So, the Melmans, two reality TV stars, and a Thomas Keller-trained chef walk into an Italian restaurant. If you're waiting for the punchline, we hate to disappoint, but the preceding scenario is actually the premise for Lettuce Entertain You's newest venture. The restaurant group announced today that it will partner with reality TV couple/perpetual E! network eyesore, Bill and Giulana Rancic, to open an Italian restaurant in the space vacated by Ben Pao when it closes in early September.
In anticipation of a January opening, the menu will be developed by chef Doug Psaltis, a French Laundry alum who also worked on Paris Club. Beyond that, details of the food are scarce. But what they lack in food, restaurant, or business experience, the Rancics hope to make up for in enthusiasm and press appearances. "Now, I just need to figure out the really important question," Giuliana Rancic said in a statement. "What are the servers going to wear?" Whatever you think of the Melman's choice of partners, you do have to be thankful that they didn't tap the Jersey Shore cast. [The Feast]
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