This weekly update covers noteworthy restaurant openings and closings, dining news, culinary events, and entertainment news.
Events
Bourbon Steak — July 10
Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak at the Four Seasons will host a collaboration dinner with Executive Chef Josh Smith and renowned local Chef James Trees (Esther’s Kitchen, Bar Boheme, Ada’s Food + Wine, and Al Solito Posto), paired with wines from Castello di Monsanto.
Called Chef’s Corner, this five-course wine pairing dinner will be the first in a series of collaborations with esteemed chefs. Pairings are:
- Welcome reception with Caviar Cannoli, Tuna Tartare, Pani Puri Black Truffle Arancini, Snow Beef Crispy Rice Hamachi, Uni, and Tare paired with Bubbles
- Ricotta Gnudi with pistachio pesto and McGrath beets matched with Chardonnay
- Giarella with asparagus, poached egg, and black truffles paired with Chianti Classico
- Quail with cavatelli, porcini, and foie gras matched with Chianti
- Black Trumpet Crusted Venison with corn, potato, and huckleberry jus paired with Chianti
- Dark Chocolate Cremeux with smoked vanilla, feuille de brick mignardise, and foie macarons matched with Vin Santo
The evening will begin at 7 p.m. and the cost is $300 per person (plus tax and tip). To purchase tickets, click here.
Sinatra — July 11
Sinatra’s Executive Chef, Theo Schönegger, will teach the master class, “Cooking Frank’s Way.”
Schönegger, who knows a thing or two about cooking from his time cooking for Ol’ Blue Eyes himself, will demonstrate how to prepare Sinatra’s favorite dishes “his way.” The class will be held at noon at Sinatra at Wynn Las Vegas and will be followed by a casual lunch. The cost is $195 per person (plus tax and tip).
To make a reservation, call the Wynn Concierge at 702-770-7070 or email conciergeservices@wynnlasvegas.com.
Stephano’s Greek & Mediterranean Grill — July 11
Stephano’s Greek & Mediterranean Grill will mark the occasion of World Kebab Day by offering a one-day-only half-off deal at all three of its locations on its Stephano’s Chicken Kebab Plate, featuring two skewers of premium-cut chicken breast served with hummus, Israeli salad, rice, and warm pita bread.
Pick of the Week: Holsteins Shakes & Buns
Holsteins made a name for itself for its decadent burgers and over-the-top shakes during its nearly 15-year run at The Cosmopolitan before closing last year. Now, a year later, the popular eatery is back, having relocated to the heart of the Arts District at 1216 S. Main St next to Velveteen Rabbit.
The new Gen3 Hospitality downtown location is a full-circle moment for founder Billy Richardson, a third-generation Las Vegan whose father and grandfather got their starts in Downtown Las Vegas. “Holsteins built an ardent fan base while on the Las Vegas Strip,” said Richardson. “Now we’re bringing Holsteins home to locals in a neighborhood that feels like the soul of Vegas. We’re excited to bring Holsteins to where it should be. A place for locals by locals.”
As you might expect, the name and décor pay homage to the esteemed bovine, featuring two-foot-tall, whimsical, cartoon-like figurines of cows, such as an Elvis rendition and a dapper gentleman in a tuxedo and top hat. Other accoutrements include a bar with multi-colored turquoise glass tile mosaic, polished steel, brushed brass, patterned white oak paneling, and two TVs; the building’s original aged brick, polished concrete floor, and exposed wood arch trusses; hanging crystal lights; a brown, tan and black color scheme; and snake-like curved booths.
Gen3 Chef/Partner Executive Chef Robert Garcia helms the kitchen. Chef has been with Gen3 for seven years, having previously worked at Barrymore, Marigold, and Cosmo Holsteins. The menu has some nice surprises you wouldn’t expect in a burger joint. The Kampachi Crudo is a mix of Amberjack Yellowtail, orange segments, citrus sauce, and basil and chili oil. The Reuben Bites are reminiscent of a Reuben sandwich, as they are stuffed with corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese. Crispy Brussels Sprouts feature smoked bacon, a maple chili glaze, lemon zest, and a sunny-side-up egg.
As for the decadent burgers, fans will be happy to learn that creations from Cosmo Holsteins remain on the menu, such as the Forager, featuring a beef and mushroom blended patty, creamy steak sauce, tomato confit, onion marmalade, and Swiss cheese, all made more indulgent with the addition of a fried egg. The Crazy Bird features a blackened chicken breast topped with applewood-smoked bacon, chipotle ranch, lettuce, tomato, and pepper jack cheese.
Non-carnivores can also be happy here, with options such as the Veggie Burger, Harvest Salmon served with Tuscan kale, grape tomatoes, and beurre blanc sauce, and salads like the Kale & Quinoa, featuring grapes, red peppers, sunflower seeds, feta, and chervil vinaigrette.
This eatery lives up to its name with its Bam-Boozled Shakes, so named for being alcohol-infused, fully loaded desserts in a glass. My favorite is the Drunken Monkey with Screwball Peanut Butter Whiskey, Hazelnut Liqueur, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, malt, banana, Chick-O-Stick, Banana Laffy Taffy, vanilla frosting, and Reese’s Pieces garnishing the side of the glass.
Befitting it being in the Arts District, the hub of the local brewing scene, the product of fermented barley is also part of this eatery’s forte. There is a great deal of love given to our local breweries. On my recent visit I found 100% local drafts (Able Baker Atomic Duck IPA and Calutron Girl Mango Hefe and Las Vegas Brewing Vegas Light Lager and Hat Trick Hefe) and an additional seven locals in cans (Big Dog’s Red Hydrant, CraftHaus Belgard Coffee Stout, HUDL Vanilla Oak Cream Ale, Lovelady Paleo Porter, Sin City Amber Ale, and Tenaya Creek Bonanza Brown and Gypsy Fade). This certainly qualifies as a one-stop shop for local beer.
Holsteins will fit right into the neighborhood and is a fresh and fun addition, raising the Arts District to yet another higher level of quality eats.
Holsteins is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. For more info and to view the complete menu, visit holsteinsburgers.com.
Recently, on the Food and Loathing podcast
Be sure to check out Food and Loathing this week (and every week). The podcast features veteran food writer Al Mancini along with co-host Samantha Gemini Stevens and producer Rich Johnson as they give the lowdown on what’s new, hot, and delicious in America’s most glamorous city as they talk with chefs, bartenders, journalists, and other experts on where to go and what to order when you get there.
This week’s show was recorded at Todd’s Unique Dining in Henderson, with owners Todd and Terry Clore joining in at the center of the show. Other guests on the show include Penny Chutima, who reflects on the James Beard Foundation awards (which her mother won many years ago); Bryan Bass takes us on a tour of Bottled Blonde; and Stephen Hopcraft shares information about some new menu items at STK. We also talk about recent meals at Shanghai Taste, Solamente Pizza, Lou’s Diner, Zaytinya, and Scotch 80 Prime.
To listen, click here.
Dining News
Yauatcha Brunch Pop Up at Hakkasan
Hakkasan at the MGM Grand is unveiling an exclusive culinary collaboration with the world-renowned modern Cantonese tea house, Yauatcha, for a limited-time pop-up: Endless Dim Sum Brunch.
During each Sunday in July from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., an all-you-can-enjoy dining experience is offered, celebrating handcrafted dim sum and refined Cantonese cuisine.
Priced at $48 per person, the savory bites and wok-fired delicacies include Shumai, Seafood Har Gau, Sweet and Sour Pork, Kung Pao Shrimp, Crispy Duck Salad, Jasmine Tea Smoked Ribs, General Tsao Chicken, and desserts such as Spikey Lemon and house-made seasonal sorbet.
There are also bottomless beverage packages priced from $35-$45 per person, including classic mimosas, bloody Marys, or handcrafted signature cocktails.
WAKUDA Summer Prix Fixe Menu
WAKUDA, the elevated Japanese restaurant at The Venetian by Michelin-star chef Tetsuya Wakuda, is offering a five-course summer prix fixe menu.
Priced at $120 per person (plus tax and tip), the seasonal menu includes Crispy Rice with spicy tuna, soy caramel, and chives; Duo of Sashimi—Japanese snapper with spicy shiso dressing and salmon with wasabi onion and mustard miso; choice of Grilled Salmon with pepper wasabi sauce, Filet Mignon with mustard miso, or Roasted Chicken with honey teriyaki sauce; Chef’s Selection of Sushi; and House Special Soft Serve Miso Coconut and Ube Ice Cream.
The summer menu is available from through August 28 and is not offered on Fridays and Saturdays. To reserve, click here.
Pin Kaow New Happy Hour
Pin Kaow Thai Restaurant, a local favorite celebrating 25 years this August with locations at 9530 S. Eastern and 1974 N Rainbow, has launched a new weekday happy hour.
Available Mon. through Thu. from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., specials include Chicken Skin Chips—crispy deep-fried chicken skins tossed in housemade larb seasoning with roasted rice ($6), Potstickers—hand-folded chicken dumplings with ginger and napa cabbage ($6), Thai Chicken Wings tossed in sweet chili sauce ($7), and Spicy Chicken Lettuce Wraps with ginger dressing and house special sauce ($8).
Drink specials at the Eastern location are house wines ($4), Bottled Bud Light and Blue Moon ($3), and signature cocktails including the Mojito, Bangkok Mule, and P.P. Island ($7); and at the Rainbow location house wines ($4) and Bottled Bud Light and Blue Moon ($3).
Entertainment News
4th of July Celebrations Across the Vegas Valley
Independence Day will be celebrated in a variety of ways, including fireworks, music, pool parties, and special events.
Station Casinos Durango, Red Rock, and Green Valley Ranch locations will light up the sky with fireworks at 9 p.m. There will also be DJs, frozen treats, and festive vibes. Tickets are on sale at each property’s gift shop.
Resorts World will have skyline views at Athena at Night, pool parties with Nelly and Kaskade at Ayu Dayclub, and big-name acts like James Hype and Illenium at Zouk Nightclub.
M Resort Spa Casino will have an extended 15-minute fireworks display choreographed to music beginning promptly at 9 p.m. The M Pool will offer a special VIP reserved firework viewing area, priced at $35 for adults and $15 for children ages 10 and under, with access available from 10 a.m. through the conclusion of the fireworks. Admission will be sold at the entrance to the pool starting at 10:30. Cabanas or daybeds can be booked for the day by visiting mpool.uvtix.com.
Rio Las Vegas will host a daytime pool party with Country DJ set by DJ Du from noon to 5 p.m., a night swim with live performances from Bigg Vinny and Farris with Bigg Vinny, fireworks viewing from 7 to 11 p.m. at Ipanema Beach Club; and an all-you-can-drink rooftop fireworks viewing party with live DJ set featuring high-energy country and party mix at VooDoo Lounge from 7 to 9:30 p.m. For more info, pricing, and to purchase tickets, visit riolasvegas.com/rio-events/4thofjuly.
The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower will host a Fourth of July fireworks viewing party from the STRAT Tower’s indoor and outdoor Observation Deck beginning at 5 p.m. Tickets are priced at $55 for adults and $35 for children and include Observation Deck admission, hot dogs and chips, party favors, face painting, a live DJ, and The STRAT’s first-ever hot dog-eating contest with the kids’ competition taking place at 6 p.m., followed by the adults’ session at 7:30 p.m.
More information is available here, and guests interested in participating in the eating competition may register by emailing stticketing@goldenent.com.
More Firework Displays
On July 3, there will be fireworks after the Aviators game at Downtown Summerlin and after dark at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
On the 4th, the skies will light up at Buckskin Basin Park (7350 Buckskin Ave) at 8 p.m., Cowabunga Bay (900 Galleria Dr, Henderson) at 9 p.m., Cowabunga Canyon (7055 S Fort Apache Rd) at 9 p.m., Veteran’s Memorial Park (Boulder City) at 9 p.m., Lake Las Vegas at 9 p.m., and the Plaza at 9:15 p.m.
