Cibo Opens Tuesday in Regent Square

Eric Schwarzmeier, 26, of Munhall is the executive chef of Regent Square’s newest restaurant, , which on South Braddock Avenue tonight at 5 p.m.

“Serving contemporary Italian cuisine in an upscale yet casual environment” is the goal at Cibo, where warms red panels decorate the walls against a light brown backdrop. Schwarzmeier is excited to be a new member of the neighborhood as chef and recently answered a few questions.

Where did you train?

I was trained at La Cucina Flegrea in Squirrel Hill for nine years. I was the sous chef for seven years and a prep cook for two years straight of high school when I was looking for a job just walking down the street. I graduated from Alderdice High School. I have had other jobs - I was a gardener, but that’s it. When I cooked there, I could cook for three dining rooms this size and now it’s a whole new animal.

What has it been like preparing for the opening?

I am just juggling between the priorities of ordering food and cooking. It’s a fine line. I am really seasoned at cooking and now I am working on scheduling staff and running it.

How did your previous work prepare you to be chef at Cibo?

My last boss was a great cook and she showed me everything as far as making sauces, knowing when to wrap basil and micromanaging every last bit. Not only am I executive chef here, but I am also cooking. I yell out orders to myself.

How will you appraoch the menu at Cibo?

I like old school Italian food but I want to utilize all of the farmers’ markets we have in this area. It’s fresh - right from them to us. It’s all simple ingredients like good white wines, lemon, a lot of citrus in my seafood, and that’s a good way to express yourself because it’s so colorful. I am not big into steak because it’s all the same color to me. With seafood, you can do a lot with that and fresh herbs.

Will the menu change?

It’s going to change all the time. 

What should customers expect?

Expect fresh seafood, good quality olive oil, fresh herbs, simple ingredients done right. Also, expect attention to detail and a whole lot of flavor.

What are you looking forward to with the grand opening today?

I am looking forward to making this place shine. I want it to be busy and I want Regent Square to have a great Italian fine dining experience. I want them to be proud and say, ‘Hey, come to Regent Square because we’ve got the best Italian place in Pittsburgh.’ That’s what I notice about this area - everyone is really proud with , and that makes them proud to say that’s in Regent Square. It’s a close-knit community and everyone here is proud of the things they have in common here.

Cibo is located at 1103 South Braddock Avenue. It opens for the first time tonight from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The restaurant will now be open Tuesdays through Sundays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., along with brunch hours on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 412-871-5923.