"A stylish new wine bar has opened on Ventura Boulevard in Tarzana. Barely open for a week, the Arcwood Wine Bar serves food and boasts an extensive wine list, from California to Siciliy, and many points in-between. Husband and wife Hitesh Ambalal and Trina Patel spent eight weeks reworking the former 118 Degrees restaurant, which closed last fall. At 2,000 square feet, Arcwood has 24 outdoor seats, with 18 seats inside and eight barstools. There’s everything from paella to charcuterie to a dry-aged steak on the menu. The wine list reflects Hitesh and Patel’s personal favorites. Some are on tap, and wine flights are $10. The couple chose to bring in Southern California craft beers, but go beyond SoCal borders with international selections that will vary throughout the year. Ambalal also own Founder’s Ale House in Pico Robertson. After opening the gastropub, Patel wanted a place to bring her friends. Hitesh explains what the couple wanted to accomplish with the Arcwood, 'We wanted to create a wine bar for the people with great food at a reasonable price. Trina and I live in the area, and Arcwood is a place where people can come by two to three times a week and just hang out.' Arcwood is open Sunday through Thursday from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m., and 5 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays." - Mona Holmes
