Alex Reznik Opening FiOLA Restaurant Downtown, Matt Biancaniello Doing The Drinks

Although former Top Chef contestant Alex Reznik has remained committed to his consulting gig at La Cienega kosher retreat La Seine for the past year plus, he's ready to break out on his own. Downtown. Word just in that Reznik has dibs on the spacious second floor at Luxe City Center hotel on Figueroa near Olympic to launch a modern, seasonal, California eatery with Northern Italian influences called FiOLA. And, just to break down that name, its construction is derived from the locale at (Fi)gueroa and (O)lympic, in the heart of (LA). FiOLA.

Reznik's kitchen and bar, set to open early summer, will be divided into a dining room, casual bar, indoor lounge with communal tables, and an outdoor patio with fire/water "features" plus a DJ booth for music on some nights. PLUS he has teamed up with resident Library Bar man Matt Biancaniello who will take on cocktail duties. Which means, anticipate crazy creative farmers market concoctions. [EaterWire]