The highly anticipated Netflix Bites restaurant at the MGM Grand is set to open its doors this Tuesday, offering a unique dining experience inspired by popular Netflix shows. As you step through the entrance adorned with glistening red lips, you are immediately transported into a world of visual and culinary delights.
Upon entering the restaurant, guests are greeted by a striking image of Beth Harmon from “The Queen’s Gambit,” portrayed by Anya Taylor-Joy, perched in a martini glass with a chess piece in hand. The decor throughout the restaurant features vibrant artwork from various Netflix titles, including nods to “Stranger Things,” “Bridgerton,” and “One Piece.” The colorful and whimsical designs are reminiscent of cartoon stills, pop art, and vintage posters, creating a feast for the eyes.
Netflix Bites aims to offer fans a fresh way to engage with their favorite shows in a fun and immersive setting. According to Josh Simon, Netflix’s vice president of consumer products, the collaboration with the MGM Grand was born out of a desire to bring the streaming giant’s content to life in a playful and over-the-top manner. The restaurant’s unique concept is a testament to the city of Las Vegas, known for embracing the extravagant and the extraordinary.
A Culinary Adventure Through Netflix’s Universe
The menu at Netflix Bites Vegas is a culinary journey through approximately 30 Netflix titles, each dish paying homage to beloved characters and storylines. For fans of “Stranger Things,” Eleven’s Feast features a delectable combination of classic chicken and Eggo waffles from the Upside, alongside a spicy blood-red chicken and black waffles from the Upside Down. The Surfer Boy Pizza box includes Hellfire Honey pies, adding a touch of nostalgia to the dining experience.
Executive chef Russ Hurry has curated a menu that offers a fresh take on classic dishes, such as Detroit-style pan pizza and pancake stacks inspired by the baking competition show “Sugar Rush.” The attention to detail in the menu items showcases the dedication of the culinary team in bringing the essence of each Netflix title to life on the plate.
Sipping on Creativity: Cocktails and Mocktails
The bar and lounge at Netflix Bites serve up a unique selection of cocktails and mocktails inspired by the streaming service’s popular shows. The Mind Flayer cocktail, named after the menacing figure from “Stranger Things,” features a bourbon base with a towering cotton candy cloud illuminated by flickering lights, creating a stormy visual effect. Other creative concoctions include the Luffy at Sea mocktail and the Dalgona Rum Buzz garnished with dalgona candy, paying homage to the viral challenge from “Squid Game.”
Zoey D’Arienzo, executive director of food and beverage at the MGM Grand, acknowledges the unconventional elements in the cocktail program, such as cotton candy and gummy animals, but emphasizes that the drinks are a reflection of the innovative spirit behind Netflix Bites. The signature bloody mary, aptly named “Too Hot to Handle,” infuses house habanero-infused vodka and bloody mix with cayenne candied bacon, delivering a fiery kick that is carefully calibrated to hit the right notes.
As guests immerse themselves in the culinary and visual delights of Netflix Bites, they are invited to embark on a gastronomic adventure that transcends the boundaries of traditional dining. The partnership between Netflix and the MGM Grand has not only redefined the concept of themed dining but has also inspired a new wave of creativity in the realm of food and beverage experiences. Who knows what culinary wonders the future holds for this innovative collaboration?
