I was at South Main Square in Davidson Thursday afternoon and ran into local restaurateur Robert Maynard on the porch at his new eatery, Fontana di Vino, in the old ice house space. He invited me in for a tour.
Maynard describes the new restaurant and bar as a “modern pasta chophouse.” Its menu includes everything from Italian specialties to steaks. I haven’t dined here yet, so no review. But they have a lengthy wine list with offerings from Italy, Europe and the U.S. The cocktail list includes a Paloma, Aperol spritz, Limoncello drop and classic martinis, among others.
If you’ve been to previous restaurants at the ice house, you’ll find the layout familiar, though they’ve completely remodeled. The cozy front room has an Italian bistro feel, with tables and booths. As before, the brick-walled back room is wide open and they’ve kept the old ice house ice lifting equipment. And there’s outdoor seating on the front porch.
This is a sister restaurant to Fontana di Vino in Charlotte’s South Park area.
Chef Leibfried has worked on the TV show “Hell’s Kitchen,” helped musician Mick Fleetwood start his Fleetwood’s in Hawaiʻi. Maynard co-founded the Davidson-based Famous Toastery chain.
David Boraks 