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Celebrity Chefs on the Vegas Strip

Aug 31, 2024

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.