Founders of the popular Miami Beach restaurant, MILA announced their second restaurant concept, AVA MediterrAegean. The Mediterranean and Aegean-inspired restaurant will be coming to Central Florida’s Winter Park in early 2022. The new dining concept will be located in the heart of Park Avenue, at 290 S Park Avenue, formerly occupied by LUMA on Park.
The restaurant will be led by a powerhouse culinary team, with Top Chef winner Chef Hung Huynh at the helm. Chef Hung gained the title of “Top Chef” in season three of the Emmy-winning cooking competition show. After his win, Chef Hung led the kitchens as Executive Chef at CATCH NYC, with his worldly style and technique having influenced the globally inspired seafood cuisine. As Executive Chef at AVA MediterrAegean, Chef Hung’s international palette and background will allow him to create an innovative menu while staying true to the Cycladic traditions. He has traveled the world, cultivating his knowledge of different types of cuisine and will apply his innovative techniques and own signature twist at AVA MediterrAegean.
The culinary team also includes other acclaimed chefs, Daniel Garner, and Erick Melendez. Chef Garner's experience includes his work as Senior Sous Chef at Nobu Malibu working alongside famous Chef Gregorio Stephensons and as head chef of ZUMA’s New York and Miami restaurants. As MILA Group’s Corporate Head Chef, he will lead their Executive culinary team of each restaurant to ensure the dishes and standards are at the highest levels across each venue. Chef Erick Melendez also comes from ZUMA, working in outposts in Miami, New York, London and Rome. At MILA Group, Chef Melendez will work as Research & Development Corporate Chef, using his experience and knowledge of various international dining scenes, introducing the restaurant’s guests to unique flavor combinations and modern techniques.
"Our idea behind AVA MediterrAegean was to create a unique destination in Winter Park, offering a multi-sensory dining experience, where culinary excellence merges with an unparalleled transporting ambiance,” says Greg Galy, founder of MILA Group. “Bringing an acclaimed team of Chefs was non-negotiable to create this elevated journey and tap into a new culinary horizon for this market."
Inspired by the charm, untapped beauty and personality of the Cyclades, AVA MediterrAegean’s distinguished design is simple and conservative, yet warm and transporting. Characterized by a timeless charm and a cheerful elegance, the venue features organic and authentic materials while embracing contemporary style.
“The open kitchen and central bar create the most mesmerizing blend of tradition and modernity, unique to AVA MediterrAegean’s design. The interior was designed by Olya Volkova, also behind the design of sister restaurant MILA, for which she was shortlisted for a 2021 Restaurant & Design Award,” says Marine Galy, Co-Founder of MILA Group. “AVA MediterrAegean’s mantra is “Parea”, a Greek word meaning a group of friends, who gather to share life experiences, philosophies, values and ideas. We want to create for our guests a new home away from home.”
Mixing contemporary with traditional, and accessible through a secret entrance, The Lounge is a secluded venue accessible to Members only, featuring a DJ, offering the most custom VIP service, with a mixology bar and a rolling cart, premium bottle service and 2 private dining rooms. Members are meant to become AVA MediterrAegean’s friends & family, making unforgettable memories at each and every visit.
News and information presented in this release has not been corroborated by WTWH Media LLC.
