Wallingford’s Bella Cosa had struggled for the last few years (and owners),

Published 7:00 am Monday, August 17, 2009

Wallingford’s Bella Cosa had struggled for the last few years (and owners), their deli selection shrinking, the quality of the sandwiches becoming more erratic, and now someone finally put it out of its misery. Owners Jared and Bronwen Carpenter took over the space this month and will reopen in the fall as Avila, with chef Alex Pitts helping on the menu and overall idea. Taking a page or two from the former business that worked, Avila will serve a sandwich heavy lunch menu by day as well as provide deli items that include artisan cheeses both local and foreign, cured meats, and staples like homemade pickles. Having seen a couple sample menus and knowing Alex cooks at Spring Hill by night, Wallingford can expect some solid sandwich action. The menu isn’t finalized but leans more towards blue collar classics (yessss). Think meatball sub, a cold cut deluxe and an honest-to-goodness club. The space will transition to a more traditional restaurant for dinner, keeping it classic and simple. “Dinner will be a sit-down affair–not fine dining but definitely upscale,” says Alex. “What we’ll really be concentrating on is craftsmanship and technique, flavors that actually go together, not trying to be an “artist” or change the culinary world, just trying to serve the perfect lamb with roasted carrots.” Look for Avila (1711 N. 45th St.) to open around October 1st.