Acquerello's New Project 1760 Has Chef, Targets April

The future 1760 space, back in its Parrilla days. [Photo: Kevin Y./Yelp]

Tablehopper broke the news yesterday on the Acquerello team's new restaurant in the former Parrilla space at Polk and Washington: it'll be called 1760 (after its address on Polk), and the current target for opening is late April. The project is spearheaded by Acquerello owners Giancarlo Paterlini and Suzette Gresham, alongside Paterlini's son/Acquerello wine director Gianpaolo Paterlini, and the concept is "approachable, Italian-inspired California cuisine." As Tablehopper puts it, 1760 will be the casual, weeknight Cotogna to Acquerello's special-occasion Quince.

To lead the kitchen, the team has recruited L.A. chef Adam Tortosa, most recently at Michael Voltaggio's Ink; Tortosa also brings significant sushi skills to the table, having apprenticed under master sushi chef Katsu-ya Uechi for four years. (Cross your fingers for crudo.) Tortosa and the younger Paterlini just did a serious research tour through Italy, and Tortosa's currently learning the ropes and testing dishes in Acquerello's kitchen as the 1760 space undergoes renovation. Gianpaolo Paterlini is also planning a 250-bottle wine selection, and the restaurant has full liquor, though a bartender hasn't been announced yet.

The corner space is being completely gutted, with some windows being added on the Washington Street flank. John Wheatman, who did Acquerello's 2010 design refresh, will also be in charge here, and he's planning to work with earth tones and add a communal table to the 60-seat dining room.

· Acquerello Team Launching a New Project on Polk Street: 1760 [Tablehopper]
· All Acquerello coverage [~ ESF ~]