A torch has passed in Winter Park.
After six years on New England Avenue, VINIA owners Fabio Perricelli and Paula Gamba have sold their intimate wine bar and restaurant to another husband-and-wife team.
Fellow Brazilians Rafael and Marina Lima took over the space this month with plans to honor all that guests — many regulars among them — have come to love about VINIA and to continue its mission and boutique style of service, with precise pairings for every plate and a casual, welcoming atmosphere.
Seasonal menus (including plant-based offerings) will remain in place, as will happy hour, Live Music Thursdays and chef’s table dinners. Kitchen and service staffers remain in place, ensuring familiar faces for frequent VINIA flyers.
“It has been Paula’s and my dream for some time to return to Italy to raise our kids, and we felt this was the right time for us as a family,” said Fabio Perricelli in a news release.
That said, they were in no rush to sell.
“We were waiting to find a buyer who shared our passion for the area and would take care of our loyal guests. We are so happy Rafael and Marina are continuing ‘The VINIA Way of Life’ and our traditions. We worked very hard to create this special place over the past seven years, and are so thrilled that our legacy will continue.”
Lisa Wilk/TasteCookSip.com / Courtesy photo
Vinia’s popular 24-hour braised oxtail won’t be going anywhere, say new owners Rafael and Marina Lima.
Not surprisingly, the new owners are former guests who discovered VINIA on their first visit to Orlando and felt a strong desire to become a part of the community.
“While strolling the cobblestone streets along Hannibal Square, we discovered VINIA and felt an immediate connection,” said new owner Rafael Lima, whose family also enjoyed the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour and picnicking in Central Park.
“We loved the food, the ambiance, and the friendly staff. It felt like home. Marina and I had discussed buying a small, established business with unique charm … the timing was perfect.”
They don’t plan to change a thing.
“We love it all, especially the Brazilian pão de queijo cheese bread, the empanadas and flatbreads, the handmade pastas, all the inventive plant-based dishes and the 24-hour braised oxtail. Fabio is leaving us all his recipes.”
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They will continue to update the menu seasonally, with plans to incorporate some Portuguese-inspired dishes in honor of his grandfather, as well as some favorite wines: bold reds from Portugal, and Malbecs and Cabernets from Argentina.
VINIA’s prix-fixe, three-course dinner ($59) will be served nightly, with a choice of any app, entrée, and dessert from the à la carte menu with paired wine for each, $45 without wine pairings. Happy Hour runs Tuesday through Friday from 5-7 p.m. with $3 off wines by the glass, $4 beers and $5 off all shareable dishes. The Featured Wine of the Month is 50% off per bottle. Email subscribers enjoy all-night Happy Hour every Tuesday and Wednesday (sign up at ViniaWineBar.com).
The Limas’ first big VINIA TABLE, Springtime in Europe, is coming as well, bringing back some fan-favorites from Fabio’s Tables past (April 25 and May 2, seatings start at 5:45 p.m.; $125 per person with wine pairings, $85 without). Reservations required. Check OpenTable.com.
Find me on Facebook, TikTok, Twitter or Instagram @amydroo or on the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com, For more foodie fun, join the Let’s Eat, Orlando Facebook group.