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The owner of a new Italian-American joint popping up this summer south of Logan Square hopes to provide late-night customers with some chow.
Owner and chef Stephen Hasson doesn't have a name yet for his restaurant at 2833 W. Armitage Ave. (the former Mitad del Mundo Mexican restaurant, which closed under odd circumstances in December), but he hopes to open by July 1. Hasson currently works at at jack of all trades with his friends at Salero. As Crain's points out, he's had stints at Sixteen and Alinea.
Hasson envisions a mix between Au Cheval's diner feel and Avec's small plates. The focus remains the food: Neapolitan flatbreads, homemade pastas and seasonal vegetables. There will be some sort of beverage program, because, as Hasson noted, "you kind of have to have a craft cocktail and lots of craft beers." He hopes to serve until 2 or 3 a.m.
"I'm trying to capitalize on the food and hospitality industry as a late-night kind of stop where you can stop in and hang out and have a good time," Hasson said.
Plans are to serve lunch and dinner in the 2,800-square-foot space across the street from another new Italian restaurant, Osteria Langhe.