Tracy Borkum Dishes on Bringing cucina SORELLA to Kensington

More details are emerging about what the Urban Kitchen Group (CUCINA urbana, CUCINA enoteca) is planning for its spot in Kensington, where the local restaurant group operated Kensington Grill for almost two decades before a revamp turned it into Fish Public, which closed a year ago.

Last fall, restaurateur Tracy Borkum announced that the 3,500-square-foot Adams Avenue space would become a riff on her bustling CUCINA concepts, just without the pizza as not to compete with neighboring pizzeria, The Haven.

Called cucina SORELLA, it's scheduled for a Spring 2016 opening. The eatery's focus will be on handmade pasta, other Italian-inspired fare and dishes that have become signature items at the other restaurants, including CUCINA's popular polenta boards. Plans also include a substantive takeout program and cooking classes. In a statement, Borkum said, "As we developed this concept, we went straight to the Kensington community to seek out their opinion and to gather feedback on what they would like to see go into this space. We’re excited to present guests with some very familiar elements from our original Bankers Hill location, but reimagined to suit a more neighborhood-focused experience."