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Formula One scenesters will still be able to party on Peel this weekend, despite the fact that Cavalli is no more. The bygone supper club has been made over by the Montreal Gourmet group as Sofia Vineria. The restaurant, ostensibly a second outpost of Pizzeria Sofia in Quartier DIX30, will serve sfizi (small tapas-style plates) for now, with wood-fired pizza to come and an Italian-heavy wine list. The décor, characterized as Mediterranean, is similar to the interior design at the original Sofia in Brossard. Eduardo Melo, formerly manager at Cavalli, will assume the same role at the new restaurant. Agostino De Riggi, recently involved in some drama with the MTL Cuisine group at Nolana Pizzeria, is listed as principal. Take note: while open for lunch and dinner as of this week, the new space, like Cavalli, also has a bar permit.
Sofia's F1 launch is down to the wire—the restaurant put out the call for floor and kitchen staff as recently as late last week. The bar and restaurant's Grand Prix bash is very much a go, however.
Status: Sofia Vineria, 2040 Peel, (514) 843-5100, soft opens Wednesday, June 3.