Deluca's Headed To the Americana at Brand

Waaaay back in April of last year Eater caught wind of a new Italian place opening up in the Americana at Brand. The lease was signed, permits were in hand and the early word was that another branch of the Amici restaurants would open in June of 2009. Fast forward to this year -- the design and construction are finally under way. Tancredi Deluca of the Amici restaurants is, in fact, the operator of this modern casual Italian deli named Deluca’s. See the rendering above for the look and feel of the place which includes a patio, LED lights, glass displays, custom wood work, bronze and marble. Look for a community table made from old wine crates and a red Berkel meat slicer by the entrance. Think Mozza without Batali. If all goes according to plan, it’ll open in a few months. [EaterWire] — Daniela Galarza