Al Fresco reopening Thursday as Picasso’s Courtyard

The not-so-secret transformation of Al Fresco Italian Bistro at 708 Washington Ave. in Ocean Springs into Picasso’s Courtyard appears to be almost complete. A recorded phone message today said the new restaurant is opening Thursday, May 29, at 11 a.m.

The restaurant’s Facebook page reveals details about the new chef. Felix Picasso is described as one of only 66 Master Chefs worldwide. The title of Certified Master Chef is given by the American Culinary Federation and is considered the highest level of certification a chef can receive.

Chef Felix trained at Johnson & Wales and is a veteran of the Marriott chain where he worked for some 20 years in hotels in the U.S., St. Thomas, Jamaica and his native Peru, according to a review of his restaurant in the upscale Miraflores district of Lima, Peru. Can’t wait to hear how he made the leap to Ocean Springs.

Picasso’s Courtyard will serve “Old world, richly inspired Italian Cuisine.”