Tao Group Hospitality’s Iconic Restaurant Opens at Mohegan Sun, Featuring an Immersive Pawn-Shop Entrance and Elevated Dining Experience
UNCASVILLE, CT (February 11, 2025) – Mohegan Sun and Tao Group Hospitality proudly announce the grand opening of Beauty & Essex, a stunning new restaurant and lounge that fuses opulence with intrigue. The highly anticipated dining destination officially opened on Friday, February 7th, 2025, drawing a crowd eager to experience its award-winning cuisine, inventive cocktails, and signature speakeasy vibe.
With an 11,000-square-foot footprint inside Mohegan Sun’s Casino of the Sky, Beauty & Essex seamlessly blends vintage charm with modern luxury. Guests enter through a curated modern-day pawn shop—a signature element of the Beauty & Essex brand—before discovering a multi-room dining event featuring:
Pearl Lounge & Bar – An intimate cocktail haven
Peacock Dining Room – A stunning space with artful design
Locket Private Dining Room – An exclusive setting for private events
“Mohegan Sun has built a reputation for exceptional dining and nightlife, and Beauty & Essex takes it to the next level,” said Jeff Hamilton, President & GM of Mohegan Sun. “In partnership once again with Tao Group Hospitality, we’ve blended top-tier cuisine and craft cocktails, creating an atmosphere unlike anything else on the property. Rockwell Group and JCJ Architecture have done an incredible job bringing this vision to life, ensuring every space – from the pawn shop entrance to the private dining room – feels captivating and inviting. We can’t wait for our guests to experience it.”
A Menu of Elevated Global Flavors
Beauty & Essex, co-founded by celebrity chef Chris Santos, has gained worldwide acclaim for its shareable plates, globally inspired flavors, and immersive dining. The Mohegan Sun location introduces a curated selection of signature dishes and shareables, with highlights like:
Wagyu Steak Tartare with mustard and chive sticky rice
Grilled Double-cut Lambchops with creamy polenta, port wine glaze.
24 oz. Dry-Aged Bone-in Ribeye with Beauty & Essex’s signature roasted garlic & bacon or smoked tomato glaze
Little French Dips with slow-roasted prime sirloin, gruyère cheese, horseradish-garlic aioli, house-made au jus
Gochujang Salmon with black garlic risotto, kimchi slaw, ginger aioli
Oven Braised Chicken Meatballs with whipped ricotta, wild mushrooms, truffle
The restaurant offers a dedicated vegan menu for guests seeking plant-based options, including Miso-Glazed Crispy Eggplant, Wild Mushroom Risotto, Kale & Apple Salad, and more.
“At Beauty & Essex, we take a playful approach to fine dining,” said Chef Chris Santos. “We want our guests to feel like every meal is a discovery—whether it’s a first bite of our famous Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup Dumplings or sipping a craft cocktail that surprises the senses. Opening at Mohegan Sun is a dream, and we’re beyond excited to share this experience with new and returning fans.”
Handcrafted Cocktails & Curated Wine Selections
The beverage program at Beauty & Essex is just as captivating as the cuisine, featuring favorites like:
Beauty Elixir – Bombay Gin, La Marca Sparkling Rosé, cucumber, strawberry
The wine list also features over 20 hand-selected labels, including Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio (Italy) and BenMarco Malbec (Argentina).
A Speakeasy with a Hidden Entrance
At the heart of Beauty & Essex is its pawn shop-inspired entrance, a signature feature that surprises and delights first-time visitors. Curated by Lauren Kaminsky, aka “Gold Girl,” the modern-day pawn shop showcases a stunning collection of vintage treasures, all available for purchase. Guests can browse unique items such as Fender, Ibanez, Gretsch, Gold Tone and D’Angelico guitars, classic Vox amplifiers, retro wall art, vinyl records, and rare jewelry. Among the standout pieces are Beatles memorabilia and other one-of-a-kind collectibles that make for the perfect conversation starters.
Beyond this unexpected retail experience, the restaurant unfolds into a multi-room dining and cocktail haven, where dim lighting, vintage décor, and plush seating create a transportive and unforgettable atmosphere.
A Thrilling New Chapter in Mohegan Sun’s Dining Evolution
Beauty & Essex marks another exciting chapter in Mohegan Sun’s partnership with Tao Group Hospitality, joining the highly successful TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge. As Mohegan Sun continues to expand its dining and nightlife portfolio, Beauty & Essex stands out as a must-visit destination for food lovers, cocktail enthusiasts, and those seeking an unforgettable night out.
Reservations at Beauty & Essex can be made by visiting taogroup.com/venues. For more information and updates on special events planned at Beauty & Essex, guests can visit mohegansun.com.
To view and download additional imagery of Beauty & Essex at Mohegan Sun, click HERE.
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ABOUT JCJ ARCHITECTURE
JCJ Architecture is a forward-thinking and nationally ranked planning, architecture and interior design firm offering comprehensive services to clients in the hospitality, gaming, civic, K12 and higher education sectors. Founded in 1936, the employee-owned firm’s mission is to provide innovative design solutions that enhance the environment, enrich people’s lives and help organizations succeed.
With a long-standing reputation for business acumen and project delivery excellence, JCJ focuses on bringing the qualities of adaptability, integrity, respect and collaboration to a design process that leverages the unique qualities and potential of each project. JCJ collaborates with clients across the United States from offices located in Boston, Hartford, New York City, Phoenix, San Diego, Tulsa, and Las Vegas. For more information, please visit www.jcj.com.
ABOUT TAO GROUP HOSPITALITY
Tao Group Hospitality delivers distinctive culinary and premium entertainment experiences through its portfolio of restaurants, nightclubs, lounges, and daylife venues. Tao Group Hospitality acquired Hakkasan Group in April 2021. The combined company operates over 80 branded locations in over 20 markets across four continents and features a collection of widely recognized hospitality brands. These include TAO, Hakkasan, Crane Club, OMNIA, Marquee, LAVO, Beauty & Essex, Yauatcha, Ling Ling, Cathédrale, Little Sister, The Highlight Room, Sake No Hana, Jewel, and more. Tao Group Hospitality is part of Mohari Hospitality, a global investment firm with a focus in luxury lifestyle and hospitality investments. Learn more at taogroup.com.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN
Owned by Mohegan, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic Southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to two unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, two world-class spas, two distinct convention centers, an expo center, a golf course, over 70 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on X and Instagram @mohegansun and view us on YouTube.
Festivities include live entertainment throughout the day at The Lansdowne Irish Pub & Music House
UNCASVILLE, CT (March 6, 2024) – Mohegan Sun is set to roll out the green carpet for St. Patrick’s Day on Sunday, March 17th and provide guests with can’t-miss food and drink specials at various restaurants throughout the property. Guests can also stop by The Lansdowne Irish Pub & Music House to enjoy free, live entertainment by Danny Fleet and Run For Covers.
In addition to live entertainment by Danny Fleet at 1:00pm and Run For Covers at 4:00pm, The Lansdowne Irish Pub & Music House is set to feature a special Corned Beef & Cabbage Spring Rolls appetizer for $17, which is made of corned beef, cabbage, carrots, Swiss cheese and served with Thousand Island dressing on the side. For an entrée, guests can enjoy the Irish Trio Dinner for $36 which consists of Shepherd’s pie, corned beef & cabbage, banger sausage and soda bread. The Lansdowne Irish Pub & Music House reminds guests to wear their green!
Over at Todd English’s Tuscany, guests can savor Wagyu Corned Beef ($34) served with Guinness braised cabbage with bacon, honey glazed baby carrots and herb roasted new potatoes.
MJ23 Sports Bar & Grill is also set to get in on the St. Paddy’s Day action with a drink special and two featured dishes. Guests can sip on the Lucky Clover ($16) which is made of mint cream liqueur, chocolate vodka, vanilla vodka, crème de menthe and a coco-sugar rim. For an appetizer, guests can dive into Corned Beef Egg Rolls ($18) made with house-made corned beef, onions, peppers and served with beer cheese sauce on the side. The featured entrée will be Short Rib Shepherd’s Pie ($24) consisting of braised short rib, onions, peppers and Parmesan mashed potatoes.
Tom’s Watch Bar is set to have a selection of Irish-inspired drink specials including a pint of Guinness for $7, a pint of Green Beer (Coors Light or Bud Light) for $6, Jameson shots (1.25-oz pour) for $5 and various beer bucket specials.
At The Crafty Stir Café, guests can partake in a spiked Tippy Cow Irish Hot Chocolate or a spiked Tippy Cow Irish Mint Coffee for $12. To compliment the hot chocolate or coffee, guests can indulge in Irish-Inspired Donuts for $7 each or Donut Holes for $2 each.
For additional information regarding St. Patrick’s Day specials, visit the Mohegan Sun website.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN
Owned by Mohegan, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic Southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to two unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, two world-class spas, a golf course, over 70 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on X and Instagram @mohegansun and view us on YouTube.
The Shaken or Stirred Hotel Package is a new package available at Mohegan Sun, which includes an overnight stay and a $150 credit for novelle
UNCASVILLE, CT (November 7, 2023) Mohegan Sun is home to two luxurious hotel towers, including the 34-story Sky Tower that overlooks the Thames River and southeastern Connecticut countryside. There are currently a variety of sensational hotel packages available for guests, with the latest being the Shaken or Stirred Hotel Package, themed around episode two of Mohegan’s original digital TV series, “Back of House,” airing now.
This package allows travelers to book an overnight stay that comes with a $150.00 dining and drink credit for use at Mohegan Sun’s premium lounge, novelle, where they can enjoy cocktails, delicious bites and gaming.
For more information and how to book the Shaken or Stirred Hotel Package, click HERE.
Launched on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, and airing every Wednesday at 7:30pm EDT through November 15th, Mohegan Sun’s award-winning original online TV series, “Back of House,” is currently in its 7th season. The show peels the curtain back to give viewers a glimpse of how Mohegan Sun’s hardest-working team members sync together to create a symphony of hospitality.
This was evident in episode two, “Shaken or Stirred,” where Mohegan Sun’s Director of Fine Dining, Chris Greaney, organizes a “Spirit Spotlight” cocktail contest. Competitors included mixologists from three Mohegan Sun fine dining attractions, including TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge, Todd English’s Tuscany and novelle – where the competition occurred. The only requirement was for each mixologist to base their drink idea on Patrón Tequila! The winning cocktail, the “Amber Maize,” skillfully prepared by top bartenders in this year’s competition, is now available at novelle. Guests taking advantage of the Shaken or Stirred package can use their dining credit on this winning drink! Visit BackofHouse.TV to watch this fun episode.
Mohegan Sun regularly offers hotel packages for exciting entertainment inside Mohegan Sun Arena and other award-winning venues. The current lineup of entertainment-focused hotel packages include:
The Tool Friday and Saturday Hotel Entertainment Packages, featuring an overnight stay, two premium tickets to the Tool concert at Mohegan Sun Arena on November 10 or 11, 2023 and a $25 credit to Arena concessions.
The Dave Matthews Band Monday and Tuesday Hotel Entertainment Packages, featuring an overnight stay, two premium tickets to see Dave Matthews Band at Mohegan Sun Arena on November 13 or 14, 2023 and a $25 credit to Arena concessions.
The Deon Cole Hotel Entertainment Package, featuring an overnight stay, two premium tickets to see Deon Cole at Mohegan Sun Arena on Saturday, December 2, 2023 and a $25 credit to Arena concessions.
The Bret Michaels Hotel Package, featuring an overnight stay, two premium tickets to the Bret Michaels concert at Mohegan Sun Arena on Saturday, December 16, 2023 and a $25 credit to Arena concessions.
The Matt Rife Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday Entertainment Packages, featuring an overnight stay, two premium tickets to Matt Rife at Mohegan Sun Arena on February 22nd, 23rd, 24th, or 25th and a $25 credit to Arena concessions.
ABOUT BACK OF HOUSE “Back of House” swings the doors of hospitality and entertainment wide open. It is a trailblazing all-access pass to the action behind the action at one of the world’s largest integrated casino resort destinations, Mohegan Sun. Enjoy following fun, dedicated resort employees as they navigate obstacles and challenges in their quests to make each guest’s stay a perfect getaway experience. For more information, visit backofhouse.tv where you can also book a room, buy show tickets, gift cards, Mohegan Sun merchandise, and even check out careers with Mohegan Sun.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN
Owned by Mohegan, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic Southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to two unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, two world-class spas, a golf course, over 70 shops, restaurants and bars, as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on X and Instagram @mohegansun and view us on YouTube.
Connecticut’s leading integrated entertainment resort sets the stage for new luxury lounge, gaming and dining space
Mohegan Sun, the East Coast’s largest luxury integrated entertainment resort, today announced an enhanced and ultra-luxurious nightlife experience opening on-property this year, novelle.
Boasting a first-of-its-kind offering for the entertainment and casino industry, novelle is a unique 15,000-square-foot venue that will shift seamlessly from a chic and modern lounge, to an entertaining night out, featuring thrilling table games and eclectic sharable plates, to a stylish ultra-lounge experience powered by high-profile DJs, bottle service and a lively dance floor. Opening in June 2019, novelle invites guests to embrace an all-new social nightlife experience at Mohegan Sun, perfect for an evening among close friends and like-minded entertainment seekers.
“Whether it’s an intimate gathering among close friends, a mid-size bachelor party or corporate event, novelle is a blank slate for visitors to plan a sophisticated social outing, while indulging in the best aspects of our integrated entertainment resort, such as table games, premium cocktails and live music,” said Jeff Hamilton, Assistant General Manager of Mohegan Sun. “Offering a truly radical departure from the typical nightspot or gaming lounge, novelle provides a customizable social experience for those who want to create a memorable night out with the perfect evening vibe.”
Designed by Peter Niemitz, New England’s premier restaurant and nightlife architect, novelle showcases a modern, speakeasy-style interior with chic, sophisticated vibes and glamourous materials using color pallets of gold, champagne and black. The entrance of novelle features an impressive statement bar, followed by a larger central bar that opens up into the main interior space which is filled with flexible lounge areas and a dance floor.
Additional highlights of novelle include:
24 dining and bottle service VIP tables offering and six gaming tables with double seats for couples
Four private rooms offering the ability for guests to rent a room for a large or small group, with custom catering and lower table limits
A state-of-the-art sound system with DJ booth prepared to host the industry’s top artists
Accelerated drink service with hand-crafted cocktails
A consolidated “greatest hits” menu showcasing a variety of cuisines and flavors including dishes such as Roasted Beet Salad, Seared Sesame Tuna & Steak Frites novelle, and more
Two beautiful, full-service bars offering a classic, yet modern beverage program and team
“Unlike any other product in the resort, restaurant and entertainment industries, novelle is guaranteed to be a thrilling and distinctive nightlife experience at Mohegan Sun,” said recently named General Manager, Joe O’Connor. “With a massive footprint and prime location near Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse, novelle offers everything guests need for a sophisticated night out, from fine dining, a cocktail lounge with bottle service, inviting blackjack tables and so much more.”
To celebrate the official grand opening, novelle will host a star-studded launch weekend starting on Thursday, June 20 through Saturday, June 22 featuring a VIP lineup of special entertainment and partying. Guests and socially-savvy fans are encouraged to follow @novellemohegan on Instagram and Twitter and stay up-to-date on novelle’s grand opening event details and ticket information in the coming weeks.
Since opening the doors to its flagship property in Connecticut in 1996, Mohegan Sun grew quickly into one of the Western hemisphere’s premier integrated entertainment resort destinations, delivering unforgettable experiences to millions of visitors each year. From dining and shopping, to professional sporting events and endless entertainment, the brand’s commitment to provide new and exciting offerings translated into more than 50 dining restaurants, bars and lounges; two hotel towers with premium guests accommodations; a full retail shopping concourse; two lavish spas; an 18-hole golf course; three high-energy entertainment venues and a recently opened boutique “hotel within a hotel,” the 93-room Aspire.
To learn about novelle at Mohegan Sun’s all-encompassing resort property in Uncasville, Connecticut, follow novelle on Instagram and Twitter @novellemohegan or visit novellemohegan.com.
About Mohegan Sun
Owned by Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining, shopping and meeting destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to three unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, 2 world-class spas, a golf course, over 90 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @mohegansun, view us on YouTube and find us on Snapchat at username MoheganSun.
Connecticut’s Premier Resort Invites Guests to Experience the Revamped Sun Terrace Pool with Private Cabanas and Outdoor Seating at Bean and Vine Terrace
UNCASVILLE, CT – Mohegan Sun announced today the opening of its renovated Sun Terrace Pool and introduced the resort’s first outdoor food and drink experience at the Bean and Vine Terrace. Resort guests and visitors are invited to embrace summertime at one of the East Coast’s premiere destinations with the Sun Terrace Pool’s enhanced amenities and contemporary updates, including brand new cabanas and pool furniture. Capturing the essence of summer, Mohegan Sun unveiled the new Bean and Vine Terrace, its first al fresco casual dining spot, featuring all day menu options ranging from hand-crafted coffee and breakfast specialties to sommelier-selected wines and seasonal small bites for sharing. The new cabanas are available startingSaturday, May 27, and the Bean and Vine Terrace opens to the public on Thursday, May 25.
“The guest experience is our priority at Mohegan Sun and we take special care and pride in continuously adding new amenities for our guests to enjoy,” said Ray Pineault, President & General Manager of Mohegan Sun. “Whether hungry for the finest in dining, catching major headliners and live concerts or wanting to discover the best in gaming, we at Mohegan Sun are proud to offer guests premier entertainment, gambling, shopping and relaxing experiences this summer!”
Sun Terrace Pool Cabanas Guests can experience the ultimate in comfort and relaxation in the new cabanas at the Sun Terrace Pool, which offers the ideal warm-weather escape amidst Mohegan Sun’s beautiful resort setting, located on the third floor of the Sky Tower. The new pool cabanas feature a cool outdoor space for hot summer days amidst plush pillows and soothing colors – perfect to relax with a summer book or create an outdoor entertainment lounge for friends and family.
Each cabana comfortably seats ten people, comes with a television, mini-refrigerator and towels, and features sturdy shutters around the perimeter providing both sun protection and privacy for guests. Beginning this summer, daily cabana reservations are available for $400 Monday through Friday, $600 on Saturday and $500 on Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and guests receive a complimentary $100 food and beverage credit when they book. In the evenings, cabanas can be reserved between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. for a lower rate of $250 Monday through Thursday, $350 Friday and Saturday, and $250 on Sunday, with a $50 food and beverage credit. Guests are encouraged to place their cabana reservation through Mohegan Sun’s concierge (Ext. 2-1230) for both future and day of bookings, with a 24-hour cancellation policy. The outside Sun Terrace Pool is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, weather permitting. Bean and Vine Terrace
The Bean and Vine Café & Wine Bar, located in Mohegan Sun’s recently opened Earth Tower, will launch outdoor food and drink service on the new Bean and Vine Terrace, beginning Thursday, May 25. The first al fresco casual grill spot at the resort will seat up to 120 guests on a contemporary designed patio matching the indoor restaurant’s modern style, where guests are invited to enjoy small bites at the Bean and Vine Terrace Thursdays through Saturdays. The Bean and Vine Terrace menu features shared plates such as chips and guacamole with salsa, a Mediterranean hummus platter, hot poke bowls with guests’ choice of beef tenderloin, chicken or shrimp, and grilled chicken, beef or shrimp skewers served with a summer salad and naan triangles. The restaurant will also offer $7cocktails and Moet champagne by the glass, as well as outdoor entertainment on Thursday nights as part of Mohegan Sun’s annual Hot Summer Fun celebration, which kicks off in June.
These new features are part of Mohegan Sun’s multi-million dollar revamp initiated last year. The project includes several stages of renovations for the property’s original 1,200-room Sky Tower, and opening of the brand new Earth Tower last fall. The Earth Tower brought 400 hotel rooms to Mohegan Sun’s riverfront property, featuring the full-service Mandara Spa along with a fitness center, pool, a fire pit lounge outside on the Earth Tower Terrace and now the newly introduced Bean and Vine Terrace.
To learn more about the all-encompassing resort property in Uncasville, Connecticut and experience the Sun Terrace Pool and Earth Tower Terrace this summer, visit Mohegan Sun!
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN Owned by the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to three unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, 2 world-class spas, a golf course, over 80 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access ofNew York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @mohegansun, view us on YouTube and find us on Snapchat at username MoheganSun.
UNCASVILLE, CT (March 6, 2024) – Mohegan Sun is set to roll out the green carpet for 
southeastern Connecticut countryside. There are currently a variety of sensational hotel packages available for guests, with the latest being the 
Launched on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, and airing every Wednesday at 7:30pm EDT through November 15th, Mohegan Sun’s award-winning original online TV series, “Back of House,” is currently in its 7th season. The show peels the curtain back to give viewers a glimpse of how Mohegan Sun’s hardest-working team members sync together to create a symphony of hospitality.
today announced an enhanced and ultra-luxurious nightlife experience opening on-property this year, novelle.