Although many might’ve believed it to be an April Fools’ Day prank when the concept of bringing together several of Las Vegas’ most acclaimed, off-Strip, independent chef-restaurateurs for a gastronomic happening — cleverly named Vegas UnStripped — was discussed more than a month ago, the irony was lost on them.
(Photo: Jose Salinas)
The inaugural Vegas UnStripped, held on Saturday, May 12, not only became a reality, it sold out. More than 450 attendees were greeted by a dozen highly talented, notable chefs from all around the Las Vegas Valley during the culinary celebration. Many of the chefs showcased at the one-of-a-kind food soiree previously have worked under celebrity chefs on the Las Vegas Strip.
(Photo: Jose Salinas)
The four-hour tasting event, which was held downtown in The Arts District behind Italian soul food restaurant Esther’s Kitchen, gave food lovers the opportunity to experience diverse cuisines and creative libations served by the evening’s impressive roundup of revered chefs and restaurant owners.
Under the full name of The Feast of Friends presents Vegas UnStripped by Locals, this extraordinary event celebrated the off-Strip dining scene in the Valley in a big way.
Guests indulged in unique dishes created by chef-restaurateurs Brian Howard, Sparrow + Wolf; Chris Bulen, Andre’s Bistro & Bar and Gastromix food truck; Chris Decker, Metro Pizza and Lulu’s Bread and Breakfast; and Daniel Krohmer,
(Video: Greg Thilmont)
Other Mama; Gina Marinelli, La Strega; James Trees, Esther’s Kitchen; Jamie Tran, The Black Sheep; Jason Olsen, Paid In Full; Justin Kingsley Hall, The Kitchen at Atomic; Khai Vu, District One, Le Pho Vietnamese Kitchen and Mordeo Boutique Wine Bar (opening soon); Ralph Perrazzo, BBDs – Beers Burgers Desserts; and Sheridan Su, Flock & Fowl and Fat Choy.
(Photo: Jose Salinas)
“The response to this event — both from the local community and even national media — was better than expected,” said Eric Gladstone, a Las Vegas-based marketing consultant, who conceived Vegas UnStripped. “We hope we’ve helped spread the word about the great restaurants throughout Las Vegas.”
All the chefs and organizers volunteered their time to pull off the successful event, which raised $8,000 in net proceeds that is being donated to Green Our Planet, a local nonprofit conservation organization that runs the largest and most comprehensive school garden program in the U.S. Founded in 2013, Green Our Planet’s mission is to help conserve, protect, and improve the environment through education, which includes building outdoor and indoor gardens for Clark County schools to help them become as sustainable as possible.
