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Forbes

Celebrity Chef Scott Conant To Open Swanky New Italian Restaurant At Baha Mar

Leola is set to open at Baha Mar this fall Scott Conant, the two-time James Beard Award-winning chef, celebrated cookbook author, and television personality is making his way to Baha Mar, one of the Caribbean's leading luxury resorts in The Bahamas, with an original culinary concept: Leola. Leola is the newest restaurant at the expansive Baha Mar resort, where it joins a slew of other celebrity chef hot spots including Marcus Samuelsson's Marcus at Baha Mar Fish + Chop House, Daniel Boulud's Cafe Boulud, and Dario Cecchini's Carna. Plus the recently opened casino floor concept — Jon Batiste's Jazz Club. 'Bringing Leola to life at Baha Mar is something I've dreamed about for a long time,' says Conant. 'I'm tremendously honored to have the opportunity to open a restaurant in such a special place. I really love the culture of the team at Baha Mar and it's inspiring to see everything they've accomplished over the last five or six years since its opening.' Scott Conant The name Leola is Conant's playful twist on leone, the Italian word for lion. 'I like the way it sounds coming off the tongue,' explains Conant. 'There's an elegance and an inherently Italian feel to it.' It also serves as a heartfelt nod to his grandfather who often used the word affectionately throughout Conant's childhood. 'When they asked what I envisioned for this concept, I told them I wanted a very swanky Italian joint,' says Conant. And swanky is exactly what he got as one step in and you're transported to a bygone era through rich velvet furnishings, gilded detailing, ornate chandeliers, and warm, ambient lighting, creating an atmosphere that combines timelessness and modern sophistication. Set within an expansive 8,800 square foot space, the restaurant will offer a refined culinary experience featuring a 106 seat main dining room, an intimate cocktail lounge, a private dining room, and a very spacious 130 seat outdoor terrace that will feature its own bar. Leola's outdoor bar The new outdoor bar will serve as a gathering place for those who want to grab a quick bite and a drink or two, and will be the perfect spot to hangout while waiting for a table. 'We want to make sure the experience is engaging as soon as guests walk through the door,' says Conant who explains he likes to consider thoughtfulness as a key factor in the concepts he creates. Conant has partnered with Lowder-Tascarella Hospitality to oversee the operations for all of his restaurants, including Leola. 'I'm over the moon to be working with these guys,' says Conant. 'I feel like I've leveled up in all aspects since working with them and it's very exciting to see what they are bringing to Leola.' Aiming to create a restaurant that will fulfill that expectation of the resort's clientele, Conant explains it makes sense for him to lean into the Italian style of food he's been known for over the span of his career. 'There will be a version of my Pomodoro that I'm excited to put on the menu,' says Conant. And fans of his famed polenta will be happy to know it will make its way to Leola in a new and delicious format as part of an 'Ossobucco' roasted pork shank served with saffron polenta. Additionally, Conant plans on using as much local product as possible and will feature some dishes that are inspired by the Caribbean. Leola The beverage program will offer an extensive selection of Old World wines with an emphasis on Italian Barolo vintages in addition to an exciting cocktail menu. "Baha Mar continues to define culinary excellence throughout the Caribbean, thanks to our outstanding restaurants and world-class chef partners," said Graeme Davis, President of Baha Mar. "For many years, Scott Conant has been a passionate champion and valued friend of Baha Mar and we're honored to officially welcome him and his talented culinary team into our dining portfolio.' The restaurant aims to open early this fall, which is perfect timing for the fourth annual Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival that will take place from October 22nd to 26th. Conant will be present and hosting three different events — with a few of them taking place inside Leola — including Tasting Tuscany with Scott Conant, Signature Chef Hosted Dinner with Scott Conant & Amanda Freitag, and Coconuts & Cocktails with Marcus Samuelsson, Scott Conant & Marv '