Maple Block Meat Co. Planning BBQ Spot at Villa Italian

Outside Villa Italian. [Photo Inset: Gayot]

The long-running Villa Italian has been shuttered to make way Maple Block Meat Company, founded by Adam Cole (ink.) and The Bazaar's chef de cuisine Holly Jivin. The previous owner of Villa Italian ran into legal issues, creating an opportunity for the husband and wife team to take over the old school Italian eatery, which features a sizable parking lot (ideal for all that smoking that will happen). Cole has recently spent time at the front of house at Ink after working the kitchen for years.

During the day, he spends time at Lindy & Grundy helping out with the butchery operation. Jivin will continue to helm the kitchen at The Bazaar for the time being, but this all-star team just might churn out some of the best Texas-style 'cue in the city. Cole previously popped up his barbecue skills at Tony's Saloon back in 2012. At the moment, construction has not commenced, so expect an opening some time near the end 2014.
· Holly Jivin Is the New Chef de Cuisine at The Bazaar [~ELA~]