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A familiar name in the Smithtown healthcare community is stepping into the local dining scene.
Dr. Dimitrios “Jimmy” Kilimitzoglou — who leads E.S.I. Healthy Dentistry in Smithtown — has opened Enology Wine Bar & Bistro in St. James, a wine-focused destination centered on hospitality, education and global wines.
A dentist by profession and wine enthusiast by passion, Kilimitzoglou grew up in a Greek family steeped in restaurant culture. Raised in Queens, he watched his father run a Greek-French fusion restaurant in Brooklyn Heights, starting out as a dishwasher before eventually cooking on the line. Though he ultimately pursued dentistry, wine remained a constant influence.
“My heritage and culture are very big on hospitality. We love taking care of people,” he said. “I always wanted to open a wine bar, but it needed to have a story.”
That story is reflected throughout Enology’s design and philosophy. The interior blends stone, wood and metal, inspired by the structure of a wine barrel and the atmosphere of a cellar. The menu features small plates sourced from local, family-owned farms and fresh local fish, with each dish created to complement the wine list.
Video tour
“There’s a lot of pride and intention behind the food,” Kilimitzoglou said. “We build relationships with local farms to make sure the food supports the wine.”
The wine selection is curated with similar care. At Enology, bottles “audition” before earning a place on the list. Kilimitzoglou prioritizes quality, balance and authenticity, focusing on biodynamic, organic and sustainable producers — particularly family-owned estates and distinctive wine regions.
A current favorite: Ghost Block Zinfandel from Oakville, California. “It’s bold, spicy and jammy, and everybody loves it,” he said.
The venue also hosts private events and structured wine classes, with themed tastings ranging from sparkling wines of the world to single varietals explored across regions such as Australia, France, Italy, Greece and South Africa.
“St. James has a very strong sense of community,” said Kilimitzoglou, who launched Enology this past fall. “It felt like the perfect fit.”
Enology Wine Bar & Bistro is located at 412 N Country Road, St. James, N.Y.
Photos
All photos by Wave Agency
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