Celebrity Chef Showdown on the Vegas Strip

Introduction

• Hosts: Safiya and Tyler
• Theme: Eating at celebrity chef restaurants on the Vegas Strip.
• Las Vegas Overview:
  • Known as Sin City and the entertainment capital of the world.
  • Famous for nightlife, shopping, gambling, and high-end dining.
  • Celebrity chefs have signature restaurants to attract diners.

Previous Experience

• They previously stayed at every hotel on the Vegas Strip and dined at celebrity chef restaurants.
• Missed several restaurants, prompting a return for part two of the showdown.

Criteria for Selection

• Define "celebrity chef restaurant":
  • Chefs must be central characters in their own shows or content related to cooking.
  • Restaurants by famous chefs or inspired by celebrity chefs are included.
  • Jonas Brothers' Nellie's Southern Kitchen is included despite their lack of culinary background.

Cost and Overordering

• Most restaurants are expensive, typical for the Vegas Strip.
• Mentioned past experience of high prices (e.g., $70 Johnny Rockets order).
• They overordered at some locations, taking leftovers for later.

List of Restaurants Visited

1. Martha Stewart's The Bedford at Paris

   • Martha Stewart: Influential lifestyle personality, first restaurant opened in 2022.
   • Décor modeled after her home, tranquil and inviting.
   • Menu highlights:
     • Big Martha's Pierogies (with brown butter), Honey Nut Squash Salad, Ricotta Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms, Roasted Chicken for two, Upside Down Lemon Meringue Pie.
   • Overall rating: Positive ambiance and comforting food.

2. Jonas Brothers' Nellie's Southern Kitchen at MGM Grand

   • Focus on southern comfort food.
   • Vibe: Hipster, modern country.
   • Menu highlights:
     • Southern Rolls, Shrimp and Grits, Chicken and Dumplings, Cup of Joe dessert.
   • Overall impression: Casual dining, a bit pricey for what you get.

3. Bobby Flay's Amalfi at Caesar's Palace

   • Specializes in coastal Italian cuisine.
   • Menu highlights:
     • Secret Focaccia with Ricotta Dip, Tuna Tartare on Crispy Rice, Charred Octopus, Squid Ink Fettuccine, Pistachio Sundae.
   • Overall impression: Good dishes, worth the visit despite past grievances.

4. Roy Choi and John Favreau's The Chef Truck at Park MGM

   • Inspired by the film "Chef"; offers a casual food truck vibe.
   • Menu highlights:
     • Cubanos, Medianoche Sandwich, Shrimp Po'Boy Tacos, Beignets.
   • Overall impression: Fun atmosphere, good food.

5. Lorena Garcia's Chica at the Venetian

   • Celebrates a variety of Latin cuisines in a vibrant, club-like atmosphere.
   • Menu highlights:
     • Buñuelo Doughnuts, Arepa Basket, Chilaquiles, Wagyu Quesa-Birria Tacos, Flaming Skull Dessert.
   • Overall impression: Fun ambiance and enjoyable dishes.

6. Ayesha Curry and Michael Mina's International Smoke at MGM Grand

   • Focus on wood-fired and smoked dishes.
   • Menu highlights:
     • Peking Pork Belly Bao Buns, Tokyo Fried Chicken, Ribs, S'mores.
   • Overall impression: Good vibe, solid dishes.

7. Wolfgang Puck's Spago at Bellagio

   • Celebrated as the original celebrity chef.
   • Menu highlights:
     • Truffle Pizza, Hand-Cut Fettuccine, Lamb Chops, Kaiserschmarrn.
   • Overall impression: High-end dining experience, excellent dessert.

Top Picks Summary

• Best Overall Experience:
  • The Bedford, Amalfi, Chica.
• Best Dishes:
  • Amalfi's Charred Octopus, Chica's Buñuelo Doughnuts, Kaiserschmarrn from Spago.
• Best Ambiance/Decor:
  • Amalfi, The Chef Truck, The Bedford.

Conclusion

• General satisfaction with the dining experience in part two.
• Looking forward to more Gordon Ramsay restaurants in the future.