The food and beverage teams at MGM Resorts are not fucking around. It’s only March and we have seen an insane popup by invite-only WAGYUMAFIA at ARIA (which we can only hope becomes a residency), an ongoing caviar and Kobe-laden seasonal tasting at Zuma inside the Cosmopolitan and the return of Vegas’ most coveted and singular garden table inside Bellagio’s Conservatory. Let’s not forget that also manage Joel Robuchon inside the MGM Resort which is hands down the city’s most hallowed restaurant and helmed by the culinary savant Christophe De Lellis.
But, the most insane culinary experience the city may well see this year is coming to Le Cirque at Bellagio next Saturday, March 18. This one-night-only fete is a collaboration with this writer’s favorite first growth Bordeaux Château Margaux, Buffalo Trace Distillery and three of MGM Resorts’ most notable toques – David Chang (Momofuku at Cosmopolitan), Jean-Georges Vongericheten (Prime at Bellagio and JG Steakhouse at ARIA) and Michael Mina (who operates his eponymously named flagship at Bellagio and freshly updated STRIPSTEAK at Mandalay Bay).
While this $5000++ per person evening is not cheap, it affords guests an invite to visit the hallowed Château Margaux estate which is honestly priceless. You simply may never have an opportunity to step foot on these grounds let alone visit their historic 19th century wooden tank room, barrel cellars and traditional cooperage, as well as the new cellar and wine library, designed by award-winning architect Lord Norman Foster. The private tour will naturally be followed by a tasting of select vintages from Château Margaux’s private collection.
As for the dinner, expect the evening to kick off with passed canapes of Ko Burger with Foie along with Chickpea Uni and Tuna Foie courtesy of David Chang washed down 2002 Louis Roederer Cristal poured from methuselah served fountainside. Guests will move on to the dining room where Jean-Georges will proffer one epic seafood spectacular complete with Norwegian King Crab, Spot Prawn, Sea Urchin and Kaviari Caviar.
From here the meal will progress with Seared Ocean Trout by Michael Mina, Duck Crispy Rice by Chang and Mishima Ranch Wagyu Prime Rib by J-G. Expect eight pours of Château Margaux from 1982 to 2018 before heading into a Strawberry and Rhubarb Vacherin by Mina. Naturally that will be washed down with a sip of 2009 Royal Tokaji Essencia. And if that was enough Château Margaux Deputy Managing Director Alexis Leven-Mentzelopoulos in partnership with MGM Resorts Executive Director of Wine and Master Sommelier Douglas Kim will personally guide guests through these pairings.
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The evening will be capped off with a tasting of O.F.C. vintages of Buffalo Trace from 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996 by Master Blender Drew Mayville. For the uninitiated these bourbons are next to impossible to attain Mayville promises to proffer to special surprises.
For those looking to secure a seat we strongly suggest you book immediately at SevenRooms.
