Last fall, we reported that a restaurant called La Scarpetta was to open at Avenue B and 11th Street, in the space formerly known as Uovo. Well, after months of waiting, last Tuesday the restaurant finally opened--under the name Panificio (an Italian neighborhood bakers shop).

I stopped by last Sunday to peruse the menu, which features a mix of traditional Italian cuisine and Italian American fare prepared by chef Kenneth Johnson. I didn't sample anything, but as one patron walked outside after dinner, I heard her say, "the food was excellent and we'll definitely be back."

Earlier this week I spoke with the manager, Ayo Balogun, who explained that part of the concept behind Panificio is to cater to neighborhood locals in particular, with specialty coffees offered at a reduced price if you leave nearby (he mentioned a price of $2 and change for fancy Starbucks-style drinks). Panificio also opens early and serves breakfast treats like lemon polenta pancakes, ricotta fritters, stuffed Tuscan toast, and an Italian bacon, egg and cheese sandwich made with pancetta and fontina cheese on ciabatta bread.

So...what about the matter of that elusive liquor license, which Uovo was unable to procure (eventually forcing its closure), and which had thus far been denied to La Scarpetta/Panificio when we spoke to the chef last fall? Ayo says a full liquor license is on the way, though we're not sure whether that means it has been officially approved, or whether he has reason to believe that the SLA has had a sudden change of heart, and that all signs point toward liquor license approval in the near future. That doesn't sound like the SLA we know, but, hey, surely there's a first for everything.

UPDATE: In an email, Panificio manger Ayo Balogun says they expect to receive their liquor license "in three weeks or so."