Dallas ASTRA Kitchen Opens Today

ASTRA Kitchen + Lounge replaces the former Ellie's restaurant space within the HALL Arts Hotel, which first opened in 2019 in the Dallas Arts District. The new restaurant's name, Astra, is Latin for "stars," a theme reflected in its revamped, art-centric aesthetic. The interior features an immersive light installation by New York artist Spencer Finch, with 360 dangling bulbs representing the molecular structure of an asteroid. Executive Chef Miguel Antonio, a graduate of Dallas' Le Cordon Bleu Institute of Culinary Arts, will lead the kitchen. His previous experience includes time at prominent Dallas establishments such as Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck, Hotel Crescent Court, and a six-year tenure as Senior Sous Chef at Fearing's at The Ritz-Carlton. The menu is described as "elevated Americana" and will feature a dedicated Wellington program. Meanwhile, London's new tiki destination, Laki Kane, is the creation of Georgi Radev, the former creative manager of the iconic celebrity hotspot Mahiki. The new Oxford Street location comes through a partnership with The Breakfast Group and takes over the site previously occupied by Burlock Rum Bar. Laki Kane will feature a Caribbean-inspired food menu developed with celebrity chef Collin Brown, including dishes like Rum BBQ Wings and Jerk Chicken. The venue aims for a high-energy, club-like atmosphere with a dance floor and a 3 a.m. license, reviving the playful spirit of Mahiki for London's nightlife. Beyond the late-night fun, the bar will continue its popular interactive experiences. Offerings will include a "Spirit of Tiki" brunch, as well as rum tasting and rum-making workshops.