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News for Restaurants in Las Vegas
August 2011 Archive

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If you haven't picked a place to eat tonight, you're in luck. Gayot has all the restaurant news for your area right here. Learn which new restaurants have opened in Las Vegas and which restaurants in Las Vegas have recently closed. Find out where your favorite chefs are cooking and locate special events. 

RESTAURANT NEWS

Openings

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is set to unveil 35 Steaks + Martinis, a traditional steakhouse concept. The décor features chrome-plated chandeliers suspended from the main room and black pearl glass pendants and white shell sconces in the private dining area; rock and roll influences are evidenced via black and white photography scattered throughout the space. Its signature dish is the tomahawk steak, a 35-day aged, 35-ounce Prime steak. Also on the menu are surf and turf skewers, Colorado lamb, organic herb-roasted chicken and sides such as bacon creamed spinach and fresh cut salt and vinegar fries. An extensive wine list will include “wines that rock,” which feature Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin labels. 35 Steaks + Martinis will be open nightly for dinner. For more information, call 702-693-5585 or visit www.hardrockhotel.com. 35 Steaks + Martinis, 4455 Paradise Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89169, 702-693-5000, 800-HRDROCK.
 
Lobster ME, the newest fast-casual concept from The LEV Restaurant Group, has opened in the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino. Named for the postal abbreviation of Maine, Lobster ME is a celebration of all things lobster. Dishes include the signature lobster roll; lobster grilled cheese with cream cheese, brie and gruyere; lobster and waffles; lobster ice cream; and the lobsicle---fried lobster tail on a stick. Lobster ME is open daily for lunch and dinner. For more information, call 702-LOBSTER, visit their website at http://lobsterme.com/ or their facebook page at www.facebook.com/lobsterme. Lobster ME, 3667 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109, 702-785-5555, 877-333-WISH.
 
Rice and Company has opened at the Luxor. The venue offers modern Japanese and Chinese cuisine with a menu of tropically influenced variations of sushi, sashimi, hibachi and teriyaki, as well as Chinese food classics and an expansive sake menu. Located on the Luxor’s second level at the entryway to The Shoppes at Mandalay Place, the restaurant has three semi-private dining rooms, which can accommodate 10, 30 or 40 guests. Rice and Company, 3900 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89119, 702-262-4000, 800-288-1000.
 

News Bytes

Bravo’s “Top Chef: Just Desserts” Has Three Vegas Cheftestants
Bravo’s current season of Top Chef: Just Desserts has a strong Vegas connection, with three of the fourteen "cheftestants" representing Las Vegas. The Vegas chefs are Chris Hanmer, owner of The School of Pastry Design; Carlos Enriquez, executive pastry chef of Holsteins; and Craig Poirer, who at the time of filming was a pastry chef at First Food & Bar, but is now working alongside Enriquez at Holsteins. The contestants are competing for a top prize of $100,000. Additionally, one of the show’s judges, Hubert Keller, owns and operates two restaurants in Las Vegas---Burger Bar and Fleur.
 
Lobster Feast Served at Seasons Buffet Every Wednesday
The Seasons buffet at the Silverton Casino Hotel will offer a lobster feast every Wednesday in September from 4 p.m.-9 p.m. Each buffet guest will receive a whole Maine lobster; other lobster dishes are also available at the buffet stations. The cost for the feast is $30.99, or $27.99 for those with a Silverton Rewards Club. Seasons, Silverton Casino Hotel Lodge, 3333 Blue Diamond Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89139, 702-263-7777.
 
Beso Taken Over by Landry’s Inc.
A subsidiary of Landry's Inc. has taken over the management of Eva Longoria’s financially troubled Beso at CityCenter’s Crystals mall. Beso is in the midst of a Chapter 11 case, and the takeover is a prelude to the company purchasing the restaurant’s debt for $1 million. Landry’s other Las Vegas-owned properties include the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino and the Rainforest Café at MGM Grand. Eva Longoria will remain as a partner in the restaurant, holding a 30-percent stake in the newly formed entity, and will be contractually obligated to make periodic appearances at Beso. Beso, Crystals, 3720 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109, 702-254-2376.
 
Bernard’s Bistro Makes Dinner du Titanic a Permanent Weekly Dining Event
The popular Dinner du Titanic at Bernard’s Bistro by the Lake has been extended and is now a permanent weekly dining event. Occurring every Thursday at 7 p.m., Chef Bernard presents a menu inspired by the dining elegance and opulence of the RMS Titanic. Two classes of menus are offered along with a la carte options. The first class menu features five-courses for $65; the second class menu delivers three-courses for $45. Menu items include chilled tomato soup gazpacho madeleina; sautéed shrimp in herb butter sauce; romaine heart with Roquefort cheese and caramelized grilled pear; and Chateaubriand of beef tenderloin with Béarnaise sauce. Reservations are suggested and can be made by calling 702-565-1155. Bernard's Bistro by the Lake, MonteLago Village, 15 Via Bel Canto, Henderson, NV 89011, 702-565-1155.
 
La Cave Extends Late Night Hours and Menu
La Cave Wine & Food Hideaway at Wynn Las Vegas has extended its hours of operation until 3 a.m. on both Friday and Saturday nights, with new menu items including a farmers loaf BLT with chipotle mayo; a bacon, egg and cheese croissant sandwich; tater tots loaded “baked-potato style” and “East Coast diner fries” with melted mozzarella and brown gravy. La Cave Wine & Food Hideaway, Wynn Las Vegas, 3131 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109, 702-770-7375.
 
ARIA Offering Nevada Residents 50% Off Any Bottle of Wine
ARIA Resort & Casino is offering Nevada residents 50-percent off any bottle of wine valued up to $500. Guests must present a valid Nevada driver’s license to receive the discount, which runs through September 30. Participating restaurants include Bar Masa, Sage, Julian Serrano, Jean Georges Steakhouse, AMERICAN FISH, Blossom, UNION and Lemongrass. Aria Resort & Casino, CityCenter, 3730 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109, 866-359-7757.
 
Panevino Ristorante Prix-Fixe Menu to Benefit Four Square Food Bank
Panevino Ristorante & Gourmet Deli will offer a three-course prix-fixe menu during Las Vegas Restaurant Week to support Three Square, Southern Nevada’s only food bank. A vegan selection for each course will be provided as well, with options including artichoke and fennel soup, grilled marinated eggplant, spinach tortelloni, four cheese ravioli and dark chocolate covered strawberries. The three-course menu will be available August 29 through September 11, and costs $50.10 per person. For a complete menu, visit www.panevinolasvegas.com. Panevino Ristorante & Gourmet Deli, Marnell Corporate Center, 246 Via Antonio Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89119, 702-222-2400.
 
The Keep Memory Alive Events Center in Las Vegas Event Catering from Chef Charlie Palmer
Chef Charlie Palmer (Aureole, Charlie Palmer Steak) is extending his catering services to the Keep Memory Alive Events Center, located in the Las Vegas arts and science community of Symphony Park. This private events space was designed by Frank Gehry and can accommodate up to 300 guests seated or 700 for a standing reception. For more information, visit www.keepmemoryalive.org. Aureole, Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89119, 702-632-7401.
 
FIRST Food & Bar Starts Happy Hour Menu
FIRST Food & Bar at The Palazzo has launched several new promotions. A daily happy hour is offered from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. and again from midnight-2 a.m. It features two-for-one Patron and Stoli drinks and draft beers. On Friday and Saturday nights from 10 p.m.-midnight, the restaurant hosts an open champagne bar for ladies. During its Sunday brunch, guests who dress in school girl/boy attire receive bottomless mimosas. Finally, on the first Saturday of every month beginning at midnight, complimentary chicken and waffles are served until they run out. FIRST Food & Bar, The Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino, The Shoppes at Palazzo, 3325 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109, 702-607-3478.
 
Little Buddah Now Offering a Happy Hour Menu
Little Buddha at the Palms Casino Resort is offering a happy hour Monday through Friday from 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. with appetizers and sushi rolls for $6-$8, domestic beer for $4.50, imported beer for $5.50 and specialty drinks for $7. In addition, a 20-percent discount is given Sunday through Thursday. Mention LVSummer to your server to get the discount. Little Buddha, Palms Casino Resort , 4321 W. Flamingo Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89103, 702-942-7778.
 
Max Brenner Now Offering $5 Happy Hour Menu
Max Brenner, Chocolate by the Bald Man at The Forum Shops at Caesars is now offering a $5 happy hour menu Monday through Friday from 3 p.m.-6 p.m. and from 9 p.m.-closing. Menu items include a crispy chicken slider, cheesy thin-crust pizza, onion rings and cocoa-dusted fry combo, and banana tempura fondue. Max Brenner, Chocolate by the Bald Man, 3570 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109, 702-731-7110, 877-427-7243.
 
Japonais Introduces New Menu Items Cooked on its Robata Grill
Japonais at the Mirage is highlighting the art of grilling Japanese-style with the introduction of new menu items cooked on its robata grill. Located in the lounge, the robata bar offers guests a front-row seat to watch as chefs prepare skewered food over a traditional charcoal grill, which is then served on a wooden oar. The fresh-grilled options include sweet shrimp, diver scallops, Chilean sea bass, smoked Kobe and Kurobuta pork loin. The robata grill at Japonais opens daily at 3 p.m., with dinner served in the main dining room from 5 p.m-10 p.m. Japonais, 3400 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109, 702-791-7111, 800-627-6667.
 
Lakeside Grill Offering Three Daily Summer Specials
Lakeside Grill at Wynn Las Vegas is offering three daily summer specials: an oyster happy hour from 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m., which features a variety of East and West Coast oysters; "Lobsterphoria," which offers lobsters from a variety of exotic places around the world; and a late-night three-course menu for $59, which is served after 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and after 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Lakeside Grill, Wynn Las Vegas, 3131 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109, 702-248-3463.
 
Andre’s and Alize Using SmartCellar Technology for Wine Selection
Andre’s at the Monte Carlo and Alizé at the Top of the Palms have instituted the use of SmartCellar technology. Instead of a printed wine list, guests are provided with an iPad®, enabling them to browse and select a wine based on qualities such as sparkling, red, white, fortified, sweet, by-name, region, varietal or price. Links also include the ability to search premium liquors, beers, specialty cocktails, food pairings, menu items and any additional beverages offered that evening. The devices eliminate the need for paper and other materials traditionally used for printed lists. Andre's Monte Carlo, Monte Carlo Resort & Casino, 3770 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109, 702-798-7151.
 

Chef Shuffle

Loews Lake Las Vegas has appointed Mark Leighton Ching as executive chef, overseeing the hotel’s four restaurants. Ching has more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, with extensive experience in high-end hotels and resorts in San Francisco, Phoenix, New Mexico, Utah and Atlanta. Loews Lake Las Vegas, 101 MonteLago Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89011, 702-567-6000, 1-800-23-LOEWS.
 

Closings

CLOSED FOR GOOD
Take your taste buds on a walk down memory lane! Check out our exclusive closed restaurant database for Las Vegas to virtually visit your favorite dining spots from yesteryear. Aristocrat, R.I.P.

Rare 120° at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino has closed and is being replaced with another steakhouse concept called 35 Steaks + Martinis. Rare 120° , Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 4455 Paradise Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89169, no phone.
 

CULINARY EVENTS
Want to learn to cook? Try new dishes? Meet a foodie friend for fun? Check out our compilation of culinary events in your area.

View our calendar of Wine Dinners & Tastings in Las Vegas

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