UNCASVILLE, CT (May 30, 2025) – A beloved culinary landmark at Mohegan Sun enters an exciting new chapter as The Farm Italy Mohegan Sun officially opens today at 4:00pm. Located in the heart of Casino of the Earth, the celebrated Ballo Italian space has been completely reimagined—ushering in a new era of Italian dining under the continued leadership of restaurateur John Tunney and his acclaimed culinary, design, and operations team. Reservations can be made at mohegansun.com/farmitaly!
While the architectural grandeur of Ballo Italian remains intact, The Farm Italy Mohegan Sun reveals a breathtaking transformation—evoking the rustic elegance of an Italian countryside estate. With artful décor, custom designed lighting, imported trees and a refined menu steeped in the traditions and seasonality of Italian cuisine, the new concept blends sophistication with rustic elegance. The space will also feature a stunning bar and dining space that offers a dramatic visual experience, anchored by a series of towering, gold-accented archways casting a warm glow over the marble bar and custom white-upholstered barstools that invite guests to linger. The dining area is framed by arched colonnades, textured brick walls, and strategically placed greenery. The architecture subtly divides the space, creating cozy alcoves and natural partitions that lend a sense of privacy without isolation—ideal for intimate dinners, quiet conversations, or semi-private gatherings.
“The transformation of Ballo Italian into The Farm Italy Mohegan Sun is a true evolution of everything we love about Italian food and hospitality,” says owner John Tunney. “We’ve taken the passion and spirit behind The Farm Italy and infused it into a space that has meant so much to so many. It’s not just a redesign—it’s a reawakening. We’re beyond excited to welcome guests into this next chapter.”
Whether guests are hosting a celebratory dinner, an executive event, or a discreet evening out, this space has been designed to evoke comfort, connection, and luxury in every detail. This is more than a restaurant—it’s a retreat and a showpiece of elevated hospitality.
With its unwavering commitment to scratch-made dishes, seasonal ingredients, and genuine hospitality, The Farm Italy has earned national acclaim—including recognition as one of OpenTable’s Top 100 Restaurants in the U.S. A standout on New York’s dining scene, The Farm Italy now joins Mohegan Sun’s exclusive new culinary lineup, neighboring its recently opened sister concept in the Casino of the Earth, The Shed Restaurant—an all-day brunch destination that has quickly become a must-visit at Mohegan Sun.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to unveil the new Farm Italy Mohegan Sun” -said Jeff Hamilton, President of Mohegan Sun. “Classic BALLO dishes like the Chicken Parmesan The Fritto Misto remain, while there is a variety of new and desliscoius scratch-made options on the menu. Combine that with the beautiful transformation that has brought Farm Italy Mohegan Sun to life, and you have a truly special and refreshed dining experience that we’re really excited about.”
At the heart of the experience is a menu rooted in tradition and elevated by craft. Each meal is recommended to begin with the house-baked bread, served warm and finished with premium olive oil, fragrant herbs, and sea salt. Signature dishes include:
Branzino – A delicate filet served with burro bianco, lemon, and broccolini.
Pappardelle Bolognese – Rich beef ragù over fresh pappardelle with a dollop of ricotta.
Chicken Parmesan – Crispy house-made cutlet with mozzarella, pecorino, pomodoro, and fresh basil.
Cacio e Pepe – A Roman classic featuring bucatini, cracked black pepper, and aged pecorino.
Double R Ranch NY Strip Steak – A 16 oz. prime steak finished with saba char.
The bar program showcases a curated list of signature cocktails and elevated mocktails, featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients and Italian-inspired flair. Highlights include:
Blood Orange Margarita – Fresno chili-infused tequila with blood orange, lime, and basil salt rim.
Nero Old Manhattan – A deep, layered blend of Angel’s Envy bourbon, Amaro di Rucola, amerena cherry and angostura bitters.
Strawberry Basil Aperol Spritz – A fresh take on the classic, topped with Prosecco and herbs.
farmItaly Lemonade – A fresh summery cocktail with Malfy Limon Gin, Tito’s and Fresh Basil
Cucumber Spritz Mocktail – Non-Alcoholic: A light, effervescent blend of cucumber, mint, ginger beer, and soda.
With its elevated cuisine, immersive design, and heartfelt hospitality, The Farm Italy Mohegan Sun is poised to redefine Italian dining in Connecticut.
Reservations are now open and expected to be in high demand. Be among the first to experience this extraordinary culinary destination. For additional information, visit thefarmitaly.com/mohegansun.
The Farm Italy Mohegan Sun will be open for Dinner 7 Days a Week:
Monday – Thursday: 4:00pm – 10:00pm
Friday: 4:00pm – 11:00pm
Saturday: 3:00pm – 11:00pm
Sunday: 3:00pm – 9:00pm
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.
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.
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