2018 was a year of moving fast forward in the Las Vegas dining scene on and off the strip.

Las Vegas is constantly evolving as an international food and beverage destination city; a place that spends millions on ambience as well as creating cuisine that elevates the appetite. As 2018 quickly comes to an end a time of reflection on refined dining venues and new hot spots is worthy of some contemplation as dining is so integral to our social habits. With the focus on more experiential dining venues to please the Millennial crowd, newly dining digs are opening at record speed along the famed Las Vegas Strip.

With newcomers Block 16 Urban Food Hall, CATCH, NoMad and Cipriani’s in addition with Station Casinos multi-million spending there is plenty of competition amongst the culinary corridors of Las Vegas. As the City moves forward as a dining juggernaut it now attracts more diners per year than gamblers. Off the Strip, some of the best dining can be found with the recently opened Cleaver, Rooster Boy and MordeoLV.

These restaurateurs have taken the challenge to throw their pots and pans into the culinary arena. How does one stay relevant year after year as the number of new chefs and celebrity chefs weave their way into the Vegas restaurant landscape? From our observation it takes many factors, but the two that truly stand out are customer service and great food. If you excel at both, than you are such to survive and thrive in a city that is always hungry for great food 24/7.

Why not start the Vegas culinary journey with a walk through an Asian inspired street market? Block 16 Urban Food Hall is the place to sip, savor and stroll in the hip and happening Cosmopolitan Hotel, Casino and Resort.

  

The Food Hall offers Nashville’s famous Hattie B’s Fried Chicken, New Orleans District with its made from scratch bites, biscuits, donuts and sliders. Lardo out of Portland focuses on deeply flavored bold tastes in their pork and beef dishes while Portlander and James Beard Award winner Andy Ricker’s Pok Pok Wing lends wing fans a place to dish, dine and devour this tender meaty marvels, along with his many other Asian inspired menu items. Not to missed, the Ghost Donkey bar where top shelf tequila and mezcal go well with Truffle Nachos and inventive bar snacks is an intimate artsy space.

NoMad recently made its grand debut under the Neon lights of Sin City to much fanfare. The hoopla is well deserved as this NYC and LA hot spot that is now under the Las Vegas dining and drinking banner. Will Guidara and acclaimed Chef Daniel Humm have created an exceptional food and beverage program that elevates both the palate and the party.

The Sydell Group in partnership with Make it Nice operates the Nomad Hotel that has just recently opened offering a place to party and be pampered within a few feet of each venue and with complementary Valet in a city that put a premium on parking this is indeed a notable incentive.

NoMad’s James Beard award winning bar program under the direction of master mixologist Leo Robitsheck is the place to imbibe and be seen. 

Bar menu items recommended are the carrot tartare, gourmet hot dog and the black truffle tartlet. NoMad’s main dining room is a spectacle to behold as this two story library concept displays an impressive 25,000 book collection that will have you reading the bold headlines of refined dining. In the gorgeous library, dining with a demonstration is highly recommended.

Begin with the Martini Cart, a “tableside presentation of the Martini Cocktail and its variants throughout the 20th century” beginning with a Manhattan and ending with the 2018 Mirepoix crafted with very special spirits.

The Nomad Roast Chicken with its alchemic blend of foie gras, black truffle and brioche is a gastronomic indulgence that does raise the bar on all others chicken dishes in town. 

Complete the meal with a fire and ice presentation of the delectable Baked Alaska, served table side with flaming flair and exquisite service. NoMad late in the year opening has ushered in a new era of fine dining where dinner becomes an outstanding meal memory.

CATCH opened at the Aria Hotel boasts a globally inspired selection of dishes and a décor that could make Monet proud. Garlands of greenery intermixed with twinkling lights that guide you down the corridor as soothing water features induce a Zen like state. The giant floral butterfly wings are a popular selfie spot along with the peony wall of prettiness. No, this is not a walk into Oz, but a culinary journey into a world of shared plates and shared selfies. This LA popular restaurant now has a Vegas counterpart and has quickly become the “go” to place in Vegas. The restaurant transforms at 10 p.m. Thursday through Sunday as a DJ hot spot.

Must have Instagram and culinary marvels are the truffle sashimi bathed in rich black truffle puree, chili ponzu and caviar; the Hellfire Roll composed of spicy tuna and Asian pear is offered with a dramatic presentation; and the Salmon Belly Carpaccio will have you spellbound with tantalizing flavors. Along with creative cocktails such as the Ziggy Stardust and the Mood Ring, CATCH’s interesting culinary story is worth repeating.

Over at the Bellagio, Wolfgang Puck’s Spago reopened at the now shuttered Olives with unparalleled fountain views and a dazzling display of picture perfect dishes that are in tune with seasonal ingredients. Wolfgang’s signature handmade pastas, pizza, and fresh proteins cooked to perfection can all be enjoyed al fresco while enjoying the spectacular Bellagio Fountain.

Try the Farm fresh baby beets with a citrus yogurt, pistachio and feta cheese with the veal “Weiner Schnitzel” along with a WP wine or cocktail.

Within the Bellagio is the crème de la crème of haute dining. Newly appointed Executive Chef Alan Madonivich and staff strive for perfection as Le Cirque’s continues to maintain the highest levels of French cuisine. As a one star Michelin, AAA five diamond and Forbes five diamond award winning establishment, serious diners know this is the place for dining distinction.

    

With truffle season upon us, the Alba white truffle risotto will whisk you into culinary heaven. Several tasting menus are available along with superb selection of wines and cocktails. Chef prepares dishes that are worth a plane trip and continue to dazzle and demonstrate a superior dining experience.

Across the fountain, The Venetian/Palazzo  is undergoing their own changes with the opening of the modern Electra cocktail bar and lounge are and acclaimed chef Ricardo Zarate’s ONCE (pronounced on-she) combines Japanese influences within his thoughtful Peruvian cuisine. Nestled along Grand Canal Shoppes with its garden like atmosphere and delectable menu items including grilled octopus and oxtail Bibimbap, Once is well worth a stop after the shop.

Next door, the Wynn Plaza Shop is now home to a NY staple, Cipriani’s. This is the where the sleek, streamlined nautical interior, white jacketed servers, impeccable service and signature Italian dishes combine for another look into the new face of elegant Vegas dining. Begin with an original Bellini and the Carpaccio alla Cipriani, or the Chilean sea bass “alla Carlina or any other of their well know and popular dishes.

At Caesars’ Palace Gordon Ramsay started 2018 with a searing hot entrance with the opening of Hell’s Kitchen which continues to draw huge crowds on a daily basis.

Chef Giada De Laurentiis followed suit with the opening of her casual eatery Pronto. Now the newest place to brunch is Pronto where this casual grab and go concept transforms from into a relaxed brunch spot Sat. and Sun. with Chef’s light and delectable brunch menu within the multi-stations. Plates of antipasto, made to order omelets, and hand cut Tuscan beef tenderloin and a tower of Giada’s decadent desserts including her signature lemon ricotta cookies are such to please tourist and local alike.

  

Off the Strip another Food Network star, Chef Scott Conant has opened Masso Osteria within the Red Rock Resort and Casino to the brunching crowd with 100 layer lasagna, carving and dessert stations bottomless mimosas, along with a menu items that include a Porchetta eggs bennie, panettone French toast and chef’s signature pasta al Commodore. Conant’s his signature sauce and olive oil is now available at select retail shoppes.

Station Casino’s has been busy with their multi-million dollar renovation of the Palace Station and their complete overhaul of the Palms rendering stunning new dining sites. bBD’ s standing for beers, burgers and desserts boast a lineup of 26 rotating drafts, sours and limited releases. A complete butcher shop and open air kitchen will captivate diners as their prime beef burgers are cooked to order over a wood fired grill infusing irresistible flavors in perhaps some of the best burgers around. As far as the desserts, Instagram worthy shake and house-made soft serve ice cream are camera and palate popular.

  

Next door the Boathouse Asian Eatery offers an outstanding happy hour menu with $3 beer and $5 beer specials and $6 well drinks, fresh sushi, and an eclectic blend of traditional Asian dishes and flavors all within an modern, sleek and artistic atmosphere including a mural of a giant octopus symbolizing good luck.

The Palms dining list of new opening keeps coming with the overhaul of N9 Steak transformed into a modern steak house, SCOTCH 80 and the elegant Italian Vetri replacing Alize. More dining venues will be popping up quickly in the 2019 as the renovations and innovations continue.

Off the Strip local restaurateurs are now bringing their own brand and culinary expertise for those who crave elevated dining but rather deflect driving to the Strip. Not far from the Strip on Paradise Road is Cleaver-Butchered Meats, Seafood & Classic Cocktails.

   

This is the retro steakhouse concept of barman and expert mixologist Nectaly Mendoza whose nine years at his award winning Herbs & Rye laid the foundation for this owner operator to move forward with his expansion dreams. With now two off-strip venues to choose from diners will love the consistency of ever exceptional cocktails, steaks, pasta and seafood.

Award-winning Chef Khai Vu and Master Sommelier Luis de Santos have established MordeoLV Boutique Wine Bar, a gem of Spanish, Asian, and South American influenced dishes paired with just the right glass of wine or cocktail.  A nod to truly global gastronomy with killer small plates of grilled Spanish octopus, yuzu chicken and pork cheek skewers gilled over a Japanese bench charcoal, alongside a bevy of brilliant tastes that rival any on- Strip offerings.

Located along lake Jacqueline in Desert Shores Rooster Boy Café is perhaps one of the best bistros to open in Las Vegas in 2018, the concept of seasoned chef Sonia El-Nawal. This quaint neighborhood eatery open 7 am-3 pm Tues.-Sun. is just the place to pop in for a bowl or bag or Sonia’s Rooster Boy granola that come in 4 varieties: Original, Grain free, Extra Rich )with bits of dark chocolate in the mix) and Low Guilt, or a sumptuous galette( free form French pastry dough) filled with savory or sweet ingredients, or a hearty meat and egg breakfast served with piping hot coffee or one of the other thirst quenching beverages. Chef’s Sonia’s love and passion for hospitality and sourcing the best possible ingredients will have you a frequent flyer.

Another hidden taste treasure located in the Lakes neighborhood just a few years young, is Chef Marc’s Trattoria. Chef Marc Sgrizzi 30 plus years as Chef and restaurateur have proven passion found his plates of pasta and signature Italian dishes. He continues to please the locals with daily menu specials like Tuna Bolognese or an exquisitely prepared veal chop. 

All pastas are made in house and Chef Marc is committed to the best in ingredients, service and quality throughout his restaurant operations.

With such a variety of tastes, cuisines, and atmospheres to choose from, dining in Las Vegas is ever exciting, tantalizing and above all multi-cultural. On the Strip or in the suburbs Las Vegas is always heating things up both on and off the stove.

High End Spirits Can Make Your Holiday Season Memorable.

The pleasure of high-end spirits has been making a huge comeback in the United States and in Asia. Partaking in these gifts from generations of distillers is considered a lifestyle to many as they travel the world in search of these treasures.

The BOWMORE 1965 ISLAY SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY is certainly one of those rare finds and for those who have the money it’s well worth collecting it. The 1965 is the latest expression in the Vaults Series, a collection of the rarest whiskies from Bowmore’s No. 1 Vaults, one of the world’s oldest Scotch maturation houses.

The liquid was one of the first to pass through Bowmore’s then-new steam heated stills in 1965, benefitting from smoother heating and greater control, enabling the distillery to craft a spirit that was perfectly primed to mature over many decades. It is extremely limited with only 232 bottles of this extremely rare Scotch have been produced for the world; available as of December 2018.
SRP: $30,000

BOWMORE VINTNER’S TRILOGY 27-YEAR-OLD PORT CASK FINISH is the third and final expression in the Bowmore Single Malt Scotch Whisky Vintner’s Trilogy, a collectible series of whiskies that have been meticulously aged in sherry, port, wine and bourbon barrels in Bowmore’s legendary No. 1 Vaults. This exceptional Scotch is double matured, first for 13 years in ex-bourbon barrels, then for 14 years in port pipes. To preserve the full flavor, it is non-chill filtered and bottled at cask strength (48.3% ABV). It is limited as well
 and well worth enjoying at SRP: $520

PIERRE FERRAND SELECTION DES ANGES COGNAC is blended solely from aged eaux de vie produced within the 1st Cru de Cognac, specifically the Grande Champagne Cognac appellation of France. It is named after the angel’s share – or the amount of Cognac that evaporates with aging. At 30+ years tasting age, this is one Cognac that deserves serious contemplation and a sip. Nicely, its widely available at SRP: $150

THE TYRCONNELL 15 YEAR OLD MADEIRA CASK FINISH  is the oldest Madeira cask finish ever released by The Tyrconnell, this rare and unique Irish whiskey has been matured for 15 years in American White Oak ex-bourbon barrels and then finished in Madeira wine casks. The result is a one-of-a-kind Irish whiskey with an unsurpassed richness and complexity and an incredible evergreen forest finish. With a limited availability at SRP: $100 is a great buy.

HIBIKI JAPANESE HARMONY ANNIVERSARY GIFT PACK is perfect for the holiday season. The House of Suntory has released a limited-edition, specially-designed bottle of Hibiki Japanese Harmony just in time for the 2018 holiday gifting season.

Scotch 80 Prime builds a new foundation for the next generation of diners at the revitalized Palms Hotel and Casino.

16 Years the Palms N9NE steak house was the hipster place to dine on oversized Tomahawks and boozy cocktails alongside Hollywood A-listers and moneyed moguls. Now that iconic space is home to Scotch 80 Prime still under the direction of chef Barry S. Dakake along with executive sous chef Marc Purdy formerly of Alize. 

 

The newly appointed steak house gives nod to the historic Scotch 80’s, a community that  strives to preserve a cherished neighborhood in the city of Las Vegas. Unlike the preservation quest of the Scotch 80’s community, Scotch 80 Prime may be the next leader in the new image, concept and feel of a Vegas Steak House. 

Scotch 80 Prime carries a fresh, upbeat dining outlook, one that emits playfulness, innovation with provocative  drinks, décor and dining style. With StationCasinos multimillion dollar renovation of the Palms hotel there is a lot at stake in creating an alluring venue for  the new wave of millennial diners along with loyal locals and trendy tourists. Scotch 80 Prime is a thoughtfully designed space with a culinary program that enlivens and entertains all the senses.  

Walking into the entrance way, holographic flowers appear to float along the long  corridor leading forward into a spacious lounge area abutted by windows and a small outdoor patio with plenty of causal seating. 

The stunning back-lit bar carries an extensive whiskey collection, a well-appointed wine-list and creative cocktails. Geometric patterned marble flooring , lots of glass and mirrors accented with three dimensional pentagonal lighting fixtures allows a continual flow of light, air and pattern into this once austere dining space. 

Controversial, modern and contemporary art pieces by Jean Michel Basquait, Damien Hirst, Andy Warhol, and Bronx graffiti artist, John “Crash Mato’s  have been carefully curated to spark the imagination while one is busy pleasing the palate. Comfortable neutral colored leatherette banquettes and open seating plays well in this upscale casual atmosphere. 

The soothing yet subtlety edgy atmosphere is the setting for meal sharing and great conversation. Begin with Chef Dakake’s creative take on the seafood tower.  The traditional icy layered presentation is now mesquite fired with warm hearty portions of Alaskan King crab, Maine lobster, sea scallops, white Mexican shrimp, Spanish octopus and little neck Clams.

The Bacon Best starter of sweet, salty savory bites of Nueske’s bacon lathered in a chocolate root beer glaze and spicy pecan brittle could be enjoyed before or after a meal. 

For those wanting to indulge in fresh vibrant greens, The Spazz salad consisting of  local Urban Seeds seasonal lettuce varieties intermingle with bay blue cheese crumbles and sweet and spicy sherry vinaigrette is available along with tantalizing meaty menu items.

Discriminating diners can find their selection in three categories: Prime, Prime Dry Aged and Pasture Raised.  From a Classic New York Strip or a savory sliced Porterhouse offered alongside a Creekside Farms Tomahawk Ribeye or the indulgent A5 Japanese Kobe, there is a something for every meat lover at the table. 

The menu “Add-On’s” bestows an alchemic touch to the plate and palate. A generous grating of seasonal truffles or sautéed Hudson Valley Foie Gras elevates the culinary experience. Sides come ala-carte  and are worth sharing. Old school cream corn or the Heart Stopping Potato Puree will make the meal complete.  

Always save room for dessert, especially the interactive crowd pleaser, the Fire & Ice banana split served tableside with plenty of fiery flare and gooey toppings. Complete your culinary journey through this new neighborhood of dining spots with a hand shaken or stirred cocktail from the roving classic cocktail cart. Scotch Prime 80 is the place that hopes to make you apart of the Palms dining community for  years to come.

James Beard Chef Opens at Nordstrom in Las Vegas In The Fashion Show Mall.

Las Vegas is known for its world class restaurants and exquisite shopping venues. Nordstrom located in the Fashion Show Mall has added something special, very special for their guests and locals alike. Nordstrom has always had several dining options for their shoppers, giving them a nice break between floors of luxury accessories; this new dining venue elevates the guest experience. 

Recently, Nordstrom opened Jeannie’s on the third floor which replaced the Marketplace Cafe. Jeannie’s is the concept of James Beard award winning Chef Tom Douglas based in Seattle specializing in Pacific Northwest cuisine since 1984. 

“We have been doing food and beverage in our stores for about 40 years. It has greatly evolved over that time from just blood sugar maintenance,” said Vince Rossetti, VP of restaurant operations for Nordstroms. 

“Over time that has turned into destination operations with 255 restaurants across Nordstroms, with 21 unique concepts; we don’t take a cookie cutter approach to our venues.  

When Vegas came up we thought what better food scene is out there. This is a competitive food market where people are yearning for something new and different. The idea of working with Tom and his people was a natural fit.”  

Chef Tom’s concept for Jeannie’s is producing pizza made with handcrafted dough, blistered, topped with fresh produce, artisan cheese and charcuterie. “We have a very thoughtful process about our pizza we have a multiday day aged dough, we cook the pies without the cheese and add that at the end and use the best cheeses that we can procure. 

We don’t herb our pizza until the end because after 175 degrees herbs lose their flavor,” said Douglas.  

The pizza boards were uniquely crafted with the help of a thermal energy company which lends in retaining the pizza’s crispness and flavors. “We are authentic in the best ingredients that we can give. 

We have caramelization on our vegetables, fresh vinaigrettes instead of packaged and our mac and cheese is stuffed with cauliflower,” continued Douglas. 

The menu plays up seasonally influenced appetizers, salads, pastas and warm sandwiches called "Toasties." What is a Toastie one may ask?  It’s a toasted sandwich with grilled cheese, combining ingredients and flavors all held together with handmade focaccia. 

Toastie options include Prosciutto & Fontina and Dijon mustard, Eggplant Parmesan with marinara, provolone, basil and the Beecher’s Flagship Cheddar with chives, parsley and tarragon. 

The Pie options are exceptionally creative. The Iowa Prosciutto endowed with dried figs, organic arugula and parmesan offers a myriad of palate pleasing flavors. Roasted Oyster Mushroom pie accented with balsamic caramelized shallots, taleggio and thyme provides a rich respite to your shopping excursion. 

For a vegetarian option, diners enjoy the Broccoli Rabe Pie, topped with Taggiasca olives, spicy tomato sauce, preserved tomato, basil, almonds and pecorino. An ideal side to any selection is the rich, creamy, Baked Cauliflower Mac-n-Cheese with shell pasta, Beecher’s cheddar and basil pesto. 

Jeannie’s full bar offers a plethora of delectable thirst quenching cocktails. And be sure to finish to your shopping and dining experience with an espresso or refreshing gelato. Your Vegas Nordstrom dining experience will have you healthily satiated and ready to resume exploring multiple floors of Nordstrom’s quality wares.