As the theme song from the old TV show Cheers puts it: “You want to go where everyone knows your name.” Co-owner Jeff Herman hopes that his wine bar, Creative Grape, in Historic Kenwood, will become just that type of place.
Herman worked for an international insurance company for 40 years and lived all over the world. He often traveled to St. Pete to work on an investment project, and he fell in love with all the historic homes. “Why am I paying the astronomical prices for an apartment in New York City when I can have a lovely home here?” he thought. He and his son made the move to Historic Kenwood four years ago. Creative Grape opened in early 2021, when Herman thought COVID was a thing of the past. Not until December was everything finally ready for customers.
“The arts have always been a passion of mine,” says Herman, “as I started out in life as a musician, poet and playwright. But I quickly realized I needed a different career so I wouldn’t be poor. Creative Grape combines my appreciation for art, music, poetry, and of course wine!”
Serving Wine, Beer and Great Food
Today, success is a family affair with Herman’s sister Leslie serving as general manager. Sadly, Herman’s wife died five years ago. Yusuke Ouchi, now Herman’s partner, joined the family to help take care of Herman’s son, who was then 9. Ouchi, who worked in a sushi bar in New York City, is Creative Grape’s chef and co-owner.
“I attribute part of our early success to the great food we serve,” Herman says. “We offer small plates using all fresh ingredients for such items as Neapolitan meatballs, souvlaki, Japanese dumplings, shrimp ceviche, and a substantial charcuterie board.” Be sure to check out the Lite and Liquid Sundays, when $4 mimosas are served along with fresh muffins and quiche.
Herman invested in a wine-dispensing system that keeps open bottles fresh. The eclectic selection of wines offered is reasonably priced as “our clientele is the neighborhood, and we don’t want to be snobby about it,” he says. Also on the menu are beer (about half are from local microbreweries), ciders and hard seltzers, as well as a variety of soft drinks. Gateway Subs is next door and shares a front patio with Creative Grape. Dogs are more than welcome out on the patio.
A Community Art Space
Creative Grape is much more than a wine bar with great food. Herman wants it to be a neighborhood gathering place that supports the arts. It showcases the work of artists and photographers, and offers live music from performers including Josh Plummer, Jamie Thomas, and Joe Farren who play original music as well as covers.
A cozy fireplace with comfy couches is the perfect spot to gather with friends and peruse the poetry books Herman has collected over the years.
Herman offers the space for community group meetings and happy hours to organizations including the North Kenwood Neighborhood Association, the Kenwood Art Alliance, and the Artist Enclave of Historic Kenwood, with which Creative Grape has collaborated for the current show that runs through the end of August.
Creative Grape is all-inclusive and welcomes people from all walks of life. “The other night we had two, three-generation families visit Creative Grape – grandparents, parents and their kids,” Herman says. “That’s the vibe we’re going for.”
Creative Grape, 3100 Third Ave. N, is in the Shoppes at Kenwood. Hours are 4 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday. For information: creativegrape.com; www.facebook.com/Creativegrape/
