Open Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner   |   270 W. Main St., Mesa, Arizona 85201   |   Phone (480) 649-6476

Il Vinaio Interior

il Vinaio, "the Wine Merchant"
is a unique, casually elegant
restaurant & wine bar open
all three meals.
Always family owned and
operated in the heart of
Historic Downtown Mesa,
featuring regular Live
Entertainment.

Interesting Wine Quotes

James Bacon - il Vinaio's Chef

Chef James R. Bacon is an Arizona Native with over 10 years culinary experience and a graduate of Scottsdale Culinary Institute. He completed his Associate Degree in 2003 and his Bachelor's Degree in 2007.

Chef Bacon began his culinary career at the small, independent Alaskan Bistro in Mesa, AZ, where the focus was fresh and authentic seafood and cuisine of Alaska. Chef Bacon honed his skills as a chef at Corporate Restaurants at the Superstition Springs Golf Course and JW Marriott's Camelback Inn, ultimately helping to open and create the menu for Dual Concepts in Mesa, AZ .

Chef Bacon became Kitchen Manager at Soma Cafe in Phoenix, AZ with a culinary focus on lighter, healthy meals, specifically portioned to meet daily dietary intake needs. Chef Bacon rounded out his experience in Front of House Management positions at restaurants such as Kings Fish House, and 1130 the Restaurant.

James expanded his culinary expertise of creating cuisine to pair with wines under Chef Brian Ferguson at 98 South Wine Bar and Kitchen in old Town Chandler, ultimately working under Chef Patrick Boll at il Vinaio where he has been for the past 6 months.

James describes his style as Askew of Tradition and Simplicity at its Finest. Unique combinations that will make you say YUM!