Woodfire Pizza and a Killer Carbonara Are Coming to the North Loop

When Chef Todd Macdonald announced he’d be joining Luke Shimp’s Red Cow empire after Parella closed suddenly last winter, it was a bit perplexing, to say the least. Now the duo have revealed their master plan to Mpls./St. Paul Magazine's Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl, and it’s a beauty: An Italian and pizza joint in a former auto body shop in the North Loop. The menu will focus on wood-fire pizzas, both traditional and adventurous, and pasta dishes like Macdonald’s pasta carbonara, which he says is "a doozy."

Ian Lowther, who has also created the drinks at Red Cow North Loop will also add his talents to this project. The cocktails will be seasonal and utilize herbs and other greens grown in their greenhouse.

The yet-to-be-named space at 2nd Ave. and Washington Avenue will be spacious with around 120 seats inside and a three season space that should hold about the same. The dynamic duo is hoping for a fall opening.