Laid Again Vibes and Refined Indulgence Await at New Secret Speakeasy
Fort Myers, FL (RestaurantNews.com) Downtown Fort Myers is about to get a style of secret sophistication with the grand opening of Escondido Lounge, a new speakeasy-style two-story mezcal and tequila lounge slated to open in September 2024. Escondido Lounge guarantees to be a haven for aficionados of craft mixology, revolutionary small plates, indulgent desserts, and dwell music alike.
Nestled within the coronary heart of downtown, Escondido Lounge is a joint undertaking based by Kilgore Culinary Group which is owned and operated by famend Miami Chef Bradley Kilgore of worldwide acclaim, Southwest Florida entrepreneur, Brad Cozza, and native restaurateurs Ozzie Morrobel and Max Curtis. The speakeasy was impressed by the “Brad’s” latest joint undertaking in Mexico, OCN Resorts & Residences, the place Kilgore spearheaded the facilities meals and beverage program. Chef Kilgore is absolutely dedicated to the Southwest FL space, as him and Cozza just lately leased a further area downtown which can home one in all Kilgore’s well-known Miami ideas early 2025.
The Richards historic constructing has a wealthy historical past having been a pharmacy, soda bars and movie star hang-out visited repeatedly by native VIPs together with Thomas Edison, and baseballers Ty Cobb and Connie Mack. The pharmacy was owned and operated by RQ Richards, so it made sense to pay homage by honoring the household title by calling the upstairs loft space, The Richards Loft in addition to a cocktail known as “The RQ Richards Previous Usual”.
Designed to evoke the attract and mystique of a bygone period, Escondido (which implies “hidden” in Spanish) Lounge welcomes friends into an intimate and ambient setting the place the artistry of mixology takes heart stage. Enter by way of a secret library door behind the favored eatery Taco Works, and patrons can take pleasure in an intensive choice of premium mezcal and tequila, handpicked for his or her high quality and authenticity. The bar menu additionally places emphasis on correctly executed conventional and basic craft cocktails created by their professional bartenders, showcasing revolutionary mixtures and distinctive taste profiles. Notable highlights will embrace the “Guava Breeze” made with aged rum, guava puree and recent lime topped with cream cheese foam, the “Milk Punch” which options Cachaca, Mozart darkish chocolate, velvet Falernum, pineapple, lime, Verbena tea, soy milk and Orjat. One other quickly to be fan favourite is the “Passionfruit Mezcalita” crafted with recent passionfruit, mezcal, lime, habanero bitters and agave.
Chef Kilgore has additionally created the menu for Escondido which can function artistic, shareable, and enjoyable plates to go along with the lounge’s full of life vibe. Some notable dishes embrace the Tacky Gruyère & Black Truffle Panini, an indulgent mixture of aged cheddar, Gruyère, black truffle with garlic aioli that’s pressed to perfection. On the lighter facet, the menu includes a Chef Kilgore favourite, Caviar Chips & Dip made with a heat goat cheese and chive mousse folded with gradual caramelized onion jam. For many who savor a candy deal with, Escondido will even introduce a dessert bar the place friends can select from decadent delights curated by Kilgore Culinary. Identified for his culinary innovation, Chef Brad Kilgore’s dedication to high quality has made him Miami’s Chef of the 12 months a powerful 5 occasions. Chef Kilgore has crafted a choice of desserts that completely complement and improve the flavors of mezcal and tequila together with the Heat Chocolate “Fireball” Fondant topped with vanilla bean ice cream, the Lime Sherbet Yuzu-Mezcal-Margarita Granita with crushed frozen raspberries, or the Mango-Yogurt-Cheesecake Mousse with Tequila, Habanero Sugar Crystals, and Tajin Spice.
Upon coming into, friends are greeted by a surprising mid-century model six-foot tall crimson chandelier and architectural wooden slat columns impressed by the vibe of Puerto Escondido and Oaxaca whereas cozy cubicles line the partitions. The downstairs stage boasts a personal room that may be booked for occasions meticulously deliberate by an in-house occasion planner. Including to the ambiance, dwell piano and jazz performances will grace the venue on choose nights, offering a soulful backdrop to a night of laid-back vibes and refined indulgence. This guarantees to make Escondido Lounge not only a vacation spot for drinks, however a cultural hub the place music and libations harmoniously mix.
“We’re thrilled to deliver a style of refined leisure to downtown Fort Myers with the opening of Escondido Lounge,” stated Brad Cozza, co-owner. “Our objective is to create an unforgettable expertise the place friends can savor distinctive spirits, take pleasure in dwell piano, and take pleasure in beautiful bites crafted by Chef Brad Kilgore. How unbelievable to be positioned in such a historic area, and to be in the identical actual spot the place nice athletes and students as soon as stood, it’s an honor,” says Cozza.
Escondido Lounge invitations locals and guests alike to find a brand new commonplace of favor and leisure in Fort Myers. Whether or not in search of an evening out with pals, a romantic date, or just a spot to unwind, Escondido won’t disappoint.
For extra info, together with hours of operation and upcoming occasions, please go to EscondidoLounge.com or take a look at @escondidolounge on Instagram for the most recent updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Cheryl Mazor at Cheryl@vanessamenkes.com | Vanessa Menkes at Vanessa@vanessamenkes.com