KYN: Alto Pino Grand Opening
DULUTH, Minn.– You may remember when this space on Superior Street was 7 West, or Bluerock Grill. But now, the building on Superior Street in Duluth welcomed Mediterranean flavors to the table.
"I actually moved here a little over a year ago to be closer to family. My husband's family is in two harbors. And it was my plan to open a Mediterranean restaurant, and it just turned out there wasn't a ton of Mediterranean presence, or middle eastern presence in the area," said owner Lauren Aldinger.
The restaurant was inspired from owner Lauren Aldinger's rooted heritage.
"Food has always been a passion of mine. I've always been drawn to Mediterranean cuisine. And I wasn't sure why until 4 years ago, so I did the DNA test. I'm adopted, so I didn't know much about my heritage," said Aldinger.
Alto Pino opened their doors two weeks ago, and for Aldinger, this has been a long-term dream of hers.
"I've been in corporate America, working at a desk for a very long time. So, it's nice to get away from the desk. And be working for myself and doing something that sort of ignites my left and right brain. So, it's been really fun exploring how to expose folks in Duluth to a new cuisine type," said Aldinger.
Alto Pino specializes in "Tapas" or, share plates. The small, but tasteful dishes are meant to be shared with a group of people.
"So right now, we have eggplant Dolmas on the menu. Which is a stuffed eggplant with rice, and other delicious things. I love hummus, and I want to be able to feature ingredients of the season in our hummus so right now we have a squash hummus on the menu," said Aldinger.
Another thing the restaurant is specializing in, gaining a brand-new experience.
"One of the key focuses on this restaurant is really about learning. It's learning for me, I'm learning as a new owner, a new restaurant owner. Folks who work here are learning about new types of dishes to them as well. And then I'm hoping as people come in, they will come in with an open mind and open heart to trying new things," said Aldinger.
Gaining those new experiences in a welcoming space was a huge goal during development.
"So, this is definitely the labor of love, and the child of my brain. So, the decor and everything was all things I'm bringing to the table. I love the color red, that's why we have the beautiful red banquet. It's meant to be inviting and comfortable. And when you come in, you're feeling that you're walking into a warm place that's welcoming," said Aldinger.
Alto Pino is also launching a crafted cocktails selection, that also features some local flair.
"We do have some craft cocktails that are specific to the region. One is called "Yamas". Which just means cheers in Turkish. And it features a liquor called Masika. Which is made from Mastic, and Mastick is the gum from a pine tree so it's a unique very sort of botanical kind of flavor profile to it," said Aldinger.
Overall, there is a lot of optimism for Alto Pino, and they're looking forward to future full of new experiences to the Northland.
