La Gallo Rosso, the long-time Bardstown Rd. favorite that closed last year,  will return, with chef Annette Saco again at the helm. After losing her lease, and trying another venture, Saco is re-opening her Italian bistro at the Mellwood Art Center, 1860 Mellwood Ave.

She sells some antiques at the Center on the side, and when the management of the eclectic arts venue came to her with the suggestion that she take over the space recently vacated by the Bristol Cafe, she was game to get back in the kitchen.

The new restaurant is in the former Bristol Cafe space on the courtyard, Saco says. “I made it look homey like in the old house — I put up curtains and some family pictures, the original signs with the rooster.”

The menu, available Mondays 9 to 5, Tuesdays through Saturdays till 6, and Sundays 9 to 4, will feature breakfast dishes such as omelets, lemon ricotta pancakes, chocolate chip waffles and Bourbon Trail French toast.

For lunch and early dinner, diners can choose from flatbread pizzas, pastas, soups, salads, sandwiches and a trattoria burger. La Gallo Rosso will focus on daytime service, but with early evening carry-out available. Saco will also cater events at Mellwood,.