Call it unstripped tease.
Vegas Unstripped, a festival celebrating local food and drink, returns for its fifth performance on May 18. Ahead of the festival, the organizer shared the names of the 29 participating chefs confirmed so far. That number, the highest ever, is likely to increase in the coming weeks, said Eric Gladstone, owner of Feast of Friends, organizer of Vegas Unstripped.
This year, the festival has moved from the Arts District downtown to the pool deck at the Palms. Below are 29 chefs who are personally serving one-night-only dishes they are creating for Vegas Unstripped.
In the Pool, a Deep Dive into Culinary Genius
Oscar Amador (EDO Gastro Tapas & Wine, Animas by EDO), James Beard Award finalist
John Arena (Metro Pizza, Truly Pizza)
Geno Bernardo (The Summit Club)
Anthony Caron (Alexa)
Johnny Church (Johnny C. Catering), a “Chopped” winner
Francesco Di Cado (Basilico Restaurant), James Beard Award nominee
Roy Ellamar (Fine Company)
Mitsuo Ando (Aburiya Raku, Raku Toridokoro, Casa de Raku), James Beard Award nominee
Christophe Fayet (HUKL Cooking)
Aule Fischer (Calabash African Kitchen)
DJ Flores (Milpa), James Beard Award nominee
Bruce Kallman (Soulbelly BBQ) James Beard Award Nominee and “Chopped” Winner
Steve Kestler (Aroma Latin American Cocina), James Beard Award Finalist
Gary LaMorte (Honest Hospitality)
Dustin Lewandowski (1228 Main)
Marty Lopez (Scotch 80 Prime)
Gina Marinelli (La Strega and Harlow Steakhouse), James Beard Award nominee
Giovanni Mauro (Monzu, Old School Pizza)
Shawn O’Hara (Esther’s Kitchen)
Luke Palladino (Meta-Hospitality)
Ralph Perrazzo (Snap-o-Razzo)
Adam Rios (El Solito Posto)
Michael Rubinstein (Vetri Cucina)
Jessica Scott (50 Eggs Hospitality)
Jackson Stamper (Ada’s Food + Wine)
Joe Swan (Mabel’s BBQ)
Yuri Zarazhevsky (Partage)
James Trees (Esther’s Kitchen and Timeless Cuisine), James Beard Award finalist
Ramtin Yashar (Bar Bohem)
Gladstone said, “They’re all bang on, but I’m not done yet.” “I want a little more diversity in culinary background. “We don’t compromise.”
maintaining emotion in a new place
Vegas Unstripped was launched in 2018 in response to a longtime Strip event (now defunct) created by out-of-towners to showcase celebrity chefs rather than homegrown culinary talent.
The Palms isn’t on the Strip, but its pool complex (where Sammy Hagar Island will launch May 17) is certainly different from the urban edge of the Arts District. How will that change play out in Vegas Unstripped?
Gladstone said, “I didn’t want to lose its independent spirit, its authenticity.” “In Vegas, there is something about having an event in a casino that legitimizes it for both locals and visitors. Telling the story of local Vegas cooking to out-of-towners has always been a goal.
And the Palms “gave us carte blanche,” Gladstone continued. “They’re not trying to take over; “They’re not trying to tell us what to do.”
how to buy tickets
Chefs do not pay to participate in Vegas Unstripped. Almost all the expenses they incur are covered by event revenues. Most of the key staff are volunteers. Chefs and their staff donate their time. Net proceeds are donated to underprivileged local charities (more information on the event website).
In addition to a roster of chefs, Vegas Unstripped offers cocktails from many of the city’s best bars, live local entertainers, art activities and more. Tickets remain at $150 plus fees, and are available at Vegasunstripped.com. Follow @vegasunstripped on Instagram and Facebook. The number of attendees must be at least 21.
Jonathan L. contact right [email protected]. to follow @JLWTaste On Instagram.
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