Vinoteque recently resurfaced next to The Foundry on Melrose, in the space that previously housed Café Luna. Gil Ran is the last man standing from the original Culver City partnership. Adam Fleischman (Umami Burger) and Alex Shteyman are no longer involved with Vinoteque.

Vinoteque executive chef Joshua Smookler spent some time in the kitchen at The French Laundry, working for Napa Valley culinary icon Thomas Keller. Smookler will continue to build on Ran’s interest in wine and “European size plates.” Options include Lamb Meatballs ($9) stuffed with goat cheese, tomatoes and mint; Bone Marrow Crostini ($12) with oxtail jam; and Diver Scallops ($14) with creamed leeks, tater tots and gastrique. If you’re looking for something more substantial, consider Skate ($17) with mussel pesto; Duck Breast ($17) with sweet corn, pea shoots and pomegranate; and Pork Tenderloin ($19) with rutabaga, pickled Asian pear and mustard. Seasonal desserts might include Thyme Roasted Peaches ($10) with pecan crunch and olive oil ice cream.

The publicist for Vinoteque described a spacious backyard with plentiful seating for weekend wine tastings and cigar smoking. To start, they’re limiting action to after nightfall. The restaurant will eventually be open for weekday breakfast and lunch as well.