Joins Celebrity Restaurateurs Bobby Flay, Michael Jordan and Todd English
(Uncasville, CT)  — John J. Tunney III, known for his high-profile, always-packed creations in New York, Connecticut, Las Vegas and Atlantic City, will open a 16,000 square foot restaurant at Mohegan Sun on September 22, 2011.  BALLO Italian Restaurant and Social Club is Tunney’s 12^th restaurant and his latest after receiving three consecutive New York Times “excellent” reviews for his current properties.
Tunney’s Besito Mexican Kitchen and Agave Lounge, with three locations in New York and Connecticut, was recently listed as the #1 Mexican restaurant in the tri-state area by OpenTable.  OpenTable also categorizes Besito West Hartford as the #1 most reserved restaurant in the state of Connecticut.  Tunney’s commitment is to not only bring exceptional food and design to a property but to embrace the culture of the cuisine, making the experience a comprehensive one. 
BALLO Italian Restaurant and Social Club continues to cultivate that culture of cuisine.  BALLO at Mohegan Sun was inspired by San Galgano – a Gothic abbey built in the 12^th century and located in the hills of Tuscany.  The sheer magnitude of the project fits perfectly with the evolving grandeur and elegance of Mohegan Sun and its connection to nature.  “San Galgano represents all that is spectacular about Italy – the history, the passion, the fortitude of the country.  What better place to experience the food of Italy than in a place that replicates their mastery,” says Tunney.
Guests can enjoy freshly prepared Italian fare from the open pantry, lounge in a cathedral-like room replete with Italian fixtures, fabrics and dramatic lighting and enjoy a massive by-the-glass wine list or specialty BALLO cocktails.  Move further into BALLO and visitors to Mohegan Sun can socialize at one of the largest carrera marble bars ever built or continue into the main dining room where food is the real celebration. 
Tunney is committed to locally grown produce and innovative Italian staples you can eat from noon to midnight,  “I’ve always loved the idea of a pantry.  A place where you are watching the freshest ingredients being prepared with the least amount of touch by the best pair of hands — and delivered in an open area as if you’re in someone’s kitchen.”  The culinary team of Executive Chef Matthew Adler and Chef de Cuisine Shaun Golan will execute the inspiring menu at BALLO.
After eating like a high roller, let the Bacchanal begin.  At 11 p.m., a rehearsed set of servers at BALLO will carry out a portion of the dining room furniture and guests will literally be able to “dance on tables” — Italian night life style. 
BALLO will be located in Mohegan Sun’s Casino of the Earth. “We’re very excited about this new venture,” said Mitchell Etess, CEO of the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority. “BALLO is a unique concept that will further enhance the experience we offer our guests. We’re thrilled to welcome John Tunney to our group of outstanding restaurateurs.”