The restaurants of Aria in CityCenter, Las Vegas
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It’s only fitting that MGM Mirage’s partner in building the 76-acre, $8-billion CityCenter in Las Vegas is Dubai World. This is the same Dubai firm that built the 300 man-made islands, shaped to resemble planet Earth, just off the coast of Dubai. Both developments are privileged and glittering mini-cities within larger anything-goes metropolises.
In the great cities of the world, even manufactured ones, privilege can be defined by eating and drinking, not just well but decadently. Which is why Aria, the resort and casino at CityCenter’s heart, is working to position itself as the crown jewel of Vegas dining destinations. Its success, like everything in Vegas, will be measured in dollars, but for now the line-up looks like a solid bet. Here it is:
1. Masayoshi Takayama of New York’s Masa will open Bar Masa, which will have both a casual dining space and a formal area called Shaboo. Shaboo promises to deliver an ‘exclusive dining experience’ in a ‘private dining universe.’
2. Michael Mina will helm American Fish, which, according to a release, ‘will draw inspiration from the bounty of American lakes, rivers and coasts, with a menu featuring refined American cuisine.’
3. Julian Serrano, who headed up the kitchen of the Bellagio’s Picasso, will open an eponymous restaurant that will offer ‘various menus at different price points.’ There will also be a raw bar and a lounge serving tapas.
4. Jean-Georges Vongerichten will open Jean Georges Steakhouse, which will be a sleek, contemporary take on the American steakhouse.
5. Sirio Maccioni, who owns New York City’s Le Cirque and Circo, plans to bring classic Italian flavor with Sirio.
6. Chicago chef Shawn McClain (Spring, Green Zebra, Custom House) will open Sage, which will focus its menu on sustainable seafood, artisanal meats and ‘farm-to-table’ produce.
7. Also expect Jean Philippe Maury’s decadent JP Patisserie, offeringsignature chocolates and hand-crafted desserts.
If you hit rock bottom on the Strip, Aria also plans to open a buffet.
-- Jessica Gelt
Artist’s rendering of CityCenter
