Resorts World Catskills Cooks Up Partnership With Celebrity Chef Scott Conant

Blending old-world hospitality with the robust energy of a New York City steakhouse, Cellaio will capture guests’ attention with its unparalleled views of the Catskills’ natural beauty and a state-of-the-art kitchen, where chef Conant’s cooking will be on full display.

“I went to culinary school upstate, so it’s exciting to return to the Catskills with Cellaio,” says Conant. “I wanted to create an experience where guests could feel transported, not only by the food and the service, but by their surroundings, so it’s a wonderful opportunity to partner with a renowned brand such as Resorts World, and in such a gorgeous setting.”

Conant brings a deft touch and unwavering passion to creating soulful food in convivial atmospheres. Conant’s career spans over 30 years, including multiple restaurants, an enthusiastic following and an ever-expanding brand, firmly establishing him as one of the country’s top chefs and restaurateurs. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), Conant is also returning to his roots, as Cellaio will be just a short drive from the Poughkeepsie campus where he crafted his skills. Conant and Resorts World will partner with the culinary learning institution for numerous initiatives. On February 6, 2018, Resorts World Catskills is teaming up with the CIA for a job fair at its Hyde Park campus.

“We are thrilled Scott has chosen to debut his new Italian steakhouse concept on our campus for his first introduction in the Catskill region” said Ryan Eller, President and Chief Executive Officer of Resorts World Catskills. “A renowned chef, Scott brings a unique and exceptional ‘flavor’ to each of his restaurants. By utilizing fresh farm-produced ingredients from the area and offering world-class Italian dining to complement our guests’ gaming and resort experience, Cellaio will quickly help establish Resorts World Catskills as a culinary destination in the region.”

With Cellaio serving as a cornerstone, Resorts World Catskills is fully committed to providing the region’s most exciting dining and nightlife experiences. In addition to Cellaio, Resorts World Catskills will offer a range of fine dining, fast casual, and grab-and-go culinary options to satisfy every palate. Additionally, the casino resort will feature the region’s most anticipated Las Vegas-style gaming, luxury hotel accommodations designed to 5-star and 5-diamond standards, and year-round live entertainment at the 2,500-seat event center, casino bars, restaurants and lounges.

Cellaio is the fifth restaurant in Conant’s SC Restaurant Group family. Most recently in 2017, Conant opened Fusco in New York’s Flatiron district; Mora Italian, a modern, convivial osteria in Phoenix, Arizona; and The Ponte, a contemporary Italian restaurant in Los Angeles, California. This February, he’ll also open Masso Osteria in Las Vegas, Nevada. Conant made an immediate splash early in his career when he opened the acclaimed L’Impero in 2002, earning a three-star review from The New York Times, the title of “Best New Restaurant” from the James Beard Foundation and praise from Gourmet and Food & Wine, which named Conant one of America’s Best New Chefs in 2004.

In the last decade, Conant has become widely known through his television appearances on Top Chef, Today Show, The Chew, CBS’ The Talk, Good Morning America, and The Food Network’s 24-Hour Restaurant Battle. He is also a regular judge on Chopped, consistently one of Food Network’s highest-rated programs. Additionally, Conant has published three cookbooks: New Italian Cooking, Bold Italian and The Scarpetta Cookbook.

Conant will oversee all aspects of the restaurant development, including menu creation, and will make frequent appearances at the property. For more information on Cellaio, opening in the spring, and Resorts World Catskills, opening on February 8, please visit www.rwcatskills.com.

About Resorts World Catskills

Located in the heart New York’s Catskill region, Resorts World Catskills will offer guests unmatched experiences in excitement, entertainment, and luxury. The casino resort will include an 18-story hotel and a casino and entertainment complex with approximately 100,000 square feet of casino floor, featuring more than 150 live Las-Vegas style table games, 2,150 state-of-the art slot machines, a poker room and private gaming salons; more than 10 varied bar and restaurant experiences, including fine dining, and an Italian steakhouse created by celebrity chef Scott Conant; and year-round live entertainment at the over 2,500-seat event center, casino bars, restaurants and lounges. Hotel amenities will include 332 all-suite luxury rooms, which include 12 penthouse suites, eight garden suites and seven two-story villas, two indoor pools, a spa and fitness center — all designed to meet 5-star and 5-diamond standards.

The destination resort in which Resorts World Catskills is located will also include an entertainment village providing additional entertainment, food and accommodations. In early 2019, a Rees Jones-redesigned golf course and The Kartrite, an indoor waterpark lodge will also be added to this destination resort.

Visit www.rwcatskills.com for more information.