MGM National Harbor Unveils Celebrity Chef Lineup

Four celebrity chefs with ties to the area, including Maryland’s own Voltaggio brothers, will have restaurants at the new MGM National Harbor venue when it opens in the latter half of 2016.

The $1.3 billion entertainment complex is under construction along the Potomac River in Prince George’s County.

The 24-story, 308-room resort will feature a casino with more than 125,000 square feet of space that includes slots, table games and poker; a world-class spa and salon; an entertainment theater with flexible seating for up to 3,000; high-end branded retail; 27,000 square feet of meeting space; and restaurants from renowned chefs.

MGM announced Monday that chefs José Andrés, Marcus Samuelsson, and Bryan and Michael Voltaggio will lead its culinary program when the resort opens next year. The venue will mark the first time the Voltaggio brothers have collaborated on a restaurant.

Award-winning Spanish American chef Andrés, renowned for popular dining destinations in Washington, D.C., Beverly Hills, Las Vegas, Miami and most recently, Mexico City, will join the roster along with Ethiopian-born and Sweden-raised acclaimed chef Marcus Samuelsson, known for his New York City hotspots. Adding local flavor to the mix are brothers Bryan and Michael Voltaggio, natives of Frederick, Md., whose gained fame for their time on Bravo’s “Top Chef” reality competition series.

The Washington Business Journal reports National Harbor will be the sixth restaurant in the D.C. area for Bryan Voltaggio, known for Volt restaurant in Frederick, as well as Range and Aggio in Friendship Heights and casual eateries Family Meal in Frederick and Ashburn. Michael Voltaggio, owns ink. and ink.sack in Los Angeles.

Here’s what MGM says about its four high-profile chefs:

Chefs Bryan and Michael Voltaggio
The Voltaggio brothers will join forces, for the first time, to open a contemporary steakhouse at MGM National Harbor. The menu will highlight regional specialties, drawing inspiration from their home state.

“Michael and I have always talked about collaborating. Despite having as many differences as we do similarities, we have been waiting to tell the story of the two of us as chefs through one menu,” said Bryan Voltaggio in a news release. “It’s fitting that we are bringing our first kitchen together in our home state of Maryland and we are excited to be a part of the evolution of the new Potomac waterfront.”

Michael added, “We couldn’t have asked for a better partner to bring us together in our home town. By creating a world class experience where guests can eat, sleep, and play, MGM National Harbor is setting the stage for an exciting family reunion!”

Chef José Andrés
Andrés will introduce his first seafood-focused restaurant at MGM National Harbor. The restaurant’s menu will feature locally sourced ingredients and fresh seafood. Dining options will include cocktail, sushi or tempura bars with views of interactive kitchen stations, and communal tables or main dining room.

Named one of Time’s “100 Most Influential People,” awarded “Outstanding Chef” by the James Beard Foundation and named “Chef of the Year” by Bon Appétit and “Hot Restaurateur” by Condé Nast Traveler, Andrés has been a pioneer of Spanish tapas in the United States.

Chef Marcus Samuelsson

Five-time James Beard Award-winning chef Samuelsson will serve signature creations for breakfast, lunch and dinner along with classic dishes like his whole fried chicken that is meant to be shared. His elegant comfort food is anchored around an open kitchen and large grill, a warm and inviting bar with signature cocktails, in addition to a smaller bar that gives guests a peek into the kitchen.

The chef’s career highlights include cooking the State Dinner for President Barack Obama, being the youngest recipient of a three-star review by The New York Times and winning a James Beard Foundation award for “Best Chef: New York City.” He opened Red Rooster Harlem in 2010 to much acclaim and later that year won Bravo’s “Top Chef Masters” Season 2.

»Artist’s drawing of MGM National Harbor courtesy of the company