Michelin-starred Chef Masa Takayama Debuts First Teppanyaki Restaurant, Tetsu, At Las Vegas' ARIA

LAS VEGAS, April 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- This August, Forbes and Michelin-decorated Chef Masa Takayama will introduce the first teppan concept to his extraordinary culinary repertoire. Tetsu, located at ARIA Resort & Casino, will be an intimate and interactive dining experience, offering guests the first taste of Chef Masa's passion for fine Japanese grilling.

Located inside Masa's famed Japanese restaurant, barMASA, Tetsu will replace Shaboo, which closes April 28. The exclusive venue will feature four blackjack-style tables and two communal teppan grill tables seating 20 and 19, respectively. Highly skilled teppanyaki chefs will oversee the evening's culinary entertainment – prepping, cooking and plating orders specific to each guest's request. A produce table will serve as the room's centerpiece, displaying the finest quality meats, seafood and vegetables, and will allow guests the opportunity to hand select the proteins of their entree, specifying the exact cut, portion size and preparation style they desire.

"ARIA is a leader in the evolution of the Las Vegas culinary scene, now a recognized contender as one of the world's top epicurean destinations," said CityCenter President and COO Bill McBeath. "With Tetsu, we continue to set the pace by offering guests a brand new, exclusive concept from Masa Takayama, arguably the world's most celebrated Japanese chef."

Tetsu Executive Chef/Creator Masa Takayama said, "With a passion for the finest-sourced ingredients, I have always been intrigued by the sizzling vegetables, meat and seafood prepared on a teppan grill. The act of choosing your ingredients and interacting with the chef as he prepares them elevates the conventional dinner – creating memories – which is how food is meant to be experienced."

The teppan grill menu allows guests to try a variety of offerings at smaller portions and reasonable prices such as the Toro Tartare with Caviar, Wagyu Beef Steak Tartare and Pacific Lobster Sashimi Ceviche in addition to Tataki selections. Tataki, meaning to "pound," is a traditional manner of preparing fish and meat so they better absorb other flavors, therefore enhancing the protein in the dish. The cuts are briefly seared over a hot pan, marinated in vinegar, sliced thin and seasoned with ginger. Tetsu's tataki offerings will differentiate the restaurant with the finest culinary creations, such as the Wagyu Ribeye, and Filet Mignon-Soy Vinaigrette.

Main course offerings include prime cuts of beef such as Center Cut Lamb Chop and Filet Mignon. Seafood and steak also will delight guests with the incredibly fresh ingredients for which Masa is renowned, such as Butterflied Scottish Langoustine, Mediterranean Turbot and decadent Fatty Tuna. Side accompaniments including Kobe Garlic Fried Rice, Yakisoba Noodles and Seafood Udon will complement the main course. Completing the meal are unexpected and refreshing desserts such as Masa's famous Truffle Ice Cream, Grapefruit Granite and Yuzu Sorbet.

Tetsu's hours of operation will be Wednesday through Sunday 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. Guests enter Tetsu through barMASA, located adjacent to the stunning ARIA lobby. For more information or to make reservations, call 702.590.7111 or visit www.arialasvegas.com

ABOUT ARIA RESORT & CASINO
The centerpiece of CityCenter Las Vegas is ARIA Resort & Casino, a stunning AAA Five Diamond resort on The Strip featuring an unprecedented combination of striking architecture, sustainable design, high-end service, spectacular amenities and premium meeting and convention space.  From unique culinary offerings created by the world's most talented chefs, to innovative nightlife, indulgent spa treatments and Viva ELVIS™ by Cirque du Soleil, ARIA embodies the excitement and vitality of Las Vegas.  ARIA is home to an incredible collection of stylish and technologically advanced accommodations including Sky Suites, a AAA Five Diamond hotel within a hotel experience.  Combined with CityCenter's unparalleled amenities including luxurious shopping at Crystals and the first-of-its-kind public Fine Art Collection, ARIA introduces a new generation of resort experiences, unlike anything Las Vegas has ever seen.  CityCenter is a joint venture between MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) and Infinity World Development Corp, a subsidiary of Dubai World. For more information and reservations, visit www.arialasvegas.com or call toll free at (866) 359-7757; also find ARIA on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE ARIA Resort & Casino