A notable development in the local food world today: The vacant space formerly occupied by acclaimed vegetarian restaurant Ubuntu, in downtown Napa, finally has a taker a year and a half after going dark. That man is Sean O'Toole, who's cut his teeth in the kitchens of Quince, the Mina Group, and Bardessono, and he'll be doing something decidedly meaty with the place. The name he's chosen is Torc, which is the Gaelic word for "wild boar," and he's hoping for an October opening.

O'Toole tells the Inside Scoop that he won't be doing much to alter the stone-walled space, but that the dining area will be expanded to the mezzanine, formerly home to Ubuntu's yoga studio.

Ubuntu gained national acclaim under the helm of chef Jeremy Fox, who's since relocated to Los Angeles. At the time, New York Times critic Frank Bruni named it his second favorite restaurant in the country. Fox was succeeded by sous chef Aaron London, who also won critical praise for his more maximalist style. London is still expected to open a restaurant in San Francisco, though that project has been delayed.

[Inside Scoop]
[Eater]