The corner of Milwaukee and Mason didn't work out for the owners of Crescent City Beignets, but Brian Zarletti and his wife, Mari Cucunato-Zarletti, are confident that their Italian restaurant, Zarletti, will set fire to the popular strip. Figuratively, of course.

"We're going to be as fresh and flavorful as possible," says Brian Zarletti, who will serve as head chef.

The new restaurant will feature upscale Northern Italian food and, according to Brian, "amazing service." The fare will also include more casual items like panini and muffalate (similar to an Italian hoagie).

"It's Italian comfort food," says Brian, a self-taught chef who claims he's learned all of his kitchen secrets from his Italian grandmother. "We're not going to set the culinary world on its ear, just have a lot of really great food."

If all goes according to plan, Zarletti will open in July.

The Zarlettis also own Café Zarletti in South Milwaukee and an adjoining flower shop called CZ Flowers. Café Zarletti boasts a more casual environment than will the new "white linen" Zarletti.

William Meredith, formerly the manager of Mimma's for nine years, will join the Zarletti staff as the front man.

Meredith and Brian Zarletti met 10 years ago when they both worked at the Main Street Bistro in Racine. Coincidentally, the Zarlettis will celebrate 10 years of marriage this summer.

"We're so excited to be on Milwaukee Street," says Zarletti. "There are so many different cuisines: Japanese, Irish, Cuban ... There's quite a multi-cultural flair going on here."