Mamma mia! The first standalone restaurant is coming to Fenton next week—and we’re feeling a little saucy about it. Colletta—and Indigo Road Hospitality Group concept (think O-Ku and Oak Steakhouse)—is officially opening to the public on Friday, Sept. 2.
Translating to “collection” in Italian, Colletta will be just that—“a compilation of lively dining experiences,” aka a mecca of both authentic Italian fare and modern takes on Italian-American dishes. Think pasta made in-house daily (Black pepper tagliatelle! Linguine & clams! Shrimp scampi!), cheeses, antipastis, pizzas and more—plus a lengthy wine list, cocktails, beer and liquor to pair. To boot, a “For the Table” family-style dining experience will be offered nightly.
Cooking up those delectable dishes is Colletta executive chef Oscar Gnapi, who joined the team in June. Born in Paris, Gnapi honed his craft over decades at restaurants and hotels—from Paris, Italy and London to California to Chapel Hill and Cary. One particular notable stint includes working at Le Jules Verne in the Eiffel Tower (!).
“I have such a love and appreciation for the culinary arts and have been lucky enough to learn from some of the most talented chefs of our time,” says Gnapi. “I’m excited to draw on my knowledge of traditional European and Italian cuisine, and deliver a memorable experience at Colletta—a meal any Nonna would enjoy!”
And, obviously, everyone and their Nonna is a fan of the Italian resto. Originally opened in Alpharetta’s Avalon community in 2015, Colletta has racked up plenty of recognition from the likes of Jezebel, Modern Luxury Magazine and Thrillist, which named Colletta one of the best Italian restaurants in Atlanta this year. So come hungry. Bon appetit!
Say “bonjour” to Colletta’s just-announced executive chef, Oscar Gnapi! Hailing from Paris, Gnapi will join Indigo Road Hospitality Group’s Italian restaurant at Fenton (slated to open later this summer!) and bring with him 20-plus years of esteemed experience—with stints at restaurants and hotels in Paris, Italy, London, California, Chapel Hill and Cary——covering a diverse range of cuisines.
Photo by Miranda Mounts
“I was raised in Paris with a very large family and am from a culture where cooking was as valued as breathing air,” says Gnapi. For as long as he remembers, Gnapi has pursued the culinary arts. He boasts a degree in the culinary arts from the CEFAA in Villepinte, France, and formal training via an internship in Italy. Following his schooling, Gnapi worked across Europe at five-star hotels including George V in Paris and Le Meridien and SoHo House in London, and has worked with such renowned chefs as Michel Rostang, Daniel Boulud, Bruno Loubet, Pascal Even and Jean-Pierre Gagnaire, to name a few.
Gnapi came to North Carolina in 2007 to serve as the executive sous-chef on the opening team of An: New World Cuisine for three years, before serving as executive chef of La Residence in Chapel Hill in 2017 and at the Unscripted Hotel in 2018. Now, he’s bringing his knowledge of traditional European and Italian cuisine to Colletta.
Translating to “collection” in Italian, Colletta—which will be Indigo Road Hospitality Group’s third Triangle restaurant (joining DTR’s O-Ku and Oak Steakhouse)—will feature a compilation of dining experiences, with a focus on Italian-American dishes. Think pasta scratch-made in-house daily, antipasti, pizza and more, plus a “for the table” dining option curated for a family-style experience.
“I have such a love and appreciation for the culinary arts and have been lucky enough to learn from some of the most talented chefs of our time,” says Gnapi. “I’m excited to deliver a memorable experience at Colletta—a meal any Nonna would enjoy!” Bon appétit!
