Almost exactly one year ago, a fire charred Ramiro Alarcon’s Cielito Lindo Mexican Gastronomy. The East Sacramento restaurant was open just seven months, and it’s remained closed ever since the blaze.

Now, Alarcon plans to reopen Cielito Lindo ( 3672 J St.) the first week of May: May 7th or 12th, he wrote to SN&R through a translator. The bold, complex flavors and upscale flair will remain, but regular customers can look forward to some big changes as well.

“The seating area will be much larger,” Alarcon said. “We’re adding two rooms and changing the colors. Everything is new and right now it is very pretty.”

That redesign may be in reaction to former restaurant critic Blair Anthony Robertson’s review in the Sacramento Bee. Robertson largely praised the food, but argued that the lackluster interior and lack of alcohol didn’t match the chef’s efforts. Or prices.

Along the same lines, Alarcon said he’s already applied for a license to serve beer and wine, though it hasn’t been secured just yet. He’s adding a happy hour menu, and more options for vegans and vegetarians. Alarcon estimates that about 30 percent of the menu will change—after all, he’s been teaching cooking classes, catering events and picking up new ideas for a whole year now.

Shortly before the April 2014 fire, Cielito Lindo had unveiled a breakfast menu. That won’t return, for the time being at least. Sorry, chilaquiles fans.

Follow Cielito Lindo’s progress on its revamped website, and expect grand reopening specials offered the whole month of May.