Photo caption from left to right: Jamie Tran, The Black Sheep; Bank Atcharawan, Jipata; Kimmie McIntosh, Milkfish Bakeshop
Jipata, The Black Sheep and Milkfish Bakeshop highlighted the depth and diversity of Las Vegas’ culinary scene during the James Beard Foundation’s national celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Press images available here
LAS VEGAS – Las Vegas’ culinary talent took center stage in New York City as three James Beard Foundation semifinalists joined together for a collaborative dinner celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month.
Presented by Visit Las Vegas at Platform by the James Beard Foundation at Pier 57, the four-course dinner featured Top Chef finalist, Jamie Tran, of The Black Sheep, Chef and Sommelier Bank Atcharawan of Jipata and Chef Kimmie McIntosh of Milkfish Bakeshop.
The participating chefs represent a new generation of nationally recognized culinary talent helping establish Las Vegas as one of America's most dynamic dining destinations.
“Las Vegas’ culinary story extends far beyond the Strip, and these three chefs are a powerful reflection of the innovation and authenticity happening in neighborhoods across the city,” said Molly Castano, Vice President of Public Relations and Communications for Visit Las Vegas. "By showcasing their talents through the James Beard Foundation, we're highlighting the creativity, diversity and entrepreneurial spirit that reinforce Las Vegas as a destination where culture, creativity and community come together through cuisine.”
The May 28 dinner showcased how Las Vegas' culinary scene extends beyond the resort corridor into vibrant neighborhoods filled with independent restaurants, emerging concepts and locally driven experiences that continue to earn national recognition.
The chefs created a menu inspired by their cultures, personal histories and culinary journeys, offering guests a collaborative dining experience that reflected the diversity of both their backgrounds and the Las Vegas community.
"Vegas is really beautiful because so many amazing concepts have been popping up just in the last few years alone," said Chef Kimmie McIntosh of Milkfish Bakeshop. "We love the representation and the attention that the Strip gives our city, but what's really beautiful is the community around the Strip."
Chef and sommelier Bank Atcharawan reflected on the opportunities Las Vegas has provided throughout his career, allowing him to grow from wine director to restaurateur.
"Right now, off the Strip is really strong in sense of community and sense of cuisine and different cuisine and excitement around that," said Chef Atcharawan.
The evening's menu blended Filipino, Thai and Vietnamese influences through a series of collaborative dishes that showcased the chefs' distinctive perspectives and culinary expertise.
Chef Jamie Tran shared how Las Vegas has created opportunities for chefs from diverse backgrounds to build successful businesses and meaningful connections.
"I love Vegas because we all have an opportunity to make Vegas our home," said Chef Tran. "We're all from different parts of the U.S., and we're searching for where we can put ourselves and build our own restaurants, our own community, and I think Vegas is really booming."
The dinner is part of Visit Las Vegas' ongoing efforts to elevate local culinary talent and showcase the destination's evolution as a globally recognized food and beverage destination.
###