Sensi at Bellagio Features Prix-Fixe Menu Inspired by
Executive Chef Royden Ellamar’s Chopped Victory
Executive Chef Royden Ellamar of Sensi at Bellagio Resort & Casino recently became a Chopped champion after conquering three rounds of timed secret ingredient challenges on an episode of Food Network’s popular cooking competition show. The episode titled “Hecho en the Chopped Kitchen” featured mystery baskets containing Mexican ingredients which the talented chef transformed into an appetizer, entrée and dessert. Guests now have the chance to put themselves in the judges’ seats and taste Ellamar’s creations with the three-course Chopped menu available at Sensi for $60 per person.
When Ellamar and his fellow contestants opened the first basket they found pigs feet in a jar, tres leches cake, jicama and culantro. While these items may not seem like they would create a cohesive dish, Ellamar used his culinary expertise and, with the clock ticking, created an appetizer that impressed the panel of Chopped judges securing his place in the second round. The same sweetness and texture that according to the judges made Ellamar’s dish “the most successful” of round one is replicated in the Crispy Pork Terrine and jicama salad with cilantro vinaigrette.
Round two brought the challenge of creating an entrée with goat, tequila, churros and huitlacoche, a fungus that grows on corn. Ellamar channeled his Asian roots and time spent in Mexico City to prepare the Tequila Grilled Goat Tenderloin and huitlacoche and goat cheese hash with charred tomato salsa. Ellamar’s perfectly cooked goat, “awesome” hash and delicious sauce got him a ticket to the final dessert challenge.
For the grand finale, Ellamar created a spin on Sensi’s beloved doughnuts using coconut, pepitas, piloncillo and yucca. With one bite of the fluffy and airy Yucca Malasadas, Portuguese doughnuts with pumpkin seed brittle and coconut caramel, guests will understand why Ellamar is now a Chopped champion.
About Bellagio
Inspired by the beautiful villages of Europe, the AAA Five Diamond Bellagio overlooks a Mediterranean-blue, eight-acre lake, where fountains perform a magnificent aquatic ballet choreographed to music and lights. Within Bellagio are award-winning dining experiences including two AAA Five Diamond restaurants, Julian Serrano’s Picasso and Le Cirque from the renowned Maccioni family. The resort’s retail promenade, Via Bellagio, includes the luxury shops of Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Tiffany & Co., Prada, Fred Leighton, Chanel, Dior and Fendi. A world-class art gallery, the exquisite Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, the stunning “O” by Cirque du Soleil®, a luxurious spa and salon and an elegant casino all add to the extraordinary Bellagio experience. Bellagio is a wholly owned subsidiary of MGM Resorts International™. For more information and reservations, visit www.bellagio.com or call toll free at (888) 987-6667.
