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This Monday, July 27, you could have a giant, fried onion for lunch, "hand-carved by a dedicated bloomologist." Outback Steakhouse opens at 11 a.m. at Assembly Row, and of course the chain is bringing its signature "Aussie-Tizer," the Bloomin' Onion, with them.
There will also be a plethora of steaks, including herb-roasted prime rib, and a special, portobello-topped filet drizzled in bistro butter and Parmesan cheese. Other entrees include ribs and grilled chicken "On The Barbie;" New Zealand lamb, "No Rules" Parmesan pasta, lobster tails, and much more on the expansive menu.
The new Outback, announced almost a year ago, will feature a "Modern Australia"-themed decor, which the Tampa-based company is eventually rolling out at all locations. Since coming onto the scene in 1988, all Outback restaurants have been decorated with art and imagery representing the Australian outback, but this new interior design highlights indigenous flora and fauna, geography, and the sense of adventure and leisure of modern-day Australia, according to a company representative.
Part of the new theme is a large, community table in the bar area. The bar itself will have 18 seats, the lounge seats 79, and the total capacity is 282. There will be additional al fresco dining options, including an outdoor lounge.
The Assembly Outback will be the 15th Massachusetts location of the chain; a Burlington restaurant shuttered at the end of June, Boston Restaurant Talk reported. There are also stores in Framingham, Peabody, Lowell, and other cities and suburbs.
To mark its first day in business, the Assembly Outback is donating a portion of Monday's sales to Best Buddies. The Somerville Chamber of Commerce is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. that day, too.
Located at 625 Grand Union Boulevard, it will be open Monday - Saturday from 11 a.m. - midnight, and 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. on Sunday.
UPDATE, 2:05 PM: This article has been updated to clarify the total capacity of the restaurant.
