WineDown on 28th to become WineDown East, Wasabi Bar and Bistro

Landlord drama drove WineDown on 28th (an early success on Northeast 28th Avenue’s restaurant row) to close in January, but the restaurant/wine bar/now sushi bar is soon to reopen as WineDown East, in the former space of Zaytoon’s, the Middle Eastern-lesbian bar on Northeast Alberta. A moderate remodel of the angular industrial space is underway, and owners plan to stick to what worked on 28th—relatively cheap wine, live music, cozy atmosphere, burgers — with a new focus on sushi and 30 or so sakes. Sushi and wine sounds about as good as coffee with pad Thai, but who would have thought bacon ice cream would get so many so hot and bothered. If you’re curious about Merlot with maguro, drop by the space sometime before April 15 (or call Stuart at 503-998-5578) to pick up a discounted gift certificate, $60 for $50 and $120 for $100.