Former Epoca Spot to Open as Aqualis Grill This Week

Aqualis Grill, a Mediterranean seafood restaurant, will be opening sometime during the week of June 29th, at 773 Fulton Street, the former home of Epoca.

I just had the pleasure of meeting Gorian Papa, Aqualis’s owner, and John Tsakinis, the restaurant’s chef. It’s no accident that the restaurant is Mediterranean: Papa was born in Albania; Tsakinis is first generation Greek, his family hailing from the island of Kos, in southern Greece. Kos’s cuisine is known for its seafood and grains; the cuisine also has a Turkish influence given its proximity to Turkey. You may have heard of Kos – it was home to Hippocrates.

Tsakinis has a lot of experience in Greek/Mediterranean kitchens -- first and foremost, his Mother’s -- but also in Manhattan’s Avra, Kellari Taverna and Kellari’s Parea, where he was Chef de Cuisine.

Papa and Tsakinis were finalizing the menu when I stopped by. Here’s an idea of what we can look forward to: several whole fish dishes, fillets, shrimp, scallops, farmer’s market salads, and Mediterranean-inspired appetizers, including spreads with pita.

I can’t wait to stop in for my first meal!

Aqualis Grill

Opening:  Week of June 29th, exact day TBD

Hours:  Tuesday – Friday dinner will be served from 4pm -Midnight

Saturday and Sunday the restaurant will be open for brunch, lunch and dinner

Address:  773 Fulton St.