Cooper’s Hawk opening in Pembroke Pines

Pembroke Pines is about to get a taste of wine country when Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurants opens later this month.

The upscale casual restaurant at 10310 Pines Blvd. is set to open April 30. There already are locations in Coconut Creek, Palm Beach Gardens and Doral, with another opening at the Galleria in Fort Lauderdale at the end of the year.

Founded in 2005 in Woodridge, Ill., Cooper’s Hawk focuses on affordable, modern American cuisine. But it’s the award-winning wines that set this experiential chain apart. Cooper’s Hawk produces more than 5 million bottles of wine each year, though it doesn’t grow its own grapes, the company said. Restaurants have tasting rooms, private barrel-aging rooms and an artisanal retail market. If you’re not a wine aficionado, there is a specialty cocktail menu and beer, including Cooper’s Hawk Ale on tap. As part of its no-risk policy, ask for a taste of any wine before ordering a glass or bottle, both of which are nicely priced.

The main menu features 110 items with and than more than 50 wines. Each dish is listed with a bin number, guiding guests to a perfect wine paring. There also is an extensive gluten-free menu, a list of “life-balance” options with dishes coming in at 600 calories or less and a decent kids’ menu. There’s lots of burgers, sandwiches and salads for under $15.

There are interesting dishes to try. Start with a Crispy Brussels Sprouts appetizer ($8.99) complimented by Bin 72 White Moscato ($7.75 a glass or $26.99 a bottle). For an entree, try a glass of Bin 85 Pinot Noir ($8.75) to cut through the richness of Gnocchi With Roasted Butternut Squash in sage-brown butter cream ($18.99). Or, Shrimp & Scallop Risotto with truffle oil ($26.99) paired with a glass of Bin 30 Cooper’s Hawk Lux Sparkling white wine ($9.50) looks tempting. Finish up with chocolates and truffles presented with a flight of three dessert wines ($12.99) or an adults-only Lemon Ice Wine Cheesecake for $7.99.

Connoisseurs, and those who want to learn a bit more, can join the wine club, in which members receive newly released bottles each month (prices start at $19.99), get special discounts and invitations to attend multicourse wine dinners ($65 per person).

“We are thrilled to be a part of the brand new Pines City Center,” said Tim McEnery, the chain’s founder and CEO. “We believe that food and wine bring people together and build lasting connections. We are looking forward to being a cornerstone of the

vibrant Pembroke Pines community.”

Ahead of the opening, the company is holding job fairs this month, looking to hire 200 workers.

Freebies at Ulta opening

Ulta Beauty continues its South Florida expansion with the opening of another store at 15855 Pines Blvd. in Pembroke Pines on April 13.

To celebrate the grand opening, the store is giving away freebies at 10 a.m. daily through April 15. The first 100 guests each day get a “beauty treat” valued at $5 to $100. Customers will also receive 10 percent off in the salon or at the Dermalogica Skin Bar, the company said.

The location also will have a Benefit Brow Bar that offers waxing services. The chain stocks national prestige brands as well as store brands and drug-store staples, which sets it apart from its rival Sephora.

I love that it offers store coupons and also accepts manufacturer coupons for masstige brands like L’Oreal, Cover Girl and Maybelline. The free loyalty program gives members gifts on birthdays and points for purchase to earn more free goodies. Ulta also offers a ton of gifts with purchase, too.

“At Ulta Beauty we believe in giving guests beauty on their terms and creating a world of exploration. In addition to products across all categories and price points, we also offer a full-service salon in every store featuring hair, skin and brow services,” said Casey Foxen, who manages grand openings for the company. “Our Ulta Beauty experts are excited to bring the fun of beauty to Pembroke Pines beauty lovers.”

You’ll likely see more stores pop up around South Florida. The chain is expanding thanks to double-digit growth in the beauty category in retail. The specialty retailer has 1,074 outlets and says it plans to open at least 100 more this year.

March-April openings

This monthly feature lists retail stores and restaurants opening around South Florida. Aioli Downtown, 206 S. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach, AioliWpb.com. American Harvest, 5958 S. Dixie Highway, South Miami, AmericanHarvestCo.com.

Atlantic Wallpaper & Decor, 2201 W. Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach, AtlanticWallpaper.com. Beach House Pompano, 270 N. Pompano Blvd., Pompano Beach, BeachHousePompano.com.

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants, (opening April 30) 10310 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines, ChWinery.com.

Coyo Taco, 340 Royal Poinciana Way, Suite M337A, Palm Beach, CoyoTaco.com.

Dunkin’ Donuts, 9545 NE Second Ave., Miami Shores, DunkinDonuts.com.

First Watch, 3256 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; 7620 Peters Road, Plantation; FirstWatch.com.

Franke Design Boutique, inside Farrey’s Lighting & Bath, 1850 NE 146th St., North Miami Beach, Franke.us/ks.

Giardino Gourmet Salads, 1527 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale; 1906 S. University Drive, Davie, GiardinoSalads.com

Great Indian Grill, 2692 E. Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach, GreatIndianGrill.com.

Good Spirits, 476 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, GoodSpiritsRestaurant.com.

Lime Fresh Mexican Grill, 1439 Alton Road, Miami Beach, LimeFreshMexicanGrill.com.

Le Chick, 310 NW 24th St., Miami, LeChickRotisserie.com

MOD Pizza, (opening April 10) 8525 Mills Drive, Unit 301, Kendall; (now open) 2702 N. University Drive, Coral Springs, ModPizza.com.

Planta, 850 Commerce St., Miami Beach, PlantaRestaurants.com.

Saiko-i Sushi Lounge and Hibachi, 5970 SW 18th St., Suite E4, Boca Raton, SaikoiBoca.com.

Sisley Paris, in the Miami Design District, 130 NE 40th St., Suite 3, Miami, Sisley-Paris.com/en-US.

Square One American Restaurant and Bar, 2222 Glades Road, Boca Raton, SquareOneRestaurants.com,

Trattoria Nonna, 6006 SW 18th St., Boca Raton, TrattoriaNonnaBoca.com.

True Food Kitchen, at Town Center at Boca Raton, 6000 Glades Road, Suite 10158, TrueFoodKitchen.com.

Ulta Beauty (opening April 13), 15855 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines, Ulta.com.

17th Street Thai Sushi, 1515 SE 17th St., Fort Lauderdale, 17ThaiSushi.com. Doreen’s Deals Retail Roundup runs monthly. Send announcements to dchristensen@sunsentinel.com.