Sensi - Dining Drama
December 27 2004 - 1:26PM
PR Newswire (US)
Sensi - Dining Drama Where All the Kitchen's a Stage LAS VEGAS,
Dec. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Sensi, now open in Bellagio's new Spa
Tower, invites guests on a sensual journey through an innovative
approach to dining drama. Executive Chef Martin Heierling drew on
his vast international experience to devise a menu based on four
complementary cuisines -- Italian, Asian, Grilled and Seafood
classics -- all prepared simply and focused with pure, balanced
flavors. To spotlight Chef Heierling's straightforward approach,
Japanese design firm Super Potato crafted a unique, interactive
'stage' setup through minimalist, earthy decor. Together they
created culinary theater destined to satisfy the personal
inclinations of every guest. (Photo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041227/LAM030-a) (Photo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041227/LAM030-b) Through open
kitchens bustling with activity, a myriad of appealing aromas,
tempting flavors and stone and water design elements, all of the
senses will come alive. This stimulation of the senses embodies the
derivation of the restaurant's name -- Sensi comes from the Italian
word for senses "senzi." Sensi's menu reflects Chef Heierling's
belief in traditional dishes that are ingredient-driven and
unembellished. "My menu features authentic, regional dishes made
from superior yet basic ingredients," said Heierling. "The goal is
food that is recognizable -- grounded, bold and flavorful." Sensi
takes the best dishes from an array of destinations and cuisines
and puts them on one menu. "If you've ever wished you could sample
that tantalizing dish you've seen prepared on your favorite cooking
show -- this is the place to dine," said Randy Morton, vice
president of Hotel Operations at the AAA Five Diamond Bellagio.
"Chefs produce a personal masterpiece for each guest. Today's
diners are fascinated by the cooking techniques of a multitude of
countries." Diners can watch naan and Chicken Tikka plunge into a
red-hot tandoori oven on the Asian stage or contemplate the
split-second timing of a Seared Tuna Tataki, raw inside when sliced
and served with a Citrus glaze. On the Italian stage, Foccacia with
Vacherin Cheese and Black Truffles is slipped into a wood fire oven
and baked fresh to order. Here, delicate risotto techniques can be
studied and the freshness of pasta verified as it sinks into a
boiling bath. Guests can see Kumamotos and Blue Points deftly
shucked in a wink on the Raw stage, and Ahi Tuna Ceviche "cooked"
just so in Lime Juice with Coconut and Cilantro. And at the Grill,
behold the broiled shell-on New York Steak, cooked to perfection.
Complementing the menu, Sensi's wine list focuses on regionalism,
showcasing bold and unique wines. Southern Hemisphere wines are
emphasized, particularly those from Australia and New Zealand, Chef
Heierling's adopted homeland. The balance of the list concentrates
on the world's greatest wine areas such as Tuscany and Piedmont in
Italy, the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer in Germany, the Wachau in Austria,
Burgundy, Washington state and California's finest selections.
Design team Super Potato conjured up this distinctive dining design
incorporating four open kitchens in a sunken arena in the middle of
the dining room, providing diners an intimate proximity to expert
preparation techniques in action. When guests order a dish, they
witness its creation. All of this activity is played out in a
setting of cool, clean stone and streaming water elements. Super
Potato installed stone works of naturally aging Japanese Aji
ranging from boulder-size monoliths to fragile, slender slabs.
Juxtaposing sections of rough-hewn texture and high-polished sheen
provide the vehicle for thin, descending sheets of water and calm,
trickling streams. This natural theme guides Sensi's decor
throughout, via the sensuality of wood, glass and earth tones.
Sensi also features two chef's tables on opposing sides of the
kitchen complex, seating up to six and eight. These unique,
single-piece tabletops -- one wood, one stone -- were hand-chiseled
and carved by monks with intent to preserve the delicate
imperfections of the natural materials. Vulnerable, organic wood
balances impenetrable, staid stone -- yin and yang, anima and
animus. Through Sensi's luxurious textures of stone and wood, its
sounds of running water and sizzling grills, mingling aromas and
euphoric flavors, and the lively chatter among guests and chefs --
guests never leave unstimulated.
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041227/LAM030-a
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041227/LAM030-b DATASOURCE:
Sensi CONTACT: Media, Stephanie Davis of MGM MIRAGE,
+1-702-891-7517; or Jennifer Baum of BULLFROG & BAUM,
+1-212-255-6717, for MGM MIRAGE
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