A new concept dedicated to serving the beverage world’s two favorite “c”s-coffee and cocktails-is getting ready to serve the DFW. Vicela: Crafted Excellence is combining the best aspects of bars and cafes into what is certain to be a new Fort Worth favorite, and locals will be able to check it out later this winter, reports Culture Map Fort Worth.
The unique fusion concept will be opening at 1411 West Magnolia Avenue, guided by the capable vision of owner Laura Elias. Despite her youth, Elias is already experienced in the hospitality industry, having cut her teeth in hotel management. She kindly filled What Now Dallas in on this new, exciting chapter, and how she landed on the idea for Vicela, saying, “Most of my food and beverage background is hotel based. Every hotel was coffee and cocktail based. If there was a bar I wanted them to be able to offer coffee. I knew I wanted an espresso machine anyway.”
Vicela-a name that is a portmanteau of “Laura” and “Vicente”, Elias’s parents-will incorporate a whimsical yet elegant decorative theme, inspired by the beloved Frog and Toad series of children’s books. “I just really like the style that they have.” Elias explains. “I love how they’re always dressed up very formally and drinking tea and eating scones. I wanted something with a cottage feeling, a little Victorian while giving subtle nods to the Trinity River.”
Vicela will offer delicious bites alongside coffee drinks and cocktails which favor whiskey and tequila. Elias states that the menu isn’t finalized yet but offers this tantalizing taste of what’s to come: “It will be pastry and sandwich based. We’ll have small bites and appetizers like nachos and quesadillas and mini charcuterie boards.”
Vicela is very much a labor of love and Elias will have plenty of it present when she launches the concept’s soft opening on February 19. Her hugely supportive parents and fiance will be present to greet Southside neighbors and residents. The public at large will be able to stop in for a coffee or a cocktail (or both!) in early March.
Vicela’s 2,500 square foot storefront will be able to accommodate 68 guests. The concept will feature a backroom where movies will be run throughout the day, and Elias plans to use the space to serve the neighborhood well beyond the beverages poured. She describes some of her plans, saying Vicela will feature: “Painting With a Twist classes, I’ve partnered with some of the distilleries around here and they’re going to do tastings. We’re going to have cake decorating classes to have be fun and interactive-I don’t want it to just be a bar setting.”
Destined to become a new DFW classic, Elias is ensuring Vicela offers far more than simply food and drink She explains: “I want it very community based and I want families to be welcome, couples to be welcome, grandmas to be welcome-I want to cater to everyone!”
