Regional Italian From Chef Christopher Lee Arrives On Fourth Street In Berkeley

Eccolo, a restaurant with a well-defined Northern Italian feel and featuring handmade foods in a beautiful and convivial setting, announced its opening today. The 90-seat restaurant is located on Fourth Street in Berkeley, California.

"We want to offer simple, delicious, regional Italian cuisine that also conveys our personal style and taste," said Christopher Lee, Chef and owner. "We have created a comfortable, gracious atmosphere where fresh, local ingredients are cooked in a straightforward, unaffected way."

With culinary skills honed during his 16-year tenure at Chez Panisse, nine of those as chef of the downstairs kitchen, Christopher will be at the helm of Eccolo's open kitchen, working with his staff to produce the most focused flavors and determining the most attractive presentation. The seasonal menu will be spontaneous and changeable, responding to the availability of ingredients in the markets. The menu will present the foods of Tuscany, Piemonte, and Emilia-Romagna, as well as specialties of Rome, Naples, and Sicily. It will feature many dry cured meats, called salumi in Italian, which Christopher has specialized in over the past 12 years.

"We are passionate about developing the special community feeling we cherished during our many years at Chez Panisse. It was that connection that compelled me to remain in Berkeley, rather than to return home to London," added Janet Hankinson, manager and owner. "Christopher and I have been together in the restaurant business for more than 25 years. Our backgrounds have allowed us to develop wonderful connections with local farmers and artisans, whose products we will offer at our table.

Designed and built by Berkeley firm Abrams/Millikan, the interior at Eccolo reflects the welcoming, intimate mood of Northern Italy. The wooden entry doors deliver you into several sun-lit rooms, with the primary dining room lit by a retractable sunroof. The zinc bar defines the overall design of the restaurant, showcasing custom lighting by Abrams/Millikan and color palette by Constance Scott at Art For Architecture

About Eccolo
Eccolo serves hand-made regional Northern Italian dishes from Piemonte, Emilia-Romagna, and Tuscany, with ingredients supplied by an extended family of skilled artisans and growers who share Eccolo's dedication to quality and community.

Located in the heart of the wonderful, attractive Fourth Street Shops, Eccolo
proudly joins this retail neighborhood of more than 60 unique specialty shops, restaurants and outdoor cafis devoted to home, fashion, and food.

Additional information about Eccolo, 1820 Fourth Street, Berkeley CA. 94710, can be found by visiting our website at www.fourthstreetshops.com, or by calling Sharon Rudnick at: 510/848-9350.

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