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2017 James Beard Awards: complete list of nominations

March 15, 2017

The 2017 James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Awards will take place May 1 at Lyric Opera of Chicago. Jesse Tyler Ferguson (of “Modern Family” fame) will host the show. Andrew Zimmern will host the 2017 James Beard Media Awards, which honor those in the media who cover the culinary industry, will take place April 25 at Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers in New York City.

Here is the complete list of nominations for the James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Awards.

2017 James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Awards

Best New Restaurant (Presented by True Refrigeration®)
A restaurant opened in the calendar year before the award will be given that already displays excellence in food, beverage, and service, and that is likely to make a significant impact in years to come.

In Situ
San Francisco

Le Coucou
New York, NY

Olmsted
Brooklyn, NY

Pineapple and Pearls
Washington, D.C.

Tartine Manufactory
San Francisco

Outstanding Baker
A chef or baker who prepares breads, pastries, or desserts in a retail bakery, and who serves as a national standard-bearer of excellence. Must have been working as a baker or pastry chef for at least for five years.

Ken Forkish
Ken’s Artisan Bakery
Portland, OR

Mark Furstenberg
Bread Furst
Washington, D.C.

Zachary Golper
Bien Cuit
Brooklyn, NY

Belinda Leong and Michel Suas
B. Patisserie
San Francisco

Greg Wade
Publican Quality Bread
Chicago

Outstanding Bar Program
A restaurant or bar that demonstrates excellence in cocktail, spirits, and/or beer service.

Arnaud’s French 75 Bar
New Orleans

Bar Agricole
San Francisco

Clyde Common
Portland, OR

Cure
New Orleans

The Dead Rabbit
New York, NY

Outstanding Chef (Presented by All-Clad Metalcrafters)
A working chef in America whose career has set national industry standards and who has served as an inspiration to other food professionals. Must have been working as a chef for the past five years.

Gabrielle Hamilton
Prune
New York, NY

David Kinch
Manresa
Los Gatos, CA

Christopher Kostow
The Restaurant at Meadowood
St. Helena, CA

Donald Link
Herbsaint
New Orleans

Michael Solomonov
Zahav
Philadelphia

Outstanding Pastry Chef (Presented by Lavazza)
A chef or baker who prepares desserts, pastries, or breads in a restaurant, and who serves as a national standard bearer of excellence. Must have been working as a pastry chef or baker for the past five years.

Kelly Fields
Willa Jean
New Orleans

Maura Kilpatrick
Oleana
Cambridge, MA

Margarita Manzke
République
Los Angeles

Dolester Miles
Highlands Bar & Grill
Birmingham, AL

Ghaya Oliveira
Daniel
New York, NY

Outstanding Restaurant (Presented by S.Pellegrino® Sparkling Natural Mineral Water)
A restaurant in the United States that serves as a national standard-bearer of consistent quality and excellence in food, atmosphere, and service. Must have been in operation ten or more consecutive years.

Frasca Food and Wine
Boulder, CO

Highlands Bar and Grill
Birmingham, AL

Momofuku Noodle Bar
New York, NY

Quince
San Francisco

The Spotted Pig
New York, NY

Topolobampo
Chicago

Outstanding Restaurateur
A working restaurateur who sets high national standards in restaurant operations and entrepreneurship. Must have been in the restaurant business for at least ten years. Must not have been nominated for a James Beard Foundation chef award in the past five years.

Kevin Boehm and Rob Katz
Boka Restaurant Group (Boka, Girl & the Goat, Momotaro, and others)
Chicago

JoAnn Clevenger
Upperline
New Orleans

Ken Oringer
Uni, Toro, Coppa, and others
Boston

Stephen Starr
Starr Restaurants (Le Coucou, Serpico, Upland, and others)
Philadelphia

Caroline Styne
The Lucques Group (Lucques, a.o.c., Tavern, and others)
Los Angeles

Outstanding Service
A restaurant in operation for five or more years that demonstrates high standards of hospitality and service.

Blue Hill at Stone Barns
Pocantico Hills, NY

Galatoire’s Restaurant
New Orleans

Marea
New York, NY

Terra
St. Helena, CA

Zahav
Philadelphia

Outstanding Wine Program (Presented by Robert Mondavi Winery)
A restaurant in operation five or more years that serves as a standard-bearer for excellence in wine service through a well-presented wine list, knowledgeable staff, and efforts to educate customers about wine.

Benu
San Francisco

Canlis
Seattle

Emeril’s New Orleans

Fig
Charleston, SC

Miller Union
Atlanta

Outstanding Wine, Spirits, or Beer Professional
A beer, wine, or spirits professional who has made a significant national impact on the restaurant industry.

Sam Calagione
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Milton, DE

Diane Flynt
Foggy Ridge Cider
Dugspur, VA

Miljenko Grgich
Grgich Hills Estate
Rutherford, CA

Aldo Sohm
Zalto Glass
New York, NY

Rob Tod
Allagash Brewing Company
Portland, ME

Rising Star Chef of the Year (Presented by S.Pellegrino® Sparkling Natural Mineral Water)
A chef age 30 or younger who displays an impressive talent and who is likely to make a significant impact on the industry in years to come.

Camille Cogswell
Zahav
Philadelphia

Zachary Engel
Shaya
New Orleans

Matt Rudofker
Momofuku Ssäm Bar
New York, NY

Jenner Tomaska
Next
Chicago

Brady Williams
Canlis
Seattle

Best Chefs in America
Chefs who have set new or consistent standards of excellence in their respective regions. Eligible candidates may be from any kind of dining establishment and must have been working as a chef for at least five years, with the three most recent years spent in the region.

Best Chef: Great Lakes (IL, IN, MI, OH)
Abraham Conlon
Fat Rice
Chicago

Sarah Grueneberg
Monteverde
Chicago

Beverly Kim and Johnny Clark
Parachute
Chicago

Lee Wolen
Boka
Chicago

Erling Wu-Bower
Nico Osteria
Chicago

Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic (D.C., DE, MD, NJ, PA, VA)
Amy Brandwein
Centrolina
Washington, D.C.

Tom Cunanan
Bad Saint
Washington, D.C.

Rich Landau
Vedge
Philadelphia

Greg Vernick
Vernick Food & Drink
Philadelphia

Cindy Wolf
Charleston
Baltimore

Best Chef: Midwest (IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD, WI)
Steven Brown
Tilia
Minneapolis

Justin Carlisle
Ardent
Milwaukee

Jorge Guzman
Brewer’s Table at Surly Brewing Co.
Minneapolis

Kevin Nashan
Sidney Street Cafe
St. Louis

Kevin Willmann
Farmhaus
St. Louis

Best Chef: New York City (Five Boroughs)
Marco Canora
Hearth

Anita Lo
Annisa

Ignacio Mattos
Estela

Missy Robbins
Lilia
Brooklyn, NY

Jody Williams
Buvette Gastrothèque

Best Chef: Northeast (CT, MA, ME, NH, NY State, RI, VT)
Karen Akunowicz
Myers + Chang
Boston

Cassie Piuma
Sarma
Somerville, MA

Susan Regis
Shepard
Cambridge, MA

Benjamin Sukle
Birch
Providence, RI

Andrew Taylor and Mike Wiley
Eventide Oyster Co.
Portland, ME

Best Chef: Northwest (AK, ID, MT, OR, WA, WY)
Greg Denton and Gabrielle Quiñónez Denton
Ox
Portland, OR

Edouardo Jordan
Salare
Seattle

Katy Millard
Coquine
Portland, OR

Justin Woodward
Castagna
Portland, OR

Rachel Yang and Seif Chirchi
Joule
Seattle

Best Chef: South (AL, AR, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, FL, LA, MS)
Vishwesh Bhatt
Snackbar
Oxford, MS

Nina Compton
Compère Lapin
New Orleans

Jose Enrique
Jose Enrique
San Juan, PR

Slade Rushing
Brennan’s
New Orleans

Rebecca Wilcomb
Herbsaint
New Orleans

Best Chef: Southeast (GA, KY, NC, SC, TN, WV)
John Fleer
Rhubarb
Asheville, NC

Edward Lee
610 Magnolia
Louisville, KY

Steven Satterfield
Miller Union
Atlanta

Ryan Smith
Staplehouse
Atlanta

Andrew Ticer and Michael Hudman
Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen
Memphis

Best Chef: Southwest (AZ, CO, NM, OK, TX, UT)
Bryce Gilmore
Barley Swine
Austin

Steve McHugh
Cured
San Antonio

Hugo Ortega
Hugo’s
Houston

Steve Redzikowski
Acorn
Denver

Martín Rios
Restaurant Martín
Santa Fe

Jianyun Ye
Mala Sichuan Bistro
Houston

Best Chef: West (CA, HI, NV)
Michael Cimarusti
Providence
Los Angeles

Dominique Crenn
Atelier Crenn
San Francisco

Jeremy Fox
Rustic Canyon
Santa Monica, CA

Corey Lee
Benu
San Francisco

Ludo Lefebvre
Trois Mec
Los Angeles

Travis Lett
Gjelina
Venice, CA

The James Beard Foundation is also pleased to announce the 2017 recipients of the Who’s Who award:
Suzanne Goin
Multiple James Beard Award–Winning Chef and Restaurateur, A.O.C., Lucques, and Tavern
Los Angeles

Evan Kleiman
Culinarian; Host of KCRW’s Good Food
Santa Monica, CA

Roger Berkowitz
President and CEO, Legal Sea Foods
Boston

Michel Nischan
Multiple James Beard Award–Winning Chef; Founder, President,
and CEO, Wholesome Wave
Bridgeport, CT

Rajat Parr
Domaine de la Cote
Lompoc, California

The 2017 America’s Classics Award Winners (announced in advance of the show)
Bertha’s Kitchen
Charleston, SC
Owners: Julia Grant, Linda Pinckney, and Sharon Coakley

Gioia’s Deli
St. Louis
Owner: Alex Donley

La Taqueria
San Francisco
Owner: Miguel Jara

Sahadi’s
Brooklyn, NY
Owners: Christina Sahadi Whelan, and Ron Sahadi

Schultz’s Crab House
Essex, MD
Owners: Karen and Bob McKinney

2017 JBF Humanitarian of the Year
Denise Cerreta
One World Everybody Eats
Salt Lake City

2017 JBF Lifetime Achievement Award
Nora Pouillon
Restaurant Nora
Washington, D.C.

Forbes Travel Guide 2017: Four Seasons sets five-star record; Macau wins big

February 22, 2017

(Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler)

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts set a record with the 2017 edition of the Forbes Travel Guide. Worldwide, a total of 30 Four Seasons hotels and resorts earned the guide’s coveted Five-Star designation in 2017, setting the record for the highest number of Five-Star awards given to a single brand in the history of the Forbes Travel Guide ratings. The Forbes Travel Guide, which started as the Mobil Travel Guide, has been published since 1958.

Meanwhile, China’s Macau region was rated one of the leading Five-Star destinations in the Forbes Travel Guide. Other highly rated regions include Hong Kong, New York, London, California and Paris.

The Forbes Travel Guide has a team of expert inspectors who anonymously evaluate properties against up to 800 rigorous and objective standards, providing consumers the insight to make better-informed travel and leisure decisions, according to Forbes.

Forbes Travel Guide’s Star Rating system is ranked in the following categories:

Five Star Properties: These are outstanding, often iconic properties with virtually flawless service and amazing facilities.

Four Star Properties: These are exceptional properties, offering high levels of service and quality of facility to match.

Recommended Properties: These are excellent properties with consistently good service and facilities.

Soon-To-Be-Rated Properties: As our highly trained, incognito inspectors work to assess properties, our editors check them out ahead of time and provide a sneak preview of what to expect.

Here are some fact highlights from a Forbes press release:

Among the total 1,464 winners, there are 175 Five-Star, 478 Four-Star and 237 Recommended hotels.
Overall, 62 Five-Star, 176 Four-Star and 73 Recommended restaurants earned distinctions.
In the spas category, a total of 56 Five-Star and 207 Four-Star spots achieved awards.

Standout Newcomers

Among the new destinations, the small island of Bali emerged as a big luxury winner. The new luxury hot spot snagged Five-Star distinctions for three hotels (Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, The Villas at Ayana). It also tallied an impressive 10 Four-Star hotels and three Recommended properties. Five Four-Star spas also debuted.
Puerto Rico added had three properties that debuted on the Five-Star list, with The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort; Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve; and Spa Botánico, a five-acre oasis within Dorado Beach.
In Australia, Crown Towers Melbourne and The Darling in Sydney picked up their respective city’s first Five-Star hotel distinction. In addition, Melbourne added a Four-Star (Park Hyatt Melbourne) and two Recommended properties (Grand Hyatt Melbourne; The Langham, Melbourne). Sydney racked up two Four-Star (The Langham, Sydney; Park Hyatt Sydney) and a pair of Recommended hotels (InterContinental Sydney Double Bay; Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney). Each city also gained a Four-Star spa (Crown Spa Melbourne, Sydney’s The Darling Spa).
Numerous European destinations debuted with their first Five-Star properties: Budapest (Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest), Barcelona (Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona), the French Riviera (Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel) and Venice (Belmond Hotel Cipriani).

Other Leading Brands

An elite group of 11 properties earned Five-Star awards for their hotel, restaurant and spa. These triple Five-Star winners include: Banyan Tree Macau; The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs; The Cloister in Sea Island, Georgia; Fairmont Grand Del Mar in San Diego; The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong; Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas; Mandarin Oriental, Macau; Mandarin Oriental, Miami; Montage Laguna Beach; Ocean House in Watch Hill, Rhode Island; and Wynn Las Vegas.
Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong and Wynn Macau set a new record, achieving a total of six Five-Star awards for the hotel, spa and four restaurants.
Crown Towers Macau won a total of five Five-Star awards for the hotel, spa and three restaurants.
Altira Macau and Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong received a total of four Five-Star awards for the hotel, spa and two restaurants.

Where the Highest-Rated Hotels Are

In the United States, the greatest number of Five-Star hotels are in: California (18), New York (9), Florida (8), Massachusetts (6) and Nevada (5). California gained two new Five-Star hotels this year: Napa’s Solage, An Auberge Resort and San Diego’s Fairmont Grand Del Mar.
U.S. cities with the highest number of Five-Star hotels include: New York (8), Beverly Hills (5), Las Vegas (5) and Miami (5).
Globally, cities with the most Five-Star hotels include: Macau (10), Paris (10), London (9) and Hong Kong (8). Macau and Paris remain neck and neck with one new winner each in 2017.

Where the Highest-Rated Restaurants Are

In the United States, the greatest number of Five-Star restaurants reside in: New York (7), California (6) and Nevada (6).
Cities in the United States with the most Five-Star restaurants include: New York (7), Las Vegas (6) and Chicago (3).
Las Vegas’ fine-dining scene is seeing an uptick with three new Five-Star restaurants: Le Cirque Las Vegas and Picasso, both in Bellagio, and Wing Lei in Wynn Las Vegas.
Globally, cities with the highest number of Five-Star restaurants include: Macau (11) and Hong Kong (8).

Where the Highest-Rated Spas Are

In the United States, the greatest number of Five-Star spas are located in: California (8), Florida (5) and Nevada (5). California’s two new Five-Star spa additions are Meadowood Spa in Napa and The Spa at Beverly Wilshire in Los Angeles.
The brand-new and sumptuous Meadowood Spa brings Napa Valley its first Five-Star spa.
Globally, cities with the most Five-Star spas include: Macau (7), Hong Kong (5) and Shanghai (4).
Sense, A Rosewood Spa at Mayakoba is the first and only Five-Star spa in Mexico.

To celebrate this year’s award, Star-Rated winners are invited to the Forbes Travel Guide All-Star Celebration in New York City on March 2, 2017. Attendees will enjoy selections of dishes prepared by award-winning chefs and legends of the international culinary world, including: Jose Garces, Amada; Christian Pratsch, Asiate; Daniel Boulud, Daniel; Mario Batali and Joe and Lidia Bastianich, Del Posto; Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Jean-Georges; Geoffrey Zakarian, The Lambs Club; and Michael White, Vaucluse.

Jose Garces opens three new restaurants at Tropicana Atlantic City

February 17, 2017

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gi_c1yoHIQs

Celebrity chef/restaurateur Jose Garces has opened three new restaurants at Tropicana Atlantic City in New Jersey. Here are the details from a Tropicana press release:

Olón
Inspired by the tranquil beach town of Olón, Ecuador and the vibrancy of coastal culture, Olón (pronounced Ō-lon) provides Tropicana guests with a classically alluring, laid-back experience centered around Chef Jose Garces’ vision of fresh seafood. Guests enter through custom-crafted Ecuadorian gates and first encounter a 43-seat ceviche bar and lounge, where they can watch chefs prepare ceviche and other raw seafood specialties.

In the 128-seat dining area, every seat has sweeping ocean and boardwalk views. Beach-like cabanas with soft draperies create intimate nooks within the space while touches of natural light and fresh salt air create an inviting yet alluring atmosphere. In addition, wood shutters unfold to create two private dining areas for groupings of up to 60 people. Weather permitting, seating for 40 will be available on a deck overlooking the beach.

The menu at Olón features Chef Garces’ family recipes, with a modern twist, as well as unique takes on time-honored favorites. Traditional features include steamed clams, crab cakes, jumbo fried shrimp, and surf & turf. More contemporary options include wood-fired Wagyu skirt steak, roasted chicken, jumbo gulf prawns, black bass, two-pound lobster, and king crab.

Olón will be open seven days a week with a lunch menu starting at 11:30 a.m. and dinner 5 – 11 p.m., midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Reservations can be made on OpenTable or by calling 800-345-8767 . For Olón’s Atlantic City Restaurant Week specials, visit www.acrestaurantweek.com.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7V0qs06aRZM

Okatshe
Okatshe (pronounced Ō- kaht-she) is Chef Jose Garces’ playful, modernized take on a traditional Japanese izakaya. Okatshe visually transports guests to the streets of Tokyo and provides a sense of discovery by taking guests through a small Japanese candy (okashi) storefront before entering the restaurant.

The full-service, 80-seat sit-down restaurant will serve a selection of small plates, yakitori, ramen, sushi and sashimi. Yakitori skewers include chicken, beef, pork, vegetable or seafood. Ramen noodles are served in three unique styles: Tokyo, light chicken and Dashi broth; Tonkastu, rich pork broth; and Okatshe, lobster dashi. Sushi, sashimi, and maki offerings include everything from scallop and wasabi tobiko to spicy rolls, black jack eel rolls, and the signature Tropicana roll.

The bar at Okatshe will include a curated selection of Japanese whiskeys, 50 sakes, beers, and specialty cocktails.

Okatshe will be open from 4 p.m. – 2 a.m. seven days a week. Reservations are not required.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d03XhvOBaYw

Bar Olón
Bar Olón is the interactive, 60-seat double-sided bar and lounge located between the two restaurants. Featuring a large, walk-around bar, the setting includes a modernized beach vibe with a combination of varying seating types to accommodate individuals and small groups. Vintage looking fans provide a cool, “ocean” breeze with whimsical bongos and neon signage completing the nostalgic vibe. An elevated platform with tropical mural wall-hanging backdrop will serve as a stage for live entertainment.

Bar Olón serves as the foundation of Olón’s extensive beverage programming, including: a custom, double-sided tap with 16 draft beer selections; 35 beers by-the-bottle; 20 wines by-the-glass; 75+ wines by the bottle and 8 hand-crafted specialty cocktails. A light food menu will also be available featuring ceviche, sandwiches, and shareable small plates.

The bar will be open from 11:30 a.m. – 11 p.m. daily. Seasonal live, entertainment will be offered from 9 p.m. – midnight on Fridays, Saturdays and holiday weekends.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDNsD0UoFmM

Management
Chef Jose Garces has tapped two Garces veterans to helm the Tropicana restaurants.

Chef de Cuisine Maria Schmidt is a Garces alumna. Her career in Garces’ kitchens has taken her from Philadelphia to Palm Springs and back again. In her 9 years with Chef Garces, Maria has served as Chef de Cuisine at Amada, Distrito, Tinto and 24.

Executive Director of Fine Dining Patrick Sterr is a South Jersey native who began his management experience in Atlantic City. He went on to manage and oversee several Chef Garces’ restaurants in Atlantic City, Philadelphia, New Jersey, Chicago, and New York.

Designer
Dash Design of New York City was responsible for the interior and architectural design, in collaboration with SOSH Architects, for all three restaurants. This is Dash Design’s fourth collaboration with Chef Jose Garces.

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.