This morning, New Land Enterprises announced a collaboration with Fatima and Hanish Kumar, owners of Saffron Modern Indian Dining, who will be opening aya, an upscale, elevated Mediterranean restaurant that aims to conjure the spice-rice bazaars of the Middle East.
Located in the Ascent MKE apartment complex at 700 E. Kilbourn Ave., Äya is slated to offer guests an elegant and inviting atmosphere paired with an exciting new Mediterranean culinary experience.
The restaurant will build on the success of the Kumars’ popular Third Ward restaurant, Saffron, along with its sister restaurant in Red Bank, New Jersey with an inviting ambiance and striking decor that aims to leave a lasting impression on guests.
Drawing inspiration from the coastal regions of the Middle East and the multitude of influences that define its cuisine, aya's menu will feature charcoal-grilled specialties, mezze and larger plates designed for sharing. Guests will also have the opportunity to indulge in aya's experiential cocktail menu, founded in fresh, high-quality ingredients and experiential, bespoke drinks.
"We are thrilled to introduce a new era of Mediterranean dining with aya," the Kumars note. "Our goal is to create a space where guests can connect over exceptional food and drink, experiencing the rich culture and flavors of the Middle East in a fresh, elevated, and truly celebratory way. aya will whisk you away to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean, offering a taste of centuries-old recipes, with our signature twist of elegance and flair."
Watch OnMilwaukee for additional details about the concept in the coming months.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
