TripAdvisor Dishes Out the Top Ten Celebrity Chef-Owned Restaurants in the United States

Innovative Cuisine and Unparalleled Service Differentiate Culinary Heavyweights

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Aug 12, 2010, 06:00 ET

NEWTON, Mass., Aug. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- 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™.

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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 decor, 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 decor 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.

"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."

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*Source: comScore Media Metrix, Worldwide, June 2010

SOURCE TripAdvisor