NATIONAL HARBOR, Md.
MGM National Harbor recruited a powerhouse line-up of celebrated chefs—including José Andrés, Marcus Samuelsson, and Bryan and Michael Voltaggio—to lead its culinary program when the resort opens in the second half of 2016. Each chef has created a new dining concept paying homage to the region’s culture.
The 24-story, 308-room casino resort, which will offer 27,000 square feet of meeting space, reportedly has its sights set on becoming a major culinary destination in the eastern United States.
Award-winning Spanish American chef José Andrés, renowned for popular dining destinations in Washington, D.C., Beverly Hills, Las Vegas, Miami and most recently, Mexico City, will join the MGM National Harbor’s roster along with Ethiopian-born and Sweden-raised chef Marcus Samuelsson, known for his New York City hotspots.
Adding local flavor to the mix are brothers Bryan and Michael Voltaggio, natives of Frederick, Md., whose victories on Bravo’s culinary competition “Top Chef” made them both national sensations.
“In recent years, the Capital Region has become a thriving food destination with many of the best chefs in the world contributing to our booming restaurant scene,” said MGM National Harbor General Manager Bill Boasberg. “We have selected incredible talent to create an unparalleled dining experience at our resort."
Chef José Andrés
José Andrés will introduce his first seafood-focused concept overlooking the Potomac from the prow of MGM National Harbor. Drawing inspiration from the bounty of the regional watershed, the restaurant’s menu will feature locally sourced ingredients and fresh seafood.
Exquisite dishes will incorporate local and international cooking techniques, allowing diners to experience diverse flavor combinations and profiles.
Guests will be able to choose from a variety of dining options depending on their preferred experience, including cocktail, sushi or tempura bars with exciting views of interactive kitchen stations, and communal tables or main dining room seating offering commanding views and visually stunning décor.
“I’m thrilled to [announce] my first seafood restaurant in what will be the iconic MGM National Harbor,” said Chef Andrés. "There are so many stories to be told through the astonishing bounty of the sea.”
Named one of Time’s “100 Most Influential People,” awarded “Outstanding Chef” by the James Beard Foundation and named “Chef of the Year” by Bon Appétit and “Hot Restaurateur” by Condé Nast Traveler, Andrés has been a defining force in the culinary world.
Chef Marcus Samuelsson
Making his Capital Region debut, five-time James Beard Award-winning chef Marcus Samuelsson will create a menu honoring his cultural roots while showcasing the distinct coastal flavors of the local landscape.
Samuelsson will serve signature creations for breakfast, lunch and dinner along with classic dishes like his whole fried chicken that is meant to be shared.
His elegant comfort food is anchored around an open kitchen and large grill, a warm and inviting bar with signature cocktails, in addition to a smaller bar that gives guests a peek into the kitchen.
Samuelsson’s concept is designed to inspire a celebratory and festive atmosphere, making it the ideal setting for either a special event or a casual stop for a quick snack while enjoying live music.
"I'm super excited to be partnering with MGM on the opening of this hotel in National Harbor,” Samuelsson said. “It is a real privilege to be a part of such a great collection of chefs.”
The world-renowned chef’s career includes notable highlights such as cooking the State Dinner for President Barack Obama, being the youngest recipient of a three-star review by The New York Times and winning a James Beard Foundation award for “Best Chef: New York City.”
Chefs Bryan and Michael Voltaggio
Brothers Bryan and Michael Voltaggio will join forces, for the first time, to open a contemporary steakhouse concept at MGM National Harbor. The menu will highlight regional specialties, drawing inspiration from their home state of Maryland.
“Michael and I have always talked about collaborating. Despite having as many differences as we do similarities, we have been waiting to tell the story of the two of us as chefs through one menu,” said Bryan Voltaggio. “It's fitting that we are bringing our first kitchen together in our home state of Maryland and we are excited to be a part of the evolution of the new Potomac waterfront.”
Based on opposite coasts, Bryan is chef and owner of a restaurant group that sprawls throughout the Mid-Atlantic, while Michael has planted new roots in Los Angeles.
Bryan’s properties includes progressive dining at flagship VOLT and Range, to refined Italian at Aggio, classic American fare at Family Meal, and artisanal sandwich concept Lunchbox. Meanwhile, Michael opened his “modern Los Angeles” flagship ink. and chef-driven sandwich concept ink.sack. The former was named by GQ as the Best New Restaurant in America the year it opened; the latter recently found its second home at the Tom Bradley International Terminal at Los Angeles International Airport.
Both Bryan and Michael Voltaggio may best be known for their time on Bravo’s Emmy-winning season of “Top Chef,” on which they were fierce competitors battling it out to the very end.
About MGM National Harbor
The newest addition to the MGM Resorts International portfolio, MGM National Harbor offers panoramic views of the eastern shore of the Potomac River in Maryland. The $1.3 billion resort is a short distance from Washington, D.C. and historic sites, including George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate in Virginia.
