Edmonton - Il Portico closes suddenly

[kazzy]

Il Portico's 16 owners have accepted a bid from their neighbours the Blue Cross for their property and have sold to them, to make a parking lot.

They closed suddenly on Monday, leaving customers and employees in the dark. The decision to close immediately following Friday's deal was made to allow their employees "more time to job search."

There are no plans to reopen elsewhere in the city.

G.D. it!!! This was one of my favourite restaurants in the city and I'm quite upset I will never taste their ravioli or sumptuous panna cotta again. :-(

Journal article: http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal...

[golfer1]

We have been going there since we moved here 10 years ago. I have hosted a couple of staff Christmas parties, celebrated birthdays and anniversaries, and attended a couple of private dining events in the wine celler. It has alway had consistent food and service, and Patrick is one of the best hosts in the city. The article says that there are no plans to re-open, but I hope that Patrick and his crew end up somewhere...on their own or with other partners. A sad week!

[anonymoose]

I'm speechless.

How much money did Blue Cross spend for a prime piece of real estate, only to close down a great restaurant and create a parking lot?! That's just disgusting.

[cleopatra999]

I was just there with my husband 2 weeks ago, we were just saying how we need to go more often. The service and food was impeccable, we are going to be at a loss for higher end italian now. So so sad. Hopefully they will reopen somewhere, or at least maybe the chef's will head somewhere.

[KayceeK]

Yikes, this is upsetting. A few years ago, my hubby and I dined here prior to his leaving for a tour of Bosnia, and then again upon his return. Just a nice, semi-upscale but comfortable setting for pasta and wine, with good memories.

Doggone it!

[pengcast]

I thought the City had a policy that deterred taking developed space back to parking lots.

[Bob Mac]

"They closed suddenly on Monday, leaving customers and employees in the dark. The decision to close immediately following Friday's deal was made to allow their employees "more time to job search.".

So kind.....

[raidar]

As a U of L grad (the campus is right across the street) I realize how tight parking is in the area. But damn..that's a real bummer.