Photo credit: Abeja's Kitchen
Walla Walla, Washington – June 26, 2024 – Celebrity chef Mike Easton, a four-time James Beard Award nominee, will become executive chef at The Kitchen at Abeja, effective July 1.
Chef Easton brings a Tuscan influence to the prix fixe menu at The Kitchen at Abeja, located in the heart of Walla Walla Wine Country, where an optional wine pairing menu showcases how contrasting and complementary flavors of food and wine can enhance your dining experience.
Easton is well known for his hand-made pastas and high-quality ingredients, having won over passionate fans at Seattle's Il Corvo and Il Nido, and most recently at Bar Bachette near Waitsburg, Wash. He is acclaimed for his meticulous approach to cooking, rooted in traditional techniques that rely on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
“I'm a chef who draws inspiration from the ingredients around me,” Easton said. “Over the next few weeks, I'll be tasting Abeja wines, building relationships with them, and writing a menu that will highlight their unique flavors.” His new menu is scheduled to debut on August 1.
The Kitchen at Abeha is located on a picturesque 38-acre historic farm that is also home to the renowned Abeha Winery. The property also includes the Inn at Abeha, managed by Columbia Hospitality. This unique setting offers a true wine country experience, combining exceptional cuisine, award-winning wines and luxurious accommodations, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Walla Walla Valley.
“I fell in love with the place and the Abeja wines from my first visit 10 years ago,” Easton said. “The opportunity to offer fine wine-driven cuisine in such a pastoral setting is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” Easton said he closed Bar Bachette “to seize the opportunity to work with the incredible team at Abeja to create an exceptional dining experience.”
“Chef Mike's approach to cooking reflects Abeja's philosophy that every meal is a delight for the senses and every visit is a memory,” says Amy Alvarez Wampler, who shares winemaking and general manager duties with her husband, Dan Wampler. “We are thrilled to have him on board.” Easton replaces Chef Jake Crenshaw, who is leaving the Abeja kitchen after two years to take a chef de cuisine position at Walla Walla Community College.
Opening hours, reservations, location
Dinner at The Kitchen at Abeja is by reservation only. Reservations can be made online using the link on the Abeja website. The Kitchen at Abeja welcomes everyone, including guests of The Inn at Abeja, visitors to the Walla Walla Valley, and local residents. Abeja is located at 2014 Mill Creek Road in Walla Walla, Washington. The dining room is open Thursday through Sunday evenings. Seating hours are from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
About Abeja
Abeja's beautifully restored 100-year-old farm is the perfect setting for world-class hospitality. Surrounded by golden wheat fields and the foothills of the Blue Mountains, Abeja is home to the renowned Walla Walla Winery. The Inn at Abeja offers luxurious accommodations, while The Kitchen at Abeja offers innovative fine dining with an emphasis on food and wine pairings. Private vineyards, streams, gardens, lavender fields and panoramic views provide a tranquil setting to soak up the wine country atmosphere. For more information about Abeja, visit abeja.net.
About Columbia Hospitality
Columbia Hospitality (Columbia) is a North American management and consulting firm founded in 1995 by founder John Oppenheimer. The company's growing portfolio includes award-winning hotels and resorts, luxury residential communities, restaurants and bars, private and public golf clubs, conference centers and signature venues. Columbia delivers exceptional experiences for its guests and team members while delivering extraordinary results for its property owners. Columbia also consults on hundreds of hospitality projects around the world, providing highly customized services to its partners and investors. To learn more about Columbia and view its entire portfolio, visit columbiahospitality.com.
