RISMEDIA, September 24, 2010—TripAdvisor, one of the world’s largest travel sites 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.”
For more information, visit www.tripadvisor.com.
