NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — David Moresi has a vision to bring a bit of the North End to North Adams.

 

He explained his plans to the License Commission on Tuesday as he applied for an all-alcohol license for Zio Roberto Ristorante and Taverna, which is expected to open in late May. 

 

The Mohawk bar and the former Grazie restaurant space in the Mulcare Building, which Moresi owns, will operate as a single entity — one side as a lounge, and the other as a full-service restaurant. 

 

"We're still going to call it the Mohawk. I mean, let me be clear from the start, in no way am I looking to operate a bar operation here," he said of the Mohawk. "We've gone through the entire place. There's no jukebox, there's no pool table. We're really looking to create something very unique here, which basically is lacking in the area."

 

He has been describing the lounge as an Italian "speakeasy," or a private club open to the public — a space with overstuffed chairs and Chesterfield couches with an Italian theme. The focus will be on small plates, appetizers, craft cocktails, wines and bottled beer. 

 

"Then with the restaurant itself, we're really excited about this," Moresi said. "Obviously, I have the team here of both Nick [Moulton] and Pete [Belmonte], and we're just looking to do authentic Italian cuisine at this establishment. 

 

"As far as alcohol operations, bar operations, we still have the bar in the restaurant space, which also is a very popular spot for people to get a meal, appetizer and eat and socialize, so full bar service there."