Award-winning chef Michael Mina and renowned restaurateur Ayesha Curry will light up Las Vegas with their nationally recognized dining collaboration International Smoke, opening this December at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino. Inspired by Curry and Mina’s shared love of global travels and international cooking techniques, International Smoke is a chef-driven, wood-fired cooking experience that delivers flavorful, smoke-infused dishes.
“Everyone knows Las Vegas is a food mecca that attracts travelers from all over the world looking to step outside their culinary comfort zone. That’s exactly what we want to bring to MGM Grand with International Smoke,” said Ayesha Curry. “From the adventurous eater to the one who doesn’t stray from classics, we challenge our guests to ignite their palates with one-of-a-kind dishes and vibrant flavors.”
Celebrating both tradition and originality, the menu offers a wide selection of wood-fired dishes featuring flavorful spices, locally sourced meats, fresh seafood and plant-based options, in addition to a beverage program of crafty cocktails, boozy punch bowls and a carefully curated beer list.
The menu will feature some of International Smoke’s signature items, including:
- Smoked St. Louis Cut Pork Ribs: Choose between three distinct spice blends finished with signature international sauces including American Barbeque with Smokey Mama Sauce; Vietnamese Lemongrass with Saigon Streusel; and Korean Sesame-Gochujang with toasted black sesame seeds
- Shellfish Platter: Charcoal-grilled oysters, shrimp, lobster and crab are served hot and steamed tableside with lemon grass tea
- Ayesha’s Fresh Baked Cornbread: Served with Thai red curry butter
- Gina Jamaica: Ayesha’s signature cocktail with Absolut Elyx Vodka, Barsol Pisco, cucumber and basil
Chief Hospitality Officer Ari Kastrati said, “Michael and Ayesha have created a fun brand and dining experience with International Smoke. We are excited to now partner with them and bring the concept to Las Vegas. MGM Grand guests can enjoy their dining experience while watching a sporting event in a lively and energetic space that will quickly become a destination for the resort.”
In 2016, Curry and Mina debuted International Smoke as a pop-up at MINA Test Kitchen in San Francisco before opening their first brick and mortar location in San Francisco’s East Cut in 2017. MGM Grand will be the restaurant’s fifth location, adding to Mina’s portfolio of Las Vegas restaurants including his namesake restaurant at Bellagio; BARDOT Brasserie at ARIA; and STRIPSTEAK Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay.
Chef Michael Mina said, “Las Vegas is a second home to me and truly helped put MINA Group on the map. Now travelers and locals alike will get to experience International Smoke’s signature spice and bold flavors in a city that has embraced my cooking and allowed me to grow and develop many of my concepts.”
International Smoke will be open daily for dinner. The restaurant will be located in the Michael Mina PUB 1842 space, which will close this fall. More information will be announced in the coming weeks.
