Kenny Giambalvo Joins Mio Gelato's New Cafe Concept

Former Bluehour chef Kenny Giambalvo — who left the tony Bruce Carey spot after launching the restaurant a decade earlier — has re-emerged in an unexpected spot: As chef of a new Italian cafe concept by Mio Gelato founder Bob Lightman.

According to the Oregonian, Giambalvo's been tapped to spearhead Mio's re-branding, which was initially announced last September, under the concept name Del Forno. A new vision, dubbed Morso (or Italian for "morsel") will take over Mio's Pearl and Bridgeport Village locations, offering Giambalvo's spin on European cafe fare. Per the O: "The pair envision Morso as a European-style cafe where diners can pick up coffee and a pastry in the morning or a high-quality sandwich and glass of wine late at night."

The Pearl's Mio location will close for reconfigurations after service Sunday, and both new Morso spots are scheduled to debut sometime this spring. More information as it becomes available.
· Former Bluehour Chef Kenny Giambalvo Returns with Morso [OregonLive]
· All Previous Kenny Giambalvo Coverage [Eater PDX]
· All Previous Mio Gelato Coverage [Eater PDX]

Image of Giambalvo courtesy Bruce Carey Restaurants