This weekly update covers noteworthy restaurant openings and closings, dining news, culinary events, and entertainment news
Events
Green Life Produce — November 15
Green Life Produce, a farm in Pahrump (45 minutes from Las Vegas), will host a farm-to-table dinner featuring James Beard Award Finalist Chef Steve Kestler of Aroma Latin American Cocina and organic ingredients harvested directly from the farm.
Chef Kestler will prepare the four-course dinner live and serve it family-style, with each course paired with a cocktail or wine inspired by Latin American flavors.
The 21+ event begins at 4 p.m. with a guided farm tour, served with canapés and cocktails (available at a cash bar). The dinner will follow at 5 p.m. and will include Aguachile Verde with red shrimp, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro paired with Hibiscus Naked Spritz; Berkshire Pork Belly Al Pastor Taco with roasted pineapple and salsa macha matched with Sake Brazilian Lemonade; Wagyu Churrasco Family Style with Snake River Farms picanha, ribeye, chorizo Argentino, farm greens Caesar salad, and chimichurri potatoes paired with Ricardo Santos Malbec; and Roasted Corn White Chocolate Semifreddo with popcorn crème Anglaise, chicha, and carmenère reduction matched with Adult Shot Chocolate Milk.
There will also be live music. Guests are encouraged to dress stylishly yet comfortably, bring a jacket or warm layer, and wear comfortable footwear as the event takes place on natural terrain. Tickets are $149 per person (plus tip). To purchase tickets, click here.
Balla Italian Soul — November 14
Balla Italian Soul at SAHARA Las Vegas is bringing a taste of Italy to the Strip with a new series of intimate, hands-on pasta-making classes led by the resort’s Executive Chef Michael Vargas.
Priced at $85 per person (plus tax and tip), the class includes a welcome glass of wine, additional pours throughout the experience (with nonalcoholic beverages also available), and a selection of light bites. Under Chef Vargas’ expert guidance, guests will enjoy live demonstrations and hands-on instruction before savoring their freshly made pasta and taking home handmade dough to recreate the experience in their own kitchens.
The class begins at 3 p.m. and is limited to 20 participants, ages 21 and older. Reservations are available at ballalasvegas.com.
The Wine Cellar Tasting Room — November 14
The Wine Cellar Tasting Room at the Rio Hotel & Casino will host a Jackson Family Tasting from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Guests will be guided through three wines: Benvolio Pinot Grigio, Benvolio Prosecco and Tenuta Arceno Chianti Classico.
The cost is $35 per person (plus tax and tip). To purchase tickets, click here.
Other Mama — November 19
Other Mama, the acclaimed neighborhood seafood restaurant and cocktail bar by Owner/Chef Dan Krohmer, is introducing a new monthly kaiseki dinner series featuring eight courses of hyper-seasonal ingredients and dishes created specifically for each event.
The monthly dinners will draw on Chef Krohmer’s experience working under renowned Chef Masaharu Morimoto and studying kaiseki cuisine in Japan and feature a new selection of dishes highlighting ingredients at their seasonal peak.
The inaugural dinner will celebrate the flavors of late autumn and will include:
- Cured Hokkaido Scallop with persimmon and shiso flower
- Five Expressions of Late Autumn: a collection of seasonal bites including Oyster with smoked ponzu and grated daikon, Roasted Chestnut with white miso, Grilled Maitake with sansho, Japanese Turnip with yuzu kosho, and Saba Bozushi with pickled ginger
- Matsutake and Sea Bream Soup with sea bream shinjo, matsutake mushrooms, and clear dashi
- Seasonal Sashimi with buri, katsuo, and hirame
- Kabocha Chawanmushi with sweet shrimp
- Grilled Stuffed Chicken Wings with Tokyo negi and tare
- Smoked Ocean Trout Ochazuke with ikura and arare crackers
- Hojicha Panna Cotta with black sesame and pear
The cost is $85 per person, with an optional sake pairing available for an additional $45. Reservations will be available between 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and can be made through Toast.
Grape Vine Café — November 22
Grape Vine Café will host its final wine dinner of 2026 featuring Miner Family Winery, one of Napa Valley’s most celebrated wineries.
Courses are:
- Burrata & Tomato Bruschetta with creamy burrata, ripe tomatoes, and fresh basil paired with Miner Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc
- Classic Lobster Bisque with butter-poached lobster tail & chives matched with Miner Napa Valley Chardonnay
- Red Wine Braised Beef Short Ribs in a savory red wine demi-glace with garlic mashed potatoes and baby carrots paired with Miner Emily’s Cabernet Sauvignon and Miner The Oracle Red Blend
- Italian Limoncello Gelato Swirl
Dinner begins at 6 p.m., and the cost is $125 per person (plus tax and tip). To reserve, call 702-228-9463.
NEW: Food and Loathing Events Calendar & Weekly Newsletter
For even more events, check out our new food-centric events calendar at foodandloathing.vegas/calendar-of-events. It’s quite extensive – because we know you love options! – with one or more listings for virtually every day.
AND, make sure you never miss reading this column and other interesting reads! Sign up for the weekly Food and Loathing newsletter, which comes out every Thursday. To get on the list, visit foodandloathing.vegas/newsletter.
Pick of the Week: Alex Prime Steakhouse
Alex Prime Steakhouse Bringing Luxury Dining to El Cortez
Just in time to celebrate its 85th anniversary, the El Cortez has opened Alex Prime, a sophisticated yet comfortable classic upscale steakhouse.
Kenny Epstein acquired the property in 2008 from his mentor, Las Vegas casino legend Jackie Gaughan, who owned the El Cortez for 45 years. “El Cortez has been part of Downtown Las Vegas for 85 years, and I wanted to give it a steakhouse worthy of that history,” said Epstein. “Alex Prime is the restaurant I’ve always envisioned here, with exceptional steaks, impeccable service, and a timeless dining room that feels like it has been part of this building from the start.” The restaurant is named after Alexandra “Alex” Epstein-Gudai, Kenny’s daughter, who worked at the casino for 15 years and died in February 2026 at age 41.
More than $8.5 million was spent renovating the space. The décor draws on the building’s 1941 origins while taking a contemporary approach to classic steakhouse design with emerald green banquettes, cognac leather seating beneath coffered ceilings, richly paneled walls with gold detailing, arched mirrored cabinetry, and walls adorned with black and white photos of historic old Vegas notables such as Sinatra and El Cortez’ original owner Bugsy Siegel. The classy look continues in the eight-seat bar with a wood floor, a marble bar top, old-school black-and-white pics from the 1942 film Casablanca of Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, and shelves lined with more than 50 high-end whiskies (such as Willet and The Macallan).
The kitchen is helmed by Joe Swan, a longtime local chef with extensive fine-dining and high-end steakhouse experience at Las Vegas casinos. Chef Joe was most recently at High Stakes at the Rio and previously ran the kitchens at Hawthorn Grill at the Rampart Casino and Michael Symon’s restaurants at the Palms (including the hidden fine dining Sara’s). When I asked Chef Joe what he likes about his new role at Alex Prime, he said, “They did a good job with the design. It’s a throwback to the classic Las Vegas steakhouse at a higher level. The design is timeless and put together well.” When asked which dishes he’s most happy with, he chose two classics: Steak Diane and Seafood Louie.
Other bona fide classics on the menu are Oysters Rockefeller with spinach, bacon, breadcrumbs, and Pernod; Sunday Gravy Meatballs with ricotta and San Marzano tomatoes; Escargot with garlic & herb butter and toasted breadcrumbs; Alex Prime Bisque with lobster, crab, shrimp, cognac, and cream; and Crab Cake with jumbo lump crab and remoulade.
The hits continue with the USDA Prime selections in generous portions, including 10 or 12 oz Prime Rib, 8 or 12 oz Filet Mignon, 16 oz New York Strip, 18 oz bone-in Rib-Eye, 32 oz Porterhouse, and a 42-ounce shareable Tomahawk. Chef Joe’s favorite table-side Steak Diane is also available, prepared with cognac sauce. The menu proudly lists the meat purveyors and locations such as Creekstone from Kansas and MB5+ O’Conner from Australia.
Non-beef entrees feature Chicken Parmesan, Rigatoni Alla Vodka, Salmon, Halibut, Roasted Jidori Chicken, and Pork Chop Schnitzel. What good steakhouse doesn’t have outstanding sides to match? This one certainly does, with Lobster Macaroni and Cheese with gruyere and parmesan, Potato Gratin with cheddar and caramelized onions, and Crispy Brussels Sprouts with bacon and maple.
Upscale desserts include Warm Apple Pie served à la mode with vanilla bean ice cream and a thick caramel drizzle, Chocolate Brownie Sundae, and a blast from the past: Root Beer Float.
The wine list includes about 80 bottles, with an emphasis on Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style reds, while the cocktail list offers classics such as dirty martinis, Manhattans, margaritas, and drinks named for El Cortez historical figures like Siegel’s Dirty Martini spiked with piri piri-infused Carbonadi Vodka and Katie’s Siren—a shaken pink cocktail with gin, prickly pear, hibiscus syrup, fresh lemon juice, egg white, and a lemon peel garnish.
Alex Prime is open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and 5 p.m. to midnight Saturday and Sunday. During the day, the space is home to Siegel’s 1941, serving American comfort classics for breakfast from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and lunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The restaurant is just steps from the casino’s main entrance and offers complimentary valet parking.
For more info, visit alexprimesteaklv.com and follow @alexprimesteaklv on Instagram and TikTok and on Facebook at Facebook.com/alexprimesteaklv.
Dining News
La Cave Wine & Food Hideaway Race Day Weekend Prix Fixe
La Cave Wine & Food Hideaway at Wynn Las Vegas will offer a four-course prix fixe dinner during Big Race weekend, November 19-21.
The dinner will include:
- Choice of Hamachi and Tuna Crudo with pickled cucumber and truffle ponzu; or Baby Kale Salad with shaved apple, goat cheese, and almond vinaigrette.
- Lobster Tail with roasted tomato risotto, broccolini, and lobster butter
- 8-ounce Filet Mignon with creamy white polenta and mushroom fondue or Chilean Sea Bass with asparagus and cioppino broth
- Dessert Tasting
The cost is $149 per person (plus tax and tip).
W Las Vegas Reopens Skyfall
W Las Vegas, on the south end of the Vegas Strip, has reopened the Skyfall Rooftop Bar & Lounge perched atop the 64th floor of the hotel.
Conceived by the internationally acclaimed architecture and design firm Rockwell Group, the reimagined Skyfall Rooftop Bar & Lounge offers panoramic views, warm contemporary interiors, and an avant-garde cocktail program.
Featured cocktails include:
- Mojave Muse: a botanical, floral creation featuring butterfly pea flower, kaffir lime infusion, Giffard Lemongrass syrup, and Fever-Tree Sparkling Cucumber, crowned with an aromatic violet-infused gin float
- Dirty Little Secret: savory reimagining of the classic martini combining Beefeater Gin, Dolin Dry Vermouth, olive brine, and orange bitters, garnished with hand-stuffed bleu cheese olives and elevated by a caviar pairing
- Skyline Spritz: an effervescent, artfully balanced refreshment featuring Grey Goose Vodka, Sarti Rosa, strawberry-lychee cordial, fresh lemon juice, and peach bitters, garnished with dehydrated strawberry and delicate edible blossoms
Skyfall Rooftop Bar & Lounge is open Sunday to Thursday from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., with live DJ performances Thursday from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Friday and Saturday from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
For more info and to make a reservation, visit W Las Vegas online.
Cheba Hut Annual Free-Food Holiday
As it does every year, the counter-culture sandwich shop Cheb Hut is celebrating Nugsgiving, giving thanks by giving away a free 4-inch Nug Sub or an order of Pretzel Nugs on November 17 from 4:20 p.m. to 10 p.m.
No purchase, app, or loyalty account is required, and there’s no code to remember (one freebie per person, in-shop only). “Most food holidays are a sales pitch in disguise, but this is all about appreciation for the folks who keep our doors open,” said Alex Kayne, Vice President of Marketing at Cheba Hut. “Our fans have kept our shops loud, weird, and packed since ’98. One night a year, we throw a party to say thanks. Bring your friends, grab something delicious, and stay awhile.”
For more info and to find the location nearest you, visit chebahut.com.
Butcher & Thief Introduces New Fall Menu
Butcher & Thief, the modern neighborhood steakhouse created by chef and restaurateur Cory Harwell and located at The Bend at 8670 W. Sunset Road, is welcoming fall with a refreshed menu.
The new additions include Grilled Scallops ($21) with garlic chili butter and crispy onion; Chicago Clam Chowder ($14), a unique take on the classic that combines elements of Manhattan and New England clam chowders with Italian sausage and tomato cream; Chopped Italian ($18) with meat and cheese and the garden and red wine vinaigrette; Sausage Rigatoni ($30) incorporating gin into the tomato sauce, finished with parmesan; 6-ounce Kagoshima Prefecture A5 Wagyu Tri-Tip ($79), 6-ounce Westholme Wagyu Flank ($38); Italian Dip ($20) on the lunch menu with giardiniera, fontina and jus; Carrot Cake ($12), a gluten-free take on the classic served with praline sauce; and a Pineapple Upside Down Sundae ($14) featuring sour cream ice cream.
Behind the bar, new cocktails include Piper 2.0 ($16), a coffee-forward combination of Weber Ranch Vodka, coffee liqueur, dry curaçao, coffee, and orange bitters; Ernest Goes to Mexico ($16) with mezcal, maraschino liqueur, grapefruit, and lime; and Sandwiches & Winning ($16) with Jura 10-year whisky, Amaro Montenegro, herbal liqueur, pineapple juice, and orange bitters.
For more info, to view the menu, and for reservations, visit butcherandthief.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.
Bryce Krausman is serving up brunch this month, and this time he’s doing it at Main St. Provisions. Owner Kim Owens and Bryce sit down with Al for a lengthy interview. Also in the featured spot: David Liebner, who is now offering restaurant recommendations with the help of AI. No, not our Al. A.I., as in: artificial intelligence. Also: news of some wine and whiskey tastings, restaurant visits, and a Happy Hour Report from Happy Hour Vegas’ Andrew Morgan.
To listen, click here.
Entertainment News
Las Vegas Science & Natural History Museum — November 14
The Las Vegas Science & Natural History Museum will present A Safari in Africa with History Channel’s Doc Phineas.
The fundraiser benefiting the nonprofit Las Vegas Science & Natural History Museum, held from 6 to 9 p.m., will bring together live entertainment, cultural presentations, and storytelling in support of the museum’s educational mission. Known for his appearances on the History Channel, Doc Phineas will share stories and personal experiences from his time with the Mbuti people of the Ituri Rainforest in Central Africa. In a special panel discussion, guests will hear about his experiences and gain insight into the traditions, lifestyles, and cultural heritage of the communities he encountered during his travels.
Live performances will feature Shifting Sands Belly Dance and UNLV Drum Circle. Guests can also enjoy a fashion showcase inspired by African cultures and traditions, highlighting artistic expression through clothing and design, and a silent auction that lets attendees bid on items while supporting the museum.
For those looking for a more personal experience, a special meet-and-greet with Doc Phineas will take place at 5:30 p.m. General admission tickets are $20 per person, and meet-and-greet tickets are $35 per person. To purchase tickets, visit lvnhm.org.
