Federico (Fred) Castellucci, who runs the restaurant with his sister Stephanie, says he found the inspiration for Double Zero from dining at Il Pizzaiolo del Presidente in Naples. And though the restaurant has “Napoletana” in the name, the menu reflects dishes from all over Italy, including Campania (grilled octopus salad) and northern Italy (osso bucco). Pastas range from squid ink linguine with crab-stuffed calamari to crespelle (a sort of hybrid between lasagna and a crepe) layered with braised goat ragu. North Carolina native John Coley is executive chef, having worked for the Castelluccis at the Iberian Pig.
Beyond the dessert menu, pastry chef Emilee Greer also oversees the traditional Italian desserts displayed in the case that fronts the cafe portion of the restaurant, to the left of the entrance, where pastries, espresso, gelato, and after-dinner drinks are served.
Italian is the new black, gastronomically speaking—witness the explosion of Italianesque restaurants that have opened in New York in the last couple years. Locally, the timing of Double Zero Napoletana—opening just as the market is showing modest signs of recovery—makes this restaurant one to watch for Italian food fans both inside and outside the perimeter
NEWS AND NOTES:
Greg Koetting, a beloved figure in Atlanta’s dining community, died Sunday May 8 after a brief illness. John Kessler wrote a beautifully reported piece about Koetting’s career.
Atlantic Station is now hosting Food Truck Fridays from 11am until 2 pm every Friday.
Buckhead. New Yorker Marketplace and Deli on Pharr Road has closed. We’ll miss those sandwiches!
Thrillist reports that Beluga Martini Bar has added a weekends-only speakeasy called The Blu Room that features a blue colored décor and soon blue colored cocktails.
Tsunami Taqueria, an unfortunately named new restaurant featuring Asian-Latin fare, will replace Toulouse at 2293 Peachtree Road, according to What Now Atlanta.
Midtown. Riccardo Ullio’s Escorpion Tequila Bar and Cantina, featuring interior Mexican food from executive chef Edgar Cruz, looks to be opening this Thursday. No menu details yet, but the space looks cool: Think distressed, oxidized copper for the bar tops and lots of Day of the Dead memorabilia.
Question of the Week: What ATL intown spot was recently named one of the world’s hottest rooftop restos by a major travel publication?
PS. The answer to last week’s QOTW—Who won the first annual Whynatte Mixology competition held here in Atlanta?—is Adrian Collazo.