 Minneapolis, Minn. -- (Mar
18, 2011)— Solera
Restaurant and Event Center is reopening after an exciting
transformation, which
will strategically elevate its relevance in the Twin Cities restaurant
scene.
This strategic repurposing includes a physical remodel in addition to
significantly enhanced food, wine and cocktail menus. In a movement
from the
previous tapas-centered offerings, Solera now features a well-rounded
menu
authentically embracing the cuisine of Spain.“Solera has been a successful fixture in the Minneapolis restaurant scene for the last eight years and with its established success was poised to evolve into something truly spectacular,” explained Benjamin Graves, president of Graves Hospitality Corporation, which has been managing Solera since November of 2010. “We have carefully evaluated every detail of the Solera dining experience and patrons will discover that the changes implemented by Graves Management revitalize the space and step-up the menu to assure a wow-factor,” he continued. Graves will be bringing their signature style to the restaurant’s management with special touches such as offering a complimentary sangria amuse at the start of every meal.  The
new menu, while still including a carefully honed selection of tapas,
has been
expanded to include a range of entrée options as well as salads
and soups.
Daily selections of specialty paellas will also be featured. A large
chalkboard
over the tapas bar will highlight an ever-changing array of
house-prepared
charcuterie, a variety of Spanish cheeses and fresh seafood options.
The
restaurant also features a tantalizing late night menu along with
delicious
dessert selections.Chef Jorge Guzman is currently inspiring the menus and presiding over the kitchen. After graduating from Drake University, Guzman attended the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. Having sharpened his talents most recently as Executive Chef at Tejas Restaurant, Jorge brings 10 years of technical skill and artistic training to the preparation of Spanish foods. In keeping with the dedication to authentic Spanish cuisine, a carefully selected menu of Spanish wines and sherries will be offered. Patrons will find the list conveniently organized by the various regions of Spain. Additionally, new specialty sangrias have been carefully crafted, rounding out a stellar collection of new cocktails options.  While the location will
stay the same, inside diners will find a cleaner, more sophisticated
space with
a nod toward the inviting natural elements of metal, wood and terra
cotta. The
dining and bar areas have been transformed with copper hammered
tabletops,
leather seating and a careful eye toward enhanced lighting. A
Spanish-themed
color palette incorporates the comfortable hues of reds, greens and
grays and
plays off the beauty of terra cotta tiles, while new wood flooring
provides a
sense of warmth. Outside, new banners and awnings stay true-to-theme
incorporating the red and yellow of the Spanish flag and announcing
“Cucina de
España.” Speaking from decades of experience managing restaurants and hotels, spanning from the Midwest to the East Coast, Jim Graves, CEO of Graves Hospitality Corporation explained, “managing restaurants, along with banquet and catering operations, is at the core of our competencies. We are extremely excited about the changes we have brought to Solera restaurant as well as the future renovations we have planned for the rooftop bar and the 1000-person event space.” Solera Restaurant and Event Center is located at 900 Hennepin Avenue in downtown Minneapolis. It originally opened in December of 2003 and has dining room space for 220 along with party and event space for groups between 10 and 1000.  Solera
Restaurant and Event Center: Solera Restaurant and Event Center features a comprehensive menu authentically embracing the cuisine of Spain. While offering an unparalleled experience for social dining, Solera spaces also accommodate stunning events for up to 1,000 guests all in a vibrant, Spanish-influenced atmosphere. In addition to spectacular dinner, dessert and late night menus, guest will enjoy an extensive Spanish wine list, expertly crafted cocktails and signature sangrias. Solera offers several inside dining spaces including a lounge area, main and private dining rooms, and a tapas bar along with outdoor patio dining on street level, a private veranda dining space on the second floor and a lively rooftop bar. Fresh menu selections, seafood, house-prepared charcuterie and Spanish cheeses are all served with exceptional, personalized service, right in the heart of the Hennepin Avenue Theater District. About Graves Hospitality Corporation:  Graves
Hospitality Corporation (GHC) offers
full-scale development
and management services to luxury independent and branded upscale
hotels,
resorts and restaurants. The company’s development skills and
comprehensive
package of sales, marketing, distribution, human relations and other
related
services are honed from 33 years of industry success. Recognized as an
industry
leader, Graves Hospitality Corporation has developed and managed more
than 100
hotels and restaurants and is passionate about providing guests,
associates and
owners with an unparalleled level of service and expertise. Graves
Hospitality
Corporation is proud that its hotels achieve the highest ratings and
are
awarded the highest levels of recognition within their respective
brands and
markets. One of Graves Hospitality’s flagship properties, the Graves
601 Hotel
Minneapolis, was just named one of the 500 Best Hotels in the World by Travel and Leisure Magazine. Graves
Hospitality Corporation-member hotels and restaurants currently open or
under
development are in Minneapolis, MN; St.Cloud, MN; Racine, WI; La
Crosse, WI;
Chicago, IL; Manhattan, N.Y; Brooklyn, N.Y; and Tamarindo, Costa Rica. |