Poised to set the bar for a compelling dining experience in the Capital Region, MGM National Harbor announced four new dining concepts, adding to its already impressive roster of celebrity chef restaurants.

Ginger, an authentic Pan Asian restaurant; TAP Sports Bar, designed with the sports lover in mind featuring a menu of regionally inspired comfort food; Bellagio Patisserie, a European-style pastry shop and National Market, a casual food market experience showcasing 10 unique concepts will join the resort’s dining collection, which includes restaurants by celebrity chefs Marcus Samuelsson, José Andrés, and Bryan and Michael Voltaggio.

MGM National Harbor’s newly appointed Executive Chef Jason Johnston played an integral role in the development of TAP, Ginger, Bellagio Patisserie and National Market. Johnston joins the MGM National Harbor team from Las Vegas where he was executive sous chef at the AAA Five Diamond Bellagio Resort & Casino.

“The portfolio of dining options at MGM National Harbor is diverse and comprehensive and very much inspired by the setting around us,” says Johnston. “From the casual options for guests on the go to compelling concepts designed by our celebrity chef partners, the resort will have something for everyone and will become a culinary destination.”

Ginger

A Pan Asian restaurant, Ginger will offer authentic cuisine from regions throughout the continent including Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, and Korean menu selections. The concept was developed by a team of expert chefs from MGM Resorts’ properties in Las Vegas and named for a common ingredient found in all Asian cuisine. Warm organic wood interiors will create an inviting space along with traditional dishes, such as dim sum, congee, curry, fried noodles, and kim chee that will bring memorable dining experiences for those seeking a genuine taste of the Orient.

TAP Sports Bar

At this high-energy restaurant and sports bar designed to emulate the popular Las Vegas hotspot, guests will enjoy the latest sporting events while surrounded by memorabilia from beloved local sports teams including the Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards, Baltimore Ravens, Washington Redskins and Washington Nationals. The menu will feature American sports bar favorites with a local touch such as lobster beignets, Maryland crab soup, burnt ends BBQ pork baguette, and Maryland crab cakes. TAP will offer an extensive selection of bottles and draughts including local and seasonal craft brews and the restaurant will feature an outdoor patio for al fresco dining.

Bellagio Patisserie

Paying homage to the iconic European-inspired pastry shop at Bellagio in Las Vegas, this wonderland of sweets will feature pastries, Danishes, gelato, coffee drinks, and retail items to take home. The focal point of the space will be a 26-foot-high chocolate fountain circulating nearly two tons of melted chocolate—a replica of famed display at its Las Vegas namesake.

National Market

Inspired by the current trend in fast casual dining, National Market will be a food market dining experience offering approachable cuisine at an affordable price. The first of its kind in the MGM Resorts International culinary portfolio, the market will boast ten unique venues, offering an open floor plan and vibrant indoor and outdoor seating that will overlook the glistening Potomac River.

Amo Los Tacos

Bringing the flavors of the Southwest to the East Coast, this modern taco stand will serve up customizable tacos, quesadillas, burritos and tostadas along with salads and authentic sides. Al pastor, carne asada and fresh fish are some of the meats that will be used to fill freshly made flour or corn tortillas, which will be topped with traditional fixings such as house-made guacamole and salsas.

Bahn Mi Vietnamese Kitchen

Vietnamese sandwiches served on soft baguettes, salad bowls topped with pickled vegetables, spring rolls and pho noodle soups will be served at this traditional outpost. Guests can expect flavors such as Thai basil, toasted peanuts, chiles and green papaya to add some spice to their visit.

Bento

Staying true to its name, everything at this Japanese counter – including sashimi, nigiri, specialty and hand rolls—will be served in a bento box. Fresh selections of fish such as salmon, tuna, hamachi octopus and halibut will be expertly prepared by a team of skilled sushi chefs.

District Deli

Named for the nation’s capital, this sandwich haven will be the ideal lunch spot. Sandwiches will feature carved meats roasted on site daily; fresh deli-style breads such as pumpernickel, sourdough and seeded rye; and regional cheeses. Bottled, cold-pressed organic juices made in-house also will be available for those looking to add a healthful boost to their meal.

GWBW George Washington Beer & Wine

A sure-to-be-social gathering place, this contemporary bar will offer a wide selection of beer and wine with a focus on regional varieties and local craft beers. Varied portions will be available including flights and large pours.

Honey’s Fried Chicken & Donuts

A Southern-style restaurant designed to satisfy both savory and sweet cravings, Honey’s will offer such favorites as BBQ wings, buttermilk fried chicken, cheddar biscuits and fried pickles. A mouthwatering selection of doughnuts in homespun varieties including huckleberry glazed, banana pudding and apple fritter also will be available.

S’Cream

Adults and kids alike will delight in this retro, 50s-style ice cream shop. While the vibe will be nostalgic, the flavors such as salted caramel with truffle and farmer’s market strawberry are far from dated. All ice creams will be made in-house by MGM National Harbor’s talented pastry team.

Zizi’s Pizza

This New York-style pizza hotspot will capture the essence of wholesome Italian cooking    with a homemade flair. Reminiscent of the cuisine that inspired Executive Chef Johnston to become a chef, the menu will showcase his grandmother’s recipes including delicious pizzas by the slice, whole pies, Sicilian-style pies, calzones, meatballs and garlic knots.

The resort also is finalizing details on two additional culinary concepts for the MGM National Market: a crab shack and raw bar that will feature regional delicacies such as oysters, clams and peel-and-eat shrimp and a fast-casual burger joint will serve burgers, hot dogs, shakes, fries and more. Details on these exciting announcements will be provided in the coming weeks.

Chef Profiles, Industry News, NextGen Casual