The culinary family behind Wilton restaurant fave Bianco Rosso has opened two new eateries in the heart of Stamford — Azuca and Gastro Bar — the brainchildren of the family Lopez. Mario Lopez, his wife and his brothers announced today the opening of their side-by-side restaurants, Azuca and Gastro Bar. The new establishments are adjoined at 78 West Park Place and will launch Wednesday, June 25 with a Grand Opening event. They’ve invited the Wilton community to attend the opening celebration, which begins at 5:30 p.m. and will feature a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony with Stamford Mayor David Martin. Reservations for the Grand Opening are not necessary and admission is free.
Lopez owns Bianco Rosso along with his wife, Cristina Ramirez and other relatives. Ramirez spearheaded the stylish design for both Azuca and Gastro Bar, just as she did for Bianco Rosso. “My wife, my brothers and I…we are a team — in every aspect of this venture,” said Lopez. As with Bianco Rosso, Cristina developed a fresh, urban look for Azuca and Gastro Bar to match their eclectic menus.
The four Lopez brothers moved to Connecticut from Ecuador two decades ago and have worked their way up the ranks in the restaurant trade — from bus boys to managing the sleek, Italian-style Bianco Rosso, which opened in 2012. The Wilton restaurant has a “Very Good” rating from the New York Times and a strong local following.
Now that they are expanding their business to Stamford with Azuca and Gastro Bar, brothers Alejandro and Carlos will manage the Stamford locations while siblings Mario and Jaime will oversee the Wilton original.
The team describes their new properties as locations that offer affordable fine dining amid a “smart casual” dress code. “We aimed to create an inviting atmosphere coupled with unique menus,” Ramirez said.
Azuca is a Latin American Bistro with a specialty cocktail menu. Its cozy bar highlights drinks with an island feel using an array of rums, tequilas, piscos, cachacas and mezcals. “We offer mojitos, margaritas and other exotic drinks mixed with surprising ingredients for an interesting spin,” Lopez added. In addition, Azuca’s authenic menu features arepas and more, while dessert choices include flan, tres leches, churros and the like.
Gastro Bar is a wine bar showcasing Mediterranean tapas with Spanish, Italian and French influences. The small-plate appetizers will include signature dishes such as bistecca tartar, albondigas, paella and a variey of flatbreads. Lopez describes Gastro Bar as “the ultimate wine and tapas destination.”
Both restaurants feature menus developed by Lopez and his family, in conjunction with executive chef Vincent Ricciardelli, who previously worked at Manhattan’s Grape & Vine restaurant. Azuca and Gastro Bar will be open seven days a week as follows: Sunday – Wednesday 11:30 am – 10:00 pm and Thursday – Saturday 11:30 am – 11:00 pm. The two eateries will feature pre-fixe business offerings, Sunday brunch and take out service. Private parties and large groups are welcome. For more information or future reservations, call Azuca at 203.817.0189 and Gastro Bar at 203.817.0190.