This weekly update covers noteworthy restaurant openings and closings, dining news, culinary events, and entertainment news
Events
Brezza — December 24-25
Brezza at Resorts World will offer a prix fixe Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
2020 James Beard semifinalist Executive Chef Nicole Brisson will draw on her Italian roots and coastal culinary perspective to offer an eight-course menu celebrating the holiday feast in a festive, elevated way.
Priced at $165 for two people, the menu includes daily selection of a half dozen Oysters; Fluke with olive, blood orange, and pistachio; Fried Calamari with peppers, guanciale, and Calabrian aioli; Baked Clams Nduja with lemon herb breadcrumb; Jumbo Prawns Campi Al la Puntenesca; Pan Seared Scallops with Rojeva peas and pork frizzerata; Whole Branzino with eggplant caponata; and choice of Gelato or Sorbetti.
To reserve, visit brezzaitalian.com.
Azzurra Cucina Italiana — December 24
Azzurra Cucina Italiana in the Henderson Water Street District will again celebrate Christmas Eve’s classic Feast of the Seven Fishes by Chef Alessandra Madeira.
The menu will include Seafood Salad with calamari rings and tentacles, shrimp, mussels, crab, black olives, celery, bell peppers, and citronette dressing ($25); Octopus Carpaccio—thinly sliced Spanish octopus, arugula, frisee, sliced Calabrian chilis, citrus, and EVOO ($20); Lobster Bisque—creamy lobster soup with lobster chunks ($26); Lobster Risotto—creamy carnaroli rice with lobster stock and 6 oz lobster tail ($44); Raviolis Fradiavola—shrimp and crab stuffed raviolis with sauteed shrimp and spicy tomato sauce ($38); Giant Shrimp Parmigiana—giant Nigerian tiger shrimp and side of spaghetti marinara ($42); and Monkfish wrapped in Prosciutto with spinach and beurre blanc sauce ($46).
There will be limited seatings at 4 p.m., 6:15 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. To make a reservation, call 702-268-7867.
Carmine’s — December 24
Carmine’s at The Forum Shops at Caesars will offer a Feast of Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve.
The $375 menu feeds 4-6 and includes Fried Calamari, choice of Baked Clams or Clams on the Half Shell, Shrimp Cocktail, Red or White Clam Sauce with Pasta, Mixed Seafood Pasta, Shrimp Scampi, and Salmon Oreganata.
On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Carmine’s will also be serving a 22 oz Atlantic Salmon stuffed with shrimp, scallops, crab, and bell peppers, topped with oreganata breadcrumbs, and served with a white wine garlic butter sauce for $79.
Carmine’s will be open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Mercato Della Pescheria Feast of the Seven Fishes Offered All Month
The coastal Italian dining venue Mercato Della Pescheria, located in St. Mark’s Square inside the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian, is celebrating the Feast of the Seven Fishes throughout December.
The seven seafood dishes are:
- Saffron Mussels with garlic, tomatoes, and onions in a saffron broth finished with cream and chili flakes ($29)
- Snapper alla Griglia with creamed leeks, crispy pancetta, and shaved fennel salad ($42)
- Seafood Stew with clams, mussels, swordfish, shrimp, octopus, and scallops simmered in a seafood broth with fingerling potatoes ($45)
- Charred Tuna with charred onion powder, saffron risotto, sweet peas, Romesco and lemon vinaigrette ($44)
- Scallops with roasted baby tomatoes, asparagus, and crispy pancetta ($54)
- Swordfish and Shrimp with zucchini, apricot glaze, grilled fruit, and tomato salad ($44)
- Mediterranean Seabass with spicy Calabrian tomato sauce, baby arugula, and fennel ($58).
Reservations are not required but strongly suggested at mercatodellapescheria.com.
COTE Korean Steakhouse — December 24-25
COTE Korean Steakhouse at The Venetian will go a completely different direction from the Seven Fishes with its Feast of the Seven Steaks tasting menu.
Priced at $225 per person and an optional wine pairing for $150, it includes USDA Prime Filet Mignon, USDA Prime Skirt Steak, 45+ Days Dry Aged Ribeye, Lamb Chop, American Wagyu COTE Steak, Japanese A5 Ribeye from Miyazaki Prefecture, and COTE Marinated Galbi; sides of Gogi Cha (USDA Prime beef bone consommé), Ban-Chan (pickled seasonal vegetables), “Steak & Eggs” (hand-cut filet mignon tartare with Imperial Daurenki caviar and milk toast), Scallion Salad (mixed greens with gochugaru dressing), Red Leaf Lettuce with ssam-jang (Korean spicy dipping sauce), Savory Egg Souffle with organic egg and kelp yooksoo, Sweet Potatoes with truffle butter, and Jan-chi Somyun (Korean angel hair with piping hot clear anchovy consommé); and Vanilla Soft Serve with soy sauce caramel and seasonal fruit.
The Feast will be offered from 5 to 11 p.m. on Christmas Eve and from 5 p.m. to midnight on Christmas Day.
Havana 1957 — December 24
Havana 1957 at the Flamingo will offer a special three-course menu of traditional Cuban dishes to celebrate Noche Buena.
Priced at $90 per person for any appetizer, entrée, and dessert, starters feature Lobster Bisque Soup, Tuna Tartar Tostone, and Sunshine Wedge Salad; entrées include fan favorite dishes like the Fire Braised Oxtail, Lemon Butter Mahi, and Havana Surf and Turf; and desserts include Cuban Flan and Tres Leches Cake.
Reservations are available on OpenTable.com.
Eataly — December 26
Eataly at Park MGM will celebrate its 7th anniversary from 1 to 3 p.m. with a store-wide celebration featuring complimentary wine and spirits tastings, exclusive food specials, and live entertainment throughout the marketplace.
Guests can opt for a $35 add-on experience, which includes tastings of 20+ cocktails and wines; and tastings curated by Eataly’s chefs, including ravioli filled with butternut squash and sage, braised beef and pork meatballs in mutti tomato sauce, grilled pork skewers with lemon, house-made mozzarella caprese, creamy gelato, and a Via Carota espresso martini.
During the celebration, Eataly will also be offering 40% off any four or more bottles of wine at the wine shop.
To RSVP or to order the add-on experience, visit eataly.com/us_en/classes-and-events/las-vegas.
Pick of the Week: Flower Child at The District at Green Valley Ranch
Those of a certain age will remember the 1960s and 1970s term “flower child” as referring to someone who promotes love, peace, and simplicity. For the restaurant with the same name in The District at Green Valley Ranch, the description definitely fits.
The location at 2215 Village View Dr. is around the curve past P.F. Chang’s, across from the 215 Beltway, and is the Fox Restaurant Concepts group’s second in Southern Nevada, joining its first in Summerlin. The interior has a very comfortable and relaxed vibe, as it is awash in natural light via floor-to-ceiling windows, bright colors with a green and yellow color scheme, high shelves with various jugs and live potted houseplants, hanging wicker lamps, a high ceiling that adds to an open feel, and a spacious outdoor patio.
The mission statement of Flower Child says, “We make every last bite from scratch, using fresh ingredients from close to home and serving healthy food that takes you to a happy place.” The menu caters to pretty much every lifestyle, with options for those who are vegetarian, vegan, meat-loving, and gluten-free, and it’s worth noting that at this fast casual eatery, there are no freezers or fryers. Every dish is prepared and cooked on-site to ensure maximum flavor, freshness, and nourishment.
Salads are made with organic produce and with an option of sugar-free & dairy-free lemon avocado dressing.
Bowls include the aptly named Mother Earth with ancient grains, sweet potato, portobello mushroom, avocado, cucumber, broccoli pesto, charred onion, leafy greens, red pepper miso vinaigrette, and hemp seed; and Chicken Yakisoba Noodles with grilled chicken thigh, wok-seared vegetables, sesame garlic sauce, and roasted cashew. You can customize your bowl by adding a protein: chicken, steak, salmon, shrimp, or tofu.
Entrees include one protein (chicken, steak, salmon, shrimp, or tofu) and two sides, of which there are a baker’s dozen to choose from, such as Kung Pao Cauliflower with spicy Sichuan sauce, Red Chile Glazed Sweet Potato with bok choy, Yuzu Brussels Sprouts with golden miso and Thai basil, and Sweet Corn & Quinoa with Greek yogurt.
Like other sections of the menu, the wraps offer vegetarian and meaty options, like the Black Bean Falafel with hummus, tomato, pickled red onion, arugula, romaine, Mediterranean herbs, and tzatziki; and The Rebel “French Dip” with grass-fed steak, charred onion, fontina cheese, arugula, creamy horseradish, and bone broth.
The Healthy Kids menu ($8.95 for 12 and under) has choices of Chicken, Steak, or Tofu, and come with two sides.
A limited dessert menu includes a Chocolate Chip Cashew Cookie made with gluten-free flour and coconut flakes, a vegetarian and gluten-free Double Chocolate Almond Brownie, a vegetarian and gluten-free Chocolate Pudding, and a gluten-free Lemon Olive Oil Cake.
As for beverages, there is kombucha on tap, along with a selection of wines, local beer, seasonal sangria, lemonade, and tea.
Prices are pretty reasonable: bowls $12-$16, salads $11-$14, wraps $11-$13, and entrees $15-$17.
Flower Child is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more info and to view the complete menu, visit iamaflowerchild.com/locations/flower-child-henderson
Dining News
Christmas Eve To-Go Package at T-Bones Chophouse
T-Bones Chophouse at the Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa will offer a Christmas Eve Dinner To-Go package.
Serving 8–10 and priced at $400 plus tax, the package includes Garlic-Crusted Roasted Prime Rib with au jus, classic sides, appetizers, and festive desserts. Pre-orders will be accepted through Dec. 20 at 1 p.m., and dinners will be available for pickup on Dec. 24. To place an order, call 702-797-7550 or email redrockmealstogo@stationcasinos.com.
Lilli by Chef Tyler Vorce Residency Extended at Durango Social Club
The Lilli by Chef Tyler Vorce residency at Durango Social Club, which I reported on in the December 2 installment of this column, was initially set to run through December 28. Still, due to the positive community response, it has been extended through the end of February.
Santa’s Saloon at Palms Casino Resort
Santa’s Saloon, a naughty pop-up bar experience at the Palms Casino Resort, is open 5 p.m. to late Wednesdays through Sundays through Dec. 28.
Located on the casino floor near Scotch 80 Prime, the themed environment features whiskey-bottle lights, bullhorns, bandana-wrapped ornaments, artificial snow drifts, swinging saloon doors, a giant reindeer skull, and photo ops such as the Naughty Jail. Entertainment includes a rotating cast of off-color Christmas characters with scripted performances and spontaneous interactions with a whiskey-soaked Drunk Santa slurring his toasts, a crop-dusting Rudy the Reindeer ranting about drones, a sultry Mrs. Claus selling shots and sass, a pole-dancing toy doll named Woody, and Chaps, the overzealous Elf Sheriff tossing partygoers into “jail.”
A holiday bites menu features more than a dozen shareable dishes like Empanadas Three Ways with short rib, turkey & stuffing, and tomatillo cheese; Waffle Fry Skillet Nachos with BBQ brisket chili; Birria Tacos with fire salsa; Bavarian Pretzels with spicy German mustard and cheese sauce; Wagyu Beef, Chicken, and Pork Slider Trio; and Jack Daniel’s Bread Pudding with whipped cream and an edible cowboy hat. Themed cocktails include Ain’t That a Kick in the Nutcracker with Tito’s handmade vodka, ginger beer, cranberry juice, lime juice, orange bitters, and orange wheel garnish served in a cowboy tin cup; and Santa’s Sh!tKicker with Casamigo’s Reposado, grapefruit juice, lime juice, ginger syrup, mint, orange bitters, and brulé grapefruit slices.
For more information and the whole food and drink menu, click here.
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.
I co-host this week’s episode with Al, which is Japan-centric. The centerpiece is with Chef Winston Matsuuchi of Omakase Kyara Sake Bar. Chef Winston is the son of the founders of Las Vegas’ first Japanese grocery store, and he has put his bi-cultural upbringing to good use, fusing Japanese and American cuisines. Also in this episode, comments by Masaharu Morimoto on his revamped signature restaurant at MGM Grand, a beer report from me, and details of the Sand Dollar’s pop-up pizza series. And of course, a happy hour report from Happy Hour Vegas’ Andrew Morgan.
To listen, click here.
Entertainment News
Colors of Mexico Presenting Navidad & Los Reyes Magos
Colors of Mexico at Fashion Show Mall is transforming into a winter wonderland rooted in rich Mexican culture, featuring Navidad & Los Reyes Magos.
The holiday experience which runs through January 1 takes guests through the transformed 20,000-sq-ft space on an enchanting journey through the soul of Mexico with vibrant colors, art, light, music, and rich folklore as they follow the story of the Three Wise Men.
Colors of Mexico uses high-resolution LED screens, interactive displays, advanced lighting, and sound systems to immerse guests in the holiday spirit. Upon entering the main space, you are greeted with traditional piñatas, stars, and poinsettias. The festive journey continues through seven distinct rooms: from the tale of the Three Wise Men following the North Star, to the pre-Hispanic times where before Christmas existed the community celebrated the rebirth of the sun, to the lore of the Alebrijes, to a nativity-themed folk play about the journey the shepherds took to Bethlehem accentuated by a life-size nativity scene designed by Mexican artisans.
Authentic dishes and beverages from different regions of the country are available, including Guacamole Tradicional, Esquites, Fideo Seco, Chicharron de Rib Eye, Rajas con Crema, and Tamal Navideño, as well as holiday cocktails Ponche con Piquete, Nochebuena, and Blanca Navidad.
Entrance fee is $15, plus applicable taxes and fees, with a $15 credit redeemable toward food, drinks, cocktails, original art, and merchandise. For more information, hours of operation, and to purchase tickets, visit colorsofmexico.com.
