We had an amazing time doing some food and artistic beverage (non alcoholic) tastings at @liparooftop. The food is a creation of Michelin Star award winning Chef Akira Back for LIPA Roof top. This gem of a restaurant has been curated by the lovely owners of Ette Hotel in Orlando.

They have beautiful accommodations with a relaxed, upscale vibe. Luxury and clean simplicity describes the hotel along with a unique artistic feel.

Ette Hotels is a major contemporary luxury hotel group founded by hotelier Alex Ekbatani in 2021.

Ekbatani hosted us to a diner on this lounge that is part of his hotel at the rooftop of Ette.

Just walking into the place you feel like a million dollars with the luxury and art decorations. As you get on the elevator the rooftop restaurant and lounge feels like one of those best kept secret places.

This place is magnificent with a relaxed atmosphere and exclusive service. The dishes are Asian inspired and unique. The ambiance promises to be Orlando’s best hidden lounge.

A secluded environment with special catered service for each table and music that makes you feel out of the crowds and somewhere in the middle eastern.

The food, a concept created by Michelin Star Chef Akira Black, give us an Asian gourmet flare. We started with Sashimi/Nigiri Platter Salmon, Toro, Hamachi, Tako A5 with Caviar, Scallop, Gold Lined Tuna.

The presentation is very creative and makes this a shareable enjoyable plate. The cuts where top quality and fresh.

Our second course was a Lobster Roll with Truffle oil, Lemon, Yuzu Kosho. The uniquely decorated dish speaks by itself.

Third course was Kalbi Beef Skewers and Shrimp Skewers with Truffle oil, Lemon, Yuzu Kosho. Once again the presentation did not disappoint and the flavors where on point with the perfect protein texture.

For dessert we had Mochi and a signature Ette Hotel delight, AB Cigar (mouse de chocolat inside a hard chocolate shell in the shape of a cigar).

Is impressive how realistic it looked and even the ashes tasted delicious.

One peculiarity of this place is the focus on wellness and therefore its lounge bar specialized in Mocktails We tried all 3 options in unique artistically selected glasses designed by the hoteliers wife herself. The Mocktails names where Dream Girl, The Philosopher and Eye Candy.

The glass wear in itself is an experience to speak about. Just look at the pictures and you will see the attention to detail involved in the confection and creation of these masterpieces.

It definitively was a night like no other in a place like none other!

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About Lipa Roof Top:

LIPA, Orlando’s ultra elevated lounge located on the 6th floor rooftop, is in partnership with Michelin Star Chef Akira Back. The creative crossroad of old-world and new-world Asian haute cuisine, boasts of a zero-alcohol bar and a lounge offering instagram-worthy concoctions and incredible panoramic views.

Ekbatani, who is a true believer in health and longevity gives his guest the opportunity to go alcohol free or bring their own libations. A world renowned mixologist will include their libation when making cocktails with no corkage fees. 

LIPA ROOFTOP – ASIAN CULINARY ARTISTRY

Akira Back to the Renaissance
Warm and welcoming. Fashionably trendy. A perfectly calibrated atmosphere of relaxed sophistication. That’s LIPA Rooftop by Akira Back, where you can lose all sense of time enjoying Asian culinary perfection while surrounded by breathtaking views.
Escape to our rooftop oasis and revel in LIPA’s fresh and eclectic ambiance where you can see without being seen, lulled by an intriguing musical mix of electronic and acoustic; at times upbeat and driving, at times intimate and sensuous. Then as the kingdoms below you fill the sky with fiery celebratory life, be cradled in the colors of sparkling light as you bask in their ethereal glory. LIPA Rooftop by Akira Back

Mixology
Prepare to be amazed and have your senses revitalized! Fresh botanical ingredients gathered at the peak of potency, unique flavor profiles and stunning presentations are the hallmark of our impossibly rich, non-alcoholic creations. Curated by the preeminent, mercurial genius, Jarl de Vries, our cocktail professor, these elegant offerings strike an impeccable balance of flavor and punch for a deliciously accented, after-dinner indulgence.

For those patrons seeking (more potent/piquant libations) or libations (concoctions) with more of a kick, we have a “Secret Bring Your Own” Code “Bottle Club”— giving you the freedom to bring your favorite (libation) potion with you across the property. For your comfort, of course, we have your own thermos bag waiting for you.

Fashionably Trendy.

A perfectly calibrated atmosphere of relaxed sophistication. That’s LIPA Rooftop by Akira Back, where you can lose all sense of time enjoying Asian culinary perfection while surrounded by breathtaking views.

Escape to our rooftop oasis and revel in LIPA’s fresh and eclectic ambiance where you can see without being seen, lulled by an intriguing musical mix of electronic and acoustic; at times upbeat and driving, at times intimate and sensuous. Then as the kingdoms below you fill the sky with fiery celebratory life, be cradled in the colors of sparkling light as you bask in their ethereal glory.

LIPA ROOFTOP BY AKIRA BACK

…A NIGHT LIKE NO OTHER. …A PLACE LIKE NONE OTHER.

Dress Code: Dress to impress, smart casual attire preferred. No sneakers, no athletic wear, no hats, no exceptions.

Mocktails:

Fresh botanical ingredients gathered at the peak of potency, unique flavor profiles and stunning presentations are the hallmark of our impossibly rich, non-alcoholic creations. Curated by our preeminent, mixologists, these elegant offerings strike an impeccable balance of flavor and punch for a deliciously accented, after-dinner indulgence.

BYOB

For those patrons seeking more of a kick from their beverages, we have a “Bottle Club”— giving you the freedom to bring your favorite libation with you across the property. For your comfort, of course, we have your own thermos bag waiting for you.

About Ette Hotel

A bustling hotel where no detail is too cumbersome. Leave the sights and sounds of Orlando and enter a lavish succession of spaces: easy elegance, subdued style, and dynamic night-time. Let our assiduous staff accommodate your every need with unparalleled dedication. Find yourself in a world of spotless linens and rooms neat-as-a-button. Compelling dining that bathes your senses in a rare jouissance. Polished, cozy, and ingeniously designed at every turn. When life becomes too predictable, you know where to escape.

earthy. true. timeless. elegant

DINE & DRINK

Ingredients are picked at the peak of freshness to extract the best of each flavor for meals that will electrify your palate. In partnership with Michelin Starred Chef Akira Back, ette offers unparalleled culinary experiences, spread across two floors. Depending on their mood, guests may take refuge in the main floor’s velvet lined, hand-chiseled, Sentient seats or settle around the electrifying mixology bar at the Salt & The Cellar by Akira Back, an Innovative Mediterranean Asian restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Alternatively, guests may ascend to the 6th floor rooftop, where Chef Back has conceptualized LIPA, the creative crossroad of old- and new-world Asian haute cuisine, boasting a zero-alcohol bar. alcohol tolerance

ette’s cool factor is being a wellness-focused hotel, meaning we are a zero-alcohol property. While we do not menu alcoholic beverages, we have a top notch, high quality Mocktail Menu curated by our world renowned, mercurial mixology genius, Jarl De Vries, our cocktail professor. The combination of sophisticated, seasonal and euphoric mocktails will have you soaking up the goodness of our drinks while keeping a steady hand and a clear head. We understand that everyone vacations differently, and that is why we have a “Secret Bring Your Own” Code— giving you the freedom to bring your own favorite libation with you across the property. For your comfort, of course, we have your own thermos bag waiting for you.

About Chef Akira Black

Akira Back, the name that is synonymous for cutting cuisine and exquisite taste in the restaurant and hospitality industry. A first-class and world-renowned idealist who is a revered chef and has triumphantly built a global empire over the past two decades spawning 22 cutting edge locations operating around the world with more on the horizon. In addition to his lengthy resume and accolades that continue to mount, Back is persistently on the forefront of innovation and artistry.

Born in Seoul, Korea and raised in Aspen, Colorado, Akira Back moved to the rocky mountain state at the age of 15-years-old for his father to pursue the family business. Back picked up snowboarding as a hobby which led him to pursue the professional circuit where he appeared in a handful of extreme sports movies and garnered praise from the sports top trade publications. During this time, Back began working at a local Japanese restaurant to supplement his income. After seven years on the pro-snowboarding circuit, Back realized that he felt the same thrill in the kitchen as he did on his board, shaping his decision to pursue a full-time culinary career.

Back attended and completed his cooking education at the International Culinary School at The Art Institute based in Colorado, establishing the framework of his technique and amplifying his knowledge of Asian cooking, allowing him to incorporate his artistic vision and Korean heritage. Combining his passions for adventure, travel and culinary exploration, Chef Back opened the world renown Yellowtail Japanese Restaurant & Lounge located inside the Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

His repertoire of restaurants includes, Akira Back, his namesake restaurant, known for its limitless creativity in reshaping modern Japanese dining to create a distinguished experience, continues to span across the globe with locations in Paris, Dubai, Toronto, Singapore, Dallas, Delray Beach, Bangkok, Hanoi, Seoul with new venues on the cusp in London, Istanbul, Florence, Doha, Boise, Marrakech and Riyadh expected within the next 2 years.

Chef Back’s strategic partnerships have emerged new creations including his revolutionary restaurant located in Beverly Hills, ABSteak, that is a modern Korean BBQ steakhouse with new locations sprouting in London, San Francisco, and Riyadh. His most distinctive concept, ABar, located in Singapore and Bangkok and opening soon in London features an artistic cocktail program with a contemporary approach to the classics and avant-guard masterpieces. DOSA, Chef Back’s Michelin star award-winning concept is moving from Seoul, Korea to London, England.

Continuing to add to his extensive portfolio, Chef Back has partnered with United Arab Emirates theatre group, VOX Cinemas, to lead the VIP dining experience of the Middle East’s largest and most rapidly growing exhibitor. At North Island, Seychelles, a private luxury resort, Chef Back has taken the helm of wielding the island’s culinary experience overseeing all dining aspects. He is also a Senior Advisory Members on the Board of Directors for the multibillion-dollar economic development project, Prospera, on Roatan island in a partnership with the government of Honduras.

In addition to being a Michelin Star award winning Chef, he has had the distinct honor of participating at prestigious James Beard House dinners over 10 times. He has cooked for dignitaries across the globe including the Dalai Lama, Bill Clinton, the royal family of England, Prime Ministers, Sheiks, Presidents, and limitless celebrities. Chef Akira Back has had extensive broadcast experience, appearing on Food Network’s “Iron Chef America”. Chef Back has also been seen on NBC’s “The Today Show,” Food Network’s “Best Thing I Ever Ate,” The Cooking Channel’s “United Tastes of America,” as well as KBS’ “Success Mentor” which airs in Korea.

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