Vegas Unstripped Chef Festival returned to the Palms Casino at Sammy’s Island
– by The LV Experience
Vegas Unstripped took place on Saturday May 18 at the Palms Casino Resort’s new Sammy’s Island pool by Sammy Hagar.
The city’s most acclaimed and creative chefs came together to present one-night-only original dishes, accompanied by cocktails from many of the city’s best bars, live local entertainers, and more.
“Moving to Palms was a big step for our local-oriented event,” said Event Producer Eric Gladstone of The Feast of Friends. “But the focus and the goals of Unstripped remain the same: to show Las Vegas locals the strength of our city-wide culinary scene, and to show visitors and the world that Vegas food means more than an outpost for celebrity chefs. What better way to say that, than to bring everyone together at one of our city’s best off-Strip resorts?”
Created in 2018 as a reaction to the Strip-focused Vegas Uncork’d event, Vegas Unstripped initially only invited chefs working off-Strip but now welcomes Vegas chefs regardless of where they cook, offering open submissions. Participating chefs and more details will be announced in coming weeks.
A few other unique elements of Vegas Unstripped:
● Vegas Unstripped is an independent, not-for-profit event focused on promoting local chef talent.
● Participating chefs are chosen to represent the cutting edge of talent in Las Vegas and challenged to create unique dishes for the night reflecting their culinary passions.
● Named chefs are requested to attend and serve guests personally.
● Tickets are priced affordably to encourage participation from all food fans.
● Virtually all expenses of the independent chef/restaurateurs are covered by event revenue. Most principal staff are volunteers. Chefs and their staff donate their time.
● Net proceeds donated to underserved local charities. To date, Vegas Unstripped has donated nearly $30,000 locally (details on the vegasunstripped.com website)
● The event has grown in size every single year.
● Ticket price has remained the same and fees have actually been reduced from last year.
This year’s Chefs included:
Oscar Amador – Chef/Partner EDO, Anima by EDO, John Arena Co-Owner Metro Pizza/Truly Pizza,
Anthony Carron -Chef Alexxa’s Lumache with Maine Lobster, Johnny Church – Owner Johnny C’s Catering, Francesco DiCaudo – Executive Chef Basilico Ristorante Italiano, Roy Ellamar – Executive Chef
The Fine Company, Christophe Feyt – Director of Pastry HUKL Hospitality, Oulay Fisher – Chef/Owner
Calabash African Kitchen, DJ Flores – Chef/Owner Milpa, Kari Garcia – Owner/Baker TSP Baking Company, Cory Harwell – Chef/Owner Carson Kitchen, Bruce Kalman – Founder/Smoker, Steve Kestler –
Chef/Partner Aroma Latin Cocina, Gary FX LaMorte – Founder Honest Hospitality, Dustin Lewandowski –
Executive Chef, Marty Lopez – Executive Chef Scotch 80, Gilleum Marcoux – Owner Smokey Jay’s BBQ & Catering, Gina Marinelli Executive Chef La Strega, Giovanni Mauro – Chef/Owner Monzu Italian Oven & Bar, Old School Pizzeria, Sean O’Hara – Executive Chef Esther’s Kitchen, Owner – Meta Hospitality, Vincent Pouessel & Joe Lipnicki – Summer House, Adam Rios – Executive Chef Al Solito Posto, Michael Rubinstein – Executive Chef Vetri Cucina, Jackson Stamper – Executive Chef Ada’s Food + Wine, Joe Swan
Executive Chef – Mabel’s BBQ, Yuri Szarzewski – Executive Chef Partage, James Trees & Ramtin Yashar –
Chefs Bar Boheme.
PLUS COCKTAILS!
Adam Rains/The World Famous Golden Tiki
“Shelly’s Demise”
Chris Gutierrez/Stray Pirate
“Curry on my Wayward Rum”
Joe Mikulich/EDO and Anima by EDO
Clarified pina colada
Max Solano/Bar Chef Productions – Two Cocktails
Diane Mina/Diane Mina’s Garden Grown Blends
Bloody Mary with Hera The Dog Vodka
Bloody Maria with Tequila Ocho
Micheladas with Trumer Pils
WINE poured by
MGP Fine Wine
DB Wine & Spirits
Bird Dog Wines
Sommelier Matthew-Loren
BEER provided by
Abel Baker Brewing
Trumer Pils
Big Noise Beer
For more information visit Vegas Unstripped 2024