Mario bold as brasserie

Acqua Pazza owner-chef Mario Percuoco was on the phone to Short Black following the story on May 7 about the closure of his city restaurant. The Italian chef is keen to get back in the kitchen, saying he is already closing in on a mystery new gig.

''It's 50-50 at the moment; I'll let you know in a few weeks,'' he says.

The soon-to-open Avalon Brassiere must be confident of securing the chef's signature, several northern sleuths for Good Food reporting that Percuoco's name is listed on the front of the restaurant as its chef.

Stay tuned.