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Riccardo Ullio

Restaurateur Riccardo Ullio will open an authentic Mexican taqueria, La Lupe, in Cuerno’s space in Midtown.

The chef-owner of Sotto Sotto, Fritti and Beleza is busy removing the modern bull sculpture and redecorating Cuerno’s space into what he calls a “Spanish Colonial feel,” as well as fine-tuning the casual taqueria menu. He hopes to open by mid-October.

Ullio is getting design help from No Mas! Cantina and No Mas! Productions owners Steve MacNeil and  Walt Bilinski — from changing the once plush purple high-top banquette to weathered red cow hide as well as having chairs hand-made in Mexico.  

As for the menu, it’s a far cry from Cuerno’s upscale Spanish classics — entrees from $12 to $15, with lots of taco plates and appetizers, from lobster and red snapper ceviche to sopes topped with frijoles negro, roasted chile salsa and crema Mexicana. 

“We’re in the process of tasting different dishes right now,” Ullio told me by phone. His former chef de cuisine at Sotto Sotto, Darvelio Palma, is busy with sister Maria Palma cooking up dishes for Ullio to taste test and will helm La Lupe’s kitchen. The siblings are from Aculpoco. Beleza’s original bar chef, Lindy Colburn, is consulting on cocktails — from the ample tequila list to classic mezcal drinks like “blood and sand.” 

 ”And we’ll have valet parking in the front of the restaurant,” he said.