UNCO Management (formerly 8020 Hospitality) has recently opened the doors to a third location of Leela’s Pizza & Wine in Uptown at 2355 Olive St. #145, Dallas, TX 75201 and a new intimate, retro-inspired martini bar, Tina’s Continental located in Deep Ellum at 3309 Elm St. Suite 115, Dallas, TX 75226.

 

 

Co-CEO of UNCO, Elias Pope says of opening the third location of Leela’s Pizza & Wine in Uptown at McKinney & Olive, “We were looking for a space in the city center that still felt appropriate for a small neighborhood wine bar. We love its proximity to urban living and beautiful greenspace shared amongst other great Uptown restaurants.”

 

Leela’s is focused on a more minimal approach to all aspects such as their wine program which consists of 16 wines on tap chosen for their great flavor and approachability. The wine bar’s choice to serve only wine on tap is their commitment to a more sustainable model of wine service.

 

The menu features simple boards, fresh salads, thin and crispy Roman style pizza. This style of pizza was inspired by Pope’s and co-owner, Sameer Patel’s favorite pizza in Manhattan. The Roman Tonda style of pizza emulates their minimalist vision for the concept. The crust was created by well-known pizza consultant, Lee Hunziger, and is characterized by its super thin crust being strong enough to hold the perfect amount of toppings upright.

 

Standouts on the menu include the California Ranch Salad – romaine, arugula, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bacon, avocado, black pepper and parmesan; Kale & Manchego Salad – kale, manchego, almonds, currants, apple cider vinaigrette; Mushroom Pizza – bechamel sauce, house cheese blend, mushroom medley, white truffle oil; and Supreme Pizza – marinara, house cheese blend, pepperoni, sweet and spicy sausage, red onion, mushrooms, roasted red peppers.

 

Wines are available in 6 ounce pours, 9 ounce pours or by the bottle. Selections range from Rosé from France to white wine from New Zealand to reds from California. In addition to the wine selection, Leela’s offers champagne cocktails and signature cocktails. Highlights are the Fiore Rosato – tequila, ramazzotti aperitivo rosato, raspberry, lemon, bubbles; Salty Dog – vodka, pamplemousse, grapefruit, ginger bitters, salt, bubbles; Summit & Strawberry Fields – strawberry and hibiscus infused gin, elderflower, strawberry, lemon, basil, tonic; and the Peach Cobbler Old Fashioned – bourbon, rye, vanilla, peach and angostura bitters.

 

The wine bar is 1,700 square feet with seating for 68 and was designed by local design firm, Jones Baker. Pope says of the design “We want you to love how you feel when you visit your neighborhood pizza and wine bar. The space features warm woods, tons of plants, and sound that is a bit bass heavy creating a warm familiar space for you and your friends to enjoy.”

 

 

Located in the historic Continental Gin Building in Deep Ellum, Tina’s Continental offers an intimate spot to sip on cocktails while enjoying the luxurious atmosphere inspired by the Lincoln Continental Mark V.

 

Pope says of the inspiration behind the concept, “In the late ‘70s, the king of the road was the Lincoln Continental Mark V. These luxury cars could be purchased one of two ways – ordered to your spec or designed by the great couture houses of the time such as Givenchy, Cartier, Pucci and Bill Blass. Tina’s is an homage to these wonderful creations.”

 

Tina’s martini menu is separated into two sections – the “custom build” where guests can select the ingredients for their custom martini or “The Designer Series” with six martini options to choose from. Guests can also order signature cocktails, beer, wine and cocktails from the freezer which features classic cocktails ice cold, super fast. Straight from the freezer, these batched recipes are served at 15 degrees for a velvety-smooth texture in every sip.

 

Standout beverages include The Moody Bleu – bleu cheese washed vodka, dry vermouth, olive brine; The Appletini – granny smith infused vodka, apple brandy, lemon, apple cordial, housemade grenadine; Grasshopper – citrus infused vodka, cointreau, cranberry, lime; and the Guavatina – gin, campari, pamplemousse, guava, pineapple, lime. Cocktails from the freezer include a Vesper Martini, Manhattan, Old Fashioned and Negroni.

 

The cozy 800-square-foot space with seating for 43 features a color palette inspired by the 1977 Lincoln Continental Bill Blass Edition, long, clean lines and just enough light.

 

Tina’s is meant to be a walkable destination for those in far East Deep Ellum and those working in the historic Continental Gin Building. The concept joins Fiction Coffee and Tatsu as the third in a series of four hospitality spaces to open in the August Family’s revitalized Continental Gin Building. The fourth concept will be a steakhouse from UNCO Hospitality meant to pair perfectly with Tina’s.