Handles Gastropub Finally Has Opening Date

The community watched weeks ago as painters covered up the Pepto- pink visage of the with a muted brown, forever changing a landmark on Main Street as well-known as the Pleasanton arch.

But a new restaurant deserves a new look, and foodies in Pleasanton and beyond have been eagerly awaiting the opening of Handles on Main, an American "Gastropub" that will serve comfort food, craft beers and and wine on tap.

Owners announced Monday that the restaurant will open Aug. 29, formally taking the place of the Farmer Restaurant.

According to a press release, the concept behind the neighborhood Gastropub is a community establishment that places an equal emphasis on both the menu as well as the public house.

Handles on Main will embrace this concept and the menu will feature seasonally driven American comfort food inspired by Bay Area native, Chef Brian Hampton, according to the release.

The public house will showcase 35 craft beers, 16 local wines on
tap, wine by the bottle, and a full bar.

Handles will be opening its doors to the public after finishing its
remodel and installation of a new, custom beverage system that will offer one of the largest selections of craft beers on tap in the Bay Area, according to the press release, and will become one of the nation’s largest wine-on-tap venues.

In addition to the seasonal menu and specials, Handles on Main will offer numerous special events focused on food, beer and wine education.

Hampton has hosted many food pairing events in the past, and will be offering not only traditional wine pairing events, but will also introduce patrons to the concept of pairing a five-course dinner with local
craft beers.

The Handles team will include a seasoned cicerone to run the craft beer program, according to the release. A cicerone is an emerging certification program that requires individuals to demonstrate a mastery in the art of beer and brewing, similar to a sommelier’s knowledge of wine.

“Finding balance in what I do is my goal as a chef," Hampton said in the release.

"I look to place an equal emphasis on food and drink, and I like to respect the traditions of the past as well as introduce people to emerging culinary trends."

Handles on Main will place an emphasis on featuring local, natural ingredients and products.

“Having spent my entire life in Northern California, I am inspired to think that everything I need as a chef I can source locally, from fresh meats and produce to artisanal cheeses and the best wine and craft beers in the country," he said.

Handles on Main will also offer entertainment, special events, and a full host of banquet options.

For more information on Handles on Main, go to Handlesgastropub.com.

You can also follow Handles on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/handlesgastropub.