Cafe Aura in Manchester:A Sneak Peek

After extensive renovations, careful menu development and building yet another winning team, Geno Auriemma is set to open his newest restaurant, Cafe Aura. Reservations will be available beginning on Tuesday, December 10th. The upscale restaurant, located at 45 E. Center Street in Manchester in the former location of the popular Cavey’s, will be open Mondays through Thursdays from 4 to 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 4 to 11 p.m., and Sundays from 3 to 9 p.m. It will feature an extensive bar with world-class wines, cocktails, craft beers, and spirits, all located in the upper area of the 8,096-square-foot split-level space. Plans for the bottom level include banquet and meeting spaces.

Cafe Aura’s menu was developed by Chef Erminio Conte, a native of Italy who studied and practiced throughout Europe, and who was chef founder of New York’s popular Prime 1024 on East 42^nd Street. Chef Conte also is a board member of L’Associazione Italiani Chef New York (AICNY). His new menu will include modern twists on Italian favorites as well as upscale trends and Prime steaks. This includes appetizers such as crab avocado mousse and butternut squash vichyssoise, fennel and arugula salads, along with various pastas, beef, pork, and seafood.

“Our family has always loved the historic Cavey’s building and we worked hard to keep much of its character as we planned the layout and design for the new Cafe Aura,” Auriemma said. “This restaurant really reflects everything we love in food, wine, atmosphere, service and, of course, hospitality. We are so happy to add Cafe Aura to our family and to open our doors in Manchester.”

One of the hallmarks of the new restaurant is the wine list, which includes bottles carefully culled from boutique and favored vineyards across the globe. New wines will be introduced regularly to keep the selection fresh. Wine tastings and other events will be hosted at Cafe Aura in the coming months.

Cafe Aura’s interior was developed by Libby Langdon who is a designer, author, product designer, television personality and owner of the New York City-based design firm, Libby Interiors, Inc. Renovations were completed by Manchester-based Andrew Ansaldi Company, and all millwork and banquettes were made by local Connecticut businesses including New Haven-based restaurant specialists, Boldwood Interiors and New England Seating.