Cucina's closing night photos & news on D'Amico Kitchen

For 20 years, Cucina was the standard-bearer for upscale Italian cuisine in the Twin Cities and many a notable chef came through its doors. Having worked in restaurants for a decade, Minneapolis photographer Richard Fleischman knew to plant himself in D'Amico Cucina's kitchen for its last night of service. Here's what his lens captured (love that haunting lipsticked coffee cup...)

D'Amico's just released info on its newest concept, D'Amico Kitchen, taking over for Chambers Kitchen, which will be a more casual, contemporary Italian concept with antipasta small plates, pizzas, entrees, and a global wine list. The kitchen will be overseen by longtime Cucina chef John Occhiato and feature organic ingredients from his southern Minnesota farm. Interestingly, the main dining area will move from the lower level to the main floor by the time D'Amico Kitchen opens in late August.