The Stella Burger with White Cheddar, White BBQ Crispy Onions
Stella San Jac, an Austin-American inspired restaurant located on the corner of San Jacinto Boulevard and Fifth Street, today officially announced Chef Michael Cerrie as the restaurant’s executive chef.
Originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, Cerrie moved to Austin in 2014 to serve as the executive chef of Stella San Jac, where he will serve an eclectic Southern menu that embodies the music, flavors and culture that define Austin.
Inspired by his great grandmother, “Nonni,” and family fish fries, Cerrie attributes his cooking style to an inherited appreciation for great food served simply.
“Nonni was born in Sicily and came from a large family,” said Cerrie. “We would grow every vegetable you could in Pennsylvania. Whether it was an animal or a plant, Nonni taught us to respect the food we ate, as well as the time and effort we spent growing it. I will never forget the lessons I learned from her as a child.”
Cerrie has been in the kitchen for more than 25 years and has prepared food for celebrities, movie stars, dignitaries as well as live on Good Morning America with Emeril Lagasse. In 2013, Cerrie was inducted as Chef Rôtisseur into the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, the world’s oldest international gastronomic society that celebrates the practice of choosing, cooking and eating fine cuisine and wine.
Cerrie spent the last six months working with a tasting panel to rigorously perfect the menu for the restaurant.
“Every week we were honest with ourselves in that the food had to be approachable and delicious. The key phrase that still sticks in my head is ‘simple is hard,’” said Cerrie. “When there are literally only three-to-four ingredients on a plate, there is nothing to hide behind. A cook has to nail the execution of everything and source his ingredients from the best local farms. We have food that is simply prepared, approachable, tasty, a lot of fun, and easy on the eyes.”
Stella San Jac’s produce is sourced from several of Austin’s favorite local farms including Oak Hill Farms, Cooper Farms and Labranza Farms to ensure the freshest ingredients are used.
Some of Cerrie’s favorite menu items include Beet Chips, Blueberry Sweet Bread French Toast, Gulf Shrimp and Lump Crab Roll, Pearl Cous Cous and Oil Cured Tomato as well as classics with a twist like Braised Short Ribs with Sweet Potato Mash and Green Apple Slaw. Of particular pride is the #16 Biscuits, named after the number of batches Cerrie tested to perfect its recipe.
“We are so proud to have Chef Cerrie at the head of our table,” said David Dickinson, general manager of Stella San Jac. “He’s found a way to really capture the spirit of Austin through flavor, texture and presentation. We can’t wait to welcome in travelers and locals alike for an exceptional and unique dining experience.”
“Austin is a young, vibrant and eclectic city – much like my cooking style. It’s exciting to be here,” said Cerrie. “It feels like we are all part of something that will definitely grow to be bigger than it is today.”
Stella San Jac will be open Sunday through Saturday 6:00 a.m. to 11 p.m. The restaurant will also serve guests daily in its unique lounge space between the hours of 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. The restaurant is now taking reservations via OpenTable and by phone at (512) 792-5648. To learn more information about Stella San Jacinto visit www.StellaSanJac.com.
Stella San Jac is a Southern-style restaurant located on the ground floor of The Westin Austin Downtown at 310 East Fifth Street in Austin, Texas. Stella San Jac offers an eclectic Austin-American menu creatively constructed to be approachable, healthful and locally inspired. Open Sunday through Saturday from 6:00 a.m. to 11 p.m., Stella San Jac and its unique lounge have the capacity to serve 150 guests. To learn more, visit www.StellaSanJac.com.
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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,…
