Atlanta - October 21, 2009

Holding Out

Lupe Restaurant Opens

Ravenous. Insatiable. You’ve been called a lot of things around supper time. Few of them rhyme with “patient.”

Riccardo Ullio knows how to deliver to the hungry masses.

For his latest, Lupe (for the Virgin de Guadalupe), he transformed the former Cuerno space into a traditional taqueria where street fare (beef tongue tacos, quesadillas, guac with mango and roasted poblano) is worshiped.

Of course, when answering to a higher power, tequila is queen. And so all hail sangre y arena (translation: blood and sand), a mix of tequila, Cherry Heering liqueur, sweet vermouth, and orange juice, with a dash of maraschino liqueur.

The space itself is Spanish Colonial: A glittering, Jarritos-topped bar and imported Mexican chairs pay respects to the Jason Horton-muraled namesake overseeing the operation.

Let’s hear it for virgins not willing to wait.

Lupe, 905 Juniper Street, Midtown (678-904-4584). Say you’ll drink to that? Print this story and take it to the restaurant for a welcome week tequila shot. Call it a DailyCandy blessing.

Photo: Dana Seith

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