Mario Alvanes in El Pope, his first restaurant in the Fan. (Mike Platania photos)
The restaurateur behind El Pope Latin American Cuisine is switching things up for his second spot in the Fan.
Mario Alvanes is preparing to open The Nest Brunch Cafe at 1825 W. Main St. The new restaurant will be a block down main street from El Pope, which Alvanes opened at 1731 W. Main St. in 2017.
While El Pope’s menu consists of pupusas, tortas and other dishes from Alvanes’ native country of El Salvador, he’s going in a different direction with The Nest.
The Nest is aiming to open in the next few weeks.
“It’s going to be a completely American classic brunch,” Alvanes said. “I’ll have chicken and waffles, French toast, and a few burgers.”
He added that he’s planning to make his own bacon with a machine like those used for al pastor rotisserie.
“We’ll make it from pork belly. I’ll make it nice and crispy,” Alvanes said.
The Nest will also serve wine and beer.
The Nest and El Pope’s buildings are both owned by entities tied to Orestis Marcoyiannakis, who Alvanes said approached him about 1825 W. Main St. Prior to The Nest, the building was home to Red Dragon Tattoo and most recently Mama’s Famous Hot Subs. The property is next door to Goatocado restaurant.
Alvanes opened El Pope at the corner of West Main and South Allen in 2017.
“The landlord said, ‘Try to make it work,’” Alvanes said. “I think it has a good chance. It was a good opportunity.”
The Nest is aiming to open in the next few weeks. Alvanes said he’s planning for it to be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
El Pope will continue operating as usual.
Mario Alvanes in El Pope, his first restaurant in the Fan. (Mike Platania photos)
The restaurateur behind El Pope Latin American Cuisine is switching things up for his second spot in the Fan.
Mario Alvanes is preparing to open The Nest Brunch Cafe at 1825 W. Main St. The new restaurant will be a block down main street from El Pope, which Alvanes opened at 1731 W. Main St. in 2017.
While El Pope’s menu consists of pupusas, tortas and other dishes from Alvanes’ native country of El Salvador, he’s going in a different direction with The Nest.
The Nest is aiming to open in the next few weeks.
“It’s going to be a completely American classic brunch,” Alvanes said. “I’ll have chicken and waffles, French toast, and a few burgers.”
He added that he’s planning to make his own bacon with a machine like those used for al pastor rotisserie.
“We’ll make it from pork belly. I’ll make it nice and crispy,” Alvanes said.
The Nest will also serve wine and beer.
The Nest and El Pope’s buildings are both owned by entities tied to Orestis Marcoyiannakis, who Alvanes said approached him about 1825 W. Main St. Prior to The Nest, the building was home to Red Dragon Tattoo and most recently Mama’s Famous Hot Subs. The property is next door to Goatocado restaurant.
Alvanes opened El Pope at the corner of West Main and South Allen in 2017.
“The landlord said, ‘Try to make it work,’” Alvanes said. “I think it has a good chance. It was a good opportunity.”
The Nest is aiming to open in the next few weeks. Alvanes said he’s planning for it to be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
El Pope will continue operating as usual.
Hidden gym in the city by one of the nicest restaurant owners you’ll ever meet. He is almost always there at dinner service. I am looking forward to trying his new place.
Absolutely, El Pope is one of our regular go to places for dinner. Great food, very inexpensive for what you get. Good luck on his new venture.