Celebrity chef Robert Irvine best known for his Food Network shows Dinner Impossible and Restaurant Impossible will be opening a restaurant at Tropicana in 2017.
Irvine announced the restaurant at a press conference earlier this evening. In true Vegas style he arrived by repelling down the building at Tropicana.
Parent company Penn National has planned improvements for Tropicana since purchasing the resort last year. Having a well known celebrity chef should breathe some life into the property and help to turn around anemic results.
Penn National is a relative unknown in Las Vegas, but they are an established gaming operator with casinos throughout the country. With their acquisition of M Resort in 2011 and now with their purchase of Tropicana they are slowly building a Las Vegas presence.
With Caesars Entertainment in bankruptcy and MGM Resorts doing things to upset their customers I think Penn National could have an opportunity to pick up some market share. I expect Penn to keep expanding their Las Vegas profile in the coming years.
Showing posts with label Restaurants. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Restaurants. Show all posts
Monday, May 16, 2016
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Five50 Pizza at Aria Review
During my recent stay at Aria Las Vegas I had a chance to eat at one of the casual dining restaurants on property - Five50 Pizza.
We'll get to the pizza in a minute, but the star of this show was the Mozzarella Bar "cheese board" appetizer. You can choose from a selection of meats and cheeses which are served to you on a wooden cutting board. Served with flat-bread from the wood-fired oven, olives, house pickles, mustard, fruit, and nuts.
We ordered the Humboldt Fog Goat Cheese, Burrata, and Prosciutto. I would seriously go back to Five50 just to sample more of these meats and cheeses. Really good.
The pizza was good as well, but I didn't like it as much as my wife did. I thought it was pretty comparable to most other wood-fired pizza I've experienced. You can choose from a menu of pre-made concoctions, or build your own toppings. We built our own with mushrooms, olives, and tomatoes if I remember correctly.
Five50 also offers a take-out counter, which is very convenient considering its location near the poker room and sportsbook.
Overall Five50 is a great casual option at Aria, especially considering most of the other dining options on property are on the upper end of the pricing scale.
We'll get to the pizza in a minute, but the star of this show was the Mozzarella Bar "cheese board" appetizer. You can choose from a selection of meats and cheeses which are served to you on a wooden cutting board. Served with flat-bread from the wood-fired oven, olives, house pickles, mustard, fruit, and nuts.
We ordered the Humboldt Fog Goat Cheese, Burrata, and Prosciutto. I would seriously go back to Five50 just to sample more of these meats and cheeses. Really good.
The pizza was good as well, but I didn't like it as much as my wife did. I thought it was pretty comparable to most other wood-fired pizza I've experienced. You can choose from a menu of pre-made concoctions, or build your own toppings. We built our own with mushrooms, olives, and tomatoes if I remember correctly.
Five50 also offers a take-out counter, which is very convenient considering its location near the poker room and sportsbook.
Overall Five50 is a great casual option at Aria, especially considering most of the other dining options on property are on the upper end of the pricing scale.
Monday, January 18, 2016
Giada at The Cromwell Review
It was New Year's Eve and my wife and I were looking for a quick bite to eat for lunch. We were around center Strip and things were starting to get crowded. We decided to see if we could get a table at Giada.
Somewhat surprisingly the restaurant was fairly empty, and we were seated immediately by one of the attractive hostesses. As an aside, every staff member at the restaurant was good looking.
My wife had the Lemon Pesto Grilled Cheese with heirloom tomatoes, which she enjoyed greatly.
I had the Lobster Hash with marble potatoes, Nueske’s bacon, lobster meat, peppers, tomato, onion confit with sunny side up eggs and toast. It was good, but I would have liked more lobster for the $34 price tag.
The service was great and the view of the Strip was nice even from our table, which was not that close to the window. Located on the second floor, I found Giada to be a good place to take in a meal away from the hustle and bustle of the Strip.
Somewhat surprisingly the restaurant was fairly empty, and we were seated immediately by one of the attractive hostesses. As an aside, every staff member at the restaurant was good looking.
My wife had the Lemon Pesto Grilled Cheese with heirloom tomatoes, which she enjoyed greatly.
I had the Lobster Hash with marble potatoes, Nueske’s bacon, lobster meat, peppers, tomato, onion confit with sunny side up eggs and toast. It was good, but I would have liked more lobster for the $34 price tag.
The service was great and the view of the Strip was nice even from our table, which was not that close to the window. Located on the second floor, I found Giada to be a good place to take in a meal away from the hustle and bustle of the Strip.
Saturday, December 19, 2015
Guy's Baltimore Kitchen Review
Guy Fieri has a few restaurants in Las Vegas. Recently I had a chance to check out one of his non-Vegas locations - Guy's Baltimore Kitchen at Horseshoe Baltimore.
I'm guessing Guy Fieri's Vegas Kitchen and Bar is pretty similar to the Baltimore version. The appetizer I had is a Baltimore exclusive though, the Maryland Crab Fondue which was excellent.
For my entree I wasn't too adventurous and just had a burger. It was mediocre at best, and overpriced as expected. I even think the waiter messed up my order as the burger I got had slightly different toppings as the one I ordered.
So Guy's Baltimore Kitchen was pretty predictable in my experience. Expensive, perfectly fine bar food. The Maryland Crab Fondue was really good though, and I would consider a return trip just to order that again.
I'm guessing Guy Fieri's Vegas Kitchen and Bar is pretty similar to the Baltimore version. The appetizer I had is a Baltimore exclusive though, the Maryland Crab Fondue which was excellent.
For my entree I wasn't too adventurous and just had a burger. It was mediocre at best, and overpriced as expected. I even think the waiter messed up my order as the burger I got had slightly different toppings as the one I ordered.
So Guy's Baltimore Kitchen was pretty predictable in my experience. Expensive, perfectly fine bar food. The Maryland Crab Fondue was really good though, and I would consider a return trip just to order that again.
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Beer Park by Budweiser at Paris
The beer garden concept has been making its way around Las Vegas to varying degrees of success. Umami Burger at SLS has one, and there's one downtown at Plaza. A beer garden is also being planned for the new MGM Resorts Park development.
This week renderings have been making the rounds of a new beer garden planned for Paris Las Vegas that will be taking over the Chateau Nightclub space. Beer Park by Budweiser will essentially be a huge indoor-outdoor sports-bar featuring 100+ brews (likely all Bud brands).
On paper the beer garden concept seems like a good idea. Cold beer, sports on TV, outdoor bar space. All that stuff is great but there's something about it that doesn't seem to fit into Las Vegas in my mind. It will be interesting to see how these concepts play out in the coming years.
Renderings: Beer Park.
This week renderings have been making the rounds of a new beer garden planned for Paris Las Vegas that will be taking over the Chateau Nightclub space. Beer Park by Budweiser will essentially be a huge indoor-outdoor sports-bar featuring 100+ brews (likely all Bud brands).
On paper the beer garden concept seems like a good idea. Cold beer, sports on TV, outdoor bar space. All that stuff is great but there's something about it that doesn't seem to fit into Las Vegas in my mind. It will be interesting to see how these concepts play out in the coming years.
Renderings: Beer Park.
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Future of Tipping in Las Vegas
It was a hot news item a few weeks ago when Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group announced they were eliminating tipping in their New York City restaurants.
Just this week Joe's Crab Shack became the first major chain to follow suit and roll out an experimental plan that would also eliminate tipping at their restaurants.
This got me thinking about tipping in Las Vegas and if it could be possible for a no-tipping policy to ever be adopted.
Tipping is ingrained in the Las Vegas culture. Almost every employee a tourist encounters is tipped, from the cab driver on the way from the airport, the bellhop, front desk clerk, housekeeping, bar tenders, wait staff, all the way to the usher at the showroom.
Las Vegas is also one of the remaining places where cash is the preferred currency, making tipping easy. My first thought is that a cash free, non-tipping movement would face resistance in Las Vegas.
Times are changing though. Younger generations are getting more and more used to not using cash at all. When we eventually go to a mostly cash-free society (if we aren't there already) tipping seems like more of a burden.
While the transition away from cash might be slower in Las Vegas because of gambling, it will happen eventually. With less cash changing hands tipping might become less common.
Services like Uber have made it common for the tip to be included. That line of thinking might work its way though the hospitality industry.
Just this week Joe's Crab Shack became the first major chain to follow suit and roll out an experimental plan that would also eliminate tipping at their restaurants.
This got me thinking about tipping in Las Vegas and if it could be possible for a no-tipping policy to ever be adopted.
Tipping is ingrained in the Las Vegas culture. Almost every employee a tourist encounters is tipped, from the cab driver on the way from the airport, the bellhop, front desk clerk, housekeeping, bar tenders, wait staff, all the way to the usher at the showroom.
Las Vegas is also one of the remaining places where cash is the preferred currency, making tipping easy. My first thought is that a cash free, non-tipping movement would face resistance in Las Vegas.
Times are changing though. Younger generations are getting more and more used to not using cash at all. When we eventually go to a mostly cash-free society (if we aren't there already) tipping seems like more of a burden.
While the transition away from cash might be slower in Las Vegas because of gambling, it will happen eventually. With less cash changing hands tipping might become less common.
Services like Uber have made it common for the tip to be included. That line of thinking might work its way though the hospitality industry.
Saturday, November 07, 2015
Ellis Island Steak Special
The days of really cheap food in Las Vegas are long gone. Look back at some old photos of Vegas and you're likely to see a sign or two for a $2.99 steak and eggs breakfast or a $4.99 prime rib dinner. Inflation has taken its toll and those deals really don't exist anymore.
One holdout over the years though has been the famous Ellis Island Steak Special. Starting at $7.99 (with players card and some slot play) you get a sirloin with choice of soup or salad, potato, and green beans.
The deal previously came with a beer from the property's brewery included, but that has apparently been discontinued.
Beer is really cheap at Ellis Island, so adding one will only cost you an extra buck or two, but it's still sad to see the steak special slightly diminished. I almost wish they had just raised the price instead of taking away the beer.
One holdout over the years though has been the famous Ellis Island Steak Special. Starting at $7.99 (with players card and some slot play) you get a sirloin with choice of soup or salad, potato, and green beans.
The deal previously came with a beer from the property's brewery included, but that has apparently been discontinued.
Beer is really cheap at Ellis Island, so adding one will only cost you an extra buck or two, but it's still sad to see the steak special slightly diminished. I almost wish they had just raised the price instead of taking away the beer.
Thursday, November 05, 2015
Gourmet Hot Dogs in Las Vegas
The odd topic of whether a hot dog should be considered a sandwich has engulfed the internet. While I don't really care if a hot dog is a sandwich, it got me thinking.
Where can you get a good hot dog in Las Vegas? Gourmet hamburgers have been all the rage for a while now, but what about dogs?
American Coney Island - Located at The D on Fremont Street this brand has been a Detroit staple for almost 100 years. They are famous for hot dogs with secret recipe Coney Island Chili Sauce.
Pink's - In the Miracle Mile shops at Planet Hollywood this is a Las Vegas outpost of the world famous hot dog stand in Los Angeles. Along with Classic Dogs you can also opt for one of their Special Dogs with all kinds of fun toppings.
Haute Doggery - At The Linq promenade this shop is affiliated with the same people who run Pink's. It looks like Haute Doggery is less chili focused and more inspired by classic mustard and relish.
Shake Shack - Located at New York New York Shake Shack is more known for burgers, but they actually started as a New York hot dog cart. Their flat top dogs come in four different styles, including a chicken version.
Little Richie's - At Treasure Island. Perhaps less gourmet than the others listed here, Little Richie's specializes in Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, and Polish sausages. It looks like a good spot to grab some drunk food if you're in the neighborhood of Treasure Island.
Where can you get a good hot dog in Las Vegas? Gourmet hamburgers have been all the rage for a while now, but what about dogs?
American Coney Island - Located at The D on Fremont Street this brand has been a Detroit staple for almost 100 years. They are famous for hot dogs with secret recipe Coney Island Chili Sauce.
Pink's - In the Miracle Mile shops at Planet Hollywood this is a Las Vegas outpost of the world famous hot dog stand in Los Angeles. Along with Classic Dogs you can also opt for one of their Special Dogs with all kinds of fun toppings.
Haute Doggery - At The Linq promenade this shop is affiliated with the same people who run Pink's. It looks like Haute Doggery is less chili focused and more inspired by classic mustard and relish.
Shake Shack - Located at New York New York Shake Shack is more known for burgers, but they actually started as a New York hot dog cart. Their flat top dogs come in four different styles, including a chicken version.
Little Richie's - At Treasure Island. Perhaps less gourmet than the others listed here, Little Richie's specializes in Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, and Polish sausages. It looks like a good spot to grab some drunk food if you're in the neighborhood of Treasure Island.
Monday, November 02, 2015
Guy Fieri El Burro Borracho at Rio
The restaurant personality everyone loves to hate, Guy Fieri is opening his Mexican joint El Burro Borracho at Rio.
According to the press release, "El Burro Borracho, or the Drunken Donkey in its literal translation, will bring a vibrant, fun atmosphere with the Guy Fieri touch. Guests will enjoy authentically prepared Mexican dishes with upscale touches and the signature, flavorful flair you would expect from Fieri. Crispy Mahi Mahi Juan Tacos, Flaming Queso Fundido, Acapulco Gold Salad, Drunken Fish Tacos, Lava Rock Shrimp, signature tortas, enchiladas, burritos and an array of house made, signature salsas are just a few of the items available on the menu."
I personally don't have a problem with Guy, but he really does bring it upon himself with those wacky menu items. A little self awareness would go a long way, but then again he's done quite well with his antics - manufactured or not, so whatever works right?
This will be Guy Fieri's second Las Vegas restaurant. The other one is Guy Fieri's Vegas Kitchen & Bar at The Linq. His roots in Las Vegas stem from being a graduate of UNLV.
When I first heard about this news I suspected El Burro Borracho would replace the closing Rio Village Seafood Buffet - but the press release says that Guy's restaurant will actually be located near the Rio pool.
According to the press release, "El Burro Borracho, or the Drunken Donkey in its literal translation, will bring a vibrant, fun atmosphere with the Guy Fieri touch. Guests will enjoy authentically prepared Mexican dishes with upscale touches and the signature, flavorful flair you would expect from Fieri. Crispy Mahi Mahi Juan Tacos, Flaming Queso Fundido, Acapulco Gold Salad, Drunken Fish Tacos, Lava Rock Shrimp, signature tortas, enchiladas, burritos and an array of house made, signature salsas are just a few of the items available on the menu."
I personally don't have a problem with Guy, but he really does bring it upon himself with those wacky menu items. A little self awareness would go a long way, but then again he's done quite well with his antics - manufactured or not, so whatever works right?
This will be Guy Fieri's second Las Vegas restaurant. The other one is Guy Fieri's Vegas Kitchen & Bar at The Linq. His roots in Las Vegas stem from being a graduate of UNLV.
When I first heard about this news I suspected El Burro Borracho would replace the closing Rio Village Seafood Buffet - but the press release says that Guy's restaurant will actually be located near the Rio pool.
Friday, October 02, 2015
Pete Rose Bar and Grill
Pete Rose has opened a restaurant in Las Vegas. In an interview with Robin Leach he introduced Pete Rose Bar and Grill, which will be open 24 hours a day.
The location is across the street from CityCenter, at the Hawaiian Marketplace. Although the official grand opening is in a few weeks, the restaurant is apparently open and ready for business.
Pete Rose Bar and Grill features dishes from places Pete Rose played baseball. For example Cincinnati Chili, Philly Cheese-steaks, and Montreal Poutine. Wait, Pete Rose played for the Montreal Expos?
It's also a good place to watch sports with 32 TV's - but you won't be able to bet on games here. Pete's still trying to get into the hall of fame after all.
I'm having trouble deciding if I think this will be successful or not. It's a good location on the Strip, but people tend to walk right on past the Hawaiian Marketplace without stopping. I think there was a failed sports-bar in this location previously, but they didn't have Pete Rose's name on the door and possibly Pete himself hanging out there.
The location is across the street from CityCenter, at the Hawaiian Marketplace. Although the official grand opening is in a few weeks, the restaurant is apparently open and ready for business.
Pete Rose Bar and Grill features dishes from places Pete Rose played baseball. For example Cincinnati Chili, Philly Cheese-steaks, and Montreal Poutine. Wait, Pete Rose played for the Montreal Expos?
It's also a good place to watch sports with 32 TV's - but you won't be able to bet on games here. Pete's still trying to get into the hall of fame after all.
I'm having trouble deciding if I think this will be successful or not. It's a good location on the Strip, but people tend to walk right on past the Hawaiian Marketplace without stopping. I think there was a failed sports-bar in this location previously, but they didn't have Pete Rose's name on the door and possibly Pete himself hanging out there.
Friday, September 11, 2015
Chef Kerry Simon has Passed Away
Sad news out of Las Vegas today, as it has been reported that celebrity chef Kerry Simon has passed away at age 60. Simon had been suffering with Multiple-system atrophy (MSA).
I had previously written about Simon on this blog when he opened KGB: Kerry's Gourmet Burgers at Harrah's. He was also known for his popular eponymous restaurant at Palms Place. Both of those restaurants closed a few months ago as their leases expired and not renewed due to Simon's condition.
His Carson Kitchen restaurant in downtown Las Vegas remains open, as well as a few other restaurants in other locations outside of Vegas.
Before settling in Las Vegas Kerry Simon was dubbed "The Rock n' Roll Chef" by Rolling Stone magazine. He was also a regular on Iron Chef as a contestant and judge over the years.
I had previously written about Simon on this blog when he opened KGB: Kerry's Gourmet Burgers at Harrah's. He was also known for his popular eponymous restaurant at Palms Place. Both of those restaurants closed a few months ago as their leases expired and not renewed due to Simon's condition.
His Carson Kitchen restaurant in downtown Las Vegas remains open, as well as a few other restaurants in other locations outside of Vegas.
Before settling in Las Vegas Kerry Simon was dubbed "The Rock n' Roll Chef" by Rolling Stone magazine. He was also a regular on Iron Chef as a contestant and judge over the years.
Tuesday, September 08, 2015
Wahlburgers at Grand Bazaar Shops
Wahlburgers has been rumored to be coming to Las Vegas for a while - and now it's official. According to a press release Wahlburgers will be opening at the Grand Bazaar Shops at Bally's by the end of 2015.
The fast casual burger joint will be located adjacent to the new Starbucks that just opened recently.
Wahlburgers is owned and operated by the Wahlberg family. The franchise originated in the Boston area. Paul is the executive chef while his celebrity brothers Mark and Donnie are there for moral support. The restaurant is also the subject of an A&E reality show by the same name.
I think Wahlburgers will be pretty successful in Las Vegas. Say what you want about the Grand Bazaar Shops but this is a very good location with heavy foot traffic. The celebrity connection will also likely be a draw for tourists. Although the gourmet burger market is pretty saturated on the Strip, I think Wahlburgers should be able to attract more than enough business.
The fast casual burger joint will be located adjacent to the new Starbucks that just opened recently.
Wahlburgers is owned and operated by the Wahlberg family. The franchise originated in the Boston area. Paul is the executive chef while his celebrity brothers Mark and Donnie are there for moral support. The restaurant is also the subject of an A&E reality show by the same name.
I think Wahlburgers will be pretty successful in Las Vegas. Say what you want about the Grand Bazaar Shops but this is a very good location with heavy foot traffic. The celebrity connection will also likely be a draw for tourists. Although the gourmet burger market is pretty saturated on the Strip, I think Wahlburgers should be able to attract more than enough business.
Friday, July 17, 2015
Skyfall Lounge and Rivea Restaurant
Skyfall Lounge and Rivea restaurant are opening this fall at Delano Las Vegas. Skyfall and Rivea will be located at the former Mix Restaurant and Lounge location on the top floor of Delano (formerly The Hotel at Mandalay Bay).
Description of Skyfall Lounge:
Coming Fall 2015 With unparalleled 180-degree views of the city below, Skyfall Lounge will offer an evolving nightlife experience that gradually increases in tempo as the night progresses. The warm and inviting space will make it possible for guests to sip a glass of Champagne while watching the desert sunset or dance the night away as DJs spin Electro and dance music in the vibrant space from 10 p.m.
Description of Rivea:
After Saint-Tropez and London, Rivea comes to Las Vegas offering a renewed take on a French and Italian influenced cuisine from internationally celebrated Chef Alain Ducasse. A breezy, laid back atmosphere of white and maritime blues welcomes guests and sets a relaxed vibe while offering unparalleled, 180-degree views of the city below. Menu items inspired by the delectable food markets of Provence and Italy create the casual and vibrant nature of the Riviera, with a focus on simple, fresh plates by Executive Chef Bruno Riou and the best seasonal ingredients from the West Coast.
Sources: Skyfall Lounge job posting and Delano Las Vegas.
Description of Skyfall Lounge:
Coming Fall 2015 With unparalleled 180-degree views of the city below, Skyfall Lounge will offer an evolving nightlife experience that gradually increases in tempo as the night progresses. The warm and inviting space will make it possible for guests to sip a glass of Champagne while watching the desert sunset or dance the night away as DJs spin Electro and dance music in the vibrant space from 10 p.m.
Description of Rivea:
After Saint-Tropez and London, Rivea comes to Las Vegas offering a renewed take on a French and Italian influenced cuisine from internationally celebrated Chef Alain Ducasse. A breezy, laid back atmosphere of white and maritime blues welcomes guests and sets a relaxed vibe while offering unparalleled, 180-degree views of the city below. Menu items inspired by the delectable food markets of Provence and Italy create the casual and vibrant nature of the Riviera, with a focus on simple, fresh plates by Executive Chef Bruno Riou and the best seasonal ingredients from the West Coast.
Sources: Skyfall Lounge job posting and Delano Las Vegas.
Sunday, June 28, 2015
Anchor Bar at Venetian Opens
With burgers and pizza taking over the Strip and Fremont Street, a buffalo wing joint might be a nice change of pace for your junk food craving.
Enter Anchor Bar. The world famous Buffalo, NY establishment actually invented the buffalo wing. They have a few locations in and around Buffalo, but a new franchise has now opened in Las Vegas.
Anchor Bar is located at The Venetian in the Grand Canal Shoppes. Despite having "bar" in the name, it's more of a fast casual spot with a few beers on tap.
Along with the wings, Anchor Bar will also be serving up another Buffalo favorite: Beef on Weck sandwiches. "Thin sliced Roast Beef dipped in au jus and served on freshly baked Kimmelweck Roll."
I can't wait to try one of those.
Enter Anchor Bar. The world famous Buffalo, NY establishment actually invented the buffalo wing. They have a few locations in and around Buffalo, but a new franchise has now opened in Las Vegas.
Anchor Bar is located at The Venetian in the Grand Canal Shoppes. Despite having "bar" in the name, it's more of a fast casual spot with a few beers on tap.
Along with the wings, Anchor Bar will also be serving up another Buffalo favorite: Beef on Weck sandwiches. "Thin sliced Roast Beef dipped in au jus and served on freshly baked Kimmelweck Roll."
I can't wait to try one of those.
Friday, November 09, 2012
Rattlecan opens at Venetian
When I heard about the new graffiti inspired burger/shot/beer bar opening in Las Vegas I thought it was likely going to be located at Cosmopolitan, or perhaps downtown on Fremont East. I was slightly surprised to hear that it's actually going to be at Venetian. A hipster bar seems slightly out of place at the high rolling Venetian, but looks like a pretty cool place to check out. It opens tonight. Here's hoping it sticks around for a while.
Check out Rattlecan on Facebook for more info.
Check out Rattlecan on Facebook for more info.
Monday, October 01, 2012
The Linq gets Bowling Restaurants and Bars
The Linq announced a list of tenants which will be occupying the property via the Caesars Pulse of Vegas blog.
The headliner appears to be Brooklyn Bowl, which is a combination bowling alley, nightclub and performance venue. At first glance I scoffed at the idea of a bowling alley on the Strip, but further investigation shows the original Brooklyn Bowl in New York to be a pretty cool looking place. Will it work in Las Vegas? Maybe.
The other Linq tenants will include:
Sprinkles - cupcakes and ice cream.
Koto - an "oddities" store.
Off the Strip Bistro - an Italian restaurant and bar (not surprisingly, they also have a location off the Strip).
Bella Scarpa - footwear boutique.
F.A.M.E. - stands for food, art, music and entertainment and will aim to recreate an "Asian Night Market" vibe.
Ruby Blue - jewelry and accessories.
Yard House - bar and grill, this will be the third Vegas location (Red Rock and Town Square).
Tilted Kilt - an upscale, Scottish version of Hooters.
Flour and Barley - wood fired pizza and craft beer.
Chayo Mexicano - huge restaurant with multiple bars.
None of these are entirely unexpected, but all of them appear to be pretty good selections for a development like The Linq. All of the dining options appear to have good bar components, and it appears many will include live music, which is a plus.
While some of these are chains, they are all fairly unique. I doubt we'll be seeing an Applebee's or Friday's as part of The Linq as some had feared.
The headliner appears to be Brooklyn Bowl, which is a combination bowling alley, nightclub and performance venue. At first glance I scoffed at the idea of a bowling alley on the Strip, but further investigation shows the original Brooklyn Bowl in New York to be a pretty cool looking place. Will it work in Las Vegas? Maybe.
The other Linq tenants will include:
Sprinkles - cupcakes and ice cream.
Koto - an "oddities" store.
Off the Strip Bistro - an Italian restaurant and bar (not surprisingly, they also have a location off the Strip).
Bella Scarpa - footwear boutique.
F.A.M.E. - stands for food, art, music and entertainment and will aim to recreate an "Asian Night Market" vibe.
Ruby Blue - jewelry and accessories.
Yard House - bar and grill, this will be the third Vegas location (Red Rock and Town Square).
Tilted Kilt - an upscale, Scottish version of Hooters.
Flour and Barley - wood fired pizza and craft beer.
Chayo Mexicano - huge restaurant with multiple bars.
None of these are entirely unexpected, but all of them appear to be pretty good selections for a development like The Linq. All of the dining options appear to have good bar components, and it appears many will include live music, which is a plus.
While some of these are chains, they are all fairly unique. I doubt we'll be seeing an Applebee's or Friday's as part of The Linq as some had feared.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Flamingo getting New Steakhouse
Flamingo will soon be getting a new steakhouse, as Burger Joint has closed and will be replaced by Center Cut Steakhouse.
Flamingo's previous steakhouse was closed in late 2010 to make way for the Margaritaville Casino.
In other Flamingo news, popular Mexican restaurant and bar Carlos'n Charlie's will be opening very soon. I assume they are working hard to have it open in time for the spring break party season.
Flamingo's previous steakhouse was closed in late 2010 to make way for the Margaritaville Casino.
In other Flamingo news, popular Mexican restaurant and bar Carlos'n Charlie's will be opening very soon. I assume they are working hard to have it open in time for the spring break party season.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Hakkasan to replace Studio 54
Studio 54 at MGM Grand will be transformed into Hakkasan Las Vegas.
Hakkasan is an upscale Chinese concept with restaurants around the globe.
The Las Vegas location will also feature a luxury nightclub in a partnership with AMG (operators of WET REPUBLIC and PURE).
The transformation is part of MGM's Grand Renovation project. Hakkasan is expected to open in December 2012.
Source: Press Release.
Hakkasan is an upscale Chinese concept with restaurants around the globe.
The Las Vegas location will also feature a luxury nightclub in a partnership with AMG (operators of WET REPUBLIC and PURE).
The transformation is part of MGM's Grand Renovation project. Hakkasan is expected to open in December 2012.
Source: Press Release.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
January Restaurant Roundup
A couple of restaurant tidbits have crossed the wire over the past couple of days.
The biggest news is probably the Gordon Ramsay restaurant rumored for Paris Las Vegas is actually happening. Robin Leach reported the Ramsay news way back in December 2010. A year went by without anything happening, but now there's an official press release stating that Gordon Ramsay Steak will be opening in the spring to replace the closed Les Artistes Steakhouse.
KJ Dim Sum & Seafood Chinese Restaurant is opening at Rio. Pulse of Vegas says they should be open in time for Chinese New Year, which is January 23rd. Las Vegas locals might be familiar with KJ's sister location in Chinatown, branded KJ Kitchen.
Lastly, Vegas Tripping is reporting that Union Restaurant at Aria is closing. It appears the restaurant might have suffered from service issues and was a tad overpriced.
The biggest news is probably the Gordon Ramsay restaurant rumored for Paris Las Vegas is actually happening. Robin Leach reported the Ramsay news way back in December 2010. A year went by without anything happening, but now there's an official press release stating that Gordon Ramsay Steak will be opening in the spring to replace the closed Les Artistes Steakhouse.
KJ Dim Sum & Seafood Chinese Restaurant is opening at Rio. Pulse of Vegas says they should be open in time for Chinese New Year, which is January 23rd. Las Vegas locals might be familiar with KJ's sister location in Chinatown, branded KJ Kitchen.
Lastly, Vegas Tripping is reporting that Union Restaurant at Aria is closing. It appears the restaurant might have suffered from service issues and was a tad overpriced.
Monday, January 02, 2012
Top 5 Vegas News Stories of 2011
Now that the calendar reads 2012, I thought I'd attempt to recall some of the top Las Vegas news stories of 2011. These are more or less off the top of my head, so I might have forgotten something, but here goes:
5. Absinthe opens to rave reviews.
Usually shows open and close in Las Vegas with little fanfare, but Absinthe got such great reviews that it really opened some eyes. I can't remember a show that has received almost unanimous positive reviews in some time.
4. Plaza renovation leads downtown resurgence.
The Plaza hotel on Fremont Street purchased the Fontainebleau's furniture and used it to complete a major renovation project, which included a makeover of rooms, public areas and a few new restaurants. Along with the improvements at Plaza, many new bars and restaurants on Fremont Street made downtown a fun place to hang out in 2011 and beyond.
3. Cosmopolitan opens.
Technically Cosmopolitan opened during the last few days of 2010, but it was the talk of the town for much of 2011 as visitors got to experience it for the first time. Despite some issues with long check-in lines, the property has received high praise for its uniqueness and many drinking and dining options. That being said, it struggled to make money because it has attracted a largely non-gaming crowd.
2. Project Linq.
The Caesars Entertainment Project Linq has been talked about for a few years now, but in 2011 the project pushed full steam ahead. We learned many details of the project, including the news that O'Sheas will be closed in its current form and re-located, likely being incorporated into Imperial Palace, which will also be re-named.
1. Sahara closes.
On May 16th 2011 Sahara closed after nearly 59 years of operation. A month after the closing, a huge liquidation sale was held on the property where visitors could take home a piece of Las Vegas history while walking around the joint for one last time. The Sahara's owners have a plan to re-brand and re-open the hotel in 2014, but we'll just have to wait and see if that happens.
5. Absinthe opens to rave reviews.
Usually shows open and close in Las Vegas with little fanfare, but Absinthe got such great reviews that it really opened some eyes. I can't remember a show that has received almost unanimous positive reviews in some time.
4. Plaza renovation leads downtown resurgence.
The Plaza hotel on Fremont Street purchased the Fontainebleau's furniture and used it to complete a major renovation project, which included a makeover of rooms, public areas and a few new restaurants. Along with the improvements at Plaza, many new bars and restaurants on Fremont Street made downtown a fun place to hang out in 2011 and beyond.
3. Cosmopolitan opens.
Technically Cosmopolitan opened during the last few days of 2010, but it was the talk of the town for much of 2011 as visitors got to experience it for the first time. Despite some issues with long check-in lines, the property has received high praise for its uniqueness and many drinking and dining options. That being said, it struggled to make money because it has attracted a largely non-gaming crowd.
2. Project Linq.
The Caesars Entertainment Project Linq has been talked about for a few years now, but in 2011 the project pushed full steam ahead. We learned many details of the project, including the news that O'Sheas will be closed in its current form and re-located, likely being incorporated into Imperial Palace, which will also be re-named.
1. Sahara closes.
On May 16th 2011 Sahara closed after nearly 59 years of operation. A month after the closing, a huge liquidation sale was held on the property where visitors could take home a piece of Las Vegas history while walking around the joint for one last time. The Sahara's owners have a plan to re-brand and re-open the hotel in 2014, but we'll just have to wait and see if that happens.
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