Celebrating, supporting and elevating the people behind America’s food culture is a cause that Casa Playa Executive Chef Sarah Thompson holds close to her chef’s coat.
Appropriately so, it is a mission she shares with the lauded nonprofit organization, James Beard Foundation.
“Casa Playa and James Beard Foundation share the same standard of good food anchored and talent, equity and sustainability,” she says.
It is what spurred her to get behind Feast for a Cause, a dinner she will host for Friends of James Beard Foundation September 26 at 6:30 p.m. at her restaurant inside Encore Las Vegas.
This unforgettable evening at Casa Playa begins with a cocktail reception curated by award-winning Wynn mixologist Mariena Mercer Boarini featuring specialty libations Margarita de la Casa, Forbidden Fruit Frozen Margarita and bubbles from Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut.
During this moment, indulge in a raw bar with Hog Island Oysters, Tuna Tartare, Mexican Blue Shrimp Ceviche and Madai with Citrus Kosho and Ossetra Caviar. Passed appetizers include Mushroom Tetela, Truffle Tostada with Cabot Clothbound Cheddar and Corn and Caviar Bocoles with Avocado and Crema. There’s also a Taco Station with Cochinita Pibil or Mushroom Barbacoa and fresh hand-pressed tortillas.
This pre-feast to the feast is followed by a multicourse meal of thoughtfully sourced and impeccably prepared Mexican dishes.
“You can expect our Summer Squash Tamale with Mole Verde, Maine Lobster al Pastor and Rosy Snapper a la Brasa with Mole Amarillo,” Thompson says. Each of these main courses are paired with cocktails such as the mezcal, pineapple and chipotle Temple of Doom or the City of Dawn with Grey Goose Essences Watermelon, Basil Vodka with Cucumber and Mint Agua Fresca. The wine selection ranges from Spanish Albariño to Grand Cru Chablis and Willamette Valley Pinot Noir.
For dessert, it is all about the Summer Plum with Queso Crema.
“James Beard is an iconic and inspiring charitable foundation that is an honor to be working with and we look forward to having these proceeds benefit the next generation of the culinary world," Thompson says.
JBF brings its mission to life through the annual Awards, industry and community-focused initiatives and programs, advocacy, partnerships and events across the country.
If you can't make the dinner, check out Casa Playa's all-new weekend brunch, which also includes the taco bar and a selection of savory and sweet delicacies. Casa Playa is located in the corner of the Encore casino and recently underwent a stunning design refresh.