Family-Friendly Restaurant
By Maggie Caldwell
“Eat, Drink, Savor — Enjoy” is the motto of seven-month old Cantine Winepub, the brainchild of Aptos couple Jason and Keiki McKay. “We really thought we were filling a void,” said Jason. “Aptos Village is experiencing a revival, especially with the new town center planned.” The Cantine Winepub features beer and wine on tap as well as cider from Soquel’s Everett Family Farms. “People have been excited about the wine on tap,” Jason observed. “There’s no U/V or oxygen exposure until it’s poured into the glass, so the quality remains consistent.”
You can savor your wine on Cantine’s patio, which boasts a lush valley view, overlooking a greenbelt where dogs line up for obedience classes. “Often people ask if that’s part of Aptos Park, but it’s private property,” Jason explained. The comfortable chairs inside have the feel of a lounge, inviting patrons to sit back and relax. A smaller room in the front of Cantine’s serves as a separate space for intimate private events or as the hub for larger gatherings. “Our bonus room works out great for parties, birthdays, business luncheons, school auctions, fundraisers – we held Rio Rocks here recently, and that was super-fun.”
The menu at Cantine Winepub is more substantial than what is found at a typical wine pub because the liquor permit allows minors on the premises. “It was important that we accommodate minors, because there are so many families in Aptos,” says Jason. The menu of tempting tapas includes arancini stuffed with gruyere, basil, and shallots, pork and beef meatballs with polenta and balsamic, macaroni and cheese, and a dark chocolate brownie with salted caramel. “Private Chef Evan Rotman helped establish our menu, now everything is made in house using locally sourced ingredients when possible,” said Keiki. “We realized we could produce substantial items from our small kitchen.”
Cantine Winepub hosts live music a couple of weekends per month. “And once a month, we have Vinyl Sunday when DJ Dustbowl (aka musician Amee Chapman) plays a select genre of music,” Jason said. “We have an email list and send out notifications of bands and other events. You can click through on our website to sign up to receive our newsletter.” Plus everyday, there is an assortment of games patrons can set up and play as they sip wine and admire the view.
As Jason and Keiki say on their website: “Honest food prepared simply and with respect to the ingredients; wine that is nuanced and balanced – wines that express the grapes from which they are made and the terroir (unique environment) where they are grown; beer crafted using hand selected ingredients, specifically picked for distinct flavor characteristics in mind and brewed to be flavorful, quality beer. Drop by. Eat, drink, savor – enjoy good conversation and linger over a great varietal.”
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Cantine Winepub is located at 8050 Soquel Drive (turn into Post Office Dr) in Aptos Village. You can reach them 831-612-6191 or visit them online at cantinewinepub.com. Hours are Tuesday – Thursday from 4 p.m. – 10 p.m., Friday – Sundays from Noon – 10 p.m