Top Chef Alumni Newsletter

Michael Voltaggio Plans To Open Ink. on Melrose

Photo: Bravo

Michael Voltaggio will not keep his fans (and speculating, stalking food bloggers) waiting any longer, giving L.A. Times the fat scoop that he will open a restaurant named “Ink.” this winter in the former Melrose spin-off of Hamasaku. Here, the Top Chef winner plans to keep the Mike Ovitz-commissioned sushi counter to explore his recent obsession with Japanese dining and offer an omakase-inspired experience, extending New American fine-dining tasting menus directly to guests from his own tatted arms. What else does the “Picasso” of cooking have up his sleeves?

The Cliff Fong-designed restaurant will seat about 80, with a more casual dining room providing food that Mr. Volt calls “sharable but well-composed.” He might have trouble expecting diners to remain composed until it debuts, but Mike is preparing to make Ink a place of passion for himself and his employees, telling The Times, “I want a place where even the servers are running in to work every day excited to be here.” We’ll be excited if it actually opens by February, as currently planned.

Ink., 8360 Melrose Ave. West Hollywood.

Michael Voltaggio announces new restaurant: Ink. It’s set to open on Melrose early next year [L.A. Times]

Michael Voltaggio Plans To Open Ink. on Melrose