Melt into comfort food at The Vintage By Katie Lewis
The Vintage offers a soothing antidote to the winter doldrums—bubbling cauldrons of cheese and chocolate fondue, decadent crepes, and warm libations. Though the physical structure dates back to 1873, the name belies the youthful spirit that enlivens this charming downtown hideaway. It’s driven by the energetic authenticity of co-owners Megan Knode and Shannon Ritchie, both 27. Largely, it’s the manifestation of a shared childhood dream, spun during their days at Eugene’s Crest Drive Elementary.
Knode recounts that the original vision involved opening an Italian restaurant in an exotic locale. However, as they matured (Knode graduated from business school and Ritchie from culinary school), their dream also evolved. Instead of venturing out, they brought the far-off—namely crepes and fondue—home. “The menu was designed based on what Eugene didn’t offer and that we appreciated in other places,” Knode explains. “We also wanted to encourage cozy conversations.”
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The nooks and crannies of the two-story Victorian house exude a comfort and warmth reminiscent of your favorite grandparent’s home. In fact, the name itself is an homage to the neighborhood where Knode’s and Ritchie’s grandparents lived. The delicate hand-painted sign out front promises crepes, fondue, and tapas. Upon entering the verdant walled back patio, it seems that you’ve wandered into a secret garden. Inside, the pair aimed to create a space reflective of their personal tastes. The warm colors and soft lighting invite intimacy and create the perfect environs for the food.
Fondue originated centuries ago in Switzerland, as a means of food preservation during the brutal alpine winters. The resourceful Swiss discovered that heat made bread and cheese, hardened with age, palatable again. Traditionally, families gathered to dip bits of hardened bread into a large pot of cheese mixed with wine and warmed by a fire. The Vintage retains this communal essence, but offers fresher provisions. The traditional Swiss or less conventional options like blue cheese or creamy jack arrive, bubbling, with an array of vegetables, apples, and bread.
Molten chocolate fondue satisfies the craving for a warm, bite-sized dessert. Decidedly not Swiss in origin, the sweeter variation was introduced by a New York City restaurant in the 1960s. The Vintage offers milk, dark, and white chocolate, all of which can be spiked with liqueur for an added punch. Anticipate an assortment of treats for dipping, ranging from marshmallows to pretzels and cheesecake slivers and fruit.
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Delicate crepes offer a light, flavorful alternative: sautéed chicken, chèvre, mushrooms, and spinach meld to create the savory European. Or indulge in a sweet varietal, like the Gone Bananas, with fresh sliced bananas caramelized in butter and brown sugar and dusted with candied pecans. Sweet or savory, the crepes create a delightful weekend brunch, especially when paired with a mimosa or Bellini cocktail. With an extensive menu rounded out by salads, panini, and tapas, The Vintage easily fills the dual roles of dinner destination and dessert bar.
Behind the bar, creative cocktails and infusions complement the European-inspired fare. Try the Spicy Cuban, made with jalapeño-infused vodka, pineapple juice, and lime, or revisit the 1980s with the Lava Rock, a concoction of coconut rum, Midori, pineapple and orange juices, fresh berry purée, and a crackling Pop Rocks rim. Watch for a new selection of inventive winter warmers as the weather cools.
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The downtown location and the addition of daily specials have garnered a loyal following. Thursday nights tend to be particularly lively when the burger and brew special (a housemade burger and two microbrews for $8) attracts an eclectic crowd. Knode estimates that 75 percent of their current customers are regulars. “It’s been an incredible experience getting to know the community,” she says.
This January, The Vintage celebrates its fourth anniversary, a testament to the staying power of a childhood dream remembered. “It’s been a learning process in all possible ways,” Knode says. “But we both love it and wouldn’t choose to do anything else.”
The Vintage
541/349-9181
837 Lincoln St.
thevintageeugene.com
Calendar Girls
Since 2008, the restaurant has produced a “Ladies of The Vintage” calendar featuring their workers in humorous poses. Proceeds from the calendar benefit a local charity, which rotates annually. Sales for the 2010 calendar began in late November.
