This weekly update covers noteworthy restaurant openings and closings, dining news, culinary events, and entertainment news.
Events
FUHU — June 7
Chifa, the family-owned Michelin Bib Gourmand L.A. restaurant created by Humberto, Rica, and Wendy Leon, alongside Chef John Liu, will serve signature dishes at FUHU’s lush patio at Resorts World for one night only, from 5 p.m. to midnight.
Priced at $185 per person, a special 6-course menu prepared by FUHU in collaboration with Chifa will spotlight their Chinese-Peruvian flair with dishes like Tiradito, Causa, Black Pepper Prawns, Trinity Fried Rice (created in collaboration with iconic American singer, songwriter, and actress Solange), Taiwanese Pickles, and Lomo Saltado. To purchase tickets, click here.
Gaetano’s Ristorante — June 14
Gaetano’s Ristorante will celebrate its 22nd anniversary with a wine dinner featuring DAOU Family Estates hosted by DAOU’s Jorge Monroy. Courses are: Arugula Salad with goat cheese, pears, candied pecans and champagne vinaigrette paired with Sauvignon Blanc; Rabbit Agnolotti with white wine herb sauce matched with Sequentis Merlot; choice of Chilean Sea Bass with vegetable risotto paired with Reserve Chardonnay or Braised Bison Short Ribs with red wine demiglace and mashed potatoes matched with Reserve Seventeen Forty Bordeaux-Style Blend; and Poached Cherries in Red Wine with mascarpone cream and cocktail cookie paired with Estate Soul of a Lion Cabernet Sauvignon.
The dinner will begin at 7 p.m., and the cost is $165 per person plus tax and tip. To RSVP call 702-361-1661 or email [email protected]. To purchase all-inclusive tickets for $210 click here.
Pick of the Week — Sgrizzi by Chef Marc
If you’ve been in Las Vegas for a good amount of time, you may have experienced the mastery of Italian cuisine by Chef Marc Sgrizzi, who brings over four decades of culinary expertise. Over the past two-plus decades, he has helmed such exemplary eateries as Marc’s Italian Steakhouse and Chef Marc’s Trattoria, and was one of the first accomplished chefs to bring quality dining off of the Strip. Now he’s set to wow us again with the newly opened Sgrizzi by Chef Marc.
The new venture is something of a family affair. The adjoining café/market/bakery, dubbed Caffè Su Napoli, features the creations of Chef Marc’s nephew, Roman Ritz. Roman spent time in Naples, and is putting that experience to good use — turning out the restaurant’s desserts (Rum Baba, Lemon Sorrento, Crema Pasticcera and more), while offering house-made pastries, sandwiches, gelato, tarts, and espresso drinks in the Caffè.
Before you enter, you will likely notice an Italian-made wood-fired pizza oven in the parking lot. It’s currently being utilized to make the Garlic Bread antipasti dish, but may soon be used to fire up pizzas for the restaurant and for special events.
Chef Marc’s experience with fine steaks shows. The dining room holds apparatus in which fine cuts of beef are both wet and dry aged, 20 days each. The room emits a warm vibe, with dark hardwood and decorative tile flooring, tan-hued booths and chairs, and hanging Edison lights. There are also two chef’s tables and large TVs above the bar displaying images and videos of some of Chef Marc’s culinary masterpieces.
Highlights of the menu are Utica Greens (escarole) with hot cherry peppers and grated cheese baked bread crumbs; Pork Chop El Chico (one of Chef’s signature dishes) pan roasted with hot and sweet peppers; Capesante (Sea Scallops) served on cauliflower puree; Spanish Octopus chargrilled with olives and pear tomatoes; Pasta Salsa di Piselli Con Pancetta (casarecce pasta with English peas puree sauce and pancetta); and steak options of NY Strip, Ribeye, Veal Piccata, and Dry Aged Tomahawk.
One of the pleasures of dining here is the opportunity to chat with Chef Marc and experience his endearing personality. Chef makes a point to visit with each table throughout the dinner service.
Sgrizzi by Chef Marc is in a new center at 9250 S. Rainbow Blvd., Suite 130, a stone’s throw south of Blue Diamond Road. Hours are 5-10 p.m. Wednesdays through Mondays. And on June 2, the restaurant will be debuting Sunday brunch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more info and the full menus visit www.sgrizzilv.com.
Dining News
The Cabinet of Curiosities Hosting Weekly Mixology Masterclass
Horseshoe Las Vegas’ Cabinet of Curiosities immersive bar and speakeasy concept, known for its collection of rare and precious things from around the world, has debuted a weekly mixology masterclass. The 90-minute program includes a presentation on two classic cocktails where guests learn everything from their history and flavor profiles to techniques for crafting the perfect cocktail. Once they’ve become experts, guests will have a host of spirits, mixers, and garnishes available to craft their own custom cocktail under the guidance of the professional mixologist.
The classes cover:
- Mixology Basics: Understand the essential tools, techniques, and terminology of mixology.
- Flavor Pairing: Discover how to balance flavors and fashion harmonious cocktails.
- Crafting Signature Cocktails: Learn how to create unique and innovative cocktails that reflect your personal style.
- Garnishing and Presentation: Master the art of garnishing and presentation to enhance the visual appeal of your cocktails.
Classes are held every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 1 to 2:30 p.m., and include three cocktails, a souvenir apron and a recipe card. The cost is $100 per person. To make reservations email [email protected] or visit https://sevn.ly/xbIMhmNn.
Entertainment News
The Composers Room Showlounge & Restaurant, the vintage Vegas entertainment destination located in the heart of the Historic Commercial Center, will host the critically acclaimed ensemble, The Cocktail Cabaret, a one-night-only show on June 20.
Glenn Pinkerton/Las Vegas News Bureau
Winner of the 2018 Best of Las Vegas Awards, The Cocktail Cabaret is celebrated for its sophisticated blend of classic and contemporary hits and humor.
Original members Niki Scalera and Maren Wade will reunite for the event. Scalera is known for her roles in Hairspray, Tarzan, and Footloose and Wade has appeared in Lady Like, Confessions of a Showgirl, and America’s Got Talent.
Adding to the ensemble is baritone Doug Carpenter, whose credits include Beautiful, the Carol King Musical, Dirty Dancing, and Baz. Vegas entertainer and comic Tony Arias will be the emcee for the evening.
The show will be backed by a four-piece band led by co-producer and renowned pianist Dr. Philip Fortenberry, alongside drummer Don Meoli, bassist Josh Jones, and saxophonist Dave Stambaugh.
Guests can expect 90 minutes of original music and reimagined classics including tunes like “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” “Viva Las Vegas,” “Diamonds Are Forever,” “That’s Life,” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”
Tickets start at $30. Doors open at 5 p.m. and showtime is 6 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
