Follow Your Nose
LET INTERNATIONAL SMOKE DRAW YOU IN
Every Vegas casino has its distinct scent as soon as you walk in the doors, but MGM Grand is upping the aroma ante with the opening of International Smoke, a restaurant created by chefs Michael Mina and Ayesha Curry.
The power pair will deck the halls of the resort just in time for the holidays with the smells of wood-fired steaks, seafood and ribs. "It all started with Ayesha's passion for cooking," Mina said of his partner, who also happens to be the wife of NBA superstar Steph Curry. "The truth of it is, we're just two people who love food and love people.
Vegas is always adding new and exciting concepts to their culinary portfolio, and we found it to be a prime market for our newest location."
"From the adventurous eater to the one who doesn't stray from classics, we challenge our guests to ignite their palates with one-of-a-kind dishes and vibrant flavors," said Curry.
Mina said the Las Vegas location will represent a wide selection of dishes showcasing locally sourced meats, fresh seafood and plant-based options.
But let's talk about the ribs: think St. Louis style with three distinct spice blends and finished with signature sauces, including: American Barbeque with Smokey Mama Sauce; Vietnamese Lemongrass with Saigon Streusel and Korean Sesame-Gochujang with toasted black sesame seeds.
SEE SEAFOOD, SIP COCKTAILS
On the seafood side of the menu, a shellfish platter comes filled with charcoal-grilled oysters, shrimp, lobster and crab, served hot and steamed tableside with lemon grass tea.
To complement main courses, Curry's self-named cornbread comes served with Thai red curry butter, and it could be washed down with punch bowls or the Gina Jamaica, her signature cocktail comprised of Absolut Elyx Vodka, Barsol Pisco, cucumber and basil.
MINA’S VEGAS MASTERY
Mina, already a mainstay in Sin City with Bardot Brasserie at Aria, Stripsteak at Mandalay Bay and the self-named Michael Mina at Bellagio, first debuted Curry's concept of International Smoke in 2016 as a pop-up in the Mina Test Kitchen, a Bay Area pop-up concepts. After several rounds of conversations and dreaming, as Mina described it, they finally brought International Smoke to life. The Vegas dinner-only restaurant will be their fifth location.
"Las Vegas attracts visitors from all over the world, many who want to go outside of their comfort zone to try something new," said Mina. "The pop-up was a huge hit, and one of our most successful concepts at the Test Kitchen."
