Forget the dazzling facades and predictable routines for a moment, friend! Vegas Unstripped throws open a secret door to the authentic soul of Las Vegas, inviting you to experience the genuine culture, the vibrant pulse of local artistry, and a richer connection to the city far beyond the glittering Strip. This isn’t your typical Vegas spectacle; it’s a curated immersion into the real heartbeat of the city, designed for those who crave something more meaningful and real.
This year’s Vegas Unstripped is pulling out all the stops, gathering an unprecedented lineup of the city’s most innovative culinary minds, including pizza maestro John Arena and the acclaimed Brian Howard. Each chef, along with top bartenders like Tony Abou-Ganim, will be crafting an exclusive new dish or drink for one night only. Don’t miss this exceptional event happening on Sunday, April 27th from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Palms Casino Resort. Even better, your delicious experience will support two fantastic local causes: the John Arena Foundation and Help of Southern Nevada.
Unveiling the Core of Vegas Unstripped
Event Concept and Purpose
Vegas Unstripped isn’t your typical Las Vegas spectacle; it’s where the city’s authentic culinary spirit truly shines. The vibrant food-centric event is a celebration conceived by the Las Vegas community for the Las Vegas community. Making a space for local culinary talent to shine, the event now isn’t just home to some of the city’s favorite chefs; it’s home to some of the country’s best creators in the culinary arts. Attendees can anticipate a dynamic taste adventure where the latest creations from Vegas’s exciting culinary scene are expertly paired with exceptional drinks from the area’s top bars, creating a true feast for the senses that highlights the region’s dynamic food culture.
“Vegas Unstripped was created to gather, celebrate and show off the local chefs making creative strides in the Las Vegas community,” Eric Gladstone, Founder/Exec Producer told us. “This is about telling the story of Las Vegas’ homegrown local food scene, in contrast to the celebrity chef restaurants that tend to overshadow it.”
The Journey of Vegas Unstripped
Evolution and Growth
Like a desert bloom, Vegas Unstripped has grown and transformed since it first took root. What started as a great concept has exploded into one of the city’s favorite annual events, making a home at the Palms Casino Resort in recent years.
“Vegas Unstripped started as a reaction to big budget events on the Strip that virtually shut out local chefs,” Gladstone said of the event’s inception. “It was very grassroots at the beginning with basically no budget at all, and we made it work through using ticket revenue, donated food and many volunteers. But from the beginning, it was important that we pay back chefs and bartenders who needed to be reimbursed.”
And pay them back, as the event did. Now, foodies from around the country attend Vegas Unstripped to get a taste of one-night-only flavors from Michelin and James Beard-recognized chefs. “Since then, we have grown every year, adding more chefs and bartenders and guests organically, without trying to get too big. We try to do things a little differently every year to keep it interesting without changing the basic format. In 2024 we accepted the invitation of the Palms to host the event there, and it’s been another step up in the experience and a great partnership.”
Experiencing the Vibrancy of Vegas Unstripped
Programming and Entertainment
Get ready for a sensory feast! The programming and entertainment at Vegas Unstripped are likely a carefully curated mix of local talent, including some of the scene’s best chefs serving up one-of-a-kind delicacies and bartenders mixing up libations you won’t get anywhere else.
“Throughout the year, we keep an eye on the food scene and who is making a splash or just keeping things fresh and exciting, and we ask a number of other industry and media people for input,” Gladstone told us. “We try to put together an interesting mix of chefs who are well known and others who deserve attention, as well as a variety of cultural backgrounds. Many chefs are invited; some can do it for some years, and others can’t. Sometimes, we’ll invite a chef one year and offer an opportunity to someone new the next. It’s imperfect, but it seems to curate an exciting mix every year.”
Vegas Unstripped’s Connection to the Local Community
Impact on the Las Vegas Community
Vegas Unstripped is designed as a vibrant celebration deeply rooted in the Las Vegas community. By showcasing the talents of local chefs and the offerings of the city’s best bars, the event directly supports the regional culinary scene. It provides a platform for these professionals to connect with residents and visitors, fostering a sense of local pride and potentially boosting business within the community. Prior to this year’s event, Vegas Unstripped has contributed roughly $30,000 to the Las Vegas community.
“This has never been a ‘for profit’ event, and so from the beginning, we have donated any leftover proceeds to local charities that we feel are a bit underserved,” Gladstone said of the event’s aim. “These tend to focus on the areas of hunger and homelessness. However, we have also donated to a number of other great organizations.”
The Realities and Rewards of Vegas Unstripped
Challenges and Successes
Pulling off a big event like Vegas Unstripped is no small feat! There are always hurdles to overcome, from logistics to getting the word out.
“Whew! There are a lot of challenges in recruiting 30 chefs, several bartenders, sponsors and other details,” Gladstone told us. “We have a lot of strong opinions about what makes a great event, and we really try to pay attention to details. I’m indebted to my Event Producer, Heather Vincent, for all of her hard work to make this party happen.”
“As far as a reward, honestly, the two biggest rewards are 1) seeing so many chefs, bartenders and guests having a great time and hearing about people discovering new places to dine here. And 2) Getting to donate to causes where we feel like our small contributions can make a difference. That feels great.”
The Horizon for Vegas Unstripped
Future Vision
What’s next for Vegas Unstripped? Picture the event continuing to grow and evolve, becoming an even more significant platform for showcasing the authentic heart of Las Vegas.
“We would like Vegas Unstripped to grow organically but stay true to its original goals of inspiring our local culinary talent and telling the ‘story’ of the local Las Vegas scene.”
