Telegraph Crew Turning Ciao Into an American Osteria

A few weeks ago when Ciao Napoli Pizzeria shuttered, a question was raised whether the owners of Telegraph would take over the space. And now there's an answer: yes.

Time Out Chicago confirmed on Monday that the Telegraph crew (owners Tom MacDonald, Janan Asfour and Jason Normann) would turn the restaurant into a not-yet-named American osteria to hopefully open in October and take full advantage of the wood-burning oven left behind by Ciao.

Chef Johnny Anderes, who will be a partner in this new venture, will lead the charge and craft a menu around wood-burning pizzas and pastas. He'll be joined by chef Elliot Green (Avec, Green Zebra) who spent about a year living and training in Italy and brings considerable pizza knowledge to the table. The culinary team is being rounded out by Telegraph pastry chef Katie Wyer, who will create wood-fired bagels, croissants and more.

The restaurant, which is being designed by fcSTUDIO (Yusho, Telegraph), will have two menus: daytime (breakfast sandwiches, pastries, full coffee service, fresh-squeezed juice, and eventually lunch) and dinner (housemade pasta, artisanal pizzas, wood-roasted meats, salads, desserts) where Anderes hopes to keep the cost of everything below $15. Telegraph sommelier Jeremy Quinn will have a wine list featuring five to 10 glass pours and additional bottles. So as long as he has the basics covered, it looks like it'll all come together.
· Ciao Napoli Pizzeria Shuttered Saturday Night; Is Telegraph Crew Moving In? [~EChi~]
· Johnny Anderes, et al, Take Over Ciao Napoli Space [TOC]

[Photo: Johnny Anderes]