Black-Owned Wine Bar by Chic Chef
TEMPE, Ariz. - Chic Chef 77, Arizona's first Black-owned wine bar, opened its doors to the public on Feb. 8, 2023. The brainchild of celebrity chef Nik Fields, the establishment offers a combination of fine dining and community engagement.
Fields, a Brooklyn native and Phoenix resident, boasts an extensive culinary background. Following formal training at the Culinary Institute of Italy, she obtained an MBA in Finance from Arizona State University. After a 20-year stint as a bank vice president, Fields transitioned to the culinary world, cooking for celebrities like Jada Pinkett Smith and Sharon Stone. Her work has been featured in People magazine and on networks including "The Doctors," Bravo, HGTV, and VH1.
Fields' culinary journey began with her artisanal line of olive oils, vinegars, spice blends, and sauces. During the pandemic, she offered online cooking classes. A three-time cookbook author, Fields also owns her own bourbon brand, Queens Bourbon, and is currently piloting her first cooking show.
Beyond the culinary scene, Fields is committed to social responsibility. Her initiative "Waste Not Want Not, Inc." encourages food waste reduction in restaurants and homes, while also providing free meals to Phoenix's homeless population.
Wine and Dine
Chic Chef 77 offers a comprehensive menu featuring charcuterie boards, caprese salad, crab cakes, lobster garlic noodles, and blackened chicken with brussels sprouts. The wine bar boasts a curated selection of Black-owned wines alongside a 200-bottle list of regional and international options. Farm-fresh salads and New York-style cheesecake complement the menu.
For cocktail enthusiasts, Chic Chef 77 offers libations with names that nod to Fields' Brooklyn roots and love of hip hop, such as the "Around the Way Girl" with vodka, rose wine, champagne, and rose simple syrup.
The venue extends beyond a dining space, transforming into a community hub for live music, poetry readings, paint-and-sip events, and private wine tastings.
Hours and Location
Tuesday-Friday: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
1221 E Apache Blvd., Tempe, AZ 85281
Website and Social Media
Website: www.chicchefco.com
Instagram: Nikthechicchef
Twitter: Iamculinarychic
Facebook: Nik The Chic Chef
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