IRVINE, CA – April 28, 2007 – The Ghoukassian family today opened their third restaurant in Orange County, “KIMERA RESTAURANT LOUNGE”, adding to their current Dining As Art Collection, consisting of Bayside and Bistango Restaurants, and the Dining As Art Catering Company. KIMERA RESTAURANT LOUNGE, a unique 11,400 square foot restaurant and lounge, opened its doors to the public on Saturday, April 28^th. The restaurant, located at 19530 Jamboree Road, in Irvine, California, is open for lunch and dinner Monday thru Friday, and for dinner on Saturday and Sunday.

“We are excited to open Kimera,” stated Marc Ghoukassian, who is overseeing the family’s new venture, along with his Dad, John Ghoukassian, and Sister, Karyn Ghoukassian. “The restaurant is a totally unique dining and social experience from our other two restaurants, Bayside and Bistango. We have worked diligently to fuse the modern architecture, contemporary interior design, and global cuisine, to create a distinctive, coherent atmosphere that is geared to a younger audience,” he continued.

From the moment they approach the building, guests will be exposed to an entirely new experience that will play on all of their senses. The architecture, designed by Michael Carapetian of L’Atelier Collaborative, of Venice, Italy, intrigues and invites customers into the restaurant. The initial focal point of the exterior design is a vast “Green Wall” of bamboo, mesh screening, and greenery that conceals a portion of the structure. The restaurant is constructed of traditional materials, but is far from conventional in its design. Cement, bamboo, and metal accents help to create a modern, urban design, while clean lines and bold smooth curves are used to provide contrast and interest in the contemporary architecture and design of the structure.

Upon entering, guests will experience an interior décor and ambience that is contemporary, yet warm and inviting. The design is both masculine and modern, with an ecologically friendly consideration. Natural materials and colors are evident throughout the restaurant, which boasts undulating suspended bamboo ceilings, cork floors, clean dark lacquered wood tabletops, lush caramel brown leather upholstery and dark metal accents. All of these elements add to the distinctive, modern design of the restaurant. Shades of brown, beige, red, black and metallic accents make up the restaurant’s rich color palette.

The well thought out floor plan of the restaurant allows guests the ability to dine in several stylish indoor and outdoor dining areas or enjoy the livelier, more relaxed indoor and outdoor lounge/bar areas. The restaurant features an indoor dining area that has a capacity of 156 guests, and features an elevated seating area with 11 tables, 4 partially concealed booths, and a lower level with tables that include a mix of bench and chair seating. The outdoor dining area has a capacity of 60, and features canopy covered patios, with outdoor heating and comfortable seating. The Bar/Lounge area at the restaurant offers an indoor capacity of 103, with seating at the bar, and around low tables and couches. Off the indoor bar/lounge area are two outdoor seating areas. One area features an open-air patio with large leather couches with capacity for 49, and the other area is a canopy covered, heated patio with capacity for 42 people. This area is perfect for light dining with tables and chairs, and a walk-up to the bar. 

The restaurant and lounge features a cool mix of music nightly.

Kimera will offer a global cuisine which, like the restaurant’s design, mixes a variety of flavors and textures, to create a unique, stylish, and affordable menu. The menu will feature international influences mixed with the freshest local ingredients. The lunch menu features appetizers starting from $7.50, main courses from $11.50, and desserts from $6.50. The dinner menu features appetizers starting from $7.50, main courses from $18.00, and desserts from $6.50. The restaurant will also offer a bar menu, which will offer light snacks and small pizzas, ranging from $2.00 to $9.50.

Kimera’s Executive Chef, Chris Grodach, is a Graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and has extensive work experience with such notable restaurants as French Laundry, Melisse, and Montage Resort & Spa Loft Restaurant. Chef Grodach has utilized and embraced the influences from Japanese, Thai, Chinese, Italian, Mediterranean, Indian, Spanish, French, and American cuisine, in order to put a modern twist on Kimera’s menu designed to appeal to guests’ palates. Some of his unique dishes include Summer Rolls with yuzu-marinated daikon, green apple, watermelon, and wasabi sorbet; Risotto Carbonara with bacon, caramelized onions, and sunny-side egg; and the Smoked Paprika dusted- Hangar Steak with sweet corn, roasted peppers, and Manchego fondue.

A vast wine bar and beverage menu will be available to complement these eclectic dishes.

About the Ghoukassian Family and Dining As Art Collection

Owned by the Ghoukassian family, the Dining As Art Collection has quickly become an award-winning Southern California tradition of excellence. The Ghoukassian family has enjoyed tremendous success in Orange County, providing the community with excellence in cuisine, atmosphere, and service for over 20 years.

The Dining As Art Collection is about inspiring the senses. The creative cuisine caters to taste and aroma, while the contemporary art and architecture invite you to see and experience the stunning environment around you.

The Dining As Art Collection is comprised of Bistango Restaurant, Bayside Restaurant, the Dining As Art Catering Company, Tonic Juice Bar, Tonic Coffee Bar, ImpaCafe, and will include the newest restaurant Kimera. Each offers a unique, culturally enriching experience that celebrates the enjoyment of food, wine, music, art and architecture.