Chef Rick Moonen's Recipe For Deception Viewing Party

You know how bars and restaurants throw viewing parties for big sporting events? What if a celebrity chef held one, but for their appearance on a competition cooking show? Well, Rick Moonen did just that, and he sure knows how to throw a party.


Having never been to his RM Seafood restaurant (I’ve been to his RX Boiler Room many times, which is a steampunk place that’s as non-tacky and elaborate as it is pricey, but that’s for another time), the idea of attending a charity fundraiser for $25 seemed like a steal. You can’t even get a full meal with drinks there for that price, let alone get to hang out with Moonen himself. So I got dressed, and headed over to the Mandalay Bay.

Moonen was celebrating his appearance on Bravo TV’s Recipe for Deception, which is “Two Truths and a Lie” meets “Chopped”. Spoiler alert, he *partially* won, netting $12,500 for the Lou Ruvo Brain Center and Keep Memory Alive, both Las Vegas-based charities focused on brain issues. He dedicated the event to his friend and rock star chef, the late Kerry Simon, who passed away from multiple system atrophy in 2015. The night raised several thousand additional dollars to good causes, bringing the total donation to up around $16,000.

But enough about feel good stories and background. I know you want to know how the food was. And let me tell you what, Moonen and his crew know what they’re doing. The menu was centered around, of course, seafood (Moonen being a big advocate of sustainable seafood sources), and despite the seemingly small bites, everything was very flavorful, and they kept it all coming until no one could eat anymore.

First up were fresh made sushi and sashimi platters partiers could pick and choose pieces from, featuring some of RM’s signature rolls, including a roll based around wagyu beef tataki (how decadent!), assorted nigiri, and some of the best tuna sashimi I’ve ever had.

Next were RM’s take on lobster rolls, here being thick chunks of lobster meat mixed with house made mayo stuffed into buttery Texas toast slices and topped with lemon zest, and pistachio crusted kampachi, cut so thin it was translucent. The kamapchi was served just barely seared if not raw, topped with radish slices and filled with just enough stuffing on the inside to make for an elegant bite.

I had several of salmon tataki spoons, chunks of raw salmon topped with salmon roe in a slightly lemony sauce, and the taro shell scallop tacos, which I liked so much I suffered through the avocado cream on top instead of scraping it off (not an avocado person).

However, the highlight of the food for the night for me had to be their crab cakes. A minuscule version of what I assume they serve in house, it was full of crab, perfectly fried, and topped with a just enough heat chipotle cream. I told the food server he could just bring them directly to me, and he laughed, returning with several more.

Desserts for the evening were panna cotta (which is essentially cream jello. No, seriously) and a very fudge-y brownie with house-made whipped cream and a strawberry coulis. I wish so bad the brownie had more of the coulis; would have helped cut down on the richness of the brownie. The panna cotta was passable, but I haven’t had enough in general to be super judgmental of it.

Drinks for the evening were an unlimited, if not highly selective affair. In addition to a red wine, a white wine, and several beers (I was told the one I had was made locally, but by who I do not know), some specially cocktails were made for the event.

The Red Moonen was an interesting mix of tangy and spicy, reminiscent of Mexican and Asian flavors, except icy cold. I rather enjoyed it, and had several. The other, the Fair Conquistador, should have been wonderful. Strong on rum, coffee, and tropical flavors, it should have been delicious. Alas, neither myself nor some folks sitting near me could finish it. Such a shame.

Overall, it was a wonderful event, with quite delicious food, magnificent service, and an excuse to watch a TV cooking show. If another such event were held at that price point again, I’d happily go. If you find yourself around the Mandalay Bay and want to spend some money, RM Seafood’s a good place to spend it.


-Janette G (anarchymarie)