Things just keep getting better in Stamford’s South End – and next year Harbor Point will get a little spicier with the help of a celebrity Chef!

As reported on CTBites, celebrity chef Aaron Sanchez, restaurateur and co-star of Chopped and Heat Seekers, is bringing his Mexican magic to a new home in Waterfront Square. ALEGRE, a sexy, high end restaurant, cocktail and wine lounge, will occupy the 6,000 square foot glass building that has housed the Beer Garden, which is closing.

Alegre’s is sponsored by the owners of Frankie and Johnnie’s Steakhouses and famed mixologist and competitive sommelier, Olie Berlic, who is to wine and spirits what Sanchez is to Latin food.  Aaron’s Stamford outpost should open sometime next Spring or Summer.

Alegre’s  concept will be similar to that of the Mexican Melting Pot menu at Mestizo, Aaron’s acclaimed Kansas City restaurant.  (In addition to Sanchez’s cookbooks and television appearances in both North and South America,  he also sets the culinary vision for Crossroads at the House of Blues nationwide and Tacombi Tacqueria in New York City.)

As for Beer Garden at Harbor Point we are just as sad to see this go as you are! But, next spring, the World of

Beer will open not to far from here. This national franchise will offer one of the widest selections of  brews and spirits in Connecticut, along with some great tavern food fare.

Plans call for the new restaurant to open in the Spring/Summer of 2014.  We’ll keep you posted as we hear more! Stay tuned!