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| Las Vegas Dining at Its Best |
As Las Vegas continuously reinvents itself and stays at the forefront of progressive trends in many walks of life, the culinary world is no exception. In the past few decades, Las Vegas has become one of the world’s premier cities where top-notch chefs go to make it or break it and offer innovative and exciting new takes on what they do best. In this issue, take a look at some new or revamped restaurants that are serving up decadent dining pleasures, then delve deeper into the less frequented but no less succulent fine-dining scene in the reinvigorated area of Downtown Las Vegas. Also explore the excellent dining options available in Las Vegas for the vegetarian and vegan set, learn about where you can book the exclusive dining experience of a Chef’s Table and brush up on proper dining etiquette essentials for the dining and dealing business professional.
New dining experiences
Las Vegas always has something new on the dining scene whether on the Strip or off. Take a look at some locations newly opened and others still on the horizon plus some that have just been reborn from renovations and renewals.
Andrea’s is a new concept at Encore Las Vegas in the space formerly occupied by Switch. Named after developer Steve Wynn’s wife Andrea, the restaurant promotes “vibe dining,” which combines a restaurant and nightlife experience in one. Serving fresh Asian cuisine, the venue features a lounge, a step-up dining area, hexagon-shaped tables for large groups and a 2,100-square-foot terrace overlooking Surrender Nightclub’s outdoor space. The menu, designed by Executive Chef Joseph Elevado, is perfect for sharing and includes tasty tweaks on traditional Asian appetizers as well as classically prepared steaks, seafood, poultry and vegan options.
Citizens Kitchen & Bar recently replaced Red, White & Blue at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in January. The new restaurant concept is touted as a casual American bistro under Corporate Executive Chef Brian Massie with a 24-hour menu that includes American classics, such as Maryland Blue Crab cakes, Southern fried chicken and bacon-wrapped meatloaf.
New to Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas is Commonwealth, a 6,000-square-foot, two-story venue that is a mixture of an English country home, a distressed Boston pub and an urban rooftop garden. Commonwealth’s three bars—a long bar on the main level, a rooftop garden bar and a Prohibition-era speakeasy-style private room accessible only with reservations—create an eclectic yet welcoming environment for the relaxed set.
Following closely after the opening of Gordon Ramsay Steak in May 2012, the celebrity chef has two more eateries ready to storm the Strip. Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill opened up shop in early 2013 at Caesars Palace in the former Bradley Ogden space and offers up contemporary British pub food favorites made with fresh, seasonal ingredients and more than 40 beers on tap. Also set to open in 2013 is Ramsay’s Flame Burger at the Planet Hollywood Resort. This huge 250-seat, 5,660-square-foot burger bar that cost $2.5 million to build will feature an open kitchen, sports and entertainment viewing, a keg room and self-serve beer taps.
Now open at Aria Resort & Casino is Javier’s, a Mexican restaurant that serves authentic, generations-old recipes from cofounder Javier Sosa’s family. At 9,000 square feet, the restaurant features a circular main bar, lounge, two 280-guest dining rooms and a private dining room for 20. The décor blends Mayan creation elements with modern Mexican history and includes the world’s largest piece of chainsaw art. The regionally influenced seafood, steaks, chicken and vegetarian dishes are supplemented with hand-shaken, made-to-order margaritas and a signature “tequila tree” that holds an impressive collection of the world’s most sought-after tequilas.
The Stratosphere Las Vegas casino boasts a new restaurant called McCall’s Heartland Grill, which serves hearty Midwestern comfort fare, such as braised-beef short rib sliders, and inventive creations like coffee-rubbed center-cut New York Strip with bleu cheese butter. The cozy “cowboy chic” atmosphere with intimate booths features beautiful stone and natural wood décor. The 153-seat dining area has a full-service bar and there is a private dining room for up to 20 guests.
Public House, part of an East Coast group of restaurants, has opened at the Luxor Hotel & Casino. Adjacent to the lobby and LAX Nightclub, the 7,000-square-foot bar and restaurant accommodates 200 seated guests plus standing room and bar stools for 50 more. Public House offers upscale American fare, including new cheese steak spring rolls and classic pan-seared sea bass. The drinks include signature cocktails and dozens of draft and bottled beers from around the world.
A new upscale urban burger concept called Rattlecan has opened at The Venetian under Chef Sammy DeMarco. The menu includes gourmet burgers made from Angus beef, pulled pork, turkey, vegetables and ahi tuna. Another feature on the menu are several items devoted to pickles, ranging from classic fried favorites to popcorn and potato chips and even a shot called the Pickleback. Another fun feature of the establishment is the opportunity to ride a giant mechanical pickle that is similar to a mechanical bull.
After a month-long renovation, Red Square at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino has reopened under Executive Chef Brian Massie, who has revamped the menu with sharable plates. The Soviet theme remains, evidenced by Russian food favorites, such as Chicken Kiev with bacon brussel sprouts and an extensive caviar selection, plus a massive headless statue of Vladimir Lenin and a frozen Ice Bar and Vodka Vault.
New dining experiences
Las Vegas always has something new on the dining scene whether on the Strip or off. Take a look at some locations newly opened and others still on the horizon plus some that have just been reborn from renovations and renewals.
Andrea’s is a new concept at Encore Las Vegas in the space formerly occupied by Switch. Named after developer Steve Wynn’s wife Andrea, the restaurant promotes “vibe dining,” which combines a restaurant and nightlife experience in one. Serving fresh Asian cuisine, the venue features a lounge, a step-up dining area, hexagon-shaped tables for large groups and a 2,100-square-foot terrace overlooking Surrender Nightclub’s outdoor space. The menu, designed by Executive Chef Joseph Elevado, is perfect for sharing and includes tasty tweaks on traditional Asian appetizers as well as classically prepared steaks, seafood, poultry and vegan options.
Citizens Kitchen & Bar recently replaced Red, White & Blue at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in January. The new restaurant concept is touted as a casual American bistro under Corporate Executive Chef Brian Massie with a 24-hour menu that includes American classics, such as Maryland Blue Crab cakes, Southern fried chicken and bacon-wrapped meatloaf.
New to Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas is Commonwealth, a 6,000-square-foot, two-story venue that is a mixture of an English country home, a distressed Boston pub and an urban rooftop garden. Commonwealth’s three bars—a long bar on the main level, a rooftop garden bar and a Prohibition-era speakeasy-style private room accessible only with reservations—create an eclectic yet welcoming environment for the relaxed set.
Following closely after the opening of Gordon Ramsay Steak in May 2012, the celebrity chef has two more eateries ready to storm the Strip. Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill opened up shop in early 2013 at Caesars Palace in the former Bradley Ogden space and offers up contemporary British pub food favorites made with fresh, seasonal ingredients and more than 40 beers on tap. Also set to open in 2013 is Ramsay’s Flame Burger at the Planet Hollywood Resort. This huge 250-seat, 5,660-square-foot burger bar that cost $2.5 million to build will feature an open kitchen, sports and entertainment viewing, a keg room and self-serve beer taps.
Now open at Aria Resort & Casino is Javier’s, a Mexican restaurant that serves authentic, generations-old recipes from cofounder Javier Sosa’s family. At 9,000 square feet, the restaurant features a circular main bar, lounge, two 280-guest dining rooms and a private dining room for 20. The décor blends Mayan creation elements with modern Mexican history and includes the world’s largest piece of chainsaw art. The regionally influenced seafood, steaks, chicken and vegetarian dishes are supplemented with hand-shaken, made-to-order margaritas and a signature “tequila tree” that holds an impressive collection of the world’s most sought-after tequilas.
The Stratosphere Las Vegas casino boasts a new restaurant called McCall’s Heartland Grill, which serves hearty Midwestern comfort fare, such as braised-beef short rib sliders, and inventive creations like coffee-rubbed center-cut New York Strip with bleu cheese butter. The cozy “cowboy chic” atmosphere with intimate booths features beautiful stone and natural wood décor. The 153-seat dining area has a full-service bar and there is a private dining room for up to 20 guests.
Public House, part of an East Coast group of restaurants, has opened at the Luxor Hotel & Casino. Adjacent to the lobby and LAX Nightclub, the 7,000-square-foot bar and restaurant accommodates 200 seated guests plus standing room and bar stools for 50 more. Public House offers upscale American fare, including new cheese steak spring rolls and classic pan-seared sea bass. The drinks include signature cocktails and dozens of draft and bottled beers from around the world.
A new upscale urban burger concept called Rattlecan has opened at The Venetian under Chef Sammy DeMarco. The menu includes gourmet burgers made from Angus beef, pulled pork, turkey, vegetables and ahi tuna. Another feature on the menu are several items devoted to pickles, ranging from classic fried favorites to popcorn and potato chips and even a shot called the Pickleback. Another fun feature of the establishment is the opportunity to ride a giant mechanical pickle that is similar to a mechanical bull.
After a month-long renovation, Red Square at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino has reopened under Executive Chef Brian Massie, who has revamped the menu with sharable plates. The Soviet theme remains, evidenced by Russian food favorites, such as Chicken Kiev with bacon brussel sprouts and an extensive caviar selection, plus a massive headless statue of Vladimir Lenin and a frozen Ice Bar and Vodka Vault.
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