MGM Grand Foxwoods to Open Craftsteak
From Chef Tom Colicchio
SEPTEMBER 25, 2007. The executives at MGM Grand at Foxwoods have cooked up another winning restaurant for the highly anticipated resort casino set to open in May 2008 with the signing of Chef Tom Colicchio's critically acclaimed Craftsteak. This announcement brings to three the number of well-known dining establishments slated for the property when it debuts next spring. In addition to Craftsteak, these include Michael Schlow's Alta Strada and famed New York eatery Junior's.
"We are committed to raising the stakes when it comes to dining in southeastern Connecticut and are thrilled to have such a legendary chef as Tom Colicchio join our team," said John O'Brien, president of Foxwoods Resort Casino. "Colicchio's unprecedented success with Craftsteak in Las Vegas made him a natural choice for us at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods."
Famous for celebrating the flavors of seasonal ingredients sourced from small family farms and artisanal producers, the 150-seat restaurant will feature an extensive array of steaks, including several cuts of Wagyu beef, as well as an assortment of corn- and grass-fed beef. Complementing the menu will be a wide selection of fish and shellfish, as well as seasonal side dishes.
New York-based Bentel & Bentel Architects, designers of Colicchio's other Craftsteak establishments, will design the 9,500-square-foot restaurant, which will feature a separate private dining room and bar/lounge area. Craftsteak's design, likes its menu, celebrates expert craftsmanship and allows elemental materials - bronze, Brazilian walnut, leather and steel - to speak for themselves. The restaurant will be open seven days per week for lunch and dinner.
"I'm thrilled to be part of MGM Grand at Foxwoods' new roster of culinary talent," said Tom Colicchio, Chef/Owner of Craft restaurants. "Foxwoods is known as a great place for entertainment and gaming, and we hope that through our efforts we will create an exciting dining destination in southeastern Connecticut. Craftsteak had its debut at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, and it now makes perfect sense to partner with the new MGM Grand at Foxwoods."
Considered to be one of the culinary world's most celebrated figures, Tom Colicchio is the chef/owner of the successful Craft family of restaurants & 'wichcraft sandwich shops based in major cities around the country including New York, Las Vegas, Dallas and Los Angeles. He has garnered numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including five James Beard Foundation Awards and Bon Appetit's American Food & Entertaining Award for 'Chef of the Year.' He is the author of two bestselling cookbooks, Think Like a Chef, which won the James Beard KitchenAid Cookbook award, and Craft of Cooking.
Colicchio and his restaurants are involved with many community charities including Children of Bellevue, Kids for Kids and Friends of the High Line to name a few.
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