What's Happening in Champaign, IL…

Diners looking for good food in Champaign have a new restaurant to try.

V. Picasso is now open, and has received encouraging reviews from its first customers. The restaurant and wine bar launched operations with a “soft” opening the weekend of April 18 and 19, and opened officially on April 23. At the moment, V. Picasso will only serve dinner, though it will start serving lunch as of next Tuesday, May 26.

According to Victor Fuentes, the owner, the menu is contemporary American. The choices will be inspired by chefs, featuring both small plates and complete entrees, known as tapas, which are prepared from locally sourced, seasonal ingredients whenever possible. There is also a full-service bar, and Fuentes noted that V. Picasso is the first restaurant in the city to feature wine on tap.

The owner has decorated with recycled materials, such as two stained glass windows and barn wood. The ceiling, which is made from tin, was made to order for the restaurant. Fuentes is also happy to display the work of local artists.

In addition to V. Picasso, the Fuentes family runs the El Toro chain of restaurants, and Mr. Fuentes runs the Wedge Tequila Bar and Grill. Wedge has two locations, on in southwest Champaign in Village at the Crossing, and the second in Campaign’s downtown.

Fuentes might consider working with a flyer printing company on a handout, plus a coupon, for distribution outside V. Picasso.