Celebrity Chef's 'High-Caliber' Restaurant Opens At Mohegan Sun

MONTVILLE, CT — Beauty & Essex, a high-end restaurant with a pawn shop theme, opened its doors at Mohegan Sun last week.

The opening Friday drew "a crowd eager to experience its award-winning cuisine, inventive cocktails, and signature speakeasy vibe," according to a statement from the resort casino.

The restaurant was co-created by Food Network star Chris Santos, a fixture on the show "Chopped."

Beauty & Essex first opened in New York City in 2010 and also has a Las Vegas Location. Mohegan Sun's 11,000-square-foot location offers guests "a high-caliber dining experience within the property’s Casino of the Sky, next to novelle."

The multi-room dining area includes Pearl Lounge & Bar, the Peacock Dining Room, and Locket Private Dining Room.

“Mohegan Sun has built a reputation for exceptional dining and nightlife, and Beauty & Essex takes it to the next level,” Jeff Hamilton, president and general manager of Mohegan Sun, said in a statement. “In partnership once again with Tao Group Hospitality, we’ve blended top-tier cuisine and craft cocktails, creating an atmosphere unlike anything else on the property."

Beauty & Essex offers a "menu of global elevated flavors" including dishes like Red Snapper Tacos, Wagyu Steak Tartar, and Grilled Double-cut Lambchops with creamy polenta and port wine glaze.

"At Beauty & Essex, we take a playful approach to fine dining," Santos said in a statement. "We want our guests to feel like every meal is a discovery—whether it’s a first bite of our famous Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup Dumplings or sipping a craft cocktail that surprises the senses. Opening at Mohegan Sun is a dream, and we’re beyond excited to share this experience with new and returning fans."

Another dining option opened late last year at Mohegan Sun as well. The Shed also has several New York locations.

See related: Restaurant With Several New York Locations Opens At Mohegan Sun