Third Street's Allora Cucina Italiana shuttered on March 20 and within the blink of an eye Culina's opening chef Vic Casanova - who earned the Italian restaurant within Beverly Hills' Four Seasons two stars - has snapped up this space to open his own restaurant. According to Vic, Gusto is his "dream come true!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Right off the bat it's important to note that although Vic decamped from Culina last week, he is still helping out for a few more weeks while construction at Gusto concludes. His plan is to open in late April to early May. The cozy 35-seater restaurant will offer dinner only, focused on Vic's rustic Italian plates which he describes as "soulful" and "delicious food with no boundaries." Just like his food at Culina, Gusto too will follow the farm to table mantra. Although Vic is still finalizing the menu he estimates about 25 savory plates, about half of which will serve as signature dishes and the other half of which will evolve seasonally. Think antipasti, fresh pasta, pizza, secondi, contorni, and dolci all at a neighborhood-friendly price point. As for alcohol, likely some crafty beer and 25 wines from small sustainable Italian producers. Per Vic, "just a cool neighborhood joint with an informal vibe and intoxicating aromas." Tentative hours of operation: daily from 6PM to midnight. [EaterWire]