Morimoto Las Vegas Grand Opening Takes Over MGM Grand with Lion Parade, 100-Foot Maki Roll and More
Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto raised his glass and yelled “Kanpai” as he officially welcomed Morimoto Las Vegas to MGM Grand on Thursday, November 3 (Pictured: Jenni Lee folds paper cranes – Photo credit: MGM Resorts International).
Corey Sanders, Chef Masaharu Morimoto, Scott Sibella, Jason Shkorupa and Yasumichi Morita at opening of Morimoto Las Vegas
Photo credit: MGM Resorts International.
In true Las Vegas fashion, the grand opening celebration was a spectacle-filled evening with a lion dance parade throughout the resort, Chef Morimoto’s deconstruction of a 132-pound tuna, the making of a 100-foot maki roll and an energetic party overflowing with Japanese delicacies.
Chef Masaharu Morimoto deconstructs a 132 lb tuna
Photo credit: MGM Resorts International.
A mystical show kicked off the night’s festivities with a traditional lion dance accompanied by drummers in MGM Grand’s main lobby. To guests’ delight, Chef Morimoto made a surprise appearance in the lobby to bring the lions to life by painting their eyes – a symbolic act of bringing good fortune to a new endeavor. The lions leaped and danced as they playfully interacted with the crowd.
Jason Shkorupa, Corey Sanders, Chef Masaharu Morimoto and Scott Sibella roll the 100 ft long maki roll
Photo credit: MGM Resorts International.
Onlookers were in awe as Morimoto led the grand procession through the casino, shaking hands and taking photos with fans on the way. Upon arrival, the Iron Chef entered the venue to deconstruct a 132-pound tuna fish with his legendary knife-cutting skills.
Emcee Bryan Chan at Morimoto Las Vegas
Photo credit: MGM Resorts International.
Chef was then joined by MGM Grand President & COO Scott Sibella, MGM Resorts International Chief Operating Officer Corey Sanders and MGM Grand VP of F&B Jason Shkorupa, alongside dozens of friends and guests, to create a massive 100-foot maki sushi roll with the fresh tuna.
Chef Masaharu Morimoto with lion dancers
Photo credit: MGM Resorts International.
Morimoto Las Vegas’ chic atmosphere created the ideal mood for Las Vegas’ VIPs to indulge in the restaurant’s inspired cuisine such as the Hamachi Tacos, Panfried Pork Gyoza, Tuna Pizzas and a boundless lineup of fresh sashimi and sushi rolls.
Jason Shkorupa and Chef Masaharu Morimoto paint the lions eyes for good luck
Photo credit: MGM Resorts International.
Mouthwatering pieces of Japanese A-5 Wagyu and Colorado Organic Lamb Chops sizzled at the teppan tables. Morimoto’s original cocktails fused with Japanese spirits, such as the Green Dragon and Mango Lotus, refreshed guests throughout the evening.
Sushi served at the grand opening celebration
Photo credit: MGM Resorts International.
Taiko drummers perform inside Morimoto Las Vegas
Photo credit: MGM Resorts International.
Colorado organic lamb chops are prepared at the teppan station at Morimoto Las Vegas
Photo credit: MGM Resorts International.
Morimoto Las Vegas at MGM Grand is open 5 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday.