This weekly update covers noteworthy restaurant openings and closings, dining news, culinary events, and entertainment news
Events
Great American Foodie Fest — May 8-10
The Great American Foodie Fest, a gathering of more than 100 of the nation’s top food trucks, will be held at Desert Breeze Park Event Center in southwest Las Vegas.
In addition to the food trucks, there will be carnival games and rides, a beer and cocktail garden, and live music.
Hours are 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, and from noon to 10 p.m. Sunday. Early Bird presale general admission is $10 with unlimited reentry for all 3 days. A VIP Tasting Experience, which also includes adult beverages, tickets for menu items, and VIP upgraded bathrooms, is $45 for five tasting tickets and one beverage or $75 for 10 tasting tickets and two beverages. Children 48″ and under are free.
For the list of vendors and to purchase tickets, visit greatamericanfoodiefest.com/las-vegas.
Tin Lizard Bar & Grill — May 10
Tin Lizard Bar & Grill at the newly opened Cadence Crossing Casino will serve a four-course Mother’s Day spread from 11 a.m. to close.
Priced at $24.99 per person, it includes:
- choice of Spring Salad with Little Gem Lettuce, crumbled blue cheese, sundried cranberries, and toasted walnuts with apple cider dressing; or Tomato and Basil Bisque with brioche croutons
- Roast Prime Rib with mashed potatoes and buttered asparagus or Pan-Roasted Salmon Filet with white wine herb sauce, mashed potatoes and buttered asparagus
- Lemon Tart with berries & whipped cream or Strawberry Shortcake.
Anima by EDO — May 10
Anima by EDO will offer a specialty condensed tasting menu for Mother’s Day.
Priced at $65 per person, it includes:
- Strawberry Gazpacho with Mascarpone
- choice of Chicory Salad with citrus, fried breadcrumbs, Idiazabal cheese, and anchovy vin; or Green Tartare with zucchini, avocado, green bell pepper, and pistachio vinaigrette
- Atlantic Octopus with mojko rojo, crispy potato, and pistachio-lime gremolata; or Crispy Brussels with tender belly bacon
- Braised Short Rib with potato mousseline and sherry-black pepper sauce; Pan Roasted Black Cod with baby artichokes, caramelized onion, pea gazpachuelo, pancetta, lemon, and mint salsa verde; or Beet Risotto with pickled beets, pine nuts, and quader de cavra cheese
- Deconstructed Carrot Cake with candied carrot, coconut gelato, pecan crumble, and whipped cream cheese
Reservations are available online starting at 11 a.m. with service ending at 7:30 p.m.
Bel-Aire Backyard — May 15
Bel-Aire Backyard at the Durango Casino is resuming its Aloha Friday, a Hawaiian luau event.
Held monthly on select Fridays throughout the summer season, the free event features live reggae music, hula, and fire dancers. Food for purchase includes a live pig roast and authentic island-inspired cuisine by Chef Gene “Culinary Gangsta” Villiatoras from Ai Pono Café inside Durango’s Eat Your Heart Out. For more info, visit belairebackyardlv.com/news-item/AlohaFunDay.
Durango Social Club — May 17
A one-day-only brunch collaboration will bring the flavors of the Filipino-inspired Milkfish Bakeshop to Durango Social Club.
Available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and priced at $60 per person (includes tip), the brunch experience by Kimmy McIntosh will include a pastry assortment for the table featuring Longganisa Cheddar Drop Biscuit with pork sausage, Wagyu Beef Empanada with cremini mushroom, Ube Jammie with almond cake and purple yam jam, and Iced Calamansi and Black Sesame-Coconut Bundt Cakes; choice of Tortang Hipon with shrimp and garlic rice, Chicken Tocilog with pineapple and atsuete-cured chicken thigh, Pork Belly BBQ skewers with garlic rice, or Longganisa Biscuits and Gravy with tomato salad; and dessert options of Karioka with coconut mochi fritters and coco jam toffee sauce, Mango Float with mango curd, or Sans Rival layered with cashew meringue and white chocolate.
To purchase tickets, click here.
Pick of the Week: La Madre Canyon Grill
La Madre Canyon Grill Not Your Average Sports Bar
As you approach La Madre Canyon Grill in the Target center on West Flamingo between Grand Canyon and Fort Apache, you wouldn’t be blamed for thinking it’s just an average run-of-the-mill neighborhood sports bar, but you’d also be quite wrong.
Yes, looks can be deceiving, and as soon as you enter the restaurant, you’ll realize you’re entering an upscale restaurant with a classy décor with rock walls, distressed wood flooring, lots of windows bringing natural light, rust-hued chairs and light beige banquettes, an open kitchen, and large TVs throughout.
HUKL Hospitality took over the space in 2023 and named the restaurant after the La Madre trail and spring area in Red Rock Canyon. They brought in VP of Culinary Operations Lupe Avilla, a classically trained graduate of the Culinary Institute of America-Hyde Park, to design the menu. Chef Avila was born and raised in Mexico and brings some of his heritage to the menu, including a traditional Albondiga Soup with meatballs, seasonal veggies, and flavorful broth; a full taco program with eight varieties (including Ribeye, Mahi Mahi fish, and Birria with beef consommé), fajitas, and Caramel Stuffed Churros. Chef throws in some international flair with the likes of Kimchi Brussels Sprouts; Hamachi Crudo with yellowtail, dried chilis and pickled onions; Meatballs with whipped ricotta, tomato ragu, parmesan, and grilled bread; and Rigatoni Bolognese with house-made rigatoni and beef ragu.
Other fun menu items are a French Dip sandwich with roasted prime rib, provolone and beef au jus served with fries; Avocado Toast with smashed avocado, tomato, feta cheese, and fresh basil which my wife Lally, a connoisseur of this dish, proclaimed to be the best version she’s ever had; and Crunchy Beef Tacos with seasoned beef, romaine, sour cream, and cheddar that is a homage to Del Taco (a favorite of one of the HUKL Hospitality board members).
You’ll want to make it in ASAP to take advantage of the limited-time steak specials. Offered for dinner only, they’re up to 50% off with an 8-ounce Grilled Skirt Steak $39/$27, an 8-ounce Filet de Res (tenderloin) $60/$30, 14 oz NY $56/$28, and 14 oz Sakura Pork Chop $39/$19. All come with mashed potatoes and red wine sauce. Breakfast, served daily, offers south-of-the-border favorites like Breakfast Burrito, Huevos Rancheros, Chilaquiles, Chorizo Benedict, and Al Pastor Hash, as well as non-traditional surprises like Garden Burrata Omelet, Banana Pudding Pancakes, and Chocolate Chip Waffle.
The beverage menu features signature cocktails such as Tamarind Margarita with Volcan de Mi Tierra Blanco, Ancho Reyes Verde, triple sec, tamarind, and lime juice; several wines by the glass, reasonably priced from $9-$15; and more than 50 fine whiskies such as Smoked Wagon Malted Rye, WhistlePig Boss Hog, and Caribou Single Barrel.
Some great deals are the Street Taco Tuesday with all-you-can-eat Al Pastor, Chicken Tinga, and Carne Asada tacos for $20 and tacos and margaritas for $35 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.; and happy hour, offered daily throughout the entire restaurant from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., featuring Bites like Hamachi Crudo, Sliders, Crunch Beef Tacos, Fried Mozzarella, and Truffle Parmesan Fries, priced from $5.50 to $10, bottled and draft beer for $5, house red or white wine for $5, and select cocktails for $9.
For more info and the complete menu, visit lamadrecanyongrill.com.
Dining News
Yardbird Southern Table & Bar Limited Time Menu
Throughout the month of May, Yardbird Southern Table & Bar at The Venetian is rolling out a limited-time menu of chef-driven burger specials in honor of National Burger Month.
Available May 1-31, the menu specials include:
- Grass-Fed Burger BLT— 8-ounces of grass-fed beef with sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, pickles, lettuce, and tomato on brioche with truffle fries
- Nashville Hot Chicken Burger—crispy chicken with a Carolina Reaper pepper rub, spicy slaw, lettuce, and tomato with house fries
- Bayou Jerk Salmon Burger—jerk-spiced salmon with piquillo pepper aioli, lettuce, tomato, and onion with a side salad
- Southern Butter Pecan Ice Cream Sandwich—wagyu tallow chocolate chip cookies, butter pecan ice cream, toasted pecans, and bourbon caramel
For more info and to reserve, visit runchickenrun.com/Burger-Month.
SoulBelly BBQ Has a New Location at Miracle Eats Food Court
Chef Bruce Kalman’s SoulBelly BBQ now has a second location, at Miracle Eats Food Court inside Miracle Mile Shops on the Vegas Strip.
Founded in 2021 in the Arts District, SoulBelly BBQ quickly built a strong following and earned a reputation for offering some of the best BBQ in town, and now guests won’t have to leave the Strip to experience it. The new location at the Miracle Mile Food Court at Planet Hollywood will offer a fast-casual dining experience with a menu featuring house specialties and sandwiches, including the Texas Cheesesteak featuring sliced brisket, peppers, onions, and provolone; and hearty favorites like The Boss Hog with Carolina-style pulled pork and the Brisket Burnt End Grilled Cheese. The menu is rounded out with classic sides, shareable snacks, and Banana Pudding Style soft serve for dessert, an exclusive addition to the Miracle Mile location.
SoulBelly BBQ at Miracle Mile Shops is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Winnie & Ethel’s Downtown Diner New Menu Items
Winnie & Ethel’s Downtown Diner, winner of The Great Las Vegas Coffee Shop Giveaway in the historic Huntridge Center at 1130 E Charleston, has dropped some new menu items for springtime.
The new items include:
- Country Fried Steak—pork or chicken cube steak, pork sausage gravy, chorizo gravy, griddled garlic potatoes, scratch biscuit, and two eggs—one of the featured dishes that led to Chef/Co-Owner Aaron Lee being selected as one of 20 local food and beverage professionals to be given a 2026 StarChefs Las Vegas Rising Stars Award
- Berries & Cream Pancakes—mixed berry medley, tangy sour cream whipped topping, and crunchy streusel oat crumble
- Jam Session Patty—ground chuck, yellow and white American cheese, grilled onions, homemade bacon jam, and burger sauce on marbled rye
- Fried Chicken Sandwich—fried chicken breast, white American cheese, bacon, garlic mayo, honey mustard, and LTO on Texas toast
- Chorizo Biscuits & Gravy—scratch biscuits smothered in homemade chorizo gravy
In addition, Winnie and Ethel’s now has a Brunch Bunch loyalty program, which earns you 1 point per dollar spent. Once you reach 100 points, you can unlock either $7.50 off or a free pancake.
Winnie and Ethel’s is open daily from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. For the complete menu, visit winnieandethels.com, and for more on Chef Aaron’s StarChefs award and his Country Fried Steak recipe, visit starchefs.com/profiles/aaron-lee.
Azzurra Wine Bar Charcuterie Board and Wine Special
Azzurra Wine Bar on Water Street in Henderson has launched a Board & Bottle special.
Offered Wednesdays through Sundays from 3 p.m., you can get a bottle of Louis Jadot Rosé and a medium charcuterie board for $40.
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 podcast brings Al and his guest co-host Bob Barnes to Main St Provisions in The Arts District, to meet the restaurant’s new executive chef, Miguel Tapia, taste some of his food, and chat with him and owner Kim Owens. Bob also provides a beer report. And we have interviews with Gina Marinelli, Bryce Krausman, Vincent Rotolo, Eric Gladstone, and Clique Hospitality’s Craig O’Keefe, as well as a Happy Hour Report by Happy Hour Vegas’ Andrew Morgan, news, and restaurant reports.
To listen, click here.
Entertainment News
All-inclusive deals at Las Vegas Resorts
Move over, Mexico, Jamaica, and cruise ships. Based on the slew of recent promotions at several Las Vegas resorts, it would appear our city is vying to join the ranks of all-inclusive resort towns. Here’s a roundup of current offers both on and off the Strip.
On the Strip
Caesars Entertainment recently launched a bundled hotel experience at Harrah’s Las Vegas, The LINQ Hotel, and Flamingo Las Vegas for stays through August 2026. The Inclusive Summer Package includes a hotel stay in a standard room at Harrah’s Las Vegas, The LINQ Hotel, or Flamingo Las Vegas, starting at $200 per night for one guest, including resort fees and taxes. Each additional guest is an additional $100 per night. Perks are two meals per day at various dining outlets and bottomless well drinks, house wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages at select outlets across the three resorts; 20% off cabana and daybed rentals at Influence, The Pool at The LINQ; complimentary self‑parking for one vehicle for each day of the stay; and two anytime tickets to the High Roller Observation Wheel. For more info and to book the package, visit caesars.com/las-vegas/hotels/deals/inclusive-summer-package.
Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts World has a package priced at $150 per guest per night that includes private access to Club 66 VIP Lounge with daily continental breakfast and an evening social hour; multi-course lunch at VIVA by Ray Garcia, Agave Bar & Grill, or Wally’s; multi-course dinner at Kusa Nori, FUHU, or Wally’s; dedicated poolside experience with a reserved area, hosted domestic beer and sodas, and 30-minute early entry; complimentary entry to Zouk Nightclub on operating nights; and complimentary valet service throughout the stay. For more info and to book, click here.
MGM Properties has a deal starting at $330 for two guests over two nights at Luxor or Excalibur with one price that covers your room, meals, show tickets, attraction passes, resort fees, and parking. The perks include breakfast, lunch, and dinner and one beer or wine per meal per guest, plus non-alcoholic beverages for each day of your stay at 10 participating outlets across MGM properties; two tickets to choice of six shows (such as Blue Man Group, Carrot Top, and The Australian Bee Gees); and one ride per guest on The Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York. For more info and to book, visit mgmresorts.com/en/offers/all-inclusive-experience.html.
Downtown
The Plaza has a package starting at $104 per person available from June 1 to August 31. It includes breakfast and dinner at participating restaurants; unlimited well drinks, non-alcoholic beverages, select wine, and select beers from Omaha Bar and Sports Book Bar located on the Plaza casino floor; waived resort fees; early check-in; and 25% off drinks at the pool. For more info and to book, visit plazahotelcasino.com/las-vegas-all-inclusive-room-package.
Circa Resort & Casino, the adults-only (21+) Downtown Las Vegas property known for its humongous Stadium Swim 143-foot-screen pool amphitheater, has the All-In Summer Hotel Package for $400 for a two-night midweek stay (Sunday through Thursday) for bookings through September 10. It includes a single king room, $100 in dining credits at six Circa restaurants (including Barry’s Downtown Prime, Saginaw’s Delicatessen, and 8 East), $100 in beverage credits at Circa’s five bars and lounges, and a reserved daybed at Stadium Swim with no minimum spend required. Resort fees and taxes are included.
Off the Strip
Westgate Las Vegas has the Show & Stay Package, which bundles a room, two breakfast buffets, free parking, and a 25% discount on tickets to resident performers like Barry Manilow and Kool and the Gang. Book your package by calling 888-732-7117 and mentioning Show & Stay.
From June 1 through August 31, Tuscany Suites & Casino offers a limited-time package that combines dining, drinks, and perks. It includes daily breakfast at Marilyn’s Café, all-you-can-drink access from select well beverages at Toscana Bar and Piazza Lounge, 50% off poolside cocktails, all-day happy hour at Pub 365, 50% off select cocktails at Bistecca, and a gaming bonus featuring $10 in free slot play and $10 in match play. For more information or to book a reservation, call 877-887-2261 and mention the offer code STAY-ALL-IN or visit https://bit.ly/3OkCmka.
