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EVENT RECAP: Las Vegas’ Top Industry Leaders Rock Out on Downtown Grand Hotel’s Picnic Roof During Las Vegas Business Academy’s Third Annual Fundraiser

LAS VEGAS BUSINESS ACADEMY’

Vegas’ Top Industry Leaders Rock Out on Downtown Grand Hotel’s Picnic Roof During Las Vegas Business Academy’s Third Annual Fundraiser

On Saturday, Oct. 11, Las Vegas’ top hospitality executives, chefs and community leaders gathered for “Rockin’ on the Roof,” Las Vegas Business Academy’s third annual fundraising event, on the scenic picnic rooftop of the Downtown Grand Hotel in an effort to raise scholarship funds for University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) students pursuing a law degree or masters degree in hospitality or business.

 

The evening began with an exclusive VIP reception with top community leaders, board members and the four scholarship recipients, Daven Cameron, Keivan Roebuck, Tasha Schwikert and Matthew Sheahan. During the reception, Las Vegas Business Academy’s Chairman and Founder, Rino Armeni, honored Seth Schorr, CEO of Downtown Grand Hotel and Sam Cherry, CEO of Sam Cherry Development  with the Griffin award. The award recognized the prominent role the two industry leaders play in downtown’s resurgence in addition to their vision and drive to keep Las Vegas on the map as one of the world’s greatest cities.

 

Throughout the evening, guests sampled a variety of delicious dishes ranging from Peking Duck and Roasted Pork to Agnolotti Lobster and Grilled Octopus. Among the restaurants showcasing signature dishes were Scarpetta, Jaleo, Estiatorio Milos, Sensi, Lao Sze Chuan, D.O.C.G, Mozen, The Capital Grille, Portofino, Four Seasons, STK, Culinary Academy, StripSteak and Buddy V’s Cupcakes.

 

Before arriving at the Downtown Grand Hotel, guests were treated to a live performance of the Tony Award winning musical, Wicked at The Smith Center. As the sun began to set and the city lights turned on, guests enjoyed a beautiful view of downtown Las Vegas as sounds of live music by Vegas Limit could be heard throughout the night.

 

(From Left to Right) Las Vegas Business Academy Chairman and Founder, Rino Armeni, with scholarship recipients Matthew Sheahan, Tasha Schwikert, Daven Cameron and Keivan Roebuck.
(From Left to Right) Las Vegas Business Academy Chairman and Founder, Rino Armeni, with scholarship recipients Matthew Sheahan, Tasha Schwikert, Daven Cameron and Keivan Roebuck.
Las Vegas Business Academy’s Chairman and Founder, Rino Armeni, honors Seth Schorr, CEO of Downtown Grand Hotel, with the Griffin Award.
Las Vegas Business Academy’s Chairman and Founder, Rino Armeni, honors Seth Schorr, CEO of Downtown Grand Hotel, with the Griffin Award.
Las Vegas Business Academy Chairman and Founder, Rino Armeni and Las Vegas Business Academy President, Frank Rigley, enjoying the “Rockin on the Roof” event at the Downtown Grand Hotel Picnic rooftop area.
Las Vegas Business Academy Chairman and Founder, Rino Armeni and Las Vegas Business Academy President, Frank Rigley, enjoying the “Rockin on the Roof” event at the Downtown Grand Hotel Picnic rooftop area.

 

About Las Vegas Business Academy:

Founded in 2011, Las Vegas Business Academy (LVBA) is a nonprofit organization devoted to providing scholarship funds for students pursuing a law degree or master’s degree in business or hospitality management at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). LVBA’s program offers selected college students educational enrichment, professional development, financial aid and unparalleled mentoring resources with top-tier industry leaders in an effort to establish Nevada’s next generation of leaders. For more information, visit Las Vegas Business Academy’s website or call 702.998.2138.

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SAVE THE DATE: Las Vegas Business Academy’s Annual Fundraising Event in Downtown Las Vegas On Saturday, Oct. 11

LAS VEGAS BUSINESS ACADEMY’

SAVE THE DATE FOR LAS VEGAS BUSINESS ACADEMY’S ANNUAL FUNDRAISING EVENT IN DOWNTOWN LAS VEGAS ON SATURDAY, OCT.  11

What: Las Vegas Business Academy’s (LVBA) third annual fundraising event combines Las Vegas’ culinary masterminds with an extravagant entertainment lineup in an effort to raise scholarship funds for students pursuing graduate degrees.

 

The fundraising event will begin at The Smith Center with a matinee performance of  Tony Award winning musical, Wicked. The matinee will be followed by dinner and live rooftop entertainment at the Downtown Grand Hotel.  Las Vegas’ top chefs, hospitality executives and community leaders will gather above the streets of downtown to support the leaders of tomorrow by building awareness for the scholarship program.  Paired with gourmet dishes prepared by more than 15 local restaurants, the event offers the essence of Vegas’ vibrant entertainment with live performances by Japanese drummers, a live DJ and the band Phoenix.

 

When:
Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014
2 to 7:30 p.m.
Wicked Performance from 2 to 4 p.m. followed by dinner and entertainment from 4:30to 7:30 p.m.

 

Where:
The Smith Center
361 Symphony Park Ave.
Las Vegas, NV 89106

 

The Downtown Grand Hotel
206 North 3rd Street.
Las Vegas, NV 89101

 

Details: As the nonprofit’s primary source of funding each year, Las Vegas Business Academy’s scholarship fundraising event offers an entertaining opportunity for prominent Las Vegas figures to come together in support of higher education.

 

Local Las Vegas restaurants tentatively confirmed to participate in this year’s event include Scarpetta, Jaleo, Estiatorio Milos, Due Forni, Sensi, Peking Duck, D.O.C.G, Comme Ça, Mozen, The Capital Grille, Portofino, Four Seasons, STK, Sugar Factory, Smith Center, StripSteak and Buddy V’s Cupcakes.

 

About Las Vegas Business Academy
Founded in 2011, Las Vegas Business Academy (LVBA) is a nonprofit organization devoted to providing scholarship funds for students pursuing a law degree or master’s degree in business or hospitality management at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). LVBA’s program offers selected college students educational enrichment, professional development, financial aid and unparalleled mentoring resources with top-tier industry leaders in an effort to establish Nevada’s next generation of leaders. For more information, visit Las Vegas Business Academy’s website or call 702.998.2138.

 

Follow LVBA on Twitter (@LVBAcademy) or Facebook (Las Vegas Business Academy) for the latest updates.

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Bellagio And Wine Spectator Unite For Old World Vs. New World Wine Pairing Dinner At Sensi

BELLAGIO AND WINE SPECTATOR UNITE FOR  OLD WORLD VS. NEW WORLD WINE PAIRING DINNER AT SENSI 

Bellagio Director of Wine Jason Smith and Wine Spectator Executive Editor Thomas Matthews
Host Educational Wine Experience Friday, May 2

 

Bellagio’s Epicurean Epicenter Series will educate guests with a fun and informative “Old World vs. New World” wine pairing dinner at Sensi Friday, May 2 at 6:30 p.m. The four-course menu, created by Sensi Executive Chef Royden Ellamar, will be paired with a variety of unique wines from the world’s greatest estates. Wine Spectator Executive Editor Thomas Matthews and Bellagio Wine Director and Master Sommelier Jason Smith will host the event, providing guests with an explanation of the difference between old world and new world wines as well as the inspiration behind their pairing selections with Chef Ellamar’s contemporary cuisine.

The evening will begin with an assortment of canapés followed by a four-course prix fixe menu:

 

Canapés 
Dueling Hams
  • Prosciutto di Parma with Ranch Dates and Very Old Balsamic
  • Colonel Bill Newsome’s Country Ham with a Grilled Biscuit and Coffee Aioli
Old Egg vs. New Egg
  • Oeufs Brouille, French Scrambled Eggs with Caviar
  • Textured Egg, Sous Vide Yolks, Lox + Ikura, “Everything” Meringue and a Shaved Bagel

​Foie Gras Terrine, served with Carrot Cake, Pickled Plum and Sauternes

Pairing Menu
  • Salad “Lyonnaise,” a Grilled Frisee served with housemade Jowl Bacon and Mustard Seed Soy Vinaigrette; paired with Dr. Loosen Riesling Kabinett “Wehlener Sonnenuhr” Mosel 2011 and Sandhi Chardonnay, Santa Barbara 2012
  • Spring Risotto, served with Morel Mushrooms, English Peas, Charred Ramps Halibut Cheeks and Green Curry; paired with Antinori Chardonnay “Cervaro della Sala” Umbria 2011 and Illumination Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2012
  • Tasting of Colorado Lamb, featuring a 12-hour Smoked Brisket, Herb Roasted Loin and Truffle Crusted Tenderloin; paired with Bodegas Muga “Torre Muga” Rioja 2006 and Casa Lapostolle “Clos Apalta” Colchagua Valley 2009
  • Epoisses + Bohemian Creamery “The Bomb,” served with Sesame Rye Crisps and Quince Preserve

 

The exquisite dinner is priced at $195 per person, all-inclusive. For reservations, contact Bellagio Concierge at 866.406.7117.


ABOUT BELLAGIO 

Inspired by the beautiful villages of Europe, the AAA Five Diamond Bellagio overlooks a Mediterranean-blue, 8 ½-acre lake in which fountains perform a magnificent aquatic ballet.  Award-winning dining, a world-class art gallery, the exquisite Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, the stunning performance of “O,” by Cirque du Soleil, a sumptuous spa and salon and exclusive luxury shopping all work together to compose the symphony that is Bellagio. Bellagio is a wholly owned subsidiary of MGM

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Sensi at Bellagio Features Menu Inspired by Executive Chef Royden Ellamar’s Chopped Victory

Sensi at Bellagio Features Prix-Fixe Menu Inspired by
Executive Chef Royden Ellamar’s Chopped Victory

Executive Chef Royden Ellamar of Sensi at Bellagio Resort & Casino recently became a Chopped champion after conquering three rounds of timed secret ingredient challenges on an episode of Food Network’s popular cooking competition show. The episode titled “Hecho en the Chopped Kitchen” featured mystery baskets containing Mexican ingredients which the talented chef transformed into an appetizer, entrée and dessert.  Guests now have the chance to put themselves in the judges’ seats and taste Ellamar’s creations with the three-course Chopped menu available at Sensi for $60 per person.

When Ellamar and his fellow contestants opened the first basket they found pigs feet in a jar, tres leches cake, jicama and culantro. While these items may not seem like they would create a cohesive dish, Ellamar used his culinary expertise and, with the clock ticking, created an appetizer that impressed the panel of Chopped judges securing his place in the second round. The same sweetness and texture that according to the judges made Ellamar’s dish “the most successful” of round one is replicated in the Crispy Pork Terrine and jicama salad with cilantro vinaigrette.

Round two brought the challenge of creating an entrée with goat, tequila, churros and huitlacoche, a fungus that grows on corn. Ellamar channeled his Asian roots and time spent in Mexico City to prepare the Tequila Grilled Goat Tenderloin and huitlacoche and goat cheese hash with charred tomato salsa. Ellamar’s perfectly cooked goat, “awesome” hash and delicious sauce got him a ticket to the final dessert challenge.

For the grand finale, Ellamar created a spin on Sensi’s beloved doughnuts using coconut, pepitas, piloncillo and yucca. With one bite of the fluffy and airy Yucca Malasadas, Portuguese doughnuts with pumpkin seed brittle and coconut caramel, guests will understand why Ellamar is now a Chopped champion.
About Bellagio
Inspired by the beautiful villages of Europe, the AAA Five Diamond Bellagio overlooks a Mediterranean-blue, eight-acre lake, where fountains perform a magnificent aquatic ballet choreographed to music and lights. Within Bellagio are award-winning dining experiences including two AAA Five Diamond restaurants, Julian Serrano’s Picasso and Le Cirque from the renowned Maccioni family. The resort’s retail promenade, Via Bellagio, includes the luxury shops of Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Tiffany & Co., Prada, Fred Leighton, Chanel, Dior and Fendi. A world-class art gallery, the exquisite Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, the stunning “O” by Cirque du Soleil®, a luxurious spa and salon and an elegant casino all add to the extraordinary Bellagio experience. Bellagio is a wholly owned subsidiary of MGM Resorts International™. For more information and reservations, visit www.bellagio.com or call toll free at (888) 987-6667.

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Don’t Get Pinched This St. Patrick’s Day: Go Green at MGM Resorts

Don’t Get Pinched This St. Patrick’s Day: Go Green 

Restaurants throughout MGM Resorts know that there’s more than one way to “go green” this St. Patrick’s Day. On March 17- and the other 364 days of the year – Sage, Sensi, Border Grill and Rick Moonen’s rm seafood, are proactively working to make their cuisine as sustainable and eco-friendly as possible.

 

  • Sage at ARIA works with forager Kerry Clasby to source sustainable ingredients from California such as fresh fruits, flowers, vegetables, eggs and cheeses. She frequents family-run farms up and down the coast to find the freshest, most eco-friendly ingredients for which Sage is known. In addition, Sage serves meat procured only from sustainably conscious vendors.

 

  • Sensi at Bellagio serves hormone-free and range-free meat in addition to only grass-fed beef carefully selected from ranches in the Midwest. Its seafood program follows suit with guidance from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch.  In order to provide the freshest ingredients possible, much of the produce served at Sensi is handpicked from farms around the Las Vegas valley.

 

  • Every refreshing glass of water that guests drink from Border Grill or Rick Moonen’s rm seafood at Mandalay Bay is actually helping save the environment. Both of these restaurants use the Natura water purification system and reusable glass bottles, providing an eco-friendly alternative to tap and bottled water. Additionally, both restaurants serve only sustainable seafood and are members of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch.

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Celebrate The Holidays with Christmas Feasts at MGM Resorts International Restaurants

 

Celebrate The Holidays with Christmas Feasts at MGM Resorts International Restaurants

 

 

This year, celebrate the holidays with mouth-watering meals served at MGM Resorts International restaurants. The extraordinary chefs at ARIA, Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage, Monte Carlo, Luxor and Excalibur have designed menus that are sure to put guests into the Christmas spirit. From traditional holiday feasts to decadent desserts, guests will find delightful dishes that celebrate the season.

 

Here are some highlights from the specially designed menus and carefully crafted dishes guests can look forward to this holiday season:

 

ARIA
Executive Chef Robert Moore at Jean Georges Steakhouse has put together a magnificent a la carte menu of scrumptious dishes to be devoured on Christmas Day. In addition to the regular menu, guests will enjoy Butternut Squash Soup and Steamed Shrimp Salad with champagne vinegar dressing as appetizers. For the main course, choices include a 26 oz. Char-Grilled Australian Tomahawk Chop and Creamy Horseradish Potatoes. An Apple and Pecan Sticky Bun with brown butter ice cream will end the meal on a sweet note.

 

Sirio Ristorante will offer guests the chance to celebrate with a bit of Italian flair by serving items such as Ravioli al Tartufo Nero di Norcia (cheese ravioli topped with fresh shaved black truffles from Norcia) and Medaglioni de Vitello (roasted veal medallions wrapped in prosciutto with pomegranate sauce, heirloom carrots and celery room puree).

 

BELLAGIO
Home of Italian, Asian, American and seafood specialties, Sensi’s a la carte menu will feature a variety of creative dishes from Executive Chef Royden Ellamar. Tasty yet non-traditional specialties include Roasted Mediterranean Octopus and Kimchee Butter Poached Oysters served with crispy pork belly, Napa cabbage and scallions.  A Slow Roasted Dry Aged Prime Rib also is available as well as succulent Lamb Biryani. The menu is available Saturday, December 24 through Monday, December 26.

 

Executive Chef Jaime Mendoza of Todd English’s Olives has created exceptional a la carte lunch and dinner menus that highlight the season. Featured items include Lobster Pumpkin Bisque and Grilled Lamb Steak. Specialty menus also are available at Picasso, Prime Steakhouse, Le Cirque, Osteria del Circo, Café Bellagio, Noodles and Snacks.

 

MANDALAY BAY
Aureole’s Executive Chef Vincent Pouessel has designed a festive five-course menu featuring selections such as Foie Gras and Fresh Black Truffle au Torchon and Citrus Crusted Diver Scallops. Flourless Chocolate Gateau with raspberry compote and stracciatella gelato rounds out the holiday menu. Guests can enjoy these options on both Saturday, December 24 and Sunday, December 25.  A holiday menu also is available at Wolfgang Puck’s delicious eatery, Trattoria Del Lupo.

 

MGM GRAND
The extraordinary prix fixe menu at SEABLUE by Michael Mina includes tantalizing tastes such as Oysters, Mixed Greens and Parsnip Soup. The meal is highlighted by Seablue Prime Rib served with horseradish-crusted potatoes and creamed spinach.  A dessert of Apple Tarte Tatin flawlessly finishes the experience. Specialty tasting menus also are available at Shibuya and Diego.

 

THE MIRAGE
Onda Ristorante & Wine Lounge brings bold Italian flavors to its Christmas prix fixe menu comprised of Crostata Di Pere Gorgonzola, Creamy Potato Leek Soup and Chianti Braised Beef Short Ribs. The feast ends with two decadent desserts, Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta and a Hazelnut Cheesecake.

 

kokomo’s will celebrate the season with a three-course meal of Roasted Quail, Lamb Chop & T-Bone and dessert of Eggnog Brulee or Chocolate Lava Cake. Both menus are available Friday, December 23 through Sunday, December 25.

 

MONTE CARLO
Dragon Noodle Co. & Sushi Bar will offer an Asian-inspired four-course menu including Wonton Soup, California Roll and Vegetable Spring Roll. Guests will then choose from Orange Chicken, Prime Sirloin, Walnut Shrimp or Hong Kong Chow Mein as an entrée. Dinner would not be complete without dessert; a slice of Ginger Cake provides a sweet end. Holiday menus also are available at d.vino Italian Food & Wine Bar and The Café.

 

Buffets
In addition to prix fixe menus, several special Christmas Day buffets will be available throughout the MGM Resorts properties. A plethora of options are available for guests to choose from at The Buffet at Bellagio, MGM Grand Buffet, Cravings at The Mirage, MORE The Buffet at Luxor and Roundtable Buffet at Excalibur.