Sure, restaurants open and restaurants close, but if they expand...chances are they are doing something right. Like these three:
1. Cafe Napoli- Tony Pietoso has enjoyed years of success in Clayton at Cafe Napoli and more recently, Bar Napoli. At the same time, he knows the somewhat older demographic who patronize the former feel like persona non grata at the latter. Solution? Napoli Reserve, a handsome, 2 room addition (accessed through Bar Nap) where the focus will be on higher-tier liquors and wines... where Stoli Elit replaces Stoli standard; where guests may opt for Crown Royal XR over baseline Crown; where Silver Oak, Cakebread and Dom are poured...by the glass. Solid sustenance comes via small plate versions of Cafe Nap's fare. Pietoso is setting his sights as well on Claytion's Happy Hour crowd (not to mention the suits in the largish building under construction up the street). Naploli Reserve opens this evening, one of the biggest bar nights of the year. Sounds like fun...so, who's buying?
2. Tani Sushi Bistro- to hold on to the dinner crowd at his increasingly popular susheatery, owner Eric Heckman has added a 1000 SF lounge, 2 doors to the north of Tani (International Diamonds is sandwiched in between). "It will be a true lounge," comments Heckman, "where you can hear the person who's speaking to you. The loungeshere more resemble clubs." The still-unnamed space is slated to open before year's end. (And if you must have another round of Tani's blazing (literally) Oh My God roll, sushi and rolls will be available in the new space as well.)
3. City Coffeehouse and Creperie - the City of Clayton has bestowed its final blessings on the plans to enclose the patio (thereby adding 40 permanent seats), news that Feast caught wind of here, way back in May. Operable windows, similar to those at Oceano next door, will maintain that open-air feel whenever weather permits. -- George Mahe
