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Yay! Great news from Jill at The Reynold’s Group. We can only hope a few of Cuerno’s best dishes sneak into the menu here!

Seasoned Atlanta Restaurateur Brings Authentic Taqueria to Midtown

Riccardo Ullio’s Newest Restaurant to Serve Traditional Mexican Flavors at Lupe

ATLANTA (October 15, 2009) – On Tuesday, Oct. 20, Atlanta restaurateur Riccardo Ullio will introduce Atlantans to Lupe, an authentic Mexican taqueria, in the Midtown space formerly home to Cuerno. Named after the Virgin of Guadalupe, an iconic symbol of Mexico, Lupe will serve a dynamic dinner menu that captures the bold and customary tastes, ingredients and dishes of Mexico. The restaurant is the latest addition to Ullio’s popular U Restaurants, which include Sotto Sotto, Fritti and Beleza.

“Our head chef, a native of Mexico, has created Lupe’s menu true to his kind of Mexican food,” said Ullio. “We want our guests to experience a different approach to Mexican cuisine in Atlanta. Lupe will give you passion in each dish, power behind every flavor, and a laidback but vibrant atmosphere.”

The Chef

Lupe’s kitchen will be led by Executive Chef Darvelio Palma, the former chef de cuisine at Sotto Sotto, and his sister Maria Palma. The siblings are natives of Acapulco, a large city on the Pacific coast of Mexico with a rich culture and deep Spanish Colonial history. Calling upon their roots, they will create traditional Mexican dishes and authentic flavors for a casual yet enticing menu. Darvelio Palma’s culinary training in Mexico ignited his passion for cooking and will be the foundation of the philosophy behind Lupe’s menu. Palma will focus on using the best, fresh ingredients available to present consistent and perfect dishes from Lupe’s kitchen.

The Cuisine

An inexpensive addition to the Midtown restaurant scene, Lupe will offer casual taqueria fare, including quesadillas, salads, tacos and traditional dishes. With entrees ranging from $12 to $15, the menu will feature several taco plate options including the rare specialties of tongue and kid goat tacos. The traditional plates will incorporate elements of spice and comfort, from Pollo en Mole (chicken mole) and Costillas con Frijoles Negros (braised beef short ribs with black beans and rice) to whole roasted snapper and sopes topped with frijoles negro, roasted chile salsa and crema Mexicana. The appetizer selections will highlight Mexican favorites, packing a punch with lobster and red snapper ceviche, Queso Fundido con Chorizo (queso with chorizo sausage), and three variations of guacamole.

The Drinks

Lupe’s cocktails menu will emphasize the tradition behind the food, from the ample tequila list to classic mescal drinks. Sangre y Arena, which translates into Blood and Sand, is a mix of Scorpion reposado mescal, Cherry Herring, Punt e Mes sweet vermouth and orange juice with a dash Maraschino liqueur. The signature Lupe Margarita combines simple ingredients with Sauza Commemorativa tequila, and the Rosita cocktail blends silver tequila, sweet and dry vermouth and Campari for its distinctive red color. Lindy Colburn, the original bar chef at Ullio’s cocktail lounge Beleza, is consulting with U Restaurant’s Beverage Manager Eric Zollicoffer to develop the full cocktail list. A 20-year veteran of the restaurant industry, Zollicoffer has worked at U Restaurants and led the bar at Sotto Sotto for over a decade.

About Lupe

Lupe is a Mexican taqueria from Chef/Owner Riccardo Ullio of U Restaurants that will serve classic flavors and traditional dishes from a kitchen led by Acapulco-born siblings Darvelio Palma and Maria Palma. Located in Midtown at 905 Juniper Street NE, Atlanta, Ga., 30309, Lupe will be open for dinner and cocktails Tuesday through Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to midnight and Friday and Saturday from 6:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Each Thursday evening, the restaurant will host Rumba y Sabor live salsa dancing events. Valet parking is available at the front door. For more information, visit www.urestaurants.net or call 678.904.4584.