The Vegas Unstripped food festival debuted six years ago to highlight the local neighborhood dining scene during a time when the Strip’s celebrity chefs dominated the spotlight. Traditionally a side-street block party in the Arts District, Unstripped comes to the Palms for the first time, featuring a dine-around by the pool 7–10 p.m. on Saturday, May 18. Here’s the rundown.
🍴 Nearly 30 chefs will create one-night-only dishes for guests to enjoy. The lineup includes James Beard Award finalists Oscar Amador (EDO, Anima), Steve Kestler (Aroma), and James Trees (Esther's Kitchen), as well as nominees Francesco Di Caudo (Basilico), DJ Flores (Milpa), Bruce Kalman (SoulBelly BBQ), and Gina Marinelli (La Strega, Harlo).
👀 Dishes to watch:
- John Arena of Metro Pizza has a thin-crust Tavern Pie with artichokes and Brazilian Catupiry cheese.
- Francesco DiCaudo of Basilico has a savory Carbonara pasta doughnut with a Guanciale topping.
- Yuri Szarzewski of Partage is using some creativity to get around the “no sliders” rule, serving a tuna tartare “burger” on a pâte à choux (pastry) bun with foie gras, microgreens, and cherry ketchup.
- Oulay Fisher of Calabash African Kitchen is putting a new spin on Mafe, a vegetarian peanut butter soup.
- Michael Rubinstein of Vetri Cucina is modifying a classic Mortadella focaccia sandwich with stracciatella and pistachio, carving lamb on the spot in place of sausage.
🍸 Look for intriguing cocktails by Stray Pirate, Adam Rains of Golden Tiki, and Max Solano of Bar Chef Productions.
🎵 DJ Night Weapons provides the entertainment with host duties handled by comic Jason Harris and actress Samantha Souza — plus a few surprises.
💗 Vegas Unstripped covers chefs’ expenses and donates the remaining ticket revenue to nonprofits, which this year include the Obodo Collective, Hope Christian Health Center, and Families for Effective Autism Treatment.
😋 Tickets are $150 online and $180 at the door.
