Those 550,000 lights with more 280,000 holiday ornaments must have had something to do with it.
Cava Restaurant in Southington has been recognized as one of the “most festive holiday restaurants in America.”
Time Out Group, a global media and hospitality business, ranked the Southington restaurant No. 3 on its list of “the most festive holiday restaurants in America.” A total of 11 establishments across the country were selected. Cava was the only Connecticut selection.
“This fine-dining destination in central Connecticut is known for its Italian menu and extravagant themed décor. The restaurant is over-the-top year-round, but during the holidays, Cava takes things to a whole new level,” according to Time Out.
The review praised the holiday decor at Cava.
“Each dining space is meticulously transformed, from shimmering snowflake tunnels to Santa’s workshop scenes. Themes change each year, but guaranteed are thousands of lights, giant wreaths and decked out Christmas trees. The menu keeps it elegant with dishes like seafood risotto and lamb chops,” the Time Out report said.
“Get ready for some serious photo ops and toast the season with a pomegranate margarita.”
Cava General Manager Tony Papahristou said the restaurant learned the news last week.
“We are greatly honored to be recognized by Time Out Magazine and one of America’s most festive restaurants,” Papahristou said. “It’s our 18th Christmas here and it feels great to be recognized.”
Cava has showcased different dining room displays since 2008.
This year there are seven themed dining areas. This year’s themes are Venetian Masquerade, Abracadabra, Narnia, North Pole, Wicked inspired ‘Oz’ room and North Pole Express.
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Papahristou said all are popular and that it all depends on preference if someone likes a more traditional or whimsical dining rooms.
“We have over 550,000 lights with over 280,000 ornaments, 260 Christmas trees and thousands of feet of garland throughout. The place from floor to ceiling is completely decorated,” Papahristou said.
The two restaurants ahead of Cava were both in New York City. Rolf’s German Restaurant located at 281 3rd Avenue. No. 2 on Time Out’s list was Tavern on the Green located at Central Park, W 67th Street.
According to the Cava website, the decorations will remain up until March 2.
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Cava is located at 1615 West St. in Southington. Hours for the restaurant are Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m. Cava also has a restaurant in Newington.