SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Foodies can now enjoy a new culinary experience in South Bend thanks to the opening of a new tapas restaurant on Colfax Avenue. Last Tuesday, South Bend leaders at Tapastrie to celebrate the business’s opening.

Owned by Carol and Terry Meehan, Tapastrie offers a tapas and wine bar with pan-Mediterranean cuisine and wines from around the world served in full glasses and by the bottle.

The idea for the restaurant was suggested by co-owner Tom Welsh, a South Bend native who was chatting with the Meehans at Fiddler’s Hearth, which the couple has run for the past 13 years. An international tourist, Welsh developed a love for Mediterranean food during his excursions and thought a restaurant serving the cuisine would be a great asset to South Bend.

The restaurant will carry more than 120 wines and small-plate style dishes, which encourages guests to sample multiple menu items ranging from $4 to $20 a plate.

Owners have spent the better part of a year renovating the space, located at 103 W. Colfax, paying attention to respecting the history as well as addressing climate control and accoustics.

Tapastrie is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4:30 to 10 p.m., and Saturday from 4:30 to 10 p.m.

More information about the restaurant is available at http://tapastrie.com/