STRAITS RESTAURANT’S MODERN SINGAPOREAN CUISINE
FINDS A HOME IN ATLANTA

Chef/Owner Chris Yeo Partners with Chris “Ludacris” Bridges
to Bring Singaporean Fare to a Sexy Johnson Studio-Designed
Midtown Location This March

ATLANTA (January 7, 2008) – Chef/Owner Chris Yeo in partnership with GRAMMY® award-winning artist and actor Chris “Ludacris” Bridges will deliver the exotic flavors and spices of modern Singaporean cuisine with the opening of Straits Restaurant this March in the former Midtown location of Spice at 793 Juniper Street.

"I love Atlanta's charm, architecture, food and most of all the people, said Yeo. "Chris Bridges’ commitment to his community and his family sealed the deal for me – this market is ideal for Straits and likewise Straits is perfect for the city."

Yeo traded his shears for culinary cheers when he left a career as a hair stylist to become an acclaimed restaurateur, opening his first of three Straits Restaurants in San Francisco.  He realized the void in the United States for the exotic and bold Singaporean cuisine that he grew up with.  Today, Straits Restaurant is the nation’s premier Singaporean restaurant offering contemporary cuisine in an exquisitely modern space.  

Bridges first experienced Yeo’s updated take on Singaporean cuisine on a trip to San Francisco.  It quickly sated his search for undiscovered Asian flavors in the U.S. The two hit it off and Bridges was determined to bring this exotic blend of flavors to Atlanta and indulge diners in unparalleled cuisine in a chic and sexy environment.  Yeo was enticed by Bridges’ interest and the potential of this new friendship.  Atlanta attracted him because it is among the fastest growing cities in the nation and he grew to love the Southern food and hospitality.  Bridges clearly has a passion for the city, which intrigued Yeo as well.  They have shared values and visions and so Straits Atlanta was born. 

The combination of Yeo’s and Bridges’ business savvy along with their passion for upscale Asian cuisine and their commitment to similar charities – Yeo supports the Asian Chefs Association and Chinatown Youth Center and Bridges’ Ludacris Foundation supports grassroots organizations that work to help our youth – creates a unique crossroads in which to launch a successful business partnership and restaurant in Atlanta.

“During my travels, I’ve experienced some of the most diverse international culinary flavors in the world, said Bridges. “After experiencing Yeo’s modern spin on Singaporean cuisine combined with the sexy dinning experience, I wanted to bring this restaurant home to Atlanta.”

Singaporean cooking is influenced by the many countries surrounding it and combines the bright flavors and cooking styles of Thai, Indonesian, Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Nonya cuisines. In coming to Atlanta, Yeo plans to incorporate Southern ingredients into the menu as well.

The name comes from the Straits of Malacca, a waterway which flows between Malaysia and Singapore.  It is where the lifeline of the two countries flows together, exchanging their cultures.  When the Chinese men came to Singapore, there were no Chinese women, so they married the local Malaysian women. Their children became known as “Straits Chinese,” because they all settled along the Straits Waterway. Yeo’s cuisine is born from the same process of melding cultures together, hence the adaptation of the name.

The menu will feature an authentic yet modernized interpretation of Singaporean cuisine, with traditional ingredients and innovative preparations and combinations. An extensive array of small and large plates is served as a reflection of Yeo’s philosophy that “food should be a communal experience between friends and family.” The vivid and spicy flavors of the cuisine are well matched with the distinctive and exotic cocktails.

Straits will feature a contemporary design, with a dual focus on the elements of fire and water, resulting in a sexy and unparalleled dining experience. The Johnson Studio, renowned for designing some of the city’s most celebrated restaurants, spearheaded the re-design of the space by using subtle Eastern influences.  With 215 seats, the restaurant will be warm yet modern with a rich color pallet and range of dining options including a bar, lounge areas, dining room, patio and private dining room. 

Straits will be open for dinner seven days a week Monday through Wednesday from 5 p.m. to midnight, Thursday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Sunday from 5 p.m. to 11p.m.  Straits will serve Sunday Brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.                              

Straits Restaurant has currently has three California locations: San Francisco in the Westfield San Francisco Centre (845 Market St., Ste. 597, 415.668.1783), Burlingame (1100 Burlingame Ave., 650.373.7883), and San Jose/Santana Row (333 Santana Row, Suite 1100, 408.246.6320).  For more information, please visit: www.straitsrestaurants.com.  

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