From beauty parlor to pizza parlor -- that'll be the transformation of the old Salon de Venus building at 20th Street and Camelback into a stylish, affordable new eatery called The Parlor.
Set to open in late February, it's the vision of owner Aric Mei, whose parents own the Nello's pizzerias. He's teamed with chef Jared Porter, who's creating a rustic Italian menu.
Porter tells me that Mei designed the retro-hip space, which will utilize the original brick walls of the midcentury structure, and will incorporate various design accents from the former salon, such as vintage paintings, beauty chairs, and hair dryers.
As for The Parlor's menu (still a work in progress), it will feature wood-fired pizzas, homemade pastas, and entrees made from local ingredients; nothing will be over $20. There will also be homemade pastries, paninis, salads, and a full bar.
"I've come full circle," says Porter, who left his yearlong post as chef de cuisine at Olive & Ivy last week.
Prior to that, he was the executive sous chef at both Asia de Cuba, at the Mondrian, and its James Hotel predecessor, Fiamma. He's hoping to do "more Fiamma-like" food at The Parlor. Porter has also worked for La Grande Orange, Michael's at the Citadel, and Vincent's on Camelback.