Opening date set for Jose Salazar's new wine bar in Over-the-Rhine. And it's very soon

Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer
·2 min read

James Beard Award finalist Jose Salazar has officially announced the grand opening of his latest restaurant concept.

Safi, a Moroccan-inspired wine bar, will open at noon on Saturday in the former Salazar space, at 1401 Republic St., in Over-the-Rhine. Salazar told food writer Keith Pandolfi in March that the new concept was inspired by a recent trip to Morocco.

During the trip, Salazar and his wife, Ann, learned about the different spices and cooking techniques of Moroccan cuisine. They even ventured into the Atlas Mountains, where they learned how to roll couscous by hand from indigenous North African women.

Now, Salazar is using the techniques he acquired during his visit to bring a brand-new dining experience to Queen City.

Safi's expansive beverage menu features a variety of draft, bottled, and canned beers, wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options like espresso and Moroccan mint tea service.
Safi's expansive beverage menu features a variety of draft, bottled, and canned beers, wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options like espresso and Moroccan mint tea service.

“As I’ve said before, it’s bittersweet to be opening Safi in the same space that housed Salazar for a decade,” Salazar said in a press release. “However, we are super excited at the prospect of another successful business. The neighborhood has been vocal in sharing our excitement, and we can’t wait to host everyone in this brand-new space.”

Once open, Safi's menu will feature a variety of small plates, including marinated olives, Moroccan spiced almonds, shaved duck salami, beef kafta, lamb tagine and more. The wine bar will also serve Moroccan sweets such as briwat, an almond pastry, and dark chocolate-cinnamon truffles.

Safi's menu will feature a variety of small plates, including marinated olives, Moroccan spiced almonds, shaved duck salami, beef kefta, lamb tagine, and more.
Safi's menu will feature a variety of small plates, including marinated olives, Moroccan spiced almonds, shaved duck salami, beef kefta, lamb tagine, and more.

Its expansive beverage menu features a variety of draft, bottled and canned beers, wine, cocktails and non-alcoholic options like espresso and Moroccan mint tea service.

The menu wasn't the only thing to get a makeover. Salazar worked with Indio, a local interior design studio, to redesign the space to give it a "Marrakesh nightlife vibe."

Jose Salazar worked with Indio, a local interior design studio, to re-design the space to give Safi a "Marrakesh nightlife vibe."
Jose Salazar worked with Indio, a local interior design studio, to re-design the space to give Safi a "Marrakesh nightlife vibe."

Per the release, Safi will look and feel completely different from the original Salazar restaurant. Dark and moody colors will be used throughout the space, as well as pillows and cushions for an "intentionally lounge-like feel." Other changes include a new bar top, floors and lighting.

Safi will open at 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, noon on Saturdays, and 5 p.m. on Sundays. The wine bar will be closed on Monday and Tuesday. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

James Beard award nominee Jose Salazar will open Safi, a Moroccan-inspired wine bar, at noon on Saturday at the former Salazar space, 1401 Republic Street in Over-the-Rhine.
James Beard award nominee Jose Salazar will open Safi, a Moroccan-inspired wine bar, at noon on Saturday at the former Salazar space, 1401 Republic Street in Over-the-Rhine.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: New Moroccan-inspired wine bar to open in former Salazar space in OTR

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