ARIA, the resort casino at CityCenter project on the Las Vegas Strip, has assembled a spectacular team of chefs and restaurateurs to run its culinary scene. The team includes names such as Sirio Maccioni, Michael Mina, Julian Serrano, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, The Light Group and Jean-Philippe Maury, who run some of the best restaurants in Las Vegas at places such as Bellagio, Mirage Hotel and Casino, MGM Grand and Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino along with Masayoshi Takayama, the celebrated chef of the eminent Masa restaurant in New York City and Shawn McClain, executive chef and partner in three of best restaurants in Chicago.

"Over the last two decades, Las Vegas has evolved from a buffet town into the global culinary epicenter it is today. When it opens late next year, ARIA will forever change the skyline and create a new Las Vegas experience for millions of visitors. With such a stunning project, it is only fitting that the chefs and restaurants follow suit." said Bart Mahoney, vice president of food and beverage at ARIA

The list of new restaurants confirmed to open in 2009 include Cheff Michael Mina’s American Fish, a fine restaurant inspired upon the American lakes, rivers, and coasts, which will feature a menu featuring sophisticated American gastronomy and dishes prepared with products purchased straight from fishermen, farmers and ranchers allowing guests and customers to taste a selection of regional recipes. Mina also owns several restaurants in Las Vegas, including Nobhill and Seablue at MGM Grand as well as the Michelin one-star “Michael Mina” restaurant at the Bellagio and award-winning Stripsteak at the Mandalay Bay.

Chef Julian Serrano will also open an eponymous restaurant at ARIA, the casual restaurant will feature a selection of menus at different price points, providing visitors with an reachable and affordable dining experience. The amazing seafood bar will offer fresh shellfish and ceviches, while the dining room and lounge will specialize in tapas and other Spanish dishes. Legendary chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten will contribute with Jean Georges Steakhouse, an exclusive lounge and bar focused on classic cocktails and classic steakhouse dishes with a fashionable and modern touch.

Sirio Maccioni, owner of Le Cirque and Circo in New York City and at Bellagio will open “Sirio”, a classic Italian restaurant featuring traditional Mediterranean food and the largest selection of Italian wines at a wide array of prices. The Light Group will reveal an innovative restaurant with an edgy American dim sum style concept. The restaurant will be managed by Executive Chef Brian Massie and will offer a matchless interpretation of American favorites, serving premium quality dishes made with ingredients purchased from the best suppliers in the U.S.

Appearing in Las Vegas for the first time, Chef Masayoshi Takayama will open Bar Masa, a Japanese restaurant divided into two spaces offering a dual culinary experience. The first will feature Chef Masa’s style of modern Japanese cuisine, while the second space, Shaboo, is an intimate room within Bar Masa, which provides guests with a unique culinary perspective.

Finally, Chef Shawn McClain will open “Sage”, his first restaurant outside of Chicago. “Sage” will spotlight a series of dishes made using farm-to-table ingredients as well artisanal meats and sustainable seafood, all presented in a room designed by Jacques Garcia Decoration, which offers a highly sophisticated but comfortable ambiance.