Tapino Kitchen & Wine Bar

It is with a heavy heart I announce that Tapino Kitchen & Wine Bar has closed its doors forever.

There is no doubt I feel like I'm issuing a death notice. In fact, I am. Tapino was a dream opportunity for me: I was the chef, the owner, the energy and passion behind one of the first tapas style / small plate restaurants to bloom in the Valley. It is the place I have spent every day, every ounce of energy, and every dollar I have ever had, to nurture and grow what I believed to be a special place for special people. I did my best to make Tapino a place where guests could celebrate great food and wine without pretension or apprehension. If you're reading this, then you know.

There's just no use laying blame. Stuff happens.

I am a proud, self-proclaimed graduate of the School Of Hard Knocks. I spent 12 plus hard years learning how to be a cook, and the last five years learning to be a chef-businessman; the best I could be. Some days were life changingly great, others really sucked. The game of life taught me lessons that have forever molded me: for better and for worse. Unfortunately, this time, I lost the match...

The past five years at Tapino have been nothing short of amazing. My two hands can only do so much, and my staff is worth your time to pause and recognize.

Cooking in front of hot stoves for hours has its ups and downs, and to do it with precision and passion is admirable. A huge thank you to the kitchen staff: Dave, Brian, Ricardo, Josh, Alex, Niel, Manuel and my Sous Chef Christopher.

The front of the house has represented me with passion and style. Thank you to Kenta, Mikey, Matt, Ian, Andrew, Jerry, Boots, Shannon, Pat, Lance, Andy and hostesses Jeny and Chandler. And, thanks to my marketing and PR guru, Wendy.

For both the front and back of the house, there were strong talented people before them, and I sincerely thank them as well.

Thank you to my incredibly supportive family: my Dad and Mom, Earl & Nancy; Sisters and Brothers in Law; Jenny and Leo, Julie and Brad; Aunt Beth and her best buddy Annie, (who came to Tapino every other Friday since I opened and who may just show up out of habit) and the rest of the clan who makes me stronger, wiser, more humble, and a hell of a lot happier every time I see them.

I also want to thank Local First Arizona, the Arizona Farm Bureau, and Slow Food Phoenix. These groups will change your life, so learn more about them when you can.

Most importantly, I want to thank you, my guests, for your support throughout the years. Knowing you are out there, and are rooting for me, makes all this worth it.

And last but certainly not least, hats off to the amazing independent restaurants and chefs in the Valley who persevere, and continue to bring food to a higher level. You inspire me.

Tapino is gone forever, but it's impossible for me to say good bye, so I won't... I may have lost this battle, but I have not lost the passion. I leave the field of battle battered, bruised, and busted... but not broken. Like the legendary Phoenix, this Phoenician will rise again! And, when I do, I will let you know. Maybe we can make a dinner date.

Bon Appetite,

Chef James Porter