Innovative Cuisine and Unparalleled Service Differentiate Culinary
Heavyweights
NEWTON, Mass. � August 12, 2010 - TripAdvisor®, the world�s largest
travel site*, today announced its list of the top ten celebrity chef-owned
restaurants in the United States, as identified by TripAdvisor editors
and travelers. Truly the cream of the crop at their craft, all ten
celebrity chef-owned restaurants are ranked within the top one percent
of the more than 560,000 restaurants listed worldwide on TripAdvisor.com�.
�With the growing interest in celebrity chefs, it�s no surprise that
some travelers carefully seek out top restaurants while traveling,� said
Karen Drake, senior director of communications for TripAdvisor. �Though
New York City and Las Vegas are currently the most popular cities for celebrity
chef-owned restaurants, we�re seeing famous foodies continue to expand
their brands across the United States.�
1. Per Se, New York City, New York
Celebrity Chef: Thomas Keller
Inspired by chef Thomas Keller�s wildly popular restaurant, French
Laundry, in Yountville, California, Per Se serves up a taste of Napa in
New York City. Travelers rave about the superior level of service, warm
atmosphere and sublime cuisine found in the nine-course tasting menus that
are created daily. �Per Se is undoubtedly expensive but was worth every
penny, as the memories will last a very long time. Per Se, in our opinion,
is the pinnacle of fine dining in New York City, if not the world,� shared
one TripAdvisor traveler.
2. Daniel, New York City, New York
Celebrity Chef: Daniel Boulud
Critically acclaimed for his seasonally-inspired contemporary French
cuisine, chef Daniel Boulud�s restaurant Daniel offers patrons an innovative
Upper East Side dining experience. Travelers cite the restaurant�s glamorous
décor, brilliantly constructed food pairings and thoughtful extra
touches like amuse-bouches and fresh madeleines, for creating a blissful
epicurean experience. �Every time I go to Daniel I am impressed with its
consistency. The food is always excellent and the service is flawless,�
said one TripAdvisor traveler.
3. CUT at The Palazzo Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada
Celebrity Chef: Wolfgang Puck
Passionate carnivores will be in gourmet heaven at chef Wolfgang Puck�s
CUT at The Palazzo Las Vegas, which offers top-notch steakhouse fare in
a sleek, modern environment. From the crave-worthy bone marrow flan starter,
to top quality cuts from American Wagyu Angus �Kobe Style� beef, travelers
note that this is a dining experience worth savoring. �By far the best
restaurant experience I have had. The food was delicious. My �Kobe Style�
rib eye steak cut like butter and melted in my mouth,� revealed one TripAdvisor
traveler.
4. Osteria Mozza, Los Angeles, California
Celebrity Chefs: Mario Batali and Nancy Silverton
Travelers will be transported from Los Angeles to Italy at Osteria
Mozza, a collaboration between chefs Mario Batali and Nancy Silverton with
famed restaurateur Joseph Bastianich. Featuring a free standing mozzarella
bar, patrons can say buon appetito to authentic Italian cuisine, including
ricotta and egg raviolo, gnocchi with duck ragu and pan roasted halibut.
�If dining here, you must take advantage of the many different cheeses
on the menu. We had a special mozzarella that was flown in from Italy.
So good!,� recommended one TripAdvisor traveler.
5. Morimoto, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Celebrity Chef: Masaharu Morimoto
Featuring splurge-worthy Japanese cuisine served in a trendy setting,
Morimoto in Philadelphia is the first American restaurant from �Iron Chef�
Masaharu Morimoto. While travelers admit to being wowed by the visually
stunning décor and neon illuminated booths, it�s the highly creative
menu that encourages return visits. According to one TripAdvisor traveler,
�There's a great deal of innovation here, from tempura with gorgonzola
and tofu that�s not only cooked, but made from scratch tableside. Expect
the unusual.�
6. Mesa Grill at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada
Celebrity Chef: Bobby Flay
Known for amazing margaritas and flavorful Southwestern entrees, taste
and presentation go hand in hand at chef Bobby Flay�s Mesa Grill located
inside Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. From warm cornbread muffins to start,
followed by unique entrees including the New Mexican spice rubbed pork
tenderloin and cornmeal crusted Chile relleno, many travelers cite repeat
visits. �The food is spot on, the service was great, and the flavors are
bold. I've eaten at several celebrity chefs� places of work and this was
hands down far and away the best. It's a great start to a Vegas evening,�
noted one TripAdvisor traveler.
7. Hamersley�s Bistro, Boston, Massachusetts
Celebrity Chef: Gordon Hamersley
With a passion for local, seasonal ingredients, chef Gordon Hamersley
has been preparing high quality, rustic dishes at Hamersley�s Bistro in
Boston, Massachusetts for the past 20 years. Recommended by travelers for
its lively dining area, the jovial atmosphere at Hamersley�s Bistro creates
the perfect setting to enjoy their delicious food. As described by one
TripAdvisor traveler, �Hamersley's is the perfect place - comfortable and
a bit old school, but it never rests on its laurels. Gordon rotates the
menu enough to keep things fresh. The chicken is as good as they say, as
is the less-feted halibut.�
8. NOLA Restaurant, New Orleans, Louisiana
Celebrity Chef: Emeril Lagasse
Southern hospitality is alive and well at chef Emeril Lagasse�s NOLA
Restaurant in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tucked along a quiet side street
in the French Quarter, travelers rave about the mouthwatering Southern
comfort food and describe the atmosphere as family friendly. �The service
was friendly, welcoming, and upbeat. And wow, the food was fantastic. I
mean, really, really good. Both of us loved our meals. It's always nice
when the stars align and you have a combination of good service and great
food,� said one TripAdvisor traveler.
9. Craftsteak, Las Vegas, Nevada
Celebrity Chef: Tom Colicchio
Located inside the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, chef Tom
Colicchio�s Craftsteak favors high quality, fresh ingredients � and lots
of them. From the beef main courses that are described like fine wines
in terms of texture and flavor, to the carefully selected free-range chicken
and organic salmon, travelers highly recommend the chef and seasonal tasting
menus, but warn of the hearty portions. �Food this flavorful does not need
elaborate preparation. The freshness and quality of the food was apparent,�
commented one TripAdvisor traveler.
10. Olives, Las Vegas, Nevada
Celebrity Chef: Todd English
Though chef Todd English�s restaurant Olives has several locations
across the country, the Las Vegas location continues to earn the top rating
from travelers for its unobtrusive service, elegant atmosphere and romantic
patio. In addition to the flavorful menu offerings, travelers suggest asking
for a window or patio table to enjoy both dinner and a show from the famous
Bellagio Fountains located just outside the restaurant. �The atmosphere
is elegant without being pretentious, the service is excellent, and the
food is just indescribable,� shared one TripAdvisor traveler.
About TripAdvisor
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*Source: comScore Media Metrix, Worldwide, June 2010
