Tula Celebrates Third Anniversary

In the restaurant world, many establishments do not live to see their first anniversary, a fact that Gus and Naji Sleiman do not take for granted.

So, to celebrate three years of owning and operating Tula Restaurant and Lounge, the Sleimans are throwing a two-day party tonight and Saturday to celebrate the restaurant's third anniversary.

"For restaurants to make it to three years is a big (milestone)," Gus Sleiman said.

Tonight's celebration will be held from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., and will feature a three course prix fixe menu, featuring item choices like "Summer Melon Gazpacho," "Scottish Salmon" and "Chocolate Peanut Butter Semi-freddo" for $37 per person excluding tax and tip.

Each meal comes with a glass of complimentary champagne for each guest, according to the restaurant.

Live jazz will be performed, and each guest will receive a $15 Tula gift card to be used in the month of August, according to the restaurant.

On Saturday, the prix fixe menu will be available from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., with a glass of complimentary champagne for each guest.'

From 10 p.m. to close, the restaurant will feature one hour of open bar and a buffet for $20 per person, plus a DJ and dancing and a rum tasting from Mount Gay Rums. 

A cigar roller will be on site making handmade cigars that will be available complimentary to all guests, according to the restaurant.

"We wanted to go all out (to) thank our customers for their support," Sleiman said.

The Sleimans also operate Evelyn's Restaurant, located next door to Tula.

Tula was opened in 2009 out of a want to take the next step in fine dining in the area, Sleiman said.

The duo wanted to open a restaurant that was a bit more high end than Evelyn's, which serves a Mediterranean-inspired menu.

Sleiman said the Tula space resembles a boutique with a comfortable, professional feel.

"We take pride in what we do," Sleiman said. "We focus on quality over quantity, that's what...we like to do."

Tula will also be participating in by offering a $50 five course menu. Restaurant week begins on Saturday and runs through July 28.

For more information on Tula's Third Anniversary Weekend Celebration, visit the restaurant's website at www.tulalounge.com.