Contadino Closes After Only Six Months on Capitol Hill

Contadino and Pizzeria Contadino, the Capitol Hill Italian restaurants from pasta pro Brian Clevenger (Vendemmia, Raccolto), closed after service last night — just six months after they replaced Ernest Loves Agnes at 600-602 19th Ave. E. The two-in-one project from Clevenger and partners Kayley Turkheimer and Jason LaJeunesse opened at the end of February.

Lajeunesse, who was also a partner in the Ernest Loves Agnes chapter, will resume control of the restaurant and its assets, according to a press release. He is apparently still deciding whether to try another restaurant in the space or sell or lease the venue to someone else.

"I have a great landlord and they have been very supportive to date, so I hope to find the right fit for the space, whether I am involved or not,” Lajeunesse said in the release.

Meanwhile, Clevenger is working on opening another pasta shop — as yet unnamed — in Eastlake by December, adding to his portfolio of neighborhood Italian restaurants.