This weekly update covers noteworthy restaurant openings and closings, dining news, culinary events, and entertainment news
Events
Pub 365 — October 3
Pub 365 at Tuscany Suites & Casino will host an Oktoberfest Beer dinner featuring Enegren Brewing, a German-style craft brewery in Moorpark, California.
The food menu will include Kasespatzle German-inspired mac & cheese with spatzle, caramelized onion, and crispy cheese crust; Cucumber Salad with dill, red onion, and sour cream; Wurst Station with selection of sausages served with sauerkraut, horseradish, curry ketchup, and spicy mustard; Schnitzel crispy pork tenderloin with warm potato salad and lemon brown butter sauce; Pretzel with rosemary-scented duck fat and beer cheese fondue; Strudel with pear, apple, cinnamon, raisin, and vanilla cream; and Streuselkuchen with plum, crumble, and sweet cream. Enegren beers will include Edel Pils, Festbier Lager, Oktoberfest Bavarian-style Marzen, Schoner Tag Hefeweizen, and Valkyrie German-style Amber.
The dinner will begin at 6 p.m. and the cost is Included $45 per person ($64.45 including tax, tip, and fee). To purchase tickets, click here.
BJ’s Brewhouse — October 6
The five Southern Nevada BJ’s Brewhouse locations will host a five-course German-style beer dinner featuring seasonal favorites and Oktoberfest style beers.
The dinner will include a welcome beer of BJ’s Pumpkin Ale, Paulaner Oktoberfest Bier paired with Broccoli Chedder Soup, Hacker-Pschorr Oktoberfest Märzen matched with Fryckle Fries, Angry Orchard Crisp Apple paired with Hot Honey Buffalo Bone-In Wings, palate cleanser of Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest, Sam Adams Oktoberfest paired with Deep-Dish Ziti, and the new BJ’s Hard Root Beer Float.
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. To purchase tickets, click here.
Delilah — October 9
Wynn Las Vegas is continuing its Connoisseur Series of classes with the Wine Through the Ages class, held at Delilah at 2 p.m.
Hosted by Ray Isle, executive wine editor of Food & Wine and author of The World in a Wine Glass, Ray joins Delilah’s lead sommelier, Cristie Norman, for a retrospective of vintages that shaped American wine culture over the past half century. During the class guests will sample some of the best wines spanning several decades.
Tickets are $195 per person, plus tax and tip. Reservations are required and can be made by contacting Wynn Concierge at 702-770-7070 or by emailing conciergeservices@wynnlasvegas.com.
Cigar Aficionado’s Big Smoke — October 31-November 1
Cigar Aficionado‘s Big Smoke, featuring premium cigars and spirits, will be held at Horseshoe Las Vegas.
The evening sessions are 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. and are priced at $394.48 (includes fees) for general admission and $556.19 (includes fees) for VIP with early admission at 5:30. Attendees receive 30+ premium cigars from participating cigar companies including Alec Bradley, Arturo Fuente, Cohiba, Montecristo, Rocky Patel and Romeo Y Julieta; samples of premium spirits, whiskies, and beer; and an extensive selection of food. There are also packages available that include a welcome reception and daytime cigar brunch seminars including an interview with Walking Dead star and investor in Red Phone Booth Michael Cudlitz.
While it’s not a food and beverage event per se, having attended this event in the past I can attest that the eats and drinks are top notch. So, if enjoying fine food and drink and premium cigars appeals to you, you’ll have the best of both worlds. To purchase packages or tickets, visit www.lasvegasbigsmoke.com.
Pick of the Week: Durango Social Club
Chef Dan Krohmer, acclaimed for his work at Other Mama, is flexing his culinary creativity and artistry with the new Durango Social Club.
Located at 3655 S Durango Dr, Suite 29, in the same complex as Other Mama, the elevated and intimate culinary experience is currently offered on Friday and Saturday evenings only.
The room has a classy yet cozy feel, with a rustic brick wall, rope window coverings, fabric drapes, eclectic artwork, rattan basket weave hanging lamps, and dark green walls contributing to a relaxed vibe.
The evening begins at 6 p.m. with pre-dinner beer, wine, and cocktail offerings. The wine and bottle list hand-selected by Beverage Director Renato Lebron features rare, low-intervention wines from boutique wineries, many of which can be found nowhere else in town. Wines by the glass, reasonably priced from $11-$15, include the likes of Coeur de Terre Pinot Noir ’24 from Willamette Oregon, Ardeche Chardonnay ’22 Vignerons Ardechois ‘Gravettes’ from France, and Stars Cava Reserva Brut ’22 Casillo Peralada from Catalonia, Spain. Artisanal beers ($7-$9) include Stillwater Extra Dry Rice Saison, Prairie ‘Merical Y’all IPA, and locally made Beer Zombies Cherry Orange Lemonade Sour Ale. The beverage menu is rounded out with unique cocktails like the DSC Martini with gin, fino sherry, and boquerones.
The five-course tasting menu is served at 7 p.m. The menu changes frequently and they are already on their third tasting menu. Chef Krohmer shows his versatility with use of a wide range of ingredients, global cuisines, and dishes that you won’t find at Other Mama, all with beautiful presentation using ornament fine chinaware. Previous iterations have included dishes and ingredients such as Seared Duck Carpaccio with pickled peppers, maitake mushroom and salsa verde; Cioppino with scallop, snapper, shrimp, blue crab, corn bisque sauce, and grilled bread; Utah Valley Ranch Stuffed Quail with sunchokes, lemon butter sauce, and watercress; and Creekstone Farms Zabuton Steak with farm potatoes, bone marrow croutons, baby artichokes, béarnaise, and rocket salad.
The most recent menu, which I enjoyed on Sept. 19, included:
- Sicilian Tuna Crudo with olives, capers, basil, shallots, lemon, and olive oil paired with Lunae Bosoni Vermentino Black Label 2023 with the wine smoothing out the tartness of the tuna
- Duck Schnitzel and Caesar Salad with a duck skin chicharrónes topping matched with the slightly sweet Domaine Maurice Schoech Pinot Gris Schlossberg 2023
- Eggplant Ravioli with mushrooms, bacon, and balsamic paired with Contucci “Mulinvecchio” Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2019, a noble grape wine from Tuscany
- Braised Pork Ribs with polenta and pork au jus matched with Chateau Sociando-Mallet Haut-Graves Bordeaux 2019, a merlot-based wine with more tannins to cut through the pork fat
- Maple Ice Cream with berries and cake croutons paired with Beni di Batasiolo Bosc D’la Rei Moscato d’Asti DOCG 2024, slightly effervescent and a DOCG with the highest lower residual sugars
All in all, it’s an extremely enjoyable way to spend an evening with outstanding cuisine prepared by one of our city’s top chefs.
The cost for the dinner is $85 per person (plus tax and tip) and the optional wine pairing is $60.
To reserve, click here or call 702-463-8382.
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.
On last week’s episode with Gemini out of the country, Al is joined by myself at the brand new Leticia’s Cocina and Cantina in the Boulder Station Hotel and Casino. In addition to an extended interview with chef/owner Leticia Mitchell, I provide an extended beer report. There’s also an interview with Joel Robuchon executive chef Eleazar Villanueva discussing the restaurant’s 20th anniversary celebration, and, of course, Happy Hour Vegas’ Andrew Morgan with a Happy Hour Report.
To listen, click here.
Dining News
Las Vegas Distillery Releases 2-Year Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Las Vegas Distillery, fresh off celebrating its one-year anniversary, has released a single barrel of its 2-year Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
Las Vegas Distillery’s Straight Bourbon Whiskey Barrel #21, aged two years and bottled at 94 proof (47% ABV), offers more complexity and roundness than its 1-Year Aged Blue Corn Bourbon released in 2024, with a stronger oak presence for a more complex finish and deeper caramel and vanilla tones alongside layered spices. Las Vegas’s warm and dry environment encourages active barrel interaction with the spirit resulting in a concentrated aroma and flavor very few whiskey distilleries can duplicate. Tasting notes are: The experience begins with warm caramel, toasted oak, vanilla, and a hint of orange peel to the nose, followed by honeyed corn, baking spice, and cocoa on the palate. The finish lingers with pronounced oak and a touch of toffee.
Bottles are now available for purchase for $49.99. Don’t delay in heading over to Las Vegas Distillery to grab one, as this production is limited to just one barrel.
Holsteins New Weekend Brunch
Holsteins Shakes & Buns, the burger and shake destination in the Downtown Las Vegas Arts District, is expanding its offerings with an all-new weekend brunch.
Available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, the new menu includes thinly sliced Smoked Salmon Carpaccio with dill lemon aioli, avocado, and bagel chips ($17); Breakfast Poutine with crispy tater tots and cheese curds covered in country gravy and topped with smoked bacon and a sunny side up egg ($16); Brunch Eggroll—crisp, fried rolls packed with potatoes, bacon, corned beef, scrambled egg, cheddar, and smoky salsa roja ($15); and S’Mores French Toast topped with chocolate sauce, graham crackers, and campfire marshmallow ($15).
In addition, a two-hour bottomless margarita deal with the choice of orange juice or seasonal flavors like white peach and pomegranate is priced at $23 per person.
Pumpkin Menu and New Weekday Happy Hour at Café Landwer
Fall flavors are in full swing at Café Landwer with the debut of its seasonal pumpkin menu.
Highlights from the menu include:
- Pumpkin Waffles with seasonal fruits, pumpkin whipped cream, and sweet maple syrup ($16)
- Pumpkin Pancakes with seasonal fruits, pumpkin whipped cream, Nutella, and sweet maple syrup ($16)
- thick and creamy Pumpkin Soup ($7 for a cup, $10 for a bowl)
- Goat Cheese Tortellini with roasted pumpkin cream and aged parmesan ($21)
- Pumpkin S’Mores Rosalach filled with pumpkin cream, marshmallow, white chocolate, and cookie crumble ($15)
- Pumpkin Latte, served hot or cold ($6.75)
In addition, Café Landwer has launched a weekday happy hour with savory Mediterranean-inspired bites and drink specials offered Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. The dishes, all priced at $10, include Halloumi Sticks with tzatziki, Falafel Platter with mezza hummus and pita, half a Schnitzel with fries, Shawarma platter with fries and tahini, Classic Pizza Margherita, Mini Quinoa Lebanese Salad, and Schnitzel Salad with fresh vegetables and lemon-mint dressing. To sip, all draft beers, wine, spirits, and cocktails are $3 off, and bottled beers and spirits are $2 off.
To view the full menu and make reservations, visit landwercafe.com.
Entertainment News
Little River Band Performing at Orleans October 31-November 1
The Little River Band is making Las Vegas one of their stops on their 50th Anniversary Tour with performances at the Orleans on October 31 and November 1.
The group is under the direction of lead vocalist and bass player Wayne Nelson, a 44-year band veteran who has contributed his talents on 24 of Little River Band’s albums/CDs.
Since its origins as an Australian rock band hungry to make it in America, Little River Band garnered huge chart success with multi-platinum albums and chart-topping hits in the 70’s and 80’s. With over 350 million records sold worldwide and chart-toppers like “Reminiscing” and “Lady,” their music continues to draw old and new fans. On a personal note, my wife Lally and her sister Jennifer are HUGE LRB fans and list “Happy Anniversary” and “The Night Owls” as their respective favorites.
Showtime is 8 p.m. both nights and tickets start at $69.95 (plus taxes and fees). To purchase tickets, click here. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Orleans or any retail gift shop at a Boyd property. Same day show tickets can be purchased (depending upon availability) at the venue box office.
For more info on Boyd Gaming Events, including free live entertainment at property lounges and restaurants, visit boydgamingevents.com/event-calendar.
