Revered Restaurateur Brings Acclaimed Tempe Concept to North Phoenix

PHOENIX - Jan. 16, 2014 - PRLog -- Revered Arizona restaurateur Julian Wright of Fork & Dagger, a bar and restaurant development company, officially announces the opening of La Bocca Wine Bar and Urban Kitchen at High Street in North Phoenix at 3pm on Wednesday January 22^nd, 2014. The concept is similar to Wright’s La Bocca urban pizzeria + wine bar on Tempe Arizona’s historic Mill Avenue, with an expanded wine selection, unique décor and refreshed feel.  The General Manager of the North Phoenix location is esteemed sommelier Mark Pope, CSW.

Located directly across the street from Fork & Dagger’s popular Modern Margarita concept, La Bocca Wine Bar and Urban Kitchen leverages the success and learnings from the Tempe location, while Wright brings a customized approach to the North Phoenix location.  Fans of both locations can listen to the same music simultaneously, or order the same, famous Mediterranean Plate and a glass of house-made lemoncello, but Wright’s intent and recipe for success is to integrate his locations into the surrounding community.

“Amidst an ocean of corporate chains, we’re endeavoring to do something completely different and unique in North Phoenix,” states Julian Wright, Principle of Fork & Dagger.  “The food menu and the music are exactly the same as Tempe, but that’s about it. There’s a real sense of family up here.  It’s local, it’s community, and I love it.”

The North Phoenix location features distinct custom elements including laser-etched logo tabletops, a custom-built, walk-in wine cellar that is climate controlled and hand-oiled by Wright and Pope.   The décor smartly repurposes an existing hammered tin ceiling and sizeable sit-down bar, balanced by reclaimed wood from an actual barn from the Midwest that Wright purchased.  An eclectic collection of vintage and printed mirrors coupled with dramatic lighting create the perfect environment for sharing a plate and a bottle with friends.  The cozy patio is plumbed for gas lighting and will feature an outdoor fireplace.

“I’m pretty excited to open another La Bocca which is my favorite concept,” admits Wright, holding a glass of vintage wine in his hand.  “I’ve taken what I’ve learned in the last six years and parlayed it into a concept that would be a nice complement to the area.  La Bocca Wine Bar & Urban Kitchen is like ‘an old favorite with a new twist’, and so far the North Phoenix feedback has been astounding.”

General Manager Mark Pope, a wine guy from a few years in the restaurant business, personally selected the expanded wine list, which includes over 100 different options ranging from the approachable to sophisticated and many in between.  Pope brings a rich and full-bodied acumen to the position.  Certified Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommelier guild and Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW), Pope previously spearheaded the sommelier program at The Boulders Golden Spa and Resort and spent the last seven years working for a local boutique wine distributor and wine educator.

“The intention of the wine program here is an opportunity to look outside the box and expand one’s wine horizons,” invites Mark Pope. “From curious beginners to the serious sophisticate, any level can come in and find something new, delicious and refreshing on our list.”

La Bocca Wine Bar & Urban Kitchen will initially begin opening at 3pm daily with happy hour every day from 3pm until 6:30pm featuring special pricing on beers, single-pour spirits and of course, a healthy dose of wine specials.  Lunch will be added later this calendar quarter, as will a new website to compliment the Fork & Dagger family of websites. Until then a thriving Facebook community plays the central digital hub for the location and includes a menu, photos and access to current specials, offerings and events at:  http://www.facebook.com/LaBoccaNorthPhoenix