Posted on: September 7, 2023, 09:54h.
Last updated on: September 7, 2023, 09:54h.
Mandalay Bay announced the closure of Wolfgang Puck’s Lupo restaurant in June after a successful 24-year run. Now, Puck is revealing details for the exciting new restaurant that will take its place.
Puck’s company recently announced the upcoming opening of Caramá, an Italian restaurant honoring Puck’s late mother, Maria Topfschnig. Caramá is set to open its doors in January 2024, offering patrons classic Italian dishes, an interactive salumi station, a carefully curated wine list featuring top Italian vineyards, and a pastry bar.
“Growing up on the border of Italy, I experienced first-hand the cuisine of all the neighboring regions, embracing their textures, sounds, smells, and flavors. Caramá will take you on such a memorable culinary journey,” Puck said.
As a chef born in Austria, Puck draws inspiration from his upbringing and his mother’s influence in the culinary world. Puck’s stepfather, Josef Puck, initially disapproved of his ambition to become a chef.
Longtime MGM Partnership
Wolfgang Puck’s restaurants have become iconic fixtures on the Las Vegas Strip. In fact, Puck was inducted into the American Gaming Association’s Hall of Fame in 2005.
Spago, Puck’s first independent venture that propelled him to fame in the US restaurant industry, opened in 1982 on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood. A decade later, Spago expanded to Southern Nevada with its debut at Bellagio in 1992.
After an exceptional 26-year run at Caesars Palace’s Forum Shops, Spago closed its doors in February 2018. However, Puck found a new prime location for the restaurant, offering breathtaking views of Bellagio’s iconic fountains.
In addition to the forthcoming Caramá at Mandalay Bay, Puck also operates CUT by Wolfgang Puck, an upscale steakhouse located at The Venetian Resort’s Palazzo. Furthermore, Puck runs Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill inside MGM Grand.
It appears that Puck is focusing his restaurant portfolio on Las Vegas in the post-pandemic era. During the COVID-19 pandemic, his company permanently closed Five-Sixty in Dallas and The Source in Washington, D.C. Wolfgang Puck Steak at MGM Grand Detroit also shuttered.
Mandalay Bay’s Restaurant Transformation
MGM representatives expressed their excitement about housing Puck’s latest concept at Mandalay Bay.
“Wolfgang Puck has been an integral part of the Mandalay Bay experience for nearly 25 years, and we’re thrilled about the upcoming transformation into Caramá, which aligns with the resort’s new wave of offerings,” said Chuck Bowling, Mandalay Bay president and chief operating officer.
In addition to Caramá, Mandalay Bay has introduced a remodeled StripSteak by chef Michael Mina, which reopened in December. The resort is also home to Retro, a nostalgic American dining experience created by “Top Chef” stars Michael and Bryan Voltaggio.
Retro offers classic American dishes with a fun twist, although the prices may not bring back memories of the past. Nevertheless, the Voltaggio brothers promise an electrifying dining experience.
Furthermore, Mandalay Bay welcomed Flanker Kitchen in June, a kitchen and sports bar conveniently located near the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders’ Allegiant Stadium.