Marcus Samuelsson Archives

Food Network debuts ‘Chopped: Martha Rules,’ starring Martha Stewart, Ted Allen, Marcus Samuelsson and Marc Murphy

March 15, 2021

Marc Murphy, Martha Stewart, Marcus Samuelsson and Ted Allen of “Martha Rules” (Photo courtesy of Food Network)

The following is a press release from Food Network:

Lifestyle expert, acclaimed cookbook author and Emmy® Award-winning television personality Martha Stewart is taking over the Chopped kitchen in the new, five-episode stunt Chopped: Martha Rules, premiering Tuesday, April 13th at 9pm ET/PT on Food Network. Set in an outdoor kitchen in Kennebunkport, Maine, Martha calls the shots and changes all the rules, any way she wants, as sixteen fearless chefs must compete and learn to pivot to stay in the running for the $50,000 grand prize. Hosted by Ted Allen, each hour-long episode features four chefs working with a mystery basket of ingredients through three rounds – appetizer, entrée, and dessert – as they are challenged to create unique and delicious meals in a limited amount of time. But Martha has big surprises in store, turning Chopped upside down with curveballs thrown at the competitors every step of the way, including Martha taking control of the clock knocking the chefs off their game and adding a surprise fifth chef to battle against the competitors that make it to the dessert round. Joining Martha at the judges table are Marc Murphy and Marcus Samuelsson, who determine the winners from the preliminary heats that will meet in the finale for a chance to take home the pay day. Which champion can keep their head in the game, no matter what obstacles Martha throws in their path, and who will be chopped?

“Martha Stewart is the definitive authority for all things lifestyle, and there is no one better at making all the rules,” said Courtney White, President, Food Network. “Set in one of Martha’s favorite locations, beautifully rustic and scenic Kennebunkport, the challenges presented to the chefs have Martha’s signature style written all over them.”

The first group of competitors set out to make a stellar first impression, but Martha has a twist for them concerning the pantry, as the chefs will only have access to 10 essential pantry staples. Maine-inspired basket ingredients like blueberry pie and clam chowder set the scene for a sensational coastal feast. In another episode the chefs learn that Martha plans to have them switch cooking stations – and dishes – at any time. Extreme creativity and serious agility must be on display as the chefs need to stay focused and confident under the most peculiar and demanding of circumstances. And in the finale, Martha plans to pull out all the stops to make the road to $50,000 as rife with challenges as possible. In the appetizer round the chefs wonder what’s going on, when instead of a fourth ingredient, they spot some footwear in the basket. The entrée round sees the last three chefs working with a bountiful collection of New England-inspired gastronomic goodness, and an extra mandatory task in the dessert round promises to be both time-consuming and educational.

Fans can meet the chefs and learn more about Martha and her pantry essentials on FoodNetwork.com/Chopped. Follow along with the competition on social media using #Chopped.

Chopped: Martha Rules is produced by Notional Entertainment.

2018 Music City Food + Wine Festival: Kings of Leon, Andrew Zimmern, Marcus Samuelsson among celebrity lineup

May 10, 2018

Andrew Zimmern (Photo courtesy of Renaissance Hotels)

The following is a press release from Music City Food + Wine Festival:

GRAMMY-Award winning artists Kings of Leon, James Beard Foundation Award-winning chef Jonathan Waxman, Vector Management’s Ken Levitan and Andy Mendelsohn, and C3 Presents are pleased to announce the fifth annual Music City Food + Wine Festival, September 15-17, 2017, offering expanded festival programming, including the addition of a Friday Night Grand Taste Pavilion, more chefs than ever before at Saturday Night’s Harvest Night, the return of Pappy Hour and the brand-new Sunday Gospel Brunch. Tickets go on sale May 10, 2017, 10:00 a.m. CST, at http://www.musiccityfoodandwinefestival.com/tickets

“Nashville’s reputation as a destination for music lovers is fast being challenged by our status as a premier foodie destination in the Southeast,” says Mayor Megan Barry. “The Music City Food + Wine Festival will highlight some of our amazing chefs and restaurateurs who are defining Southern cuisine and showing that Nashville is the place to be for talented and creative individuals looking to show off their skills.”

“The Music City Food + Wine Festival has grown in stature and quality in lock-step with Nashville’sculinary scene,” says Butch Spyridon, President/CEO of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. “The two are inextricably tied to each other and our success as a destination. Great food, music, and fun sums up the event and the city.”

“It’s that time of year again when we celebrate all things food, wine and dance in the best city in America,” says Kings of Leon’s Nathan Followill, festival partner. “There are some big changes in store this year so don’t miss out. See you in September!”

Music City Food + Wine Festival brings together stars of Nashville’s culinary scene with acclaimed regional and national chefs, wine and spirits experts. Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, Festival programming will include the Grand Taste Pavilion, held at Bicentennial Capitol State Mall Park on Friday, September 15, from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m., and Saturday, September 16, from 11:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m. The Grand Taste Pavilion will offer interactive cooking demonstrations, engaging panel discussions, intimate Tasting Sessions, a dynamic line-up of more than 20 local chefs a day preparing signature dishes in the Chef Showcase, Book Signings and more: www.musiccityfoodandwinefestival.com

The Grand Taste Pavilion will also offer food, wine and cocktail samples from more than 80 local and regional artisans and feature celebrated pitmaster Pat Martin, who will once again host Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint and Friends, featuring an all-star line-up of chefs, beverage pros and fellow pitmasters from around the country that will smoke and grill meats and veggies in an interactive, live-fire barbeque feast on festival grounds.

Back by popular demand, Music City Food + Wine Festival is proud to host Pappy Hour at the Grand Taste Pavilion on Saturday, September 16. This bourbon tasting will be led by Preston Van Winkle of Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery, great grandson of iconic bourbon maker Julian P. “Pappy” Van Winkle. More information on how to attend Pappy Hour will be announced this summer.

“Nashville is home to some of the world’s best musicians, chefs and restaurants, and we’re proud to bring them together over the course of the Music City Food + Wine weekend,” says festival co-founder Ken Levitan, Vector Management. “We’re thrilled to expand the Festival to include Friday night’s Grand Taste and Sunday’s Gospel Brunch, and look forward to a fun and delicious fifth year!”

Harvest Night:

On Saturday, September 16, Walk of Fame Park (4^th Avenue South) will be home to Harvest Night, which will feature more chefs than ever before, with a musical tribute from award-winning steel pedal guitarist Robert Randolph who will bring the Funk to downtown Nashville. Festivalgoers can enjoy signature dishes from nearly 20 of Nashville and the country’s most acclaimed chefs. Food will be served from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., with Robert Randolph’s live performance from 8:00 – 9:30 p.m. Harvest Night chefs are scheduled to include: Hugh Acheson (Five & Ten, The National, Empire State South, The Florence, Spiller Park); Jimmy Bannos (Heaven on Seven, Juicy – O); Jimmy Bannos Jr. (The Purple Pig); John Besh (Marsh House, L.A. Jackson, Killebrew); Matt Bolus (The 404 Kitchen); Sean Brock (McCrady’s, McCrady’s Tavern, Husk, Minero); Maneet Chauhan (Chauhan Ale& Masala House); Drew Curren (Elm Restaurant Group); Cassidee Dabney (The Barn at Blackberry Farm); Susan Feniger (Border Grill); Joseph Lenn (J.C. Holdway); Tim Love (Lonesome Dove Western Bistro, Woodshed Smokehouse, Queenie’s Steakhouse, Love Shack, White Elephant Saloon); Marcus Samuelsson (Marcus Samuelsson Group); Alon Shaya (Domenica, Pizza Domenica, Shaya); Jonathan Waxman (Adele’s, Bajo Sexto, Barbuto, Brezza Cucina, Jams, Waxman’s SF); Tandy Wilson (City House) and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Canteen).

Gospel Brunch:

On Sunday, September 17, join an acclaimed line-up of chefs as they prepare Southern brunch favorites set to a spirited live gospel performance from Gayle Mayes for Music City Food + Wine’s first-ever Gospel Brunch held at Walk of Fame Park. Some of Tennessee’s most beloved chefs will serve signature dishes paired with eye-opening cocktails, wine and coffee, including Tim Love (Back Dough); Joshua Simpson (Proper Bagel); Levon Wallace (Gray & Dudley); Karl Worley (Biscuit Love Brunch) and many more special guests to be announced.

Chef Showcase:

Featuring different chefs and restaurants on Friday, September 15, and Saturday, September 16, the Chef Showcase in the Grand Taste Pavilion at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park (600 James Robertson Pkwy) will give attendees the opportunity to meet some of the city’s top chefs, while sampling dishes from a diverse line-up of restaurants. Chef Showcase will feature some of Nashville’s most beloved chefs and restaurants, including Adeles; Bajo Sexto Taco Lounge; Jessica Benefield & Trey Burnette (Two Ten Jack); Kristin Beringson (Silo); Carey Bringle (Peg Leg Porker); Chris Carter & James Peisker (Porter Road Butcher); Brandon Chavannes (Moto Cucina + Enoteca); Trey Cioccia (The Farm House); RJ Cooper (Henley); Crystal De Luna-Bogan (The Grilled Cheesrie); Nathan Duensing (Marsh House); Matt Farley (Fin & Pearl); Jay Flatley (Tavern); Brandon Frohne(Hollar and Dash Biscuit House); Tony Galzin (Nicky’s Coal Fired); Sarah Gavigan (Otaku South); Daniel Herget (Little Octopus); Nick Hertel (Merchants); Hal M. Holden Bache (Lockland Table); Jess Lambert (etc Restaurant); Brian Lea (Le Sel); Daniel Lindley (5^th & Taylor); Andrew Little(Josephine, Prima Nashville); Margot McCormack (Margot Café & Marche); Deb Paquette (Etch Restaurant); Kyle Patterson (Sinema Nashville); Nick Pellegrino (Mangia Nashville); Giovanni Pianto (Giovanni Ristorante); Andrew Rodriguez (Pinewood Social); Jesse Rossbach (Lonesome Dove Knoxville); Tyler Saracino (Americano); Nina Sayasack (Thai Esane); David Tieman (Five Points Pizza); Jason Zygmont (The Treehouse) and more. The Chef Showcase schedule will be announced this summer.

Cooking Demonstrations & Book Signings:

Throughout the weekend at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, attendees will have the opportunity to get up close and personal as chefs lead interactive and informative cooking demonstrations, including: Hugh Acheson; Jimmy Bannos & Jimmy Bannos Jr.; John Besh; Susan Feniger; Tim Love; Marcus Samuelsson; Jonathan Waxman and Andrew Zimmern. Check www.musiccityfoodandwinefestival.com this summer for the book signing schedule and more information on the cooking demonstrations.

Panel Discussions & Tasting Sessions:

Listen in as the festival’s chefs, wine & spirits experts engage in dynamic conversations during a series of intimate Tasting Sessions and Panel Discussions about hilarious disasters in the kitchen, your favorite chef’s go-to desert island ingredients, party playlists and more. Stay tuned for panelist and moderator announcements.

Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint and Friends:

Back by popular demand, Music City Food + Wine Festival is pleased to announce that Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint and Friends will once again return with an all-star line-up of chefs and pitmasters from across the country, to be announced this summer. Celebrated pitmaster Pat Martin will be joined by a host of decorated chef friends to cook and serve an interactive, live-fire barbeque and grilling fest on festival grounds at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park on Friday night and Saturday.

Tickets & More Information:

Music City Food + Wine Festival ticket options include an All-In Ticket, as well as Friday Evening Ticket, Saturday Ticket, Harvest Night Ticket, and Sunday Gospel Brunch Ticket. All attendees must be 21 years of age or older.

The All-In Ticket ($525 per person) enables guests to experience the full weekend of Music City Food + Wine Festival programming, including Friday evening and Saturday festival access; the Grand Taste Pavilion’s cooking demos and panel discussions with local and national chefs, wine & spirits experts, and sommeliers; more than 80 beer, wine, cocktail, and culinary tastings; access to Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint and Friends; and access to Saturday’s Harvest Night.

The Friday Evening Ticket ($165 per person) includes single-day access to Friday, September 15festival programming at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, including the Grand Taste Pavilion’s cooking demos and panel discussions with local and national chefs, wine & spirits experts, and sommeliers; more than 80 beer, wine, cocktail, and culinary tastings; and access to Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint and Friends.

The Saturday Ticket ($165 per person) includes single-day access to Saturday, September 16 festival programming at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, including the Grand Taste Pavilion’s cooking demos and panel discussions with local and national chefs, wine & spirits experts, and sommeliers; more than 80 beer, wine, cocktail, and culinary tastings; and access to Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint and Friends.

Harvest Night Ticket ($275 per person) is available as a stand-alone ticket option for Saturday evening, September 16. Located at the Walk of Fame Park in downtown Nashville, Harvest Night brings together signature dishes from nearly 20 world-renowned chefs from Nashville and across the country with a live musical performance from award-winning steel pedal guitarist Robert Randolph. Mix and mingle with the nation’s brightest culinary stars and enjoy their best dishes.

We’ve given Gospel Brunch ($85 per person) its own day on Sunday, September 17, and tapped a stellar lineup of chefs to prepare their Sunday best for you at Walk of Fame Park: Southern classics, creative brunch fare, and everything in between. Get a jump-start on your day with eye-opening cocktails, wine, coffee, and a spirited live gospel brunch performance.

Music City Food + Wine is generously sponsored by: FOOD + WINE, Nashville Convention + Visitors Bureau, KitchenAid and Barilla.

About Music City Food + Wine Festival:

Music City Food + Wine Festival is produced by GRAMMY-award winning artists (and Nashvilleresidents) Kings of Leon, world-renowned chef Jonathan Waxman, Vector Management’s Ken Levitan and Andy Mendelsohn, and Austin-based C3 Presents — producer of Austin City Limits Music Festival, Lollapalooza, Austin Food + Wine Festival and Chicago Food + Wine Festival.

About FOOD & WINE:

FOOD & WINE is the ultimate authority on the best of what’s new in food, drink, travel, design & entertaining. Our insider intelligence can be found in every issue of the magazine, on foodandwine.com, across our social media platforms and at events like the world-famous FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen. No matter what the medium, FOOD & WINE is the go-to-guide for adventurous epicureans, and a leader in our category.

MGM National Harbor: Inside the $1.4 billion resort in Maryland

December 15, 2016

MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland, held its grand opening on December 8, 2016. The event included appearances by Sarah Jessica Parker, who greeted fans and signed autographs at her shoe store SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker, her first permanent retail outlet. Celebrity chefs José Andrés, Marcus Samuelsson and brothers Bryan and Michael Voltaggio, who all have restaurants at the resort, also attended. Performances at the grand opening included those from Blue Man Group, Cirque du Soleil artists and dance group Jabbawockeez. Here’s an overview of the $1.4 billion property from MGM Resorts International.

Architecture. Inspired by the site’s high-profile hilltop and waterfront location where Maryland, the District of Columbia and Virginia come together, architect HKS Hospitality Group sought to design a monumental landmark that embodies the strength and timeless qualities of the Capital’s architectural legacy. Rising 24 stories, the hotel tower’s angled and knife-like edge recalls the strong vertical form of the Washington Monument. The tower is rotated 33 degrees from the project’s axis to be parallel with the National Mall, deepening the relationship between the site and the heart of the District.

Accommodations. Designed by Studio Gaia, MGM National Harbor’s 308 rooms, including 74 suites, are a well-appointed getaway with floor-to-ceiling windows, rich wood and earth tones. For a special occasion, guests can indulge in one of the property’s 10 luxury suites, including the 3,210-square-foot Chairman Suite, which features panoramic views; up to three bedrooms; kitchen, wet bar and dining room table for eight; a secluded library and optional butler service.

In-Room Dining. Hotel guests can feast on the cuisine of James Beard Award-winning chef Marcus Samuelsson as he presents his first in-room dining experience. The Ethiopian-born, Swedish-raised celebrated chef revives American comfort classics with gourmet cuisine worthy of a heralded restaurant, yet specially crafted to be enjoyed in the serenity of guests’ private retreats.

Entertainment. The Theater at MGM National Harbor is an entertainment venue designed by Scéno Plus showcasing a caliber of artists normally reserved for large-scale arenas in an intimate setting. The Theater’s initial lineup of A-list performers includes Bruno Mars, Cher, Sting, Ricky Martin, Duran Duran and Boyz II Men.

Marcus by Marcus Samuelsson. Samuelsson debuted his first restaurant in the Capital Region–Marcus–designed by Parts and Labor. Offering all-day dining selections, the restaurant celebrates classic American dishes with the chef’s signature twist, inspired by local Maryland ingredients and traditions. The beverage program also highlights local craft breweries and an extensive bourbon selection. The back of the restaurant features a French-colonial sliding door that opens up to Sammy’s, a prohibition-style supper club offering live musical acts reminiscent of Harlem’s blues clubs.

Voltaggio Brothers Steak House. Voltaggio Brothers Steak House marks the first joint restaurant venture for brothers and proud Maryland locals chefs Bryan and Michael Voltaggio, known for their shared successes on Bravo’s “Top Chef.” Reflective of its namesakes, the Voltaggio Brothers Steak House concept by Design Bureaux mirrors the rooms in a home, with each reflecting a different personality. The menu features both familiar and nuanced offerings, including playful riffs on classic steakhouse fare.

Fish by José Andrés. Featuring indoor/outdoor seating overlooking the Potomac, Fish by chef José Andrés is a unique seafood-focused concept. The menu at Fish encompasses local favorites like Maryland blue crab and Rappahannock oysters, while incorporating time-honored cooking techniques from around the world through the preparations of dishes such as Tuna Tartare and Lobster Jambalaya. Guests also can choose from an array of innovative, hand-crafted cocktails and wines produced in regions known for the world’s best seafood. The restaurant was designed by Avenue Interiors and Capella Garcia.

National Market. Inspired by outdoor urban markets where a variety of tastes, spices and culinary experiences can be found, the Marshall Moya-designed National Market is an authentic, intimate and casual setting that transports guests to an epicenter of good eats. For the Market, MGM National Harbor’s Executive Chef Jason Johnston created original dining concepts inspired by his global travels and family recipes including Amos Los Tacos, Bánh Mì Vietnamese Kitchen, District Deli, Bento, GWBW George Washington Beer & Wine, Honey’s Fried Chicken & Doughnuts, S’Cream and ZiZi’s Pizza, joined by Maryland staple Pappa’s Crabcakes and national favorite Shake Shack.

Tap Sports Bar. When dining at this high-energy restaurant and sports bar designed by Studio McCormack, guests can enjoy the latest sporting events on more than 90 TVs while surrounded by memorabilia from beloved local sports teams including the Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards, Baltimore Ravens, Washington Redskins and Washington Nationals. The menu features American sports bar favorites with a local touch, such as lobster beignets, Maryland crab soup, burnt ends BBQ pork baguette and Maryland crab cakes.

Ginger. A Pan Asian restaurant, Ginger offers authentic cuisine from regions throughout the continent including Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese and Korean. The concept was developed by a team of expert chefs from MGM Resorts’ Las Vegas properties and named for a common ingredient found in all Asian cuisine. Warm organic wood interiors by Studio McCormack create an inviting space to enjoy traditional dishes including dim sum, congee, curry, fried noodles and kimchi among many other offerings.

Bellagio Pâtisserie. Paying homage to the iconic European-inspired pastry shop at Bellagio in Las Vegas, this wonderland of sweets created by world-champion pastry chef Sylvain Bortolini features pastries, danishes, gelato, coffee drinks and retail items. Guests also can enjoy an array of savory delights, from Caprese Paninis to Quiche Lorraine, in this whimsical spot created by Design Bureaux.

Conservatory. The centerpiece of MGM National Harbor is a floral wonderland that spans 15,000 square feet and features flowers grown by beloved local nonprofit Melwood. The property has partnered with famed designer Ed Libby to conceive the seasonal exhibits for The Conservatory, including one specially designed for Lunar New Year. The current display, “Holiday Reflections,” features more than 150,000 flowers in a contemporary holiday scene.

Art. MGM National Harbor’s Heritage Collection of art showcases commissioned and procured works by visionary local and international sculptors, photographers and mixed-media artists including Alice Aycock, Bob Dylan, Terry O’Neill, Margaret Boozer, Sam Gilliam and Ron Beverly among many others. The thoughtfully curated collection creates a bridge between art and entertainment integrating remarkable works throughout the resort’s public spaces.

Spa & Salon. MGM National Harbor sets a new standard for the luxury spa experience in the Capital Region. Spanning two floors and 27,000 square feet, the Spa & Salon is an oasis with an expansive menu of treatments and products designed by renowned spa and skincare brand Clarins. Guests can indulge in 11 treatment rooms; separate men’s and women’s spas, steam rooms and saunas; a full-service salon; deluxe fitness center; barber shop; and retail space all created by Daroff Design. The Spa also features couples’ suites, hydrotherapy and a Vichy room for the ultimate weekend getaway.

Nightlife. Boutique nightlife operator Clique Hospitality has brought the Las Vegas nightlife scene to the East Coast with two distinct venues by KNA Design: Felt Bar & Lounge, which offers the region’s first tableside mixology program; and Blossom Cocktail Lounge, a 24-hour gaming lounge that pays homage to Washington, D.C.’s iconic cherry blossoms.

Casino. MGM National Harbor’s 125,000-square-foot casino floor by KNA Design houses 124 table games, 39 poker tables, 10 craps tables, 12 roulette, 25 variations of carnival games, 58 blackjack tables, 25 baccarat tables and 3,300 slot machines. Guests can play first-to-market games, including a baccarat progressive, and enjoy a designated Asian gaming pit decorated with red lanterns symbolizing fortune and joy.

Retail. The District is MGM National Harbor’s luxury retail corridor, spanning 18,000 square feet and offering first-to-market shops from celebrated brands and personalities, including Sarah Jessica Parker’s first standalone boutique, SJP, showcasing her coveted line of shoes and SJPLBD collection of little black dresses. Additional retailers include Las Vegas-born Stitched, local women’s boutique Ella Rue, designer sunglasses store Specs and world-renowned watch brand Rolex.

Meetings & Event Space. MGM National Harbor features more than 50,000 square feet of meeting and convention space by Studio Gaia designed to host events of all sizes, including small gatherings, business meetings, wedding receptions and galas. The 16,200-square-foot MGM Grand Ballroom houses a stunning vantage point of the Potomac River and a 6,000-square-foot terrace overlooking the surrounding landscape.

Sustainability. MGM National Harbor has achieved LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council, making it one of only six casinos worldwide and the second building in Prince George’s County to achieve this status. Key sustainability initiatives include an underground cistern to collect rain water for landscaping and a co-generation system to help channel waste heat through a chiller, cooling the resort.