Hit television stars, judges and celebrity chef icons Michael and Bryan Voltaggio opened Retro by Voltaggio at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino opened recently. The one-year culinary residency delivers a classic American family-style dining concept, capturing the feelings, tastes, sounds and pop culture moments of the 80s and 90s, along with unique nostalgic elements that blend to create a high-energy dining destination.
“The 80s and 90s saw unforgettable moments in music, fashion, movies, TV shows, food, and countless trends that swept the nation,” said Michael Voltaggio. “With Retro, we will celebrate that nostalgia in every element of the experience while putting our spin on beloved dishes from the era.”
Menu items include new takes on classics such as Caesar Salad, Shrimp Cocktail, Pot Roast, Lobster Thermidor, and many more, showcasing one-of-a-kind flavor profiles and shareable presentations. Retro also features a themed cocktail list, entertainment, curated art pieces and hit music soundtracks of the time, all conceptualized exclusively by both chefs and only available at Retro.
Retro by Voltaggio is open Monday to Saturday 5pm – 10pm. Closed Sunday. MENU
Bryan Voltaggio said, “MGM Resorts has been an incredible partner in our MGM National Harbor restaurant Voltaggio Brothers Steak House and we are grateful to them for the opportunity to showcase Retro at Mandalay Bay. Opening a restaurant in Las Vegas has always been a dream of ours and now the dream has become a reality. We are passionate about living out our purpose in delivering first-class hospitality and cuisine to everyone who takes part in a Voltaggio Brothers dining experience.”
Retro opened in Chef Charlie Palmer’s Aureole restaurant space, which permanently closed as Palmer refocuses his time on new projects.
Mandalay Bay President & COO Chuck Bowling said, “For more than 20 years, Charlie Palmer and his talented team delivered unforgettable dining experiences to our guests from around the world. It is with a deep appreciation that we recognize Charlie for a wonderful partnership and wish him and the Charlie Palmer Collective great success in the future.”
Chef Charlie Palmer said, “Over the years, Aureole at Mandalay Bay really became a destination unto itself, especially for wine, with an unparalleled list recognized annually on Wine Spectator’s Grand Award for more than two decades. The restaurant will always carry fond memories for me and the team we built together. We are proud that Aureole served as an incubator for incredible chefs, sommeliers and front-of-house service teams that have since gone on to lead the next generation of hospitality.”
Michael and Bryan Voltaggio spent many years with Charlie Palmer Collective, receiving guidance and tutelage from the James Beard Award-winning chef himself. The culinary torch from Chef Palmer will now be passed to the chef duo to carry forward a new concept and vision for the space.
Michael and Bryan Voltaggio said, “Chef Palmer has been an incredible mentor to both of us. From providing guidance and support throughout our careers to cooking with him in the kitchen at Aureole, we learned foundational knowledge and skills that fueled the passion and drive to deliver culinary excellence in all we do. Our promise is to maintain that level of first-class hospitality for which Chef Palmer and his legendary brands are known.”
Chef Charlie Palmer added, “As I shift attention to exciting new ventures, it brings me joy to know our beloved space will flourish under Michael and Bryan’s leadership. I wish them the best and look forward to seeing what their talented minds bring to the Las Vegas dining scene.”
In this next chapter, Chef Palmer will continue to focus on Appellation, his co-founded brand of culinary-first hotels opening in California and Idaho, in addition to Charlie Palmer Collective, his expansive portfolio of restaurants across the nation.
This content was originally published here.