Society Cafe Encore, the innovative American restaurant located inside Encore at Wynn Las Vegas, has been named one of the "Best New Restaurants in America" by Esquire magazine (November 2009).
The restaurant, featuring a menu of creative American cuisine by Chef Kim Canteenwalla, is the only Las Vegas restaurant to receive this honor this year. The annual Esquire list is written and compiled by world-renowned food writer John Mariani and features the magazine's recommendations for the best new restaurants nationwide.
"I'm delighted and humbled that Esquire selected Society as a place that stands out on the dining scene," says Canteenwalla. "There are many great new restaurants and we're thrilled to be acknowledged amongst this distinguished group."
Society is known for its fun signature dishes, regardless of the time of day. Guests start with fresh pretzel bread and house-made grainy mustard butter and progress to the restaurant's favorite dishes. These include lunchtime's lobster roll club with pancetta and avocado and grilled chicken salad with cherries, figs, pears, cashews and a pomegranate vinaigrette. There is also a section devoted to sliders including the BBQ filet mignon, charred rare tuna and "sloppy Joe" options.
The popular mac 'n' cheese bites with truffle dipping sauce and the grilled artichoke with chipotle spiced dip are two great ways to start dinner. Choose from main courses such as bone-in cowboy rib-eye with peppercorn rub and potato and bacon hash, seared ahi tuna with togarashi spice and cucumber shiso salad and grilled jidori chicken breast with Yukon mashed potatoes. Diners can top off their night with the restaurant's coveted warm donut bites.
Chef Canteenwalla partnered with Elizabeth Blau and Sean Christie to open Society at Encore. Blau has helped establish Las Vegas as one of the country's finest culinary destinations, while Christie is credited for changing the profile of Las Vegas nightlife.
"I'm honored to be a part of this impressive list of restaurants," adds Blau. "I love reading John's selections every year to find new culinary treasures whether in big cities or remote locations."
Society Cafe Encore has quickly become the choice of locals, tourists and celebrities for power outings during breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Society Bar provides a great spot for a cocktail with its creative drink list and extensive mojito menu. Society is open Sunday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. Reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling (702) 248-DINE (3463) or (888) 352-DINE (3463).
Chef Kim Canteenwalla joined forces with Steve Wynn to open Society Café Encore as Executive Chef/Partner at the new signature resort in the Wynn collection. His restaurant offers guests a classic American menu of old school favorites with a modern twist. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night on weekends, Society Café Encore features enjoyable food in a casual, fun and dynamic atmosphere.
He began his culinary career in Montreal at the Institute of St. Denis. He continued to work in his native Canada as Sous Chef for the luxury five-star Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto. He then went to serve in executive chef positions that took him all over the world, including Raffles International Hotel Group, Hotel Le Royal Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and Grand Mirage Resort Bali, Indonesia.
Upon his return to North America, Chef Canteenwalla held the position of executive chef at Beau Rivage, where he met Elizabeth Blau. He was then recruited to serve as executive chef for the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
