By Leslie Albrecht
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
UPPER WEST SIDE — The one-time home of Senor Swanky's Mexican cafe on Columbus Avenue and West 85th Street will likely see new life as an Italian trattoria.
The unnamed Italian restaurant won initial approval for a liquor license from Community Board 7's business and consumer issues committee Wednesday night.
Although getting the nod does not guarantee a license, the State Liquor Authority usually follows the recommendation of community boards.
Co-owner Sergio Riva said the restaurant will serve "reasonably priced" Italian dishes and thin crust pizza. Riva also owns The Diner, an American restaurant in the Meatpacking District.
Senor Swanky's closed in April. Riva said he plans to open as soon as the state approves his liquor license, which could take a few months.
The proprietors of the Upper West Side's new Zen Palate location at 105th Street and Broadway also got the okay for a liquor license Wednesday night, and hope to open their vegetarian Asian restaurant by Thanksgiving.
In other eatery news, Spanish tapas joint Taberna, at Amsterdam Avenue and 80th Street, and The Tangled Vine wine bar, at Amsterdam and 81st, both plan sidewalk cafe seating in the near future.
