The Zoning Board of Appeal today approved plans by serial North End restaurant owner Frank DePasquale to add a second floor to the vacant strip of storefronts on Cross Street between Hanover and Salem street so he can open a series of businesses keyed to Italian culture - including a cooking school to be run with an existing culinary institute in Italy, aimed at both people looking at restaurant careers and residents and even elementary-school students who just want to learn more about Italian cooking.

DePasquale, who bought the block - 60-80 Cross St. - for $8 million last year, is also planning a two-story restaurant and cafe with large windows overlooking the Greenway and seasonal outdoor dining, as well as an Italian clothing store and an Italian furniture store, his attorney, William Ferullo, told the board at a hearing today.