MEDIA RELEASES
Hosts the City’s First-Ever Nikkei Dining Experience to Sample the Flavors of MGM COTAI’s First Announced Restaurant, AJI
[Macau – October 14, 2015] Following MGM China’s announcement of MGM COTAI’s first restaurant AJI, which will be Asia’s first Nikkei Cuisine offering in collaboration with internationally renowned celebrity Chef Mitsuharu Tsumura, the Company exclusively invited the celebrated Chef to give Macau a preview of his unique cuisine at a private tasting luncheon hosted at MGM MACAU.
The private affair welcomed 60 guests, and was made even more special by the distinguished presence of Mr. Juan Carlos Capuñay, Peru Ambassador to China in Beijing, Mr. Sergio Manuel Ávila Traverso, Peru Consul General to Hong Kong & Macao and Ms. Maria Soledad Acosta, Director of Tourism Promotion of PROMPERU, joining other Guests of Honor Mr. Grant Bowie, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of MGM China Holdings Limited, Mr. Peter Finamore, Chief Operating Officer Hospitality of MGM China Holdings Limited, and Chef Mitsuharu Tsumura, Consulting Chef for AJI, MGM COTAI.
Chef Tsumura specially crafted a menu of exquisite Nikkei delights to wow guests for the occasion. Demonstrating the finest flavors of this cuisine, dishes such as Limpets Ceviche, Nigiri Sushi of Steak and egg with ponzu, Scallops with Maca, Amaebi with Chia, and Wagyu short rib cooked for 50 hours with native potato cream were served to guests.
Mr. Grant Bowie, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of MGM China Holdings Limited said, “MGM China has always sought to bring new and innovative experiences to Macau. We are delighted to have Chef Mitsuharu Tsumura on board with us as we expand our variety of dining offerings with the opening of MGM COTAI. Nikkei cuisine is an avant-garde dining concept in this region, yet in many ways a perfect complement to the Asian palate with its use of fresh ingredients and spice. We look forward to the opening of AJI, which adds to the diversified experiences which help position Macau as a world leisure and tourism destination.”
Chef Mitsuharu Tsumura, Consulting Chef for AJI, MGM COTAI said, “It’s an honor and pleasure to be a part of this project with MGM China. I’m excited to show Asia and Macau the essence of Peruvian and Japanese culinary arts through the distinctive character of my Nikkei cuisine. I am confident that the magic and intense flavors will make AJI the new hot spot for locals and tourists.”
AJI, which literally means “chili” in Spanish and “flavor” in Japanese, will feature a ceviche bar, hibachi grill and a Pisco bar, offering a selection of sakes, shochu and fine wines, bringing a new punch to the Macau culinary scene. This collaboration is the beginning of a host of diversified dining experiences specially crafted to enhance customers’ experiences for the upcoming MGM COTAI property.
Notes to Editor
Mr. Grant Bowie, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of MGM China Holdings Limited
“Having been in Macau for long time, we have seen many changes and transformations. I am excited by the fact that, we, at MGM, are going to continue this transformation, and the reason why we want to showcase AJI today is because this is not the end of our COTAI journey but the beginning of a next phase of evolution for Macau and MGM”.
“It’s a new phase of evolution for Macau with new diverse forms of entertainment to come.”
“The biggest entertainment in hotel is “dining”. Today tasting is a simple and a small taste of what we think is going to be a revolution in the culinary opportunities in Macau.”
Chef Mitsuharu Tsumura, Consulting Chef for AJI, MGM COTAI
“The countdown has started; soon you will be able to experience, for the first time in Asia, the magic, the flavors, and the distinctive character of my Nikkei Peruvian cuisine.”
- Today is like a dream come true. There is a connection between the Peruvian and MGM’s teams, and I believe it is very important in order to have a successful concept. “
“Dining today is not only eating something, but the way you feel since you get into the place, how you are treated and the design. It has to be a unique experience.”
Hans Hordijk, Vice President of Food & Beverage, MGM China Holdings Limited
“With the opening of MGM COTAI on the horizon, we intend to introduce exclusive and fresh experiences to our international guests and locals. We are honored to have Chef Mitsuharu Tsumura on-board with us to kick-start a kaleidoscope of unparalleled gastronomic offerings at our new property. We anticipate the cuisine, now popular in the culinary capitals around the world, to become a smashing success in Macau as well.”
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About Nikkei Cuisine
The term “Nikkei” refers to the Japanese emigrants and their descendants who have created communities throughout the world. In the late 19th, thousands of Japanese workers moved to Peru invited over by the promise of jobs. Most of them, arrived as farmers or to work in the fields for fixed term contract, decided to settled in the cities when their contract were completed.
Integrating with the society, they started using local ingredients and dishes to prepare their own traditional recipes adding their own little touches.
Nikkei cuisine is the perfect marriage between Japanese techniques and traditions with Peruvian ingredients. The flavours and tastes reflect the very greatest of those two cultures. These flavor combinations bring together the elegant and delicate cuisine of Japan with the freshness and spicy punch of Peru.
The particular roots of this union lie in the significances both traditions give to fresh fish, as Japanese sushi, buoyed by Peru’s thriving fishing industry, mixes perfectly with the ceviche which is at the center of many Peruvian menus.
Nikkei food has become identified as a key component of Peruvian national cuisine.
About Aji
Asia’s first Nikkei Cuisine offering in collaboration with internationally renowned celebrity Chef Mitsuharu Tsumura, Aji, which literally means “chili” in Spanish and “flavor” in Japanese, will offer new exotic flavors to the most discerning palates.
Featuring a ceviche bar, hibachi grill and a Pisco bar, the restaurant offers a selection of sakes, shochu and fine wines in an intimate and welcoming space ingeniously defined by organic tones and textures.
With this new concept, MGM COTAI, slated to open Q4 of 2016, is bringing a new punch to the Macau culinary scene.
About MGM China
MGM China (HKEx: 2282) is a leading developer, owner and operator of gaming and lodging resorts in the Greater China region. We are the holding company of MGM Grand Paradise, SA which holds one of the six gaming concessions/subconcessions to run casino games in Macau. MGM Grand Paradise, SA owns and operates MGM MACAU, the award-winning premium integrated resort located on the Macau Peninsula and is developing a second resort, MGM COTAI which is expected to more than double our presence in the world’s largest gaming market, Macau.
MGM MACAU is a luxury integrated resort inspired by the arts with every element of the resort infused with creativity and style. MGM MACAU has approximately 600 guest rooms and suites and boasts a number of distinguishing features, including the architecturally stunning European-inspired Grande Praça, housed under a soaring glass ceiling. MGM MACAU’s world class facilities include an Art Space dedicating over 8,000 square feet to display authentic works of art, conference and event facilities, an award-winning spa, and nine signature restaurants and bars to fulfill any gastronomic craving. Our property is conveniently located on prime waterfront on the Macau Peninsula and is directly connected to the luxury retail shopping complex, One Central.
MGM COTAI designed as the “jewelry box” of Cotai, plans to offer approximately 1,500 hotel rooms and suites, meeting space, high end spa, retail offerings and food and beverage outlets as well as the first international Mansion at MGM for the ultimate luxury experience. MGM COTAI will offer Asia’s first dynamic theater and a spectacle to wow every guest who steps foot in our resort. MGM COTAI is being developed to drive greater product diversification and bring more advanced and innovative forms of entertainment to Macau as it grows as a global tourist destination. The US$3 billion project is expected to open in the fourth quarter of 2016.
MGM China is majority owned by MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) one of the world's leading global hospitality companies, operating a portfolio of destination resort brands including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage. For more information about MGM Resorts International, visit the Company's website at www.mgmresorts.com.
For media enquiries, please contact
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MGM China |
Mazarine Asia Pacific |
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Irene Wong Vice President of Public & Community Relations MGM China Tel: (853) 8802 2822 Email: irenewong@mgmchina.com.mo |
Julie Vigneron Tel: (852) 3678 0112
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Karen Lam Assistant Public Relations Manager MGM China Tel: (853) 8802 3801 Email: karenlam@mgmchina.com.mo |
Ms. Virginia Lam
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Juliana Kung Assistant Public Relations Manager MGM China Tel: (853) 8802 3803 Email: julianakung@mgmchina.com.mo |
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