WALLA
WALLA, Wash., June 26,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Renowned chef Mike Easton, a four-time James Beard Award nominee, will join The Kitchen
at Abeja as Executive Chef on July
1.
Chef Easton will bring a Tuscan-inspired influence to The
Kitchen at Abeja's prix fixe menu in the heart of Walla Walla wine country. An optional wine
pairing menu will showcase how contrasting food and wine flavors,
as well as complementary tastes, elevate the dining experience.
Easton is best known for his handmade pasta and high-quality
ingredients, which won him cult-like followings at Il Corvo and Il
Nido in Seattle and, most
recently, at Bar Bacetto in nearby Waitsburg, Wash. He is celebrated for his
meticulous approach to cooking, rooted in traditional techniques
that rely on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
"I am a chef who seeks inspiration from the ingredients around
me," says Easton. "Over the coming weeks, I will be tasting Abeja's
wines, forming a relationship with them, and writing menus that
complement their unique flavors." His new menu will debut on
August 1.
The Kitchen at Abeja is located on a picturesque 38-acre
historic farmstead that hosts the acclaimed Abeja winery. Also on
the property is The Inn at Abeja, managed by Columbia Hospitality.
The unique setting offers guests an immersive wine-country
experience, blending exceptional cuisine, award-winning wines, and
luxurious accommodations amidst the natural beauty of the Walla
Walla Valley.
"I fell in love with this property and the wines of Abeja on my
first visit here ten years ago," says Easton. The chance to offer
wine-centric, fine dining in a pastoral setting like this is an
opportunity that comes along once in a lifetime." Easton says he
has put Bar Bacetto on "an extended hiatus to seize the opportunity
to collaborate with Abeja's incredible team and create exceptional
dining experiences."
"Chef Mike's approach to cooking mirrors Abeja's philosophy that
every meal should be a celebration of the senses and every visit a
memory in the making," says Amy
Alvarez-Wampfler, who shares winemaking and general manager
duties with her husband, Dan
Wampfler. "We are thrilled to welcome him." Easton will
replace Chef Jake Crenshaw, who is
leaving The Kitchen at Abeja after two years to accept a position
as the culinary director at Walla Walla
Community College.
Hours, Reservations & Location
Dinner at The
Kitchen at Abeja is by reservation only. Reservations may be made
online using a link from the Abeja website. The Kitchen at Abeja
welcomes all: overnight guests of The Inn at Abeja, visitors to the
Walla Walla Valley, and neighbors. Abeja is located at 2014 Mill
Creek Road in Walla Walla, Wash.
The dining room is open Thursday through Sunday evenings. Seatings
are between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.
About Abeja
Abeja's beautifully restored century-old
farmstead provides the perfect setting for world-class hospitality.
Surrounded by golden wheat fields and the foothills of the Blue
Mountains, Abeja is home to the celebrated Walla Walla winery; The Inn at Abeja provides
luxury guest lodging; and The Kitchen at Abeja offers innovative
fine dining with an emphasis on food and wine pairings. Estate
vineyards, creeks, gardens, lavender fields, and panoramic views
provide a serene setting for an immersive wine country experience.
For more information about Abeja, please visit abeja.net.
About Columbia Hospitality
Columbia Hospitality
(Columbia) is a North American
management and consulting company established in 1995 by founder
John Oppenheimer. Their growing
portfolio includes award-winning hotels and resorts, premier
residential communities, restaurants and bars, private and public
golf clubs, conference centers, and distinctive venues.
Columbia creates exceptional
experiences for guests and team members while achieving phenomenal
results for property owners. Columbia has also consulted on hundreds of
hospitality projects worldwide, delivering a high level of
customized service to partners and investors. For more information
about Columbia and to view the
entire portfolio, visit columbiahospitality.com.
Facebook @AbejaWineryInn
Instagram@AbejaWineryInn
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SOURCE The Kitchen at Abeja