New Grassis sets sights on April opening dates

Ken Grassi looks over rsums for a new wait staff at the new Grassis Ristorante and boutique Monday in the space formerly occupied by Affairs Cafe & Bakery on Bridgeport Way in University Place. Grassi moved his longtime restaurant and boutique near UWT to University Place, where he already has deep community connections. PHOTOSBYDEANJ.KOEPFLER/STAFFPHOTOGRAPHER

After closing his restaurant and boutique near the University of Washington Tacoma, Ken Grassi figured it would take another six months to open a new edition in University Place.

It took almost double, he said last week.

He cited negotiations, permits, indoor construction and exterior improvements planned during winter weather.

Where his downtown ladies boutique occupied 1,000 square feet, the new Grassis fills 1,500, and it is in a space next door but separated from the restaurant if only so the Italian aromas of garlic and onions do not cling to the cottons and silks.

The restaurant occupies the space that formerly housed Affairs cafe and truffle emporium at 2811 Bridgeport Way. So well-remembered is Affairs that Grassi said of owner Gay Landry, She had a great reputation. We love her. She left such a heritage. Were grateful for what she did here. Well have a blessing ceremony, and I am going to ask her to that.

Gone is the case where the truffles were, and in their place sits a counter where the specialty will be wine. The dining room remains, upgraded to embrace an air of the Italian countryside.

A portrait of Grassis father, Julio, graces one wall so intensely that the son said, I feel like hes watching me.

Uncle John looks across the room from a sepia-tinted photo, and theres another that records the wedding of Grassis sister, Bonnie. Wife Kim and daughter Melanie look across from a hutch.

The wine counter is supported by a brace of ancient radiators, and an Italian accordion stands beside a lamp made to resemble a vertical bouquet of hydrangeas. Nearby, cherubs watch over a burbling fountain. Windows circa 1850 hang from the ceiling near an elderly Hotpoint electric range.

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New Grassis sets sights on April opening dates