Dinner: A Taste of Coastal Mexico Featuring Chef Sarah Thompson and Master Mixologist Mariena Mercer Boarini
Presented by Visit Las Vegas
Wed, July 23, 2025
6:30 PM
Pier 57
25 11th Ave
New York, NY 10011
Dining Table
$210
Internal Chef's Counter
$250
External Chef's Counter
$185
Join us for a special dinner celebrating some of the powerhouse women behind Wynn Las Vegas and its acclaimed restaurant, Casa Playa.
Experience bold Mexican cuisine paired with innovative craft cocktails featuring modern flavors in an evening filled with culinary passion and purpose. This extraordinary culinary evening will be led by Casa Playa's Executive Chef Sarah Thompson, a 2025 James Beard Award finalist for Best Chef: Southwest, known for her thoughtful and bold approach to Mexican cuisine. Prior to Casa Playa, her impressive career led her through some of the most influential kitchens in the country, including roles at Marea, Alder, NoHo Hospitality Group, and Cosme – where she fell in love with Mexican cuisine that has resulted in a lasting curiosity and passion. Since opening Casa Playa in 2021, Chef Sarah has built a team where over half the kitchen is powered by women – a tribute to her deep commitment to mentorship and representation.
Joining Chef Sarah will be Wynn's Master Mixologist Mariena Mercer Boarini, who will inspire guests with accompanying craft cocktails that feature innovative and modern flavors. In her role, Mariena is responsible for the beverage menus for 16 restaurants, 13 bars, and 11 additional programs throughout the resort. In 2015, Mariena took home the global title at The Opihr World Adventure Cocktail Competition in Morocco and has also been named "Top Bartender in Las Vegas" and one of the "Top 10 Female Bartenders in the World".
Who's Cooking
Mariena Mercer Boarini (Photo: Wynn Las Vegas)
Sarah Thompson (Photo: Wynn Las Vegas)
Photo: Wynn Las Vegas
Menu
Stay tuned for updates!
Additional Information
Event Policy
Reservation Policy:
All reservations are non-refundable and must be made in advance. Should the event be cancelled due to any unforeseen circumstances, JBF will offer a range of options, including ticket exchanges, the option to donate tickets, or a full refund. For more information, contact platformbyjbf@jamesbeard.org.
Alcohol Disclaimer:
James Beard Foundation events permit guests age 21 years and older to attend events where alcoholic beverages are served.
Dietary/Food Restrictions Policy:
Events at Platform by JBF are special one-night-only menus and we do not offer a la carte menus. If you have serious food allergies, we will work with the visiting chef team to do our best to accommodate but cannot guarantee that alternate options will be available for every course.
Terms
Tickets to events held at Platform at Pier 57 by the James Beard Foundation cover the cost of food, education and a unique dining experience. Meals are prepared by culinary masters from all regions of the United States and around the world. Unless otherwise stated, alcoholic beverages are provided on a complimentary basis and are not included in the ticket price.
James Beard Foundation events permit guests age 21 years and older to attend events where alcoholic beverages are served.