Giovannina to replace Aoba Sushi on Blake Street

Three years after opening The Nickel at 1100 14th Street, chef and restaurateur Jake Linzinmeir is setting the groundwork for Giovannina, a new concept set to open at 1520 Blake Street, where Aoba Sushi shuttered last November.

Linzinmeir is not ready to talk details yet, but the name suggests that Denver’s Italian renaissance is not over yet. Joining 2016’s strong class of Coperta, Chow Morso, Dio Mio and Brodo Italian Scratch Kitchen, the Quality Branded group launched Quality Italian to Cherry Creek in March and Cattivella joined growing Stapleton scene in April.

In downtown alone, Giovannina will likely compete with Italian mainstay Venice Ristorante and Tavernetta, the large format trattoria the team behind Frasca Food and Wine is opening later this summer.

Linzinmeir’s name may ring a bell for readers familiar with his numerous appearances on NBC’s The Today Show. No word on whether Giovannina will serve the “ski patrol pasta” that won the Al Roker seal of approval in 2009.