Joe Pesce Alum to Open New Seafood Concept in Collingswood

Joe Pesce, the Haddon Ave. restaurant that chef-owner Joe Tucker closed over Fourth of July weekend while he focuses on his new concept in Longport, NJ, is expected to reopen Friday under new management.

Tucker's longtime associate Chris Grasso will helm the seafood eatery, which will be re-christened "L'Oceano," according to Philadelphia Inquirer food blogger Michael Klein.

Outside the restaurant on Wednesday, the only vestiges of its old branding were the mer-wiseguy logo atop its awning. 

Klein reports that patrons should expect very few changes—the menu and staff should all be nearly identical—but can look forward to lower prices. 

The menu in the front window of L'Oceano advertises small plates (mussels, oysters, salads, stuffed figs and short ribs) ranging from $10-15; pasta dishes from $12 to $25; pork, chicken and veal entrees from $25-28; and seafood dishes (maple salmon, stuffed trout, seafood paella and tuna) approaching $30.

A $35, four-course tasting menu offers a sampling of the kitchen that closes with bread pudding, cannoli or tira misu.

Stick with Patch for more details on the location as we have them.