As a young girl growing up in Malaysia, Shannon Rush spent a lot of time in restaurants.
“I have always been around restaurants, whether it was running around my aunt’s noodle shop, or high school jobs bar backing and changing out ash trays,” Rush says, adding that she continued to work in the industry after moving to the United States in 2007.
After landing a job at a popular restaurant in Tempe, Rush developed a keen interest in wine.
Ten years ago, Rush was inspired to take her love and passion for good food and wine and open The Cellar, at 5030 E. Warner Road in Ahwatukee.
“I wanted to create a community with the same interests,” Rush says.
“Our guests and our staff are always conversing about different wine regions, varietals, tasting notes, or the last best culinary experience they’ve had!”
Over the last decade, The Cellar has become well-known in the community for its outstanding selection of wines, delicious food and welcoming ambiance.
“We offer over 30 wines by the glass from all over the world,” Rush says, adding that everything on The Cellar’s wine list has been carefully hand-selected.
“We know where all of our wines come from, as far as who they are made by, what vineyard and what goes on behind the integrity of the wine making process.”
Wine aficionados are welcome to join The Cellar’s Wine Club.
As Rush notes, members enjoy discounts on all tastings and dinners, and they pick up a wine shipment each month.
“It’s a fun and exciting way to get out of your comfort zone and experience wine in a whole new way,” she says.
“All of the wines featured in the Wine Club are found in-house only and are designed to go with the seasons and what we are pairing with at home.”
The Cellar also hosts a monthly Wine Club Happy Hour that is open to everyone and features three Wine Club varieties served with a chef-inspired small plate.
“It’s a great time every month for foodies to gather and explore – we’ve seen lifelong friendships come out of these tastings,” Rush says.
In addition to the wide selection of carefully curated wines, The Cellar features a delicious assortment of tapas, bruschetta, salad and desserts.
“Our chef-inspired menu is constantly shifting with the season, and we are always doing fun and creative wine pairings – from rustic Italian and French dinners to whimsical tastings, like how to pair wine with fast food or Chinese takeout,” Rush says.
Two menu items that have people coming back for more are the buttermilk fried chicken, which is served with jalapeño jam, local honey and pickled Fresno peppers, and the large charcuterie board.
Guests are welcome to sit inside or on the pleasant patio, with its beautiful view of South Mountain.
“On the weekends we offer dining under the stars with live music. You can also find our guests out there enjoying wine and yoga every second Saturday or gathering for our monthly Wine Club Happy Hours,” Rush says.
Looking back, Rush is delighted with her decision to open The Cellar and provide a warm and welcoming place for her guests to gather and celebrate virtually any type of occasion.
“The Cellar is a versatile place that is great for a romantic date night, a night out with the girls, an after work business reprieve and more!” Rush says.
“We are also a great space for myriad of private events, from corporate events and weddings to baby showers and bachelorette parties.”
Rush says she truly appreciates and cherishes her regular customers, many of whom have become her close friends.
“Over the years I have seen them get married, start families and share their lives with us. There is always something special about a place ‘Where everybody knows your name.’”
TheCellarPhx.com | Instagram: @TheCellarPhx | 480.598.9463