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'VEGAS UNSTRIPPED' Returns with More Great Dishes

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'VEGAS UNSTRIPPED' Returns with More Great Dishes

Despite its provocative title, this food festival in the Arts District is all about local Chefs.

We know what you're thinking...."It's a topless revue!" Well, you'd be correct in the sense that serving platters are eventually uncovered. Because VEGAS UNSTRIPPED 2023 isn't saucy burlesque, but a festival exploring the culinary offerings of off-Strip Chefs. Do you get the pun now? Launched in 2018, VEGAS UNSTRIPPED began as a way for local chefs to flex their creative muscles and showcase daring skills. This October 14th, over thirty acclaimed kitchen masters will gather to preset one-of-a-kind dishes. The hook is that they'll be crafted just for that evening, making VEGAS UNSTRIPPED a must-do event for "foodies". The festival is presented by FEAST OF FRIENDS, a coalition of sorts. Overseen by Eric C. Gladstone, FEAST OF FRIENDS is a team with expertise in marketing, promotion, and branding. They help to unify the Las Vegas culinary community, representing both heavyweight and fledgling clients.

Vegas Unstripped 2019 via FEAST OF FRIENDS

Popular names like Evel Pie, Lotus of Siam, Sparrow + Wolf, and Sand Dollar Lounge's holiday pop-up celebrations have benefitted from the group's involvement. Here is a list of this year's participants, as provided by Kristiana Streuber on behalf of FEAST OF FRIENDS:

Jun & Nick An – Yu or Mi sushi
John Arena – Metro Pizza; World Pizza Champions US Team
Geno Bernardo – The Summit Club & Geno's (formerly of Herringbone, 50 Essential Restaurants by Eating Las Vegas)
Saipin Chutima – Lotus of Siam; James Beard Award Winner, Best Chef Southwest
Francesco Di Caudo – 2017 Chef of the Year, Desert Companion
DJ Flores – Milpa
Bruce Kalman – Soul Belly BBQ
Steve Kestler – Aroma Latin American Cocina
Dustin Lewandowski – 1228 Main
Marty Lopez – Scotch 80 Prime
Gina Marinelli – La Strega/Harlo Steakhouse & Bar
Marc Marrone & Jeff Weiss – "Parts Unknown"

Vegas Unstripped 2021 participants

Winston Matsuuchi – Omakase Kyara Sake Bar
Giovanni Mauro – Monzu Italian Oven & Bar; 2021 Reader’s Choice - Best Pizzeria, Las Vegas Weekly
Matt Meyer – 138°; Eater Vegas 2022 Eater Awards; Desert Companion Best of Las Vegas/Henderson, Eating Las Vegas, Best New Restaurants
Vincent Pouessel – Summer House, Durango Station
Adam Rios – Al Solito Posto; Spotlighted in Time Magazine’s “World’s Greatest Places 2021 – Las Vegas”
Michael Rubinstein - Vetri Cucina
Stephen Lee - Jawgogis
Jackson Stamper – Ada’s Food & Wine Bar; Wine Enthusiast Top 50 US Restaurants; Best New Wine Bar, Vegas Magazine
Jamie Tran – The Black Sheep; 2022 James Beard Award Finalist; Top Chef, 2017 Best Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year, Desert Companion; Eater Vegas Restaurant of the Year
James Trees – Esther’s Kitchen, Al Solito Posto, Ada’s Food & Wine; 2018 Best Italian Restaurant, Desert Companion, 2020 James Beard Award Finalist
Mike Vakneen - Double Zero Pie & Pub/Pop-Up Pizza/Hamsa brand; World Pizza Champion, Eating Las Vegas Best New Restaurants
Joe Valdez – Table 34/Batch Hospitality
Ivon Valenzuela - Yaqui Zen

More names will undoubtedly be announced as the October 14th date approaches. As for libations, the press release states the following:

Cocktails from The Golden Tiki/Sand Dollar Lounge/Jammyland… Beer from CraftHaus & Trumer Pils… Wines curated by Sommelier Matthew-Loren, Vintex' Bordeaux Bob & Garagiste

It should be noted that as a celebration of culinary creation, menus won't cater to special dietary needs:

*This is an Omnivore event. While there may be plant-based, dairy-free dishes, or allergen-sensitive dishes, the event is designed to let chefs focus on their creativity unbridled.

VEGAS UNSTRIPPED takes place on October 14th from 7 pm through 10 pm. The location is along California Street in downtown's Arts District. Proceeds go to underserved local charities fighting hunger and homelessness. Tickets are $150.00 and can be reserved here. For additional information, visit the official VEGAS UNSTRIPPED website here.