One of downtown Ferndale’s top restaurants is reopening Friday, Sept. 30 with a new name, delicious food and extensively refurbished interior.
The Leader Block Trattoria & Bar is introducing a rustic Northern Italian traditional menu, according to new managing partner Roberto Trendel. Main dishes will feature mouth-watering ossobuco (veal shank), halibut puttanesca and vitello parmigiana (veal parmesan). A decadent selection of desserts includes canoli, tiramisu and decadenza, all under the direction of returning executive chef Douglas Elliott.
Select wines from Italy, California and the Pacific Northwest will be offered at the Leader Block, which has received the prestigious Award of Excellence four years in a row from Wine Spectator magazine. The Leader Block expects to bring back its Wine Club and special wine dinners in 2023.
“We’re going to be as authentic as we can,” said Trendel, who has owned and operated multiple restaurants in Seattle, including four years with the renowned McCormick & Schmick’s.
Formerly the Leader Block Wine Co. & Eatery, the restaurant closed in early July so major changes could be made. Owner Robert Pinkley brought in Trendel and together they’ve completed a remodel. The new look includes a newly decorated dining room, a larger and refurbished bar that now seats 20 people and enhanced private dining rooms that can seat up to parties of 12.
“We’ve even changed our music to feature the upbeat, uplifting works of Italian composer Antonio Vivaldi,” Trendel said. “Guests will enjoy the cuisine and a delightful fine-dining experience.”
The Leader Block Trattoria & Bar will be open from 4-9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday at 2026 Main St. For more information, call (360) 306-8998 and visit www.leaderblock.com.
