Pearl at MGM Grand to Host Once-in-a-Lifetime Culinary Experience

The Diaoyutai State Guesthouse Culinary Festival

Makes U.S. debut at Las Vegas’ Premier Dining Destination

LAS VEGAS – This February, ancient Chinese culinary tradition meets the vibrant city of Las Vegas in a 7-day feast fit, literally and figuratively, for a king.  The Diaoyutai State Guesthouse of China will partner with MGM Grand Las Vegas to bring the world-renowned Diaoyutai State Guesthouse Culinary Festival to the United States. Akin to Camp David, the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse of Beijing was the exclusive retreat of Chinese royalty and has extended its hospitality to more than 1,000 heads of state, presidents and prime ministers.  Every year, the festival is held in a new location around the world, with Pearl restaurant at MGM Grand chosen to host the first festival ever held in the United States.

“We are honored and delighted to have been chosen to host this most exclusive and time-honored culinary tradition,” said MGM Grand President & COO Gamal Aziz.  “Filled with fascinating tradition and delicious food, we know it will be a one-of-a-kind experience for our guests.”

Beginning February 6, Pearl Restaurant will host the entire Diaoyutai State Guesthouse culinary team as its chefs present a collection of historic signature dishes which have graced the tables of kings and heads of state.  From the tableware and décor to the rare and exotic ingredients, the Guesthouse experience will be transported to Las Vegas for the festival.  A beloved tradition in China, the Diaoyutai Guesthouse is a place rich in ancient Chinese history, which can be traced back almost 800 years.  Its beloved culinary festival showcases the cuisine of the Diaoyutai which embraces the distinct provinces of Chinese geography, as well as worldly and modern influences.  Ancient menus served to the Emperors of the Ming, Quing and Jin Dynasties are taken from the library of The Forbidden City and are given modern relevance under head Chef Hao Baoli, who leads the esteemed culinary team. 

The festival is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for guests to join one of the world’s most exclusive culinary clubs as they dine on the delicacies of the Diaoyutai.  The festivities will run through February 12, offering a series of prix fixe dinners and lunches available to the public.  Four principles rule the Diaoyutai cuisine: food, service, environment and tableware.  These elements, known as the “Four Beauties,” provide the essential framework for every dish produced.  In addition strict nutritional requirements ensure all dishes are low in both sugar and sodium and high in protein.  The result is a cuisine that is visually stunning, legendary and nutritionally holistic.

Lunch offerings will include Stir Fried Lobster, Dumpling with three delicacies and Pan-Fried Venison with garlic and chili sauce.  Dinner will be a tour of Chinese delights prepared with the finest ingredients, such as Steamed Duck and Paste Taro with rice wine, Stewed Fish Meat Ball in Casserole and Whole Abalone with oyster sauce.  More exotic Chinese specialties will be available for those who wish to partake, such as Sea Cucumber Roe in Superior Soup and Spicy Squid’s Egg Soup in Steam Pot.  Desserts will be fit for royalty with Persimmon-shaped Dumplings filled with bean paste and exotic fresh fruit. 

The Didi Room at Pearl was handpicked to host this exclusive event.  One of the resort’s first restaurants as it matured into a world-class culinary destination, Pearl reinforces MGM Grand’s dedication to creating elegant, one-of-a-kind dining experiences.  Designed by Tony Chi, Pearl exudes a quiet sophistication with a residential penthouse feel.  The environment for the festival has been inspected by Chen Mingxia, Vice Director General of Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, and special décor will create a complementary balance between the surroundings and the special cuisine.  The tableware will be shipped from Beijing to Las Vegas specifically for the festival.  The end result will capture the essence and spirit of the Diaoyutai in breathtaking effect.
 
Lunch will be served daily, 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Dinner, daily, 5 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Prices are $200 and $250 for lunch $300, $450 and $600 for dinner.
Reservations may be made by calling MGM Grand at (702) 891-3701.

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