Opeing October 1st, Aba Mediterranean restaurant, is set to open its doors in Austin, marking the expansion of the Chicago-based Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises’ to its second location aside from Chicago.
Aba was created by Executive Partner and Divisional President Marc Jacobs and Chef Partner CJ Jacobson, incorporating a lighter style of Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant pays homage to Chef CJ’s culinary roots in California while drawing inspiration for its cuisine from Israel, Lebanon, Turkey, and Greece.
Austinites will now be able to call the Mediterranean favorite their own and experience a selection of prime and humble cuts, meat and seafood kebabs, house-made hummus and spreads, and hot and cold mezze. Signature dishes include Crispy Short Rib Hummus, Muhammara, Tamarind Braised Short Rib, Shawarma Spiced Skirt Steak and Orange Blossom Crème Brulee Pie. Weekend brunch highlights include the Jerusalem Bagel with Smoked Salmon Spread and Labneh, Khachapuri with Cremini Mushroom and Bougatsa with Blueberry Compote.
The beverage program will be lead by Mixologist Liz Pearce showcasing Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired craft cocktails and will include cocktail favorites like Frozen Pina Express, Aloe, It’s Me and Green Harissa Bloody Mary as well as a zero-proof menu including the Gazoz With a Kick and the Fruit Coupe. The wine list, curated by Sommelier Alex Augustine, features rare finds from Morocco, Israel, Greece and The Canary Islands, with traditional old and new world selections from California, Italy and Spain.
The interior design of the Austin location takes inspiration from the original Chicago space, while creating its own personality and character. The restaurant was designed, curated and executed by Executive Partner and Divisional President Marc Jacobs, LEYE Senior Designer Avril Zayas, along with Variant Collaborative, a boutique design firm from Chicago.
The multi-level outdoor patio and terrace accommodates up to 130 guests and lives under the canopy of a 100+ year old native Heritage Oak tree, studded with glass and metal lanterns from Morocco and the Middle East. The patio features a semi-private raised deck, with a vibrant living plant wall and a 10-seat outdoor bar with a white plaster finish to evoke a Mediterranean look and feel. The indoor dining room has seating for up to 86 guests and features a warm and earthy color palette, locally fabricated custom millwork and stone surfaces, wood beams with climbing ivy and foliage, an indoor trellis, and a curated collection of decorative lighting with influence from the Middle East, Mediterranean and Eastern European cultures.
Located on Music Lane at 1011 S Congress Ave., Building 2, Suite 180, Aba will be open for dinner Monday through Friday, brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday, delivery and carry-out options daily, with lunch service and curbside pick-up to follow.
New Orleans, LA - On October 22, 2024, I recently had an opportunity to attend the grand opening of Caesars New Orleans, marking the completion of a stunning $435 million transformation of the former Harrah’s New Orleans. It was an evening to remember, filled with excitement, luxury, and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. The festivities began on Canal Street with an exhilarating ceremony led by Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg, President & COO Anthony Carano, and Caesars New Orleans General Manager Samir Mowad. The atmosphere was electric as they joined Caesar himself and an iconic New Orleans second-line band in a lively procession into the casino. It felt like the entire city had come out to celebrate, with Caesars New Orleans team members and Mayor LaToya Cantrell also joining the event to commemorate this historic occasion. Anthony Carano’s pride in introducing Caesars to New Orleans was palpable. “From local favorite Emeril Lagasse to our long-time partner, Chef Nobu, to the beautiful state-of-the-art Caesars Sportsbook, all-new rooms and gaming floor, and of course, our gorgeous new center bar, Octavia, Caesars New Orleans offers something for everyone. It’s a world-class resort in the heart of the Big Easy, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience it,” he said. The ceremony was a spectacle, kicking off with an iconic Mardi Gras float featuring Caesar and his court, and a dazzling firework show that lit up the New Orleans sky. The second-line band then led us revelers into the resort’s elegant center bar, Octavia, where we indulged in a “Taste of Caesars New Orleans.” Each bite from the six on-property restaurants was a delightful journey, capturing the essence of New Orleans’ rich culinary scene. Throughout the night, elemental entertainers, including the Saints Cheer Krewe, Mardi Gras Indians, Zulu Tramps, and showgirls, created an authentic and unforgettable Big Easy experience. Everywhere I turned, there was something new to marvel at, each performance more mesmerizing than the last. Samir Mowad, SVP and GM of Caesars New Orleans, highlighted the significance of the transformation, stating, “This year marks 25 years since we opened in New Orleans, and the completion of this project is the perfect way to usher in a new era with Caesars. Synonymous with the Caesars name, our new resort is pure elegance, and we’re excited to introduce a luxury brand like this to New Orleans. We are extremely grateful for the support of the community, our team members, and our guests as we come to the finish line of this tremendous transformation.” The hotel itself is impressive,…
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