BIG news from @bigceej himself 🙌 @abarestaurant #Chicago is OFFICIALLY opening for Weekday Lunch for the first time ever beginning May 22nd, available Mon-Fri from 11AM-4PM! ☀️🍹 Clock out for exclusive food & drink specials perfect for team lunches, client meetings and midday catch-ups with friends! Reservations are live - book now through the link in bio.
We stopped by @abarestaurant and spent some time with @bigceej , who showed us how he highlights our greens in two of their most popular dishes!
Aba is a mediterranean restaurant where Chef CJ brings his California upbringing front and center. We loved seeing how he uses our fresh greens, as well as non-traditional ingredients to create a unique point of view on Mediterranean cuisine.
Smoky garlic hummus:
Crispy garbanzo beans
House-roasted chili oil
Closed Loop garlic chive
Hamachi crudo
Charred Avocado
Coconut jelly
lie vinaigrette
Closed Loop fava shoots, sunflower shoots, purple radish and nasturtium
We had a wonderful baby boy last week! 12/26/25 Shah Rumi Jacobson 6#! (I know, I know) We are startled by the profound gratitude and joy he has already brought us. Shout out to my wife handling all that she has during this journey. I love you.
Take care.
Lettuce Be Well-Entertained. 🥗✨ Aba, the Mediterranean‑style restaurant from Chicago hospitality group Lettuce Entertain You, makes a splashy entry into Wedgewood‑Houston. Artfully bringing together food, drink, service, and vibes, it’s one of the most exciting openings in Nashville this year.
What truly brings Aba to life is the fare, designed by executive chef and partner (and Top Chef alum) CJ Jacobson. Drawing on his Southern California roots, focusing on produce and seasonality. 🌿
The menu is organized for sharing under the headings Hummus, Spreads, Cold & Hot Mezze, Raw, Mediterranean Butcher, Seafood, Kebabs, and Desserts. The best way to enjoy it? Each guest chooses two to three plates and relishes the feast. Read more about their highly anticipated Music City debut at the link in bio. 🍴🎶
CJ: “for my 50th, I want to be in the agean sea with all the friends who can join us” 🇬🇷
Me: done ✅
We celebrated @bigceej in Milos with 20 of the most amazing people we know. We missed those who couldn’t make it but have been such strong supports for us through CJs 40’s. We love you 🥰
Incredibly proud of @bigceej and impressed by the whole @abarestaurant team for this amazing new spot in Nashville! It’s grand, gorgeous, and delicious. 👏🏽🍾🎉
Three years and our charmed life continues to get better. Thank you for always giving me something to look forward to. I love you so much, and I can’t wait for what’s coming next.
