New Hotel And Restaurant/Bar Opening Soon in Long Beach

​The AVIA is set to open on Bay Street on either August 6 or 7.


The fact that the date isn't yet set in stone hints that preparations are down to the wire, so we wish them well in putting the finishes touches to the property.


We're intrigued about this new hotel and, in particular, its restaurant and bar, although there's not much information on it yet, other than the website and a brief press release, which states:

"AVIA Kitchen will be a true cook's kitchen, where a hosted daily breakfast features fresh market fruits, breads, meats, cheeses and chef-prepared eggs and local signature dishes, incorporating local produce and foods. Fresh seasonal juices, signature blend organic certified coffees and teas, and espresso-based favorites are also available. Every evening, the Kitchen features small plates and tastings, once again highlighting the unique culinary traditions and fresh ingredients of California, including signature desserts and a surprising wine list favoring small vineyard exclusives from the West Coast.

The Wine Bar offers premier wines, craft brews and premium cocktails. The emphasis in on comfortable, relaxed entertaining, with the attitude that characteristics and taste are more important than labels. Small production wineries from California and the Northwest as well as finely crafted microbrews top the menu."

The website adds: "But be warned: With its fabulous food, impeccable service, and friendly vibe, the Kitchen often becomes an unintentional destination."

Of course, it's being billed as a "boutique hotel", as every new hotel is these days, but it's even half as seductive as Zimzala, that other hotel-within-a-new-beachside-restaurant, it'll be worth a look. And the AVIA group does have a good pedigree: Its Savannah property made Condé Nast Traveler's Hot List this year. It also has a newly opened hotel in Napa and another is slated for The Woodlands, near Houston, in January.

One faintly worrying sign is that the website boasts that the hotel is just half a block from Tracht's restaurant (which makes me wonder: how impressive can its own restaurant be? UPDATE, Thursday July 30: Weirdly, Tracht's closed this week!). On the other hand, in-room treats are by Dean & Deluca, so it's not all bad.

More info as we have it...