The previously announced Alpino restaurant, set to be located at 1246 Bagley, at the corner of Bagley and Trumbull in Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood, is targeting a winter 2023 opening.
The 3,200-square-foot space is being brought back to life by Detroit native and New York hospitality veteran, David Richter, alongside recently onboarded executive chef Colin Campbell, who comes from northern Michigan’s dining scene at places like Pour Kitchen and Steinhaus.
“Colin and I spent several hours together discussing and preparing dishes from regions surrounding the Alps as part of the interview process,” Richter says. “We quickly learned that we share similar philosophies around composing relatable comfort food along with matching views on creating a positive work culture.”
Richter says the concept of Alpino is “rooted in heritage, tradition, and simplicity.” He says the restaurant was inspired by the agriculture found in and around mountainous terrain, sourced from hills, rivers, and streams, focused on yearlong diversity be it fresh or preserved.
The restaurant’s menu will weave together traditional dishes from countries along the Alpine Mountains in Europe, including Austria, France, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. Alpino’s beverage program will offer a unique list of lesser-known, affordable wines from that part of the world along with curated cocktails and European style beers.
The restaurant’s dining space is undergoing cosmetic design adjustments inspired by European country-side farmhouses and cabins, incorporating natural materials in a simplistic, communal manner. A stone fireplace will be the focal point of the dining room with warm wood tones, rustic light fixtures, soft seating, and design touches.
The restaurant space was formerly Lady of the House, overseen by Chef Kate Williams. It was closed during the pandemic. Prior to that, it was a restaurant called Baile Corcaigh, along with another eatery called St. Cece’s
Additional details surrounding front and back-of-house hiring, menus, and grand opening details will be announced soon.
