A new restaurant specializing in Greek cuisine is opening downtown this summer.
Earth + Ocean Restaurant Group, which operates other well known dining establishments in Hyde Park and Downtown, will introduce a new thought to Cincinnati with Okto, slated to gentle-open in late July.
The selection to target on Greek delicacies started with mass surveys to Cincinnati citizens, described Anthony Castelli, the Promoting Director at E + O Cafe Team.
He stated they wished to deliver a thing that could make absolutely everyone delighted, and the overpowering responses to the surveys involved fresh Mediterranean foodstuff, with healthy vegetarian, and vegan solutions.
The possession at E+O beloved the notion, Castelli explained.
“We look at ourselves a very relatives-oriented, relatives-operate restaurant team. Two of our owners are Greek, and their heritage is major to them. There are features of Greek culture, customs of celebrations and household and sincerity and togetherness that everybody can appreciate,” Castelli reported.
Then commenced a nationwide research for an government chef to bring the thought to truth.
Castelli claimed they had been blown away with Chef Wissam Baki whose labored in top dining places in distinct nations around the world.
Originally from Lebanon, Baki bought his start at a Mediterranean restaurant in Beirut, finally operating as a chef in Dubai, concentrating on Greek and Italian cuisine.
He also opened a steakhouse in Canada ahead of likely to Miami to operate at Estiatorio Milos, a very well-regarded Greek restaurant, and then ASTRA, an Italian cafe.
“We were really thrilled to provide him on the crew,” Castelli mentioned.
Baki explained he considered in the eyesight for Okto and cherished how the group at E+O definitely felt like a spouse and children, which sealed his determination to move to Cincinnati.
Even though coming up with menu items for Okto, Baki reported it was essential to operate with clean components, make matters in-house and offer wholesome alternatives that operate for every person.
“He blew our minds with all the diverse possibilities he experienced and the way he places dishes with each other. And what is important to us is to have fresh and approachable foods,” Castelli claimed. “That won’t indicate we will not likely play it safe with menu things, we’ll provide issues like Octopus Carpaccio, but it’s likely to be pushed to you and represented to you in a way that is quite approachable.”
Octopus Carpaccio, one particular of Chef Baki’s signature dishes, features thinly sliced octopus marinated in a distinctive household-blend served with pickled onions, capers, lemon oil, radish, and peas.
Castelli reported presentation is a major aspect of improving people’s eating expertise, so patrons can also expect enjoyable solutions like Flaming Saganaki, lit desk-side, and table-side de-boned Branzino.
The drink menu presents a large array of Greek wines and cocktails infused with clean honey and topped with edible bouquets. Castelli reported consume options will range from powerful and boozy to non-alcoholic for those people who just want a thing enjoyable to sip on.
He said Okto will give good eating in an upbeat atmosphere in which everybody can come to feel at residence.
“We are recognized for a relaxed, semi-conventional eating practical experience. And we like to say about 9 p.m. the lights go down and new music goes up. And that conjures up folks to continue to be longer,” Castelli reported. “It can be just a excellent position to be. And you can get incredible foods, wonderful beverages in the course of action, and have a good time and feel like anyone around you are good friends and family members.”
E+O Team is on the lookout to open up Okto on July 28 with restricted reservations right until the grand opening in late August.
Just before the grand opening, those who want to take a look at the cafe will have to get in touch with in advance to protected a reservation.
There are also ideas to ultimately open Okto during lunch with lighter menu options.
“We are here to offer you a great knowledge. At E+O, the man or woman is important to us. We get to know people’s names, and it truly is wonderful when persons can experience particular and at household at our cafe. That’s what we want to do.”
