Culinary Legacy: The Vintage Press and the Vartanians

Culinary Legacy: The Vintage Press and the Vartanians

Words by Major Rogers | Photos by Dakota Jacobi

The Vintage Press Restaurant is an oasis of culinary culture in our own backyard. To take in the surroundings, and experience the VP for myself, I arrived a little early, ordering a beer before my interview with executive chef and co-owner David Vartanian.

Americana Charm

David is especially proud of the leaded glass and wood partition on the northern end of the room, which separates the bar and the restaurant. This beautiful Americana item was built in 1890 and acquired by David’s father from the Thermopolis, Wyoming’s Hole in the Wall saloon—a famed Butch Cassidy haunt. Legend has it while filming “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”, Robert Redford himself took a liking to the same spot, and bought the saloon’s old wooden bar.

As David looks out our booth window, into the garden and outdoor patio area, he smiles. “That’s modeled after a Los Angeles restaurant called Bistro Garden. Same chairs, same color umbrellas.” Bistro Garden, now closed, is currently home to the world-famous restaurant Spago. John Vartanian enjoyed the spot so much, he replicated it back home in Visalia. The location allows anyone to experience French cafe-style dining.

The Cuisine

With such beautiful surroundings to keep up with, the culinary bar has always been set high at the VP. This farm-to-table restaurant sets the pace while keeping with tradition, serving the best cuts of beef, fresh fish, and produce prepared to perfection. In the autumn, seasonal roasted baby pumpkins reappear. This has become a truly magical and nostalgic plate for so many of us who flock back to taste it once again. It's also a place where a family can try escargot together for the first time. Or you can simply order a glass bottle of Coke, served with a small glass of ice, and sit on the patio listening to the birds of spring sing. The Vintage Press delivers to all the senses. One doesn’t go there simply to eat, but to experience. And on that, you will feast.