(NN&V Staff) – Las Vegas Restaurant Week kicks off in grand style with MGM Grand’s “Wet Your Appetite at WET REPUBLIC,” Monday, August 30 from 8 p.m. to midnight. The opening celebration at Vegas’ hottest ultra pool will feature booths and delicious food stations from several of the 80 participating restaurants. Tickets bought in advance for this spectacular event can be used as a $30.10 dining voucher at any participating MGM Grand restaurant during Restaurant Week.
As guests enter the adult playground destination, they will be greeted by the electric sounds of celebrity chef Hubert Keller taking a spin in the same DJ booth that welcomes the world’s top DJs. Chef Keller will showcase his mixmaster talents, proving he’s both king of the kitchen and ruler of the turntables.
Known for creating the best party atmosphere in Vegas, WET REPUBLIC will serve up its signature Watermelon Mojitos to poolside guests for the perfect pairing to appetizing eats. Guests will have the opportunity to taste mouth-watering dishes prepared by chefs from Joël Robuchon, Craftsteak, Fiamma, Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, Jean Georges Steakhouse, Sage, Burger Bar, Fleur de Lys, Sensi, Osteria del Circo and Todd English’s Olives. Heineken-brand beers and wine also will be available. Guests will enjoy complimentary food and drinks until 10 p.m.
Relieving Chef Keller from his DJ duties, local band Mr. $ Mrs. Smith will perform throughout the night at the high-energy event. Following the debut of their highly anticipated show at Studio 54, “America’s Got Talent” alum Recycled Percussion will excite the crowd with a one-of-a-kind performance later that evening. Synchronized swimmers, dancers from Studio 54 and Centrifuge Bar and a sexy Crazy Horse Paris performance complete the entertainment line-up.
While enjoying the lively entertainment, guests may participate in a unique raffle and silent auction with all proceeds benefiting Three Square. An estimated 300 keys will be sold for $1 each for a chance to win one of the fantastic prizes on display in a clear locked box. At the end of the evening, each guest will have the opportunity to try and unlock the box to draw a prize. Guests also may bid on coveted prizes in a silent auction. MGM Grand, The Signature, Bellagio, ARIA Resort & Casino, The Mirage and Mandalay Bay are contributing prizes to both the raffle and auction with dinners for two, complimentary night stays, show tickets and more.
Tickets to the event are $30.10 and are available for purchase at the concierge desks at MGM Grand, The Signature, Bellagio, Mandalay Bay, Monte Carlo, The Mirage and ARIA. Tickets also may be purchased the day of the event at the door, based on availability. Guests will receive a complimentary drink voucher redeemable at MGM Grand participating restaurants redeemable toward one Restaurant Week Specialty Cocktail or one Heineken beer product.
As in years past, a portion of the ticket sales will be donated to Three Square.
Three Square was established in 2006 to end hunger in the valley by providing wholesome, nutritious meals to non-profit organizations that serve a wide range of Southern Nevadans in need. A national model project inspired by Eric Hilton with a grant provided by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, Three Square is a community collaborative partnership with the gaming industry, businesses, non-profit agencies, food distributors, UNLV, the CCSD, governmental entities, the media and hundreds of volunteers to efficiently and effectively serve hope to those in our community struggling with hunger.
Three Square currently provides 13 million pounds of food – the equivalent of 10 million meals annually – to more than 260 non-profit and faith-based organizations and 144 schools throughout Southern Nevada. Three Square is a member of the Feeding America network for food banks.