Trendy Asian Fusion Gastrolounge, Union, Debuts In Delray Beach

Jan. 24, 2012 - PRLog -- South Florida entrepreneurs Stephen Chin and Scott Kennedy are the masterminds behind the new Asian Fusion gastrolounge concept called Union, now open on Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach. A self-proclaimed high energy restaurant-lounge experience committed to uniting friends and family for the purpose of sharing innovative cuisine and creatively crafted cocktails, Union’s dining creed boasts an overall commitment to sustainability in both culinary design and interiors.

Union’s sustainable seafood is sourced from either fished or farmed sources that can maintain or increase production in the future without jeopardizing the ecosystems from which they were acquired. Union utilizes local ingredients whenever possible. Existing interiors at the former Caliente Kitchen spot which Union purchased were intentionally refurbished into glitzy and artistic new visions and design themes to eliminate the carbon footprint that traditional gutted restaurant interior overhauls take on the environment.  

At Union, Chin and Kennedy explain that the focus was to create a different neighborhood dining experience for Delray locals.  “Union is all about putting an electric and fun spin to conventional dining on the Avenue with small touches of pop culture. It’s an anything goes mentality with laser beam lights reflecting off the wallscapes, Palm Beach County’s largest paneled flat screen wall display playing anything from cult movie classics to music videos synchronized to spinning DJ beats,  a center hanging disco ball, astro turf on the patio and a mesmerizing selection of homemade vodka infusions.  If you’re looking for a totally unique and energetic take on dining, you’ll enjoy the atmosphere that we’ve cultivated here at Union.”

To bring Union’s culinary credo to life, Chin and Kennedy tapped acclaimed young and spirited Rich Achaia as Union’s Executive Chef. With a commitment to making great cuisine affordable, Union’s menu organizes plates by size - small, medium and large with items priced at $19 or less, making it the newest member of the burgeoning breed of economically-friendly epicurean hotspots.

Culinary standouts at Union include Garlic Blue Crab and Shrimp with garlic-infused egg noodles, Miso Poached Cod with julienne vegetables and brown rice cake, Kung Pao Lamb Chops served with sushi rice and stir-fried vegetables and Red Curry Roasted Mussels in lemongrass and Thai basil broth topped with crispy pork belly.

Cocktail adventurists will appreciate Union’s handcrafted libations and decadent ‘liquid desserts’ fashioned from an expansive selection of house-infused vodkas including Yellow Skittle, Green Apple Jolly Rancher, Marshmallow, Black Seedless Grape and others.  Fun garnishes include vodka-infused gummi bears, tequila-infused gummy worms, chocolate/graham cracker rims and other unexpected additions.  Union’s homemade vodka infusions come courtesy of co-founder, Scott Kennedy who proudly assumes a “mad scientist” role towards conventional mixology by painstakingly perfecting each proprietary vodka infusion recipe.  

Bar cotton candy machines spinning swirls of Union’s proprietary lychee cotton candy flavor trump traditional bar nuts to create mouthwatering Cotton Candy Tinis.  Further signatures include the Union Fusion Cocktail made with double-infused watermelon, cantaloupe and pineapple vodka, and the Kiwi Goddess featuring muddled kiwis, vodka, sake, lemon and a splash of simple syrup.

Plans are in the works for a Union Super Bowl 2012 party offering the big game playing from Union’s state-of-the-art HD television ‘wall’, fashioned from sixteen independent 46” inch flat screens. Other promotions will include educational dining events hosted by Executive Chef Rich Achaia, molecular gastronomy nights, nostalgic karaoke night and Union happy hour.  

Union is located at 8 East Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach, Florida. For reservations please call:
561-330-4236 or visit www.uniondelray.com

For more information or to request a media interview, please contact Michelle Soudry at The Gab Group, 561-750-3500 or email msoudry@thegabgroup.com