This weekly update covers noteworthy restaurant openings and closings, dining news, culinary events, and entertainment news
Events
Dream Asia Festival — February 13-15
The Dream Asia Festival, the largest Asian food and culture festival in the US, celebrating Asian cultures through food, art, and performances, will be held at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center.
The all-ages event will feature bites from 80+ food vendors offering cuisines of Japan, Korea, China, Thailand, and more; anime and merch markets; and live entertainment. Entertainment will include a lantern parade, lion dance, Japanese Taiko drumming, K‑Pop performances, and the 7 Element Show featuring K‑Star Training Academy.
Festival hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Early-bird general admission tickets are $15.02, including fees ($20 day of), and free entry for kids 10 and under. VIP for access an hour early and access to a VIP lounge are $52.37, including fees.
For more info and to purchase tickets, visit dreamasiafest.com/lasvegas.
Nudo Italiano — February 14
Nudo Italiano, the neighborhood restaurant from Michael Morton and Jenna Morton, will celebrate Valentine’s Day with an elegant prix-fixe dinner and specialty cocktails designed for a romantic evening.
Priced at $59 per person, the three-course meal will include Baby Kale and Radicchio Salad with candied pecan, pear, and blue cheese; Beef Carpaccio topped with arugula, capers, and salsa verde; and Butternut Squash Ravioli filled with sausage and finished with toasted pine nuts and sage.
To end the night on a sweet note, Nudo Italiano’s dessert menu is highlighted by “Spaghetti and Meatballs,” a playful presentation of cheesecake shaped like noodles topped with raspberry “sauce,” chocolate truffle “meatballs,” and grated white chocolate; and Pistachio Cake with kataif nest, chocolate drizzle, and Sicilian pistachios ($12).
Reservations are available on OpenTable.
Crossroads Kitchen — February 13-14
Crossroads Kitchen at Resorts World, the only vegan fine dining restaurant on the Vegas Strip, will offer a Valentine’s special prix fixe menu.
Served on February 13 from 4 to 11 p.m. and February 14 from 5 to 11 p.m. and priced at $75 per person, the dinner includes:
- Italian Wedding Soup with mini meatballs and ditaliini pasta
- Stuffed Artichokes with mushroom duxelle, truffle sabayon, and roasted vegetable jus
- choice of Citrus & Baby Beet Salad with pistachios, cara cara oranges, mustard greens, and toasted fennel vinaigrette; or Caesar Salad with romaine, herb croutons, parmesan cheese, and house-made Caesar dressing
- Spinach & Feta Ravioli with ouzo butter and parmesan cheese, or Lion’s Mane Steak with cauliflower whipped potatoes and brandy cream sauce
- Love and Chocolate with chocolate mousse, fruit compote, and crunchy strawberry sponge cake
To reserve, visit crossroadslasvegas.com.
Durango Social Club — February 16 and 23
In celebration of Lunar New Year, Durango Social Club will bring in popular local Chef Crystina Nguyen to present a pop-up of her This Mama’s House as she blends Vietnamese comfort dishes with Lunar New Year favorites.
Chef will offer 11 a la carte dishes, including Bo Kho Prosperity Puffs filled with 5-spice braised brisket; Wok-Tossed Wealth Beef Salad with wok-tossed marinated filet mignon; Golden Fish Sandwich and Shrimp Chips with pan-seared turmeric marinated white fish; Cubasian and Sweet Potato Fries—garlic banh mi with pulled char shiu pork, ham, and chicken pate; Longevity Bamboo Chicken Noodles with shredded chicken, quail eggs, bamboo shoots, and glass noodles; and Earth & Abundance Congee with roasted mushrooms in a rice porridge.
The pop-up will run from noon to 9 p.m. Walk-ins are allowed, but reservations are recommended. DM @DurangoSocialClub on Instagram for reservations.
Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab — February 17
Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab will host a wine dinner featuring Chappellet Vineyards with special guests Dominic and Amy Chappellet.
The evening will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a reception featuring a pour of Chappellet Chenin Blanc, followed by dinner at 7 p.m. The dinner pairings are:
- Chilean Seabass with garlic braised artichoke and brown butter breadcrumb paired with Chappellet Grower Collection Sangiacomo Vineyard Chardonnay
- Colorado Lamb Chop with gremolata and sweet potato couscous matched with Chappellet Cabernet Franc
- Deconstructed Beef Wellington with Hen of the Woods Mushroom and green peppercorn sauce paired with Chappellet Merlot and Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon
- Crème Brûlée with Chantilly cream and mint
Tickets are $195 per person (plus tax and tip). To purchase tickets, click here.
Pick of the Week
Marufuku Ramen at Downtown Summerlin
Marufuku Ramen just celebrated the one-year anniversary of its first Las Vegas location at The Bend. Now the San Francisco restaurant founded in San Francisco in 2017 known for its Hakata-style ramen (more on that in a bit) has expanded with its second Las Vegas location, in Downtown Summerlin.
Situated in the former Skinny Fats space between Wexler’s and Fine Company on Festival Plaza, the 2,440-square-foot restaurant features wood elements on the walls and tables, hanging lanterns, TVs above the bar, a semi-open kitchen, and a spacious patio with fire pits and heat lamps.
The signature menu item is Tonkotsu Ramen, with the star of the dish being the rich broth made by simmering pork bones for several hours to extract umami (you can choose from no spicy, mild, spicy, or very spicy). The ultimate choice is the Hakata Tonkotsu DX, which comes with what I dub the “kitchen sink” as it’s loaded with pretty much every addition available: chashu pork, soft boiled egg, green onions, kaarage mushrooms, bean sprouts, pickled ginger, thickly sliced braised pork belly, corn, sesame seeds, nori seaweed, and of course the ultra-thin noodles.
The Small Bites (appetizers) include Japanese-style fried Chicken or ika (squid) Karaage, served with aioli; Marafuku Bites (steamed buns filled with your choice of protein); edamame; spicy wings; and Tempura Brussels Sprouts tossed with truffle oil. Several skewer options (offered in Las Vegas only at this location) will help you get started, including chicken, hanger steak, miso-glazed pork belly, okra, and scallops topped with a creamy chili sauce.
Rice bowls will fill you up quite nicely, with options such as the Mentaiko Bowl with spicy seasoned cod roe and the Karaage Bowl with Japanese-style fried chicken.
The beverage menu offers an ample selection of Japanese beer (e.g., Echigo Stout), sake (Dassai Junmai Daiginjo), whiskey (Bikoku Single Malt), and Japanese-inspired cocktails (e.g., Japanese Yuzu Margarita).
The restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more info, visit marufukuramen.com.
Dining News
Modest Brewing Now Open
The Arts District has a new brewery. After years of planning, Owner/Brewer Casey Jacobson and Owner/Operations Manager Scott Seales (see header photo) have opened Modest Brewing at 918 S Main Street, a few blocks north of Charleston.
The brewery and taproom features a long bar with 16 taps, a lounge with couches and padded chairs, board games, large-screen TVs, garage doors that open when weather permits, and an outdoor patio with picnic tables and cornhole.
As they are currently awaiting one last government license before being allowed to brew, all of the taps are pouring 100% Nevada-brewed beer, four of which are collaboration beers which Casey and Scott designed and helped brew at our local breweries: Circuit Breaker, a hoppy Blonde Ale brewed at North 5th; Intergalactica Hazy, a Hazy IPA brewed at Evolve; Porter Partner brewed at Chicago Brewing; and Get Reddy, a Red Ale brewed at Neon Desert.
In keeping with the Modest name, the food menu is simple and uncomplicated, comprised of five sandwiches and five hot dogs. Examples include the T-800 with turkey, bacon jam, Swiss, mayo/mustard, house dill coleslaw, and Mike’s Hot Honey; Meat Not Included, made with all-vegetarian ingredients; and Rainy Day Dog with cream cheese, sauteed onion, and mustard. The bread is lightly toasted to caramelize the sauces, and the hot dogs are 1/4 lb all-beef. All are priced at $12, except for the $13 Sandwich of the Month, currently the Gundam-Chi with Korean-style BBQ beef, provolone, garlic aioli, kimchi, and a chili oil drizzle.
Current hours are noon to 10 p.m. daily. For more info, visit modestbrewco.com.
Hearthstone Kitchen & Cellar Returns to Red Rock
Hearthstone Kitchen & Cellar, which closed in 2023 to make room for the short-lived Leoncito Mexican restaurant, has reclaimed its original 6,500-square-foot home inside the Red Rock as part of the resort’s culinary refresh.
There’s a new layout and design with an expanded bar and an inviting lounge, evoking the feeling of stepping into a beautifully curated home, featuring teal-green wainscoting, sand-toned wall coverings, woven fabrics, mismatched chairs, custom marble-and-wood tabletops, and brass details.
The kitchen is led by Executive Chef Jason Janson, whose menu showcases ingredient-driven appetizers like Tuna Pizza topped with yellowfin tuna and cilantro drizzled with truffle aioli and olive oil; handmade pastas such as Bucatini Carbonara with guanciale topped with a sunny-side-up egg; pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven with eight new creations like Truffle Mushroom with truffle cream sauce, maitake, and gruyere; signature favorites such as rotisserie-roasted Prime Rib with au jus and creamed horseradish, Pan-Seared Halibut with couscous, double-dredged Fried Chicken served with Chef Janson’s family biscuit recipe; and a raw bar highlighted by fresh oysters ($1 oysters on Wednesdays), sea bass ceviche, and a half-chilled Maine lobster tail; weekend brunch savory favorites including Almond Brioche French Toast Biscuits and Gravy, and classic and lobster Benedict; and Fruit Pies in varieties of cherry and apple served with vanilla soft serve.
Cocktails include specialties and classics with high-end spirits, like the Golden Almond with Hennessy vs cognac, orgeat, lemon, and Peychaud’s bitters; and Manhattan with Brother’s Bond American Rye, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters.
Hearthstone is open Sunday through Thursday from 4 to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 4 to 11 p.m., and for brunch Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. To view the complete menus, visit hearthstonelv.com.
Hakkasan Offering Lunar New Year Prix Fixe Menu
For Lunar New Year, Hakkasan at the MGM Grand will offer an exclusive prix fixe dinner menu served from February 16 to March 1 to mark the Year of the Fire Horse.
Priced at $138 per person for parties of two or more, the offering features eight special dishes including Fortune Money Bags with king crab and scallop, Wok-Fried Tiger Prawn, Octopus “Yusheng” Salad, Wok-Seared Red Sea Bream, Grilled Wagyu Ribeye, Sauteed Fresh Water Chestnuts and Red Dates with vegan XO sauce, Organic Red Jasmine Rice with abalone and smoked roasted duck, and Golden Stallion dessert with vanilla mousse, salted caramel, and banana sorbet.
The specials, as well as an exclusive cocktail and a sake flight, are available à la carte. All guests will receive wishing ribbons throughout the celebration, and a traditional lion dance performance will take place on February 21 at 9 p.m.
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, “Mama” Crystina Nguyen joins Gemini and Al at Durango Social Club to talk about her upcoming Lunar New Year pop-ups at the venue. Al visits Yukon Pizza’s Alex White to get the lowdown on the recent online controversy surrounding their decision to close for a day. Other interviews include Edward Pizzarello of the new Venetian Five Guys, Lupe Avila of HUKL Hospitality, Ted Haddad of Ya-Baba Shawarma, and professional eater Joey Chestnut. We also have restaurant reviews for Gaetano’s, Nora’s, Roma Kitchen, and Azzura Cucina. And as usual, a happy hour report from Happy Hour Vegas’ Andrew Morgan.
To listen, click here.
Entertainment News
Lunar New Year Celebrations
With the Lunar New Year on February 17 this year, commemorating the Year of the Fire Horse (a sign associated with energy, passion, and progress), you may want to check out the traditional lion dances and special events taking place throughout Las Vegas.
Station Casinos will have festive décor and traditional lion dances at four of its properties: Durango Casino (February 28 Hotel Porte-Cochere at 8 p.m.), Red Rock Casino (February 18 Blue Ribbon Sushi entrance at 6 p.m.), Green Valley Ranch (February 18 High Limit Table Games Room entrance at 8 p.m.), and Palace Station (February 17 North Valet entrance at 7:30 p.m.). Each celebration will begin with customary blessings before proceeding through the casino floor to bring luck and prosperity to guests.
The Resort at Summerlin Lunar New Year celebrations include a traditional lion dance held throughout the property on February 20 at 9 p.m.; a build-your-own family-style dinner for two special menu (with dishes such as Spider Shrimp and 2 ½ lb Whole Lobster) at Jade Asian Kitchen & Noodles offered February 18-21, and a special “Prosperity & Wealth” prix fixe menu (with dishes such as Wealth and Fortune Pork Soup Dumplings and Rising Success Turnip Cakes with Taro Crust) at Nom Wah available February 17-March 3 (every party also receives a lucky red envelope containing a special offer).
SAHARA Las Vegas will host a lion dance by the Lion Dance Group beginning at the casino entrance and proceeding throughout the property on February 20 at 6 p.m. The Noodle Den will offer a limited-time Lunar New Year menu (such as Bird’s Nest Soup and Salted Egg Yolk Live Lobster) February 13-27.
The STRAT will welcome Lunar New Year with a traditional lion dance performance through the casino by Las Vegas Kung Fu Academy on February 19 at 6:30 p.m. and specialty dishes at CHI Asian Kitchen (such as Peking Duck and Crispy Fried Striped Bass with Ginger Sauce) February 14-17.
The Venetian will host a resort-wide celebration featuring a 12-foot-tall custom-designed horse sculpture standing majestically atop a bed of gold coins, adorned with vibrant red and gold accents and lucky coins woven into its flowing mane. It will be on display in the Waterfall Atrium and Gardens through the first week of March. On February 18, a traditional lion dance will begin at the entrance to The Venetian at 11:01 a.m. and conclude at The Palazzo Front Desk. In the Grand Canal Shoppes, there will be a ceremonial lion blessing in St. Mark’s Square on February 19 from 3-4 p.m. and cultural performances highlighting traditional artistry and music from February 20-22, and an illuminated smoke-breathing Golden Dragon near Louis Vuitton and an overhead display of red cultural lanterns near Smith & Wollensky from February 2 through March 8.
Resorts World will host a traditional lion and dragon dance on February 21, beginning at The District Plaza at 4 p.m., featuring a high pole performance, lettuce blessing, and a firecracker finale. Genting Palace will offer a special family-style Lunar New Year menu February 13-22 featuring authentic dishes designed for sharing as well as a buffet with a spread of handcrafted dim sum, fresh seafood, carving station, daily soup, and the chef’s signature entrées on Friday evenings and Saturday and Sunday during lunch and dinner from February 13-15 and February 20-22.
The Fashion Show will feature an immersive décor and a red lantern display throughout the mall through March 3. On February 22 from noon to 5 p.m., there will be a Lunar New Year Festival with a traditional lion dance procession, an interactive lantern-making station, a LUSH pop-up experience, a photo opportunity with the God of Good Fortune, and performances by K-Star Training Academy, featuring fan dances, martial arts demonstrations, and a contortionist.
Silverton Casino Lodge will celebrate the Lunar New Year with a traditional lion dance on February 21. The festivities begin at noon under the porte cochere and continue as the colorful procession moves through the casino, bringing music, movement, and high-energy performances to welcome good fortune and prosperity for the year ahead.
Fontainebleau Las Vegas will embark on a year of good fortune and new beginnings with a celebratory dragon and lion dance on February 22, beginning with the “Dotting of the Eyes” ritual in the North Valet area at 3 p.m. Three of the resort’s Asian restaurants will offer special menus and events with Chyna Club serving a family-style prix fixe menu February 15-18 and February 20-22, Komodo a lion dance performance on February 17 at 7:30 p.m. and specialty desserts, and Washing Potato offering a prix menu on February 19.
