The old Sautee building in south Chandler finally has a new resident: Table 49 is scheduled to open next week.
Table 49, which will offer “modern contemporary American cuisine,” is a new concept from Sasha Cosic, owner of popular Italian restaurant Va Bene in Ahwatukee.
There have only been a few changes to the 7,500-square-foot building on Alma School just north of Chandler Heights, which has sat empty since Sautee closed in March 2009.
The formerly red booths have been re-upholstered in a rich chocolate color, and a chef’s table that can accommodate up to 10 diners has been added in front of the wood-burning, exhibition kitchen.
The biggest change involves the bar, which has been converted into an indoor-outdoor bar complete with ubiquitous garage-style door. It seats 12 inside and another 20 outside.
Ryan Rivera, who’s spent the past three years at Cheuvront Restaurant & Wine Bar in downtown Phoenix, heads the kitchen.
Rivera wants “to offer items you might see in a fine-dining restaurant, but in a casual atmosphere.” That means burgers ground in-house, dressings made from scratch, and bread baked in Table 49’s oak-fired oven.
The menu features six appetizers, seven salads, five burgers/sandwiches, six flatbreads, and eight entrees. Burgers/sandwiches are $9-$11, and most entrees are $15-$20.
Specialities will include a carved roasted chicken sandwich with white wine and basil sauce, a beef duo (a true 4-ounce filet and 6 ounces of short ribs), and a pork duo (10-hour braised pork belly and 8 ounces of spare ribs).
Table 49 will be open for lunch and dinner daily.
The restaurant is awaiting a final inspection next week, then will have a “soft opening.” If all goes according to plan, it officially will open Friday, Feb. 15.
