It's difficult to overstate how important Vinocity's move from Midtown to downtown Kirkwood is to the neighborhood.
We have a great bar in Ace's, but a local joint to go not just for good food, but a nice dining experience, is critical to not only foot traffic, but the neighborhood's sense of self. Okay, I admit, I'm a bit jealous of Oakhurst and East Atlanta on the restaurant front.
In that light, early reports about Vinocity, as relayed on KNO's bulletin boards in late November, were troubling. Forty-five minute wait times, wrong food being delivered, oversalted collards -- was Vinocity less a local savior and more a candidate for Gordon Ramsey's "Hell's Kitchen"?
Owner John Turpin smartly took the comments to heart and replied that Vinocity, which has refashioned itself from a wine-focused upscale eatery to a full-service neighborhood restaurant, faced some early staffing issues that led to complaints. At the same time, he manned up and took "full responsibility."
Our sources say the food and service have improved, and the joint was rocking on a recent Friday night. In hindsight, there's a question of whether negative reviews should have been verbally given to Turpin instead of posted for all to see, but I bet the seriousness of the written debate on the lively KNO boards (reg. req.) helped Turpin make decisions that will be good for the restaurant long-term. Good for KNO, good for Vinocity.
Now, save me one of dem ribeyes!
