I’ve had this news under my hat for months, but now it’s official: A16 ROCKRIDGE will be opening in early 2013 in John Hurley’s now-former Hudson restaurant space. The executive chef is Rocky Maselli, a Bay Area native but he has been in Oregon the past 15 years, and was the chef-owner of Osteria Sfizo. He also packs a recent pizzaiolo certification by the Associazione Vera Pizza Napoletana (VPN). Maselli’s roots are Pugliese, so look for some southern Italian favorites on the menu (I hope there will be some orecchiette and rapini).
A new feature is the full liquor license, so there will be a cocktail menu of Italian aperitivi, amari, and digestivi specially brought from Italy (including rucolino, a wild arugula amaro from Ischia). Of course Shelley Lindgren will be putting together the Southern Italian-inspired wine program, as well as collaborating on the cocktail program.
Cass Calder Smith of CCS Architecture will be in charge of the renovation—there will be an open kitchen with counter seating, plus bar seating and a private dining room. Look for more details in coming months. 5356 College Ave. at Hudson, Rockridge.
Photo courtesy of A16.
