One of the final pieces of the Mint Plaza compilation will settle in its space Monday, as 54 Mint opens to the public for dinner. The new Vineria by Il Buco founder Alberto Avalle will focus on simple, high-quality ingredients, many of which they’re importing from Italy, Avalle said. One appetizer will consist of nothing but a chunk of three-year-old parmesan, drizzled with 25-year-old balsamic vinegar. “The idea is to focus on wine and get some chow to compliment the wine,” Avalle said. “After 15 years in New York, I came to California for this reason. I just want to stay relaxed and enjoy the weather, and make some food I love.”
Bread and pasta, which they’re making on site, will be a big part of the restaurant’s focus, as will cured meats, imported cheeses, and wine. They’ll be testing out the final menu for the next few days, but a few dishes that will definitely be available include couscous with fish (naturally, the semolina for the couscous is imported directly from Sicily), bucatini amatriciana (with imported San Marzano tomatoes), and porchetta. Dinner service will start at 5:30 p.m. Monday, and lunch will follow at the beginning of June. Says Avalle: “We are not looking for glory. We just want to do some nice, simple, healthy chow. That’s it.”
