Opening Alert: Ana Sortun to Take Over The Paddock in Somerville

The Oleana and Sofra chef will be opening a new restaurant at 249 Pearl Street.

The Paddock in Somerville will become a new restaurant, thanks to Ana Sortun. Photo courtesy of Flickr/interactivesomerville

For anyone who has ever eaten at Ana Sortun’s Turkish-influenced eatery Oleana and bakery Sofra (and if you haven’t, shame on you! Just kidding….but you should go, now), we’ve got some huge news: Sortun, along with Oleana chef de cuisine Cassie Piuma, will be taking over The Paddock space at 249 Pearl Street in Somerville for a new restaurant.

Yesterday, Eater reported that The Paddock’s replacement would have an “amazing” space and prices fit for the neighborhood. Now we know the person behind said changes.

Sortun confirmed the news to us this morning, and we’ll have more details on the concept later this afternoon. But until then, let images of spinach falafel, whipped feta, and za’atar-dusted chicken dance in your mind.

Update (6:48 p.m.): We got off the phone with Sortun, who filled us in that Cassie Piuma will be both a partner and executive chef at the new restaurant, which is yet to be named. But as for the concept? Think somewhere between Sofra and Oleana: “It will be more of a mezze restaurant and bar,” Sortun says. And, for an added twist, there’s a full liquor license, which means cocktails! Oleana is beer and wine only, so this will definitely be a change of pace for Sortun and crew. Prices will be relatively akin to Oleana, though the atmosphere will be “much more relaxed” Sortun says. Tentatively expect a summer opening.

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