Alpino’s ability to honor Alpine traditions so well is due in large part to its hometown. Michigan, one of the eight American states that make up the Great Lakes region, though notoriously flat ...

Alpino, a new wine-centric restaurant from Detroit-based Rust Belt Hospitality, is slated to open early next year at 1426 Bagley St., south of Michigan Avenue.

Alpino gets its raclette from the award-winning Leelanau Cheese company in Suttons Bay, Michigan. "What grows together, goes together," said Richter of choosing a Michigan cheese for this dish.

Corktown restaurant Alpino is now taking reservations for its first dinner service. The European Alps-inspired restaurant is set to open on Monday, May 1 at 1426 Bagley St.

Alpino plans to open its 1,500-square-foot, 50-seat patio on May 22. A 1,500-square-foot outdoor patio at the rear of the building, scheduled to open May 22, has seating for 50 guests.

Alpino's wine offerings include those by the glass and bottle and some on tap. To start, Richter said, they are offering about 70 wines, with most under $60 a bottle.

Alpino starts by sweating the onions, which serves to pull out their sweetness and soften them without caramelizing. Campbell adds a Savoie white wine and chicken stock, then simmers out the alcohol.

The Sept. 10 dinner, beginning at 5 p.m. for the first seating, will offer a range of favorites available on Alpino’s standard menu, along with others created exclusively for the Takeover.