This weekly update covers noteworthy restaurant openings and closings, dining news, culinary events, and entertainment news.
Events
Michael Mina — October 11
Renowned celebrity chef, restaurateur, and author Michael Mina will debut My Egypt: Cooking from My Roots, the culinary icon’s first cookbook, at his Michael Mina restaurant at the Bellagio. The special event, hosted by Chef Mina from 5 to 6 p.m., will include flavorful bites from the cookbook, cocktails, and a meet-and-greet with attendees.
“This cookbook is very near and dear to my heart,” said Chef Mina. “I grew up in a Middle Eastern household, which gave me an understanding and appreciation for spices and acidity. I wanted to return to my roots and reflect on what got me excited to cook in the first place.”
Guests interested in attending the launch party must purchase the My Egypt cookbook, which is $40 plus tax. The cookbook will serve as a ticket for entry (one book per guest).
In addition to Bellagio retail outlets, such as Bellagio Essentials, Giardini, or Tutto, the cookbook is available online and at select ARIA, MGM Grand, and Mandalay Bay outlets. (Shop local and consider calling the Writer’s Block in Downtown Las Vegas to see if the book will arrive before the party.)
BJ’s Brewhouse — October 14
The five Southern Nevada BJ’s Brewhouse locations will host a five-course beer dinner featuring Oktoberfest and fall-themed beers.
The dinner will include Welcome Beer of Stiegl Goldbräu, Big Twist Pretzel with BJ’s beer cheese paired with Paulaner Oktoberfest Bier, Santa Fe Salad matched with Paulaner Oktoberfest Märzen, Palate Cleanser of Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest, Classic Tavern-Cut Pizza paired with Sam Adams Octoberfest, Double Bone-In Pork Chop with mashed potatoes and broccoli matched with Paulaner Salvator, and Chocolate Chunk Pizookie paired with BJ’s Pumpkin Ale.
The dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the cost is $45 in advance and $50 (plus tax and tip) the day of the event. A designated driver option for food only is $30. To purchase tickets, click here.
F The Bar — October 19
F The Bar at Fergusons Downtown will partner with Mothership Coffee Roasters to present a hands-on fall cocktail class on crafting cocktails with coffee from 4 to 6 p.m. Mothership Coffee Roasters will guide attendees through the selection of coffee for three cocktails, explaining why each roast was chosen and offering tips on how to use coffee to elevate drinks.
Cocktails include:
- Jameson Cold Fashion is made with Jameson cold brew whiskey, house-made coffee and chocolate bitters, coffee liqueur, and Demerara syrup.
- Pumpkin Espresso Martini with house-made pumpkin spice and fresh Mothership espresso boozed up with vodka and coffee liqueur.
- Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew with Mothership cold brew coffee spiked with vanilla-infused vodka topped with whipped pumpkin cream.
Tickets are $42.47, including taxes and fees. To purchase tickets, click here.
Pick of the Week: Winnie & Ethel’s Downtown Diner
Co-owners husband-and-wife Chef Aaron Lee and GM Mallory Gott opened Winnie & Ethel’s Downtown Diner in the historic Huntridge Center at 1130 E Charleston after winning The Great Las Vegas Coffee Shop Giveaway sponsored by Dapper Companies, Yesco Sign, and Cisco Foods, which attracted nearly 90 applicants pitching their concepts.
The design embraces the spirit of the 1940s, which is fitting, as the Huntridge Theater across the street opened in 1944, and the décor transports you back to a welcoming and comfortable diner of the past with tile and hardwood floor, long counter with stools, padded booths, vintage pendant lights, curtains, and hues of white, brown, and avocado. As for the restaurant’s name, it’s in honor of Chef Aaron Lee’s grandmother and Mallory Gott’s great-grandmother.
Now, approaching their first anniversary comes a menu refresh with new items and the return of some popular crowd-pleasers. The entire Sweet section is new, with Dark Cherry Stuffed French Toast with almonds and dark cherry topping, Bearclaw French Toast with almond paste and candied almond slices, Banana Nut Pancakes with candied macadamia nuts and caramelized banana, and Fall-o-ween Pancakes with chocolate chips and candied oranges.
Savory new offerings include chili with ground beef and a base of ancho chili and Mexican chocolate on a Chili Cheeseburger, Chili Cheese Dog, Chili Fries, and Stick-To-Your-Ribs Chili; a Heritage Chicken Salad Sandwich and a Heritage Chicken Salad with herb-roasted chicken; a Breakfast Burrito with chipotle crema; and Chorizo Biscuits and gravy smothered in homemade chorizo gravy.
Returning favorites include French Onion Soup with grated gruyere and savory crouton and Homemade Oatmeal with caramelized banana, peanut butter, and candied macadamia nuts.
To view the complete menu, visit winnieandethels.com. Current hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Dining News
Carversteak at Resorts World has unveiled eight new fall dishes curated by Carver Road Hospitality Executive Chef Daniel Ontiveros.
The new dishes inspired by the autumn season include:
- French Onion Soup with caramelized sweet onion and beef broth topped with Gruyere cheese
- Red Kuri Squash Soup with D’Anjou pear, toasted hazelnut, and olive oil (vegan)
- Citrus Beet Salad with crispy warm goat cheese, hazelnuts, pickled red onion, and delicata squash tossed in an orange vinaigrette.
- Hudson Valley Foie Gras is seared and served with vanilla pain perdu, roasted fennel chutney, and veal jus.
- Seared Scallops topped with Romanesco coconut green curry, leeks, and potato
- Organic Jidori Chicken Breast served with root vegetable Matignon in a black truffle vin jaune sauce.
- Atlantic Salmon with Dijon gremolata, chickpea panisse, Swiss chard, and preserved lemon in a romesco sauce
- Cheesecake—traditional cheese transformed for fall with a cinnamon crémeux and spiced apple crumble.
LAVO at The Palazzo has returned with a new design reminiscent of the Italian countryside with olive, pomegranate, and citrus trees in the Strip-front terrace and, in the interior, rich velvet with botanical motifs, high velvet drapery, Venetian plaster walls adorned with a custom mural, and white-washed brick.
Conceptualized by Tao Group Hospitality’s Chief Culinary Officer Ralph Scamardella, the culinary offerings encompass antipasti such as Grilled Octopus, Fritto Misto, Tuna Tartare, and “The Meatball” (iconic LAVO signature featuring 16 ounces of fresh ground Imperial Wagyu, Italian sausage, and veal with marinara and fresh whipped ricotta); brick oven pizzas like Cacio e Pepe with pecorino crema; fresh pasta made in-house such as Lobster Fra Diavolo with scallops and calamari; classic Italian entrees with Grilled Branzino, Garganelli Genovese (braised short rib and sweet onions), and 48 oz Prime Meyer Ranch Porterhouse; and decadent desserts including Hazelnut Tart, Lemon Olive Oil Cake, and Tiramisu.
For more info and reservations, visit LAVOLV.com.
Entertainment News
Da Last Pā’ina — October 11
Bel-Aire Backyard and Ai Pono Café at Durango Casino & Resort will host a grand finale to their summertime Sunset Luau series. This free, all-ages event will run from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and feature roaring flames from traditional fire dancers, tiki torches, and a pig roast. The evening’s savory delights will be paired with the limited-time Spiked Punch, a tropical and citrusy cocktail with Mt. Gay Rum, Cointreau, lemon juice, orgeat, and sugar-free watermelon Red Bull, priced at $15.
Entertainment will be in the form of reggae beats provided by DJ AD, a traditional fire knife & Tahitian performance by Tevakanui, and a concert featuring island reggae singer/songwriter Bo Napoleon, renowned for hits including “If That’s Ok,” “Nice to See U Trying,” and “Born and Raised.”
