Caribbean flavors meet Southern cooking – and charm – in Cambridge Square’s latest business opening: Ceniza Lounge. To complete the way-down-south vibe, the decor authentically reflects Caribbean themes with artwork and mosaics by commissioned artists.
The restaurant, opened by restaurateur couple Danny and Brittany Alcala, features savory foods, spirits and a second-floor cigar lounge and bar. Upstairs, a communal seating arrangement is meant to encourage neighborly interaction, said Jim Cheney, marketing director for Cambridge, a mixed-use development in Ooltewah.
Both levels of the new restaurant have open floor plans, with roll-up garage doors, indoor/outdoor seating and fireplaces, he added.
“Ceniza Lounge provides an atmosphere that fuses the island culture with that of the Southeast and Tennessee,” said Brittany Alcala. “It is important to us to create something modern with elements that are both unexpected and not currently present in Chattanooga. At the same time, we are partial to tradition, so we want my Southern roots to show through as well.”
The daughter of Cuban parents, she was raised in southeast Tennessee before moving to Miami.
To help execute the Alcalas’ vision for Ceniza is a team of professionals: chef Eduardo Amoedo, who will oversee the kitchen and menu; tobacconist Paul Dominguez, who will oversee the upstairs humidor; world-class mixologist Danny Valdez, who will oversee the craft-cocktail bars; and Director of Operations Wes Phelps, to focus on the guest experience.
Cheney said the lounge continues Cambridge Square’s focus on bringing only local restaurants and retail into the mixed-use community space. For example, other tenants include Lupi’s Pizza, Southern Burger Co., Mixed Up Cup, Heaven & Ale and Wine Down.
“We’ve tried very hard to create a diverse mix of destinations at Cambridge Square,” Cheney said. “So far, we have been successful in that pursuit, and each of our tenants brings their own unique offering to the larger community.
“Ceniza Lounge is certainly no exception, and having their cuisine and atmosphere on our square is going to be a game-changer for this side of Hamilton County.”
The Alcalas also own North Shore’s Cuban restaurant, Embargo ’62, and the soon-to-open Mad Love, a themed cocktail and meatball bar that will also be located on the North Shore.
For more information on Ceniza, call 760-4198 or visit cenizalounge.com.