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Business & Tech

Aqua Blu to Open in September at Former Nick the Greek Site

Bar and restaurant with banquet hall coming to Route 37 at base of bridge

The large building taking shape at the base of the Mathis Bridge to Seaside on is Aqua Blu, the bar and restaurant with a banquet hall at the former home of Nick the Greek.

Owner Cathy Varriale expects to unveil Aqua Blu in mid to late September. The establishment hopes to soon select an executive chef, and finish the interior once special-order items arrive.

Varriale is working closely with an interior decorator to create a distinct ambiance in each of Aqua Blu’s dining rooms.

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“Nothing in town is similar,” Varriale said.

Each room has a unique feel, incorporating its own shade of blue, Varriale said.

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The bar area is trendy. The banquet hall is beach themed. The restaurant holds a distinguished, stately feel. Varriale referred to it as having a Ralph Lauren feel.

“It’s really beautiful; it’s gorgeous,” Varriale said.

Patch spoke with Varriale in March. Varriale was hoping to open Aqua Blu in July. The delay is due, in part, to a wait on special order items.

“The interior is ready,” Varriale said. “We are waiting on kitchen equipment.”

Varriale was negotiating a contract with a chef at the time of the interview. She will disclose the name of Aqua Blu’s head chef once a contract is signed, she said.

Varriale and her husband, Enzo, are also owners of . Varriale said a 17-year employee of Caffe Italia will co-manage Aqua Blu with her.

The opening of creates employment opportunities for local workers. Varriale expects to hire around 50 new employees, she said.

“Everywhere I go, people are like ‘when are you opening’,” Varriale said. “We’re very excited, we can’t wait,” she said.

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