The chef and owner of Hampton & Hudson in Inman Park are teaming up for a new venture in Midtown.
Chef Craig Richards and restaurateur Billy Streck are slated to open Lyla Lila at 693 Peachtree St. NE this fall, on the ground level of the 24-story lilli Midtown boutique apartment residence.
The restaurant “aims to be elegant while approachable with a menu highlighting southern European cuisine,” according to a press release.
Richards and Streck met in 2011 and entered into a culinary partnership in 2018, with Richards taking over the kitchen at Hampton & Hudson, owned by Streck and his wife, Jenn.
Richards previously oversaw the kitchens at Atlanta restaurants including La Tavola, Ecco and St. Cecilia in addition to serving as vice president of culinary for Ford Fry Restaurants.
In addition to Hampton & Hudson, Streck and his wife co-own Cypress Street Pint & Plate and pizza eatery Nina & Rafi on the Eastside Beltline.
Their new venture’s name is a nod to Richards’ daughter’s name (Lila) and Streck’s daughter’s middle name (Lila).
“It’s an interesting connection that we share, and by using both names it felt like a personal expression of ourselves and our families to the restaurant,” Richards said.
The menu will focus on the cuisine of southern Italy and Spain “with an expanded global pantry.” Menu items will include housemade pastas as well as wood-fired meat and seafood and seasonally-driven vegetables and salads. The beverage offerings will include seasonal cocktails and an old-world leaning wine list with an emphasis on sparkling varietals.
Smith Hanes Studio will oversee the design of the 4,000 square-foot space. Early renderings include organic textures, wood and a “bohemian-style feel”. The space will feature a 40-seat patio and bar area and a dining room. A 25-seat private dining room will also be adjacent to the dining room.
Lyla Lila will initially open for dinner seven nights a week with plans to extend meal services to brunch and lunch after the initial opening.
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