festival organizer and Vintage Hospitality Group Proprietor Jud Blount. “Vintage Hospitality Group plans to bring more music, markets and festivals to Red Bluff Bar and Riverfront Amphitheater.”

General admission tickets are available for $25 in advance and $30 on the day of the event. A limited number of $100 VIP tickets will include VIP area near the stage with separate bathroom, seating, tables, and a private bar. Tickets go on sale on Friday at Eventbrite.

Vintage Hospitality Group operates the 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. Ravello Ristorante is its hot, new 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, media passes or additional information, please contact Lorrie Dixson Griggs of Eskimo Advertising at lorrie@eskimoadvertising.com. For more information about Red Bluff Music Festival including sponsorship and vending opportunities, please contact redbluffmgm@gmail.com.

Filed Under: Sales and Events Tagged With: Alabama river, Blues Old Stand, DJ Jeffrey James, Jud Blount, Montgomery, montgomery amphitheater, montgomery events, montgomery festival, montgomery riverwalk, red bluff bar, red bluff music and arts festival, red bluff music festival, Riverfront Amphitheater, robert randolph, Sweet tea trio, TUB band

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.

Filed Under: Sales and Events Tagged With: Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association, best of alabama, Eric Rivera, Montgomery, Montgomery dining, ravello restaurant, Vintage Café, Vintage Hospitality Group, Vintage Year Restaurant

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.

Filed Under: Sales and Events Tagged With: Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association, Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association’s Stars of the Industry Awards, Best chef, best restauranteur, Chef Eric Rivera, Jud Blount, mgm eats, Montgomery, Montgomery restaurants, Vintage Café, Vintage Hospitality Group, Vintage Year

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.

Filed Under: Sales and Events Tagged With: Award of Excellence, Eric Rivera, Jud Blount, Montgomery, Montgomery dining, Montgomery restaurants, Vintage Hospitality Group, Vintage Year Restaurant, Wine Spectator, Wine Spectator award

Vintage Year Honored by James Beard Foundation as Smart Catch Leader

April 5, 2019 | Leave a Comment

Vintage Year’s Yellowfin Tuna with black rice and squash blossom salad

Vintage Year restaurant, led by Executive Chef Eric Rivera, was recognized as a 2019 Smart Catch Leader by the James Beard Foundation for its sustainable seafood sourcing. This leading culinary institution’s Smart Catch initiative allows chefs to have an impact on the industry efforts to perpetuate healthy, sustainable food origins. This issue has always been a passion for Chef Rivera as last year he joined fisherman and other chefs from around the Gulf Coast to speak with congressional staff in Washington about key sustainability issues that directly affect the region’s seafood.

“We understand the importance of responsible food sourcing including sustainable seafood and the finest hand-cut meats for our guests and our community,” said Chef Rivera. “It is a great honor to receive this recognition for the entire culinary team at Vintage Year.”

From the James Beard Awards, which celebrate the heights of culinary excellence, to an array of gastronomic experiences throughout the year around the country, the James Beard Foundation is passionate about making the food world a more delicious place. Smart Catch is an educational sustainable seafood program created by chefs for chefs with the purpose of increasing the sustainability of the seafood supply chain. The idea for Smart Catch is simple and powerful as the program provides training and support to chefs so they can serve seafood fished or farmed in environmentally-responsible ways. By becoming a Smart Catch Leader and earning the Smart Catch seal, chefs give consumers a simple way to identify and support their restaurants.

Recognized with many awards and national press, Vintage Hospitality Group’s team of Proprietor Jud Blount, Executive Chef Eric Rivera, Sous Chef Brian Morrison and General Manager Bryan Trammell has over 50 years of combined experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry. 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. 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.

Filed Under: Sales and Events Tagged With: chef Brian Morrison, Chef Eric Rivera, james beard foundation, james beard smart catch, Jud Blount, Montgomery, Montgomery dining, Montgomery eats, smart catch leader, Vintage Café, Vintage Year, Vintage Year Restaurant

Miura/Clos Pissarra Meet the Winemaker Dinner in Montgomery, AL

February 13, 2019 | Leave a Comment

Vintage Year announces Miura/Clos Pissarra Meet the Winemaker dinner on Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at 6:30 PM . The event will feature a four course dinner featuring both old and new world wine pairings with special guest Emmanuel Kemiji M.S., Owner of Miura Vineyards & Managing Director of Clos Pissarra. Cocktail hour starts at 6:30 with dinner at 7:00 pm. The cost is $100 per person plus tax and gratuity. Space is limited and guests need to make reservations by calling 334-819-7215.

Emmanuel Kemiji studied Viticulture and Oenology, expanding his interest in wine and eventually leading to the formation of Miura Vineyards in 1995. Soon to follow were Almvs in 2000, Antiqv2s in 2001 as well as two projects in Spain, Arrels in 2003 and Clos Pissarra in 2005. After acting as the Ritz-Carlton Director of Wine & Spirits, Emmanuel became the twelfth American to pass the Master Sommelier exam in London, and one of only ten to date to pass on his first attempt. Other accolades include “Sommelier of the Year” award by the California Restaurant Writers Association, “Wine Director of the Year” in the Critics Choice Awards, “10 Winemakers to Watch” by the San Francisco Chronicle. Additionally, Emmanuel received the Wine Industry Achievement Award from the Anti-Defamation League for exemplary commitment to community and charity.

Vintage Hospitality Group’s team of Proprietor Jud Blount, Executive Chef Eric Rivera, Sous Chef Brian Morrison and General Manager Bryan Trammell has over 50 years of combined experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry. While Vintage Hospitality Group’s flagship restaurant Vintage Year is fine dining, Vintage Café is a coffee shop, daytime eatery and retail store. Vintage Hospitality Group is dedicated to providing guests with the finest hand-cut meats, the freshest seafood, premium coffees, specialty teas, outstanding wines and specialty spirits along with excellent customer service.

For additional information or interviews, please contact Lorrie Griggs of Eskimo Advertising at lorrie@eskimoadvertising.com. For more information about Vintage Year, visit vymgm.com.

Filed Under: Sales and Events Tagged With: Bryan Trammell, chef Brian Morrison, Chef Eric Rivera, Clos Pissarra, Jud Blount, Miura Vineyards, Montgomery, Montgomery dining, Montgomery eats, Montgomery restaurants, montgomery wine dinner, southern wine dinner, Vintage Year, Vintage Year Chef Eric Rivera, Vintage Year montgomery, Vintage Year Restaurant, Vintage Year wine dinner, wine dinner

Vintage Hospitality Group Introduces New Items on Fall Menus

October 9, 2018 | Leave a Comment

Vintage Hospitality Group, which owns Vintage Year and Vintage Cafe, has unveiled new dining options at both restaurants. New to the Fall Dinner menu at Vintage Year include Autumn Salad (Artisan Lettuce, Roasted Butternut Squash, Fried Goat Cheese, Toasted Pistachios and a Tart Cherry Vinaigrette), C.A.B. Filet (Sweet Potato Fingerlings, Fioretto Cauliflower, Crispy Vidalia Onion Petals, Sauce Mornay), Gulf Crab Cake Fritters (Arugula, Cajun Sauce Noir), and Gulf Snapper (Butternut Squash‏ & Shrimp Bisque, Heirloom Wild Rice, Sautéed Spinach, Grilled Jumbo Gulf Shrimp). Vintage Cafe also has new breakfast and lunch menu selections for Fall including Jackson’s Reuben (Corned Beef, Swiss, Vintage Cole Slaw, Marble Rye), Capital Panini (Sweet Potato Butter, Honey Crisp Apple, Gruyere, Peppered Bacon, Arugula, Everything Bagel), Pimento Grilled Cheese (Super Suppers Pimento Cheese, Toasted Multigrain Bread) and Butternut Squash Panini (Roasted Butternut Squash, Herb Goat Cheese, Arugula, Crispy Pancetta). These new menus allows Vintage Hospitality Group to engage with its patrons by providing offerings that are new, exciting and different.

“We still have some additional items to release on this autumn menu,” said Executive Chef Eric Rivera, “As the season changes, our menus reflect fall flavors and utilize the availability of not only local products but also seasonal ones.”

Vintage Hospitality Group’s team of Proprietor Jud Blount, Executive Chef Eric Rivera, Sous Chefs Brian Morrison and Amber Bonds has over 50 years of combined experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry. While Vintage Hospitality Group’s flagship restaurant Vintage Year is a fine dining, Vintage Café is a coffee shop, daytime eatery and retail store. Vintage Hospitality Group is dedicated to providing guests with the finest hand-cut meats, the freshest seafood, premium coffees, specialty teas, outstanding wines and specialty spirits along with excellent customer service.

For additional information or interviews, please contact Lorrie Griggs of Eskimo Advertising at lorrie@eskimoadvertising.com. Click here for Vintage Cafe photos or here for Vintage Year’s images. For more information about Vintage Cafe, visit www.vintagecafemgm.com and Vintage Year or photos, visit vymgm.com.

Filed Under: Sales and Events Tagged With: chef Amber Bonds, chef Brian Morrison, Chef Eric Rivera, Executive Chef Eric Rivera, Jud Blount, Montgomery, Montgomery cafe, Montgomery dining, Montgomery eats, Montgomery restaurants, Vintage Café, Vintage Cafe Montgomery, Vintage Hospitality Group, Vintage Year, Vintage Year Chef Eric Rivera, Vintage Year montgomery, Vintage Year Restaurant

Vintage Dinner Series featuring Blue Moon Inn Restaurant

June 6, 2018 | Leave a Comment

Please join Vintage Year Restaurant for another Vintage Dinner Series. This four course meal will be representative of the Blue Moon Inn Restaurant where guests came to leisurely dine on excellent food in the homey, yet attractive setting of the antebellum cottage. Come enjoy what exciting dished that Chef Rivera will replicate in the kitchen!

Once In a Blue Moon Menu:

Cocktail Hour (6:00pm-6:45Pm)
Milk Punch
Passed Canapés
-Blue Moon Cheese Tea Sandwiches
-Gazpacho Shooters

Dinner (7:00pm-9:00pm)

Course 1: Appetizer
Crabmeat Ravigote: Gulf Blue Crab, House made Crackers

Course 2: Salad
Grapefruit & Avocado Salad: Artisan Lettuce, Cherries, Poppy seed Dressing

Course 3: Entree
Baked Stuffed Flounder: Roasted Baby New Potatoes, English Peas, Cream Sauce

Course 4: dessert
Kentucky Derby Pie: Mocha Whipped Cream

Cost: $75 includes Signature era cocktail hour and passed canapes, four course dinner, gratuity & tax (excludes alcohol during dinner)

Reservations: Please call 334-819-7215 as dinner series reservations will not be taken on OpenTable.

Filed Under: Sales and Events Tagged With: al, Blue Moon Inn Restaurant, Chef Eric Rivera, Montgomery, Montgomery dining, Montgomery restaurants, Vintage Dinner Series, Vintage Dinner Series featuring Blue Moon Inn Restaurant, Vintage Year montgomery, Vintage Year Restaurant