Last spring the old-school Italian joint Casa di Campagna opened on Kane St. and Columbia. And though we occasionally enjoyed the giant plates of pasta and faves like chicken marsala, it wasn’t quite a destination like many of the new restaurants in the hood. Great place to take the kids and spread out without the worry of bothering other patrons. But not a place for a date night. Then Northern Thai darling Pok Pok opened a few doors down, and people happily stood on line rather than duck in for gnocchi and a Peroni draft.
So should it be surprising that it is reopening as Chio, a Sardinian cafe with more upscale and sophisticated dishes? Though it didn’t look ready for business as we walked by, the NY Times claims it is “opening soon.” Expect veggie- and grain-centric dishes with protein taking a back seat, all under the guidance of chef Alex McWilliams and former model Jeff Bartels. Here’s to hoping they kept that Peroni draft.