SCOTTSDALE

THE MISSION

DINING NEWS: THE MISSION - CAREY SWEET, THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC

07/08/2008 - Union Wine Bar & Grill's space in Old Town Scottsdale has a new lease on life.

The small-plate bistro that was a Tom Kaufman operation (Rancho Pinot, Humble Pie) closed its doors in early February, after almost 18 months of construction and only six months in business.

Yet by October, the space will be reincarnated as The Mission, from partners Terry Ellisor and chef Matt Carter of Zinc Bistro in Scottsdale, along with Brian Raab of Merc Bar in Phoenix.

And what a dramatic concept it might be.

"I haven't gotten my 'Hollywood commercial' worked out to explain it yet," Raab said. "But think Latin flavor. Argentina, Costa Rica, Colombia - all of that, and none of that."

While the menu is still a gleam in chef Carter's eye, one signature item will be guacamole, prepared tableside. And diners will be able to experience Carter's longtime "secret passion" recipe first hand - slow roasted pork.

Over the last several years, Carter has cooked at least 15 whole pigs for personal use, and often serves the juicy, melt-in-your-mouth stuff at his restaurant staff parties. It has long been his quiet dream to open a taqueria.

After all the effort that went into restoring the circa 1920 adobe building at First Street and Brown Avenue, little of the original Union look will remain.

Mission management is gutting the space and rearranging walls to relocate restrooms and offices to the rear of the property. A massive patio and courtyard are going in, lit by gas lamps and centered by a 20-seat communal table.

Inside, interior designer Charlie Morrow of Scottsdale is installing palm wood floors, a marble bar, faux "rainwater" walls, ornate chandeliers and a wall of real salt blocks - yes, like the type that cows and horses lick.

Calling the concept "sophisti-casual," Raab said he plans a unique music experience of Latin hip-hop and other distinctive sounds.

Details: The Mission, 3815 N. Brown Ave., Scottsdale.