Plans are underway for Joseph Tambellini Restaurant to join
Highland Park's b
usiness district. During the week of August 13th, Joseph and Melissa Tambellini
will open their new business at 5701 Bryant St., in Laforet's former
space.
“I’m hoping this building creates more hustle and bustle and foot
traffic,” says
Tambellini, who has an option to purchase the three-story Bryant St.
property. “I think it’s going to attract people from other parts that
haven’t been to that area. They’re looking forward to the revitalization of it.”
With seating for 72 people, the restaurant will also feature a
first-floor bar and third-floor lounge. “We’re going to convert it a
little bit from French to Mediterranean. My real gift is the ability to
acknowledge atmosphere and surroundings,” says Tambellini, who is
working with designer Michael Barbish. Tim Rice of 3D Signs created the restaurant's new sign.
With a focus on classic Italian fare, the restaurant will serve specialty items like almond-crusted
sea bass and veal chop Saltimbocca. Entrée prices will range from $20
to $40. Tambellini, who was executive chef at
Franco’s Trattoria for seven
years, began his career at Robert Tambellini’s Downtown, where he
apprenticed under Oliver Fontana. “This is 27 years for me now. I’ve
been working since 1978. To work I went and to work I stayed. It was
one of those perfect fit kind of things,” says Tambellini, who will host collaborative dinners with Michael and Candace Uricchio,
Laforet’s popular owners.
Sous chef Mike Doman and pastry chef Jamie Lukitsch, both previously of
Laforet, will remain on at Tambellini’s. Sommelier Rick Gaetano
previously worked at
Bravo Franco.
Writer:
Jennifer Baron
Source: Joseph Tambellini
Photograph copyright © Jonathan Greene