'Punk Rock Italian' Fare Is Popping up at Gaja in EAV

Rudy Keefer is the pasta maker at Kevin Rathbun's Buckhead restaurant KR SteakBar, and now he's hosting his own pop-up at Gaja in East Atlanta Village. Keefer calls the pop-up "Teppista," which translates from Italian to "thug," "hoodlum," or "hooligan," and he tells Eater Atlanta he held a successful first run Monday night.

Keefer, who has worked in the kitchens at Gunshow, The Optimist, and Hot & Hot Fish Club in Birmingham, says he's hoping to build toward his own "punk rock Italian-inspired noodle spot." Teppista's concept is described as "southern Italy meets the South in a mosh pit." Local photographer Sharif Hassan is mixing craft cocktails to compliment the food menu, which currently is comprised of four handmade pasta dishes and a salad.

Keefer is already looking ahead to his next Monday night Teppista dinner at Gaja. A firm date hasn't been locked down, but he's aiming for April 18, April 25, or May 2. See the pop-up's complete menu below.