Last week, the opening of Mémoire Nightclub at Encore Boston Harbor drew hundreds of guests and an impressive roster of celebrity DJs, with former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal (DJ Diesel) performing on June 27.
The venue wasted no time establishing itself as a destination for top-tier talent, featuring performances from Shaq, Fadil El Ghoul (R3HAB), and Steve Aoki during its inaugural week.
These three DJs rank among the world’s premier club performers and regularly draw thousands to large arena events.
According to Randy Greenstein, principal at Big Night Entertainment Group, which operates the club within Encore, “What an exciting first week at
Mémoire,” “We kicked off opening night with
Dutch-Moroccan DJ R3HAB followed by Steve Aoki on Monday – two of the top DJs
in the world right now. We also had an electric night with Shaq
on Thursday and look forward to continuing to bring top talent from all over
the world to Encore Boston Harbor. Our guests have been really excited by the
state-of-the-art technology at Mémoire, like the Funktion One sound
system, the custom LED ceiling, and the 450-inch LED wall, which creates a
really high-energy and exciting experience.”
The Big Night Entertainment Group is also managing the flagship Mystique Asian-fusion restaurant at the resort casino, and both establishments represent significant additions to the Encore experience.
Bob DeSalvio, president of Encore Boston Harbor, noted that “The restaurants, lounges and amenities at
Encore Boston Harbor offer some of the best and most enjoyable dining and
nightlife experiences in the nation, which makes Mystique and Mémoire a perfect
fit,” “Big Night
Entertainment Group owns and operates several of the most popular and
award-winning restaurants and luxury nightclubs in the region and is very well
respected in this marketplace. They know how to amaze people in every way and
will help mark Encore Boston Harbor as the premier dining and nightlife
destination for all who visit, live or work in the region.”
The 8,000 square-foot luxury venue accommodates up to 650 guests and features lustrous gold surfaces, plush accents, sensuous leather contours, custom marble tables, glistening chandeliers, and state-of-the-art technology. The space emphasizes a VIP atmosphere with 20 luxurious VIP tables, multiple bars, and private areas designed for an unforgettable evening.
Prior to the Shaq performance on Thursday, the NBA legend and former Boston Celtic spent time on the Encore gaming floor, greeting guests and posing for hundreds of photographs.
The dance floor filled with hundreds of attendees for DJ Diesel’s set, creating a scene rarely witnessed in Boston—one that Big Night Entertainment and Encore hope will establish a premier nightlife destination along the Mystic River.
Upcoming July performances will feature Lucky Lou (July 6), Elephante (July 7), Vinny Vibe (July 20), Ikon (July 26), and Chantel Jefferies (July 28).
Mémoire operates Friday through Sunday from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
•Mystique Opens to Large Crowds
Mystique Asian Restaurant & Lounge represents another Big Night partnership with Encore, bringing elevated Pan-Asian dining to the property.
Principal Ed Kane of Big Night Entertainment Group stated that “Mystique and Mémoire are destined to be
flagship destinations at Encore Boston Harbor,” “We are thrilled to be able to deliver the premier,
first-class experience that guests will expect at the resort.”
Kane expressed that the design and execution of Mystique had reinvigorated him professionally.
He remarked that “This one I’ve been so excited about,” “I love it. To see it reaching completion is extremely exciting. It was
two years in the making and it’s open and it’s been a lot of work.”, referencing his previous experience with the opening of Tosca.
The restaurant’s name reflects both its captivating design and waterfront setting, transporting guests through an Asian-inspired journey upon arrival. The 16,400 square foot dining room and lounge features panoramic windows and a 40-seat terrace overlooking the Mystic River. Award-winning designer Peter Niemitz created a space with luxurious finishes and rich textures throughout, accommodating over 450 guests. The restaurant includes an expansive stone bar with 28 seats, plush lounge seating, a sushi counter, and an open kitchen with a captivating robata grill. One-of-a-kind Asian-inspired décor sourced from around the world adorns the space. A seasonal patio with 36 seats provides views of the Mystic River beneath the Encore Boston Harbor sign.
Executive Chef Anthony Micari, who trained at Makoto in Miami, presents a curated selection of Pan-Asian dishes featuring an extensive robata program, artful sushi creations, and traditional dishes with modern interpretations. His approach emphasizes fresh, bold flavors using premium ingredients, presented with artistic attention to detail. The menu includes seasonally inspired items highlighting New England’s bounty alongside contemporary Pan-Asian cuisine and impressive large-format presentations.
While reservations are accepted, Kane emphasized that the restaurant prioritizes accommodating walk-in guests, including large parties. “We’re going to hold 50 percent of our
capacity for walk-ins and large parties,” “We think that mix will work
for us. We’ll make the effort to move things around and get you in. If you are
looking for a place at the last minute, we want you to call us or come in.”
The signature robata grill serves as a visual centerpiece, allowing guests to watch items from land, sea, and air grilled over white binchotan charcoal. Designed for sharing, the robata offerings range from Japanese New York Strip steaks to large Tomahawks and creative dishes like the Avocado Bomb with sudachi aioli, toasted sesame, and ponzu. The sushi program, led by Head Sushi Chef Tony Mai (a Makoto alumnus), features wild-caught fish flown fresh daily from Japan. Offerings include classic sushi and sashimi alongside inventive creations with unique and rare fish. Chef Micari and Chef Mai source iki jime fish from premier fishermen worldwide, offering exceptional sushi quality with daily omakase specials.
Mystique opens daily for lunch and dinner beginning at 11:30 a.m.