DETROIT – A new Italian deli cafe in the heart of Downtown Detroit has opened its doors.
La Pecora Nera, which translates to "The Black Sheep," opened this week.
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"It's been a lifelong dream of mine," said co-owner Zach Kostegian. "To have my own place, and to be in the city. I love Detroit. It's home."
The deli cafe is from the brain of the owner of another Downtown Detroit hotspot, David Ayyash of Chickpea in the D.
Ayyash opened Chickpea in the D more than three years ago. Since then, the uber-small sandwich and smoothie shop has become a go-to for lunch seekers around the busy downtown area.
"I want to offer something that I truly believe the city needs," said Ayyash. "Something that fits the needs of people living and working downtown, something different than what's already here."
Ayyash and Kostegian, who has worked and managed an Italian restaurant for a decade, decided to collaborate on La Pecora Nera, bringing a unique twist to the Italian deli concept.
In additional to crafting the menu, the two owners have been involved with the construction of the restaurant, implementing their visions into the physical aspect of the deli cafe.
La Pecora Nera will offer traditional and non-traditional sandwiches, salads, coffee, gelato, as well as for-purchase produce, cheeses and other grocery items.
Most of the food will be locally sourced, straight from Eastern Market.
One of the sandwiches they will offer, the turkey bella, is a spin on the caprese sandwich, adding turkey and bacon into the mix.
"We want this to be the neighborhood spot," said Kostegian. "We want to fill a need in Detroit."
The deli cafe will also feature an outdoor patio, which overlooks Washington Boulevard.
La Pecora Nera Breakdown:
Address: 1514 Washington Boulevard (0.4 miles from Comerica Park)
Hours: Mon-Fri, 11-9, Sat, 11-5.
Price range: $7-$10
Phone number: 313-315-3040.
Check out their Facebook, Instagram and Website for updates.