The Hartford Business News - Mohegan Sun to open Italian restaurant

The Mohegan Sun resort casino in Uncasville is set to open up a high-end Italian restaurant in 2011 from Long Island chef John J. Tunney III, who also operates a high-end Mexican restaurant in West Hartford.

The new Ballo Italian Restaurant and Social Club will open in a 16,000 sq. ft. space in Mohegan's Casino of the Earth and will turn into an Italian-style nightclub after 11 p.m. The restaurant will feature an extensive wine and cocktail list, locally grown produce and innovative Italian staples. The design is meant to reflect a Tuscan Gothic abbey.

Tunney has 11 restaurants in New York, Connecticut, Las Vegas and Atlantic City, including the Besito Mexican Kitchen and Agave Lounge in West Hartford. He joins other top chefs such as Bobby Flay and Todd English with properties at Mohegan Sun.

"We're very excited about this new offering," said Mitchell Etess, president and CEO of Mohegan Sun, in a statement. "BALLO is a unique concept that will further enhance the experience we offer our guests. We're thrilled to welcome John Tunney to our group of outstanding restaurateurs."