Vertical Detroit Opens as Downtown's First, Wine-Centric Restaurant

DETROIT, Oct. 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, father-daughter team and wine industry experts, Jim and Remy Lutfy, open Vertical Detroit— the city's first high-end, wine-centric restaurant in downtown's historic Ashley building. Located at 1538 Centre St., Vertical serves as a dining destination for wine lovers, opening with an expansive wine list featuring more than 500 vintages by the bottle and 52 by the glass, as well as a selection of locally sourced appetizers and composed small plate options from Detroit native and executive chef, Alex Knezevic. Additional retail space in the restaurant will feature an exclusive, consistently rotated collection of 400 wines within all price points and appellations and Riedel glassware and accessories.

Named after a vertical wine flight, a side-by-side tasting of multiple vintages of the same wine, the restaurant plans to feature five 'verticals' at all times. A variety of domestic and international beers, as well as boutique spirits will also be available. Detroit-based architectural firm Rossetti Associates Inc. designed the space, which features rich colors and textures that highlight the building's historical elements, while incorporating a modern, sophisticated finish. The 90-seat restaurant will include a full bar area, retail wine shop with a 17-foot tasting table and elegant banquette seating with outdoor patio seating available next summer. Vertical will also offer a monthly wine club and welcome industry experts to host educational seminars to increase guests' knowledge of the craft and enhance their overall experience.

"From marble bar tops and elegant chandeliers to Reclaim Detroit's salvaged pine tables, raw steel accents and Ferrante's custom millwork, we really wanted to accentuate the elements that make Detroit and The Ashley such a great location," said Remy Lutfy. "The palpable contrast between classic sophistication and urban contemporary creates a vibe that makes Vertical the perfect destination for any occasion."

Owners of Fine Wine Source (FWS), a specialty wine shop in Livonia, the Lutfy family has been in the industry for more than three decades. Jim Lutfy began selling wine from his family's small business, Cloverleaf Market, until opening FWS in Livonia in 1993. Remy Lutfy discovered her passion for the industry at a young age as well and extensively studied wine and winemaking at the University of California, Davis before completing internships in Napa Valley. The team waited more than five years for the right location and time to use their combined expertise to emerge into the hospitality scene.

"Seeing our vision for Vertical come to fruition has been an incredible experience," said Jim Lutfy. "We're looking forward to sharing that vision through our industry expertise, modern interpretations of classic cuisine and an engaging programming component that will bring the knowledge of the most distinguished professionals in the business to downtown Detroit."

Helming Vertical's kitchen, Knezevic's menu focuses on using local, fresh ingredients with dishes ranging from appetizers and composed small plates to comprehensive charcuterie selections and desserts. Knezevic spent the last 10 years honing his craft and working in high-end restaurants pairing fine cuisine with wine selections. Vertical will demonstrate its strong commitment to quality and to the community through daily deliveries of fresh seafood and meat from places like Detroit's Eastern Market, in addition to its food and local partnerships with small businesses such as Great Lakes Coffee, Fairway Packing, Calder Dairy and Corridor Sausage.

About Vertical Detroit:
Founded by father-daughter team, Jim and Remy Lutfy, Vertical Detroit, open October 19, 2015, is the city's first, high-end, wine-centric restaurant featuring an expansive wine assortment, craft cocktails and handcrafted cuisine. Focused on locally sourced, fresh ingredients, Vertical will offer upscale dishes ranging from appetizers and composed small plates to a comprehensive charcuterie selection and desserts, with a wide-variety of wine, spirits and domestic and international beers that are sure to complement. Set in downtown Detroit's historic Paradise Valley district, Vertical will provide a classic and sophisticated, yet modern atmosphere that lends itself to all occasions. For upcoming events, specials and restaurant news download the mobile app (iTunes, Google Play). Get social with @VerticalDetroit on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Media Contact
Stephanie Oben
Ignition Media Group
313.496.1900 x105
[email protected]

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SOURCE Vertical Detroit