Union, a "Trendy Asian Fusion Gastrolounge" in Delray

Two entrepreneurs from the North are giving South Florida a try with the opening of Union on Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach. Defined as a "trendy Asian fusion gastrolounge", Union was rapidly designed and constructed over the holiday season by owners Stephen Chin and Scott Kennedy, redecorating the existing interiors of the former Caliente Kitchen into a more glitzy and seizure inducing space: "It's an anything goes mentality with laser beam lights reflecting off the wallscapes, Palm Beach County's largest paneled flat screen wall display (16 - 46" flat screen TVs)...a center hanging disco ball".

While the interior design excels at overwhelming, the food looks to bring the right balance of taste and style. Executive chef Rich Achaia, former chef and owner of Dolce Amore Cafe, has organized a menu of the small, medium and large variety priced under $19, highlighting the best of Asia. Some of the standouts include: garlic blue crab and shrimp, with garlic-infused egg noodles, miso poached cod with brown ricecake, kung pao lamb chops served with sushi rice, and red curry roasted mussels in a lemongrass and thai basil broth topped with crispy pork belly. The whimsy of the restaurant continues at the bar where home made lychee cotton candy will be served along with numerous house infused vodka libations, including the questionable flavors of yellow Skittle, green apple Jolly Rancher, marshmallow and black seedless grape. The bar at Union continues down this absurd Charlie and the Chocolate Factory path with playful garnishes of vodka-infused gummi bears, tequila-infused gummy worms, and chocolate/graham cracker rims.

The red carpet grand opening for Union will take place February 1st and the restaurant is looking to follow that evening with a Union Super Bowl 2012 party on February 5th.---Matt Tylka [EaterWire]