William Sweete and Casey Bee – the latter swears that’s his real name, honest! – of the insanely popular prix fixe bistro Sidecar (577 College, at Clinton, 416-536-7000, sidecarrestaurant.ca) have just announced that they are closing its sister resto Negroni (492 College, at Palmerston, 416-413-0005, negronipanini.com).
The last supper will be served Saturday June 11th.
“Things haven’t been quite the same since chef Melissa Halloran left to have a baby last July,” says Sweete.
After a quick weekend renovation, the former Ukula, Honey Kaffe, Airport Lounge and Fruition is set re-launch as Carpano – like the vermouth – the following Tuesday June 14th. With the new name comes a new menu and a new toque.
“We’ve brought in Kendall Collingridge to be the new chef,” confirms Sweete. Collingridge’s culinary c.v. includes stints at Crush (455 King W, at Spadina, 416-977-1234, crushwinebar.com), Buca (604 King W, at Portland, 416-865-1600, buca.ca), Le Petit Castor (1118 Yonge, at MacPherson, 416-968-7366, lepetitcastor.com) and, most recently, the revolving door known as Parkette (874 Queen W, at Crawford, 416-536-3883, parkette.ca).
Sweete describes the new card as “Italian, but not strictly.”
Anyone afraid that the spectacular panini and peanut butter ice cream that put Negroni on the foodie map are a thing of the past will be relieved to learn that both will still be available at lunch.
