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Brand Steakhouse at the Mirage
New Brew is Brewing
BRIO Tuscan Grille
FOOD-Our new department
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PREVIOUS SPOTLIGHT RESTAURANTS
BRAND Steakhouse Opens May 24
at Monte Carlo Resort & Casino
Premier Steakhouse and Lounge to Offer Ultimate Steakhouse Experience
The Light Group, Las Vegas’ premier hospitality and lifestyle development organization, will unveil its latest restaurant concept with the opening of BRAND Steakhouse, set to open May 24 at Monte Carlo. One part steakhouse and one part lounge, BRAND will fuse modern fine dining with the classic steakhouse to create the ultimate dining experience. Centrally located in the heart of Monte Carlo’s casino floor, BRAND’s unique design and concept will set the standard for the contemporary American steakhouse.
"We are thrilled to offer BRAND’s contemporary steakhouse experience to guests of Monte Carlo," said Anton Nikodemus, President and COO of Monte Carlo. "Within our city’s thriving dining scene, Monte Carlo now has several dining destinations worth visiting time and again."
BRAND’s open design will lend itself to people-watching where diners and voyeurs alike will go to see and be part of the scene. Designed by Graft Lab, the award-winning design firm behind FIX Restaurant & Bar at Bellagio and STACK Restaurant & Bar at The Mirage, BRAND will feature a 5,500-square-foot dining room and adjacent lounge that will be the center of excitement and energy. The dining room’s stunning interior will feature a dramatically lit ceiling canopy that creates a pixilated abstract cow-print pattern.
A rich palette of earthy colors and unique textures combined with soft lighting and subtle sound system will add to BRAND’s casually cool ambience. BRAND’s fluid design, featuring low-level walls and retractable glass partitions from both the casino and inside the restaurant, will create seamless transitions into either environment.
BRAND’s menu, created by The Light Group’s Executive Chef Brian Massie, will offer imaginative interpretations of classic steakhouse favorites and will feature large, one-of-a-kind chops making this the quintessential steakhouse experience. Signature oversized Bone-In (dry-aged) and Bone-Out (wet-aged) Nebraska steaks and large chops cooked to order in a wood-burning grill will be highlights of BRAND’s menu. House-made sauces will add a twist to the standard steak sauce, such as Black Pepper Cream and the House Worcestershire sauce while diners also can choose from three “surf” variations including King Crab, Jumbo Shrimp or Maine Lobster Tail to create the perfect “Surf and Turf” combination.
Highlighting the menu will be the Ultimate Steak: a mammoth 120-oz beef porterhouse for six served with choice of two house-made sauces and two sides – the perfect party platter for any group of steak fanatics.
“Brand’s big, bold steaks and chops will satisfy the appetite of any carnivore,” said Massie. Additional signature dishes include a 20-oz Tomahawk Rib-Eye; Kurobuta Pork Prime Rib; 12-oz Filet Mignon; Double-Cut Veal Chop; as well as imported 7 Hour Kobe Short Ribs; Flat Iron Steak and a 10-oz Kobe Burger.
BRAND’s menu also will include a variety of fresh fish, oversized chopped salads and appetizers, and à la carte sides. The Brand Seafood Platter will offer guests a selection of oysters, clams, crab, shrimp and lobster. À la carte sides for sharing will include Forest Mushroom Ragout; Rick’s Hash brown and Baked Mac ‘n’ Cheese. The small plate appetizer items will be served with an emphasis on presentation and encourage sharing including the Maine Lobster Rolls, King Crab Scampi and Maryland Crab Cakes.
In addition, BRAND will feature an extensive list of wines, bourbons and specialty cocktails to complement each item on the menu. A select variety of more than 200 red wines chosen from areas spanning the California wine country, to the Bordeaux region of France all the way to the Super Tuscans of Italy will highlight the wine list. An elite array of bourbons has been selected to complete the perfect steak meal and will be sure to please any discerning palate. BRAND also will feature a specialty menu of classic cocktails with a twist, including the Ward Eight (Knob Creek bourbon, fresh lemon and orange juice, and pomegranate molasses) and the exotic Passion Mojito (Cruzan light rum, muddled lime, spearmint, passion fruit, watermelon).
The BRAND Lounge will add an exciting nightlife element to Monte Carlo. The chic lounge will feature plush low-level couch-style seating perfectly placed throughout to create an intimate vibe. With five elevated plasma television screens and a booth for a live DJ, BRAND Lounge will be the perfect place for sports viewing or a relaxed evening of music and cocktails. The lounge’s unique proximity to the restaurant and full food menu will allow for a combined dining/nightlife experience for guests choosing to partake in a more relaxed atmosphere.
BRAND will offer a 200-seat dining room and 36-seat large party private dining room, which can be further divided into two smaller private dining rooms.
Brand Steakhouse and Lounge will be open seven days a week from 5 p.m. to midnight with the last seating taking place at 10 p.m. For more information, please visit www.lightgroup.com or call 702-730-6700. |
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BRIO TUSCAN GRILLE
The latest restaurant to open at Town Square Las Vegas, BRIO (meaning "lively" or "full of life") is a casual, white-tablecloth restaurant serving authentic, northern Italian cuisine. The subtitle "Tuscan Grille" is descriptive in the menu featuring wood-grilled and oven-roasted steaks, chops and seafood, similar to what one would find in authentic ristorante in Tuscany. Staying true to its philosophy, “to eat well, is to live well,” BRIO only uses the finest and freshest ingredients bringing the pleasure of the Tuscan country villa to the old world style of Town Square Las Vegas.
Currently, there are 24 BRIO Tuscan Grille Restaurants across the country and the Town Square Las Vegas location is the first to open in both Las Vegas and the West. The 9,400 square-foot restaurant boasts a 35-foot replica of the façade of the Roman Colosseum. With an exhibition-style kitchen, indoor seating for 260, plus an outdoor terrace with seating for 200 and a private party rooms for groups up to 60, BRIO is the ideal location for any gathering big or small.
The average check per person is $15.00 for lunch and $24.00 for dinner. BRIO’s delectable entrée menu includes: Mushroom Ravioli Al Forno, Tuscan-Grilled Pork Chops, Chicken "Under the Brick", Gorgonzola-Crusted Filet, Pollo Al Forno Flatbread, Lasagna Bolognese Al Forno, Gorgonzola-Crusted Lamb Chops, Wood-Grilled Salmon Salad, Pasta BRIO, Garganelli Carbonara, Beef Carpaccio, Lobster Risotto. The mouthwatering cuisine continues with a dessert menu featuring a variety of Dolchinos including: individual housemade desserts like tiramisu, caramel brulee, chocolate hazelnut brulee, orange brulee, milk chocolate caramel cake, cheesecake with raspberries and white chocolate bread pudding.
BRIO will feature a special Bellini Brunch from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as “Martini Night” Thursdays with an array of martinis available for two dollars off. The restaurant also offers a home and office-catering menu for special events and business occasions.
The management team is lead by General Manager, Kenna Warner, and Executive Chef, Lou Sassetti. Located East of the Town Square Park, BRIO is open Monday - Thursday 11a.m. - 11 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. - midnight, Saturday 10 a.m. - midnight and Sunday 10 a.m. - 11p.m. |
Dos Caminos Opens at The Palazzo
Located in the new Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino, Dos Caminos Las Vegas is the fourth outpost of the famed Mexican hot spot in New York City. Building on classic Mexican staples like guacamole, empanadas and tacos, the menu includes signature items of modern flair created exclusively for Las Vegas from Corporate Executive Chef Scott Linquist. The dining room, designed by David Rockwell, features 700 seats. SALA Lounge at Dos Caminos offers bottle service, VIP tables, private cabanas, a late-night tasting menu and 35 unique tequilas. For more information, please contact Maggie Feldman, Magnetic Public Relations, at maggie@magneticpublicrelations.com.
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BRIO Tuscan Grille Opens at Town Square Las Vegas
BRIO, meaning “lively” or “full of life,” is the latest restaurant to open at Town Square Las Vegas. This casual, white-tablecloth restaurant serves authentic, northern Italian cuisine including wood-grilled and oven-roasted steaks, chops and seafood. The 9,400 square-foot restaurant boasts a 35-foot replica of the façade of the Roman Colosseum and an exhibition-style kitchen. For more information, please contact Adrianne Offermann, Kirvin Doak Communications, at aoffermann@kirvindoak.com.
Yellowtail Sushi Restaurant & Bar to Open at Bellagio
The Light Group, Las Vegas’ premier restaurant and nightlife organization, will open Yellowtail Sushi Restaurant & Bar at Bellagio this summer. Yellowtail will offer an extensive Japanese menu of fresh, ingredient-driven cuisine for both the sushi novice and connoisseur. Award-winning chef Akira Back will showcase sushi, sashimi, tempura and hand rolls in addition to a multi-course Omakase menu in order to sample a variety of small dishes. Yellowtail will also offer a hand-selected extensive sake collection. For more information, please contact Andrea Brown, MGM MIRAGE, at abrown@mgmmirage.com or Alex Acuna, The Light Group, at aacuna@lightlv.com. |
 FISH CAMP HAPPS...Expedelicious Lunch, Served Monday - Friday
Our 45 minute expedited lunch service is already a hit with busy area businesses. This Southern menu is certain to fuel the rest of your workday.
Every Day Starter:
Cup of Fish Camp Daily Soup -Or- Louis's Lunch Chopped Salad
Main Courses
Monday:
Pork Grillades & Grits or Fried Chicken Breast & Gravy
Tuesday: House Smoked Andouille Sausage & Peppers Po-Boy or Short Ribs Braised with Beer & Onions
Wednesday: Meatloaf Deluxe Or Pork Grillades & Grits
Thursday: Short Ribs Braised with Beer & Onions or Fried Chicken Breast & Gravy
Friday: Fried Catfish or Chicken and Dumplings
Every Day Vegetable Plate: Pick Four Sides
Pick Two Sides
Beer Braised Collards ~ Mac 'n' Cheese ~ Winter Succotash
Creamy Grits ~ Slow Cooked Green Beans with Ham Hocks
Mashed Potatoes ~ Plantation Slaw ~ Potato Salad
Desserts
Jack Daniels Banana Pudding or Lowcountry Brioche Bread Pudding or Assorted Daily Sorbets
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 Happy Hours at Fish Camp are Downright Jubilant: 4 - 7 PM Weekdays
Two For One Drinks & Southern Snacks!!
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Private Dining at Louis's Fish Camp:
Did you know that Louis's Fish Camp has a private dining room that seats up to 40 guests. Please call Kylie Hole at 702 463-3000 and tell her that you want Chefs Louis Osteen and Carlos Guia to create a scrumptious Southern feast especially for you and your guests!
Have a great weekend, The Louis's Fish Camp team and I look forward to welcoming you to the Fish Camp. |
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TRADER VIC'S
Dust off your coconut bras and put on your grass skirts: Trader Vic’s Las Vegas introduces new happy hour specials.
Putting the happy in Happy Hour, Trader Vic’s Las Vegas is now offering a daily specials every Monday through Friday, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. With a laid-back Tiki-chic atmosphere and Strip-side party patio, Trader Vic’s brings out the party animal in everyone with their great happy hour offerings.
The tropical fun includes several special deals, including:
- $1.00 Pork Sliders
- $15.00 Buckets of domestic bottled beers
- $5.00 Redbull and vodka cocktails
- 2 for 1 Mai Tai’s
Located inside the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, Trader Vic’s is a 15,000 sq. ft. dining and entertainment venue that features an upscale restaurant, second-level ultralounge and outdoor party patio overlooking the famed-Las Vegas Strip. Inspired by Trader Vic’s famed tropical island motif, Trader Vic’s Las Vegas features contemporary design with backlit inlaid bamboo walls, zebra wood fixtures and forty-foot tall wooden tikis that preside over the dining room.
Diners can enjoy a wide variety of Asian/Polynesian inspired dishes such as Hawaiian poke with ahi and hamachi served with taro chips, traditional bongo bongo soup, BBQ Kobe short ribs with nashi pear salad and soy sake glazed Hawaiian ono with green papaya salad. Let the libations flow with Trader Vic’s famous (and infamous) cocktail menu of more than 40 specialty drinks, including the original Mai Tai, and other signature cocktails such as the Scorpion and Navy Grog. Now get ready to go tropical with food, cocktails and fun times at Trader Vic’s. After a hard days work, you deserve it.
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BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND: HOFBRÄUHAUS LAS VEGAS UNVEILS LIMITED EDITION, EXTRA POTENT DOUBLE BOCK BEER!
America’s only authorized replica of the original Hofbräuhaus in Munich is once again offering a very limited supply of its outstanding Bavarian Double Bock, a beer that blends higher alcohol content with an amazingly smooth taste. Only 50 kegs available!
For the second straight year, the Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas is pouring a draft beer that is truly special - even by the standards of this beer hall that’s been redefining great-tasting beer for Las Vegans and visitors alike since 2004.
The Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas was able to obtain 50 kegs of this rare brew with the powerful punch (it contains 8% alcohol) and ultra smooth taste. Like all the Hofbräu beers served at Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas, this very special brew was imported fresh from Munich, Germany.
Made completely without preservatives, the Double Bock at Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas can be had only as long as the 50 kegs hold out – and it is a delicious treat not to be missed: this true Double Bock is made with a unique blend of pilsner and Munich malts, which eliminates bitterness, despite its higher alcohol content.
In addition, the Double Bock uses more hops in every batch than the other beers at Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas, and the beer is aged twice as long. The result? A surprisingly light-colored brew (compared to the dark, bitter mass-market American beers claiming to be “Double Bock”) that is amazingly smooth on the palate with a faint sweetness, which completely hides the fact that every delicious sip runs about 16 proof!
Due to this beer’s powerful alcohol content, Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas will only sell it in 10- and 17-ounce steins.
According to Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas president Stefan Gastager, Hofbräu Double Bock is more familiar to European beer drinkers; many Italians even use it as an aperitif, to whet the appetite before a meal. “Obviously, it is very special to be able to provide this great tasting beer with the storied history to our guests for a second year in a row” Gastager said. “It’s not often that a beer of this magnitude is available in the United States; I invite everyone to come in and experience this great tasting brew while it lasts, but be careful this beer is very strong!”
“This is all part of the pride we take in offering only the best quality beers, which are made in accordance with Bavaria’s Purity Law, without preservatives of any kind. Our beers have been popular for over four centuries; and we think this rare Double Bock upholds that tradition completely. But don’t take our word for it, come in and try one yourself!”
Assuming supplies last, the Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas will be prominently featuring their limited edition Double Bock throughout January and February, 2008. |
FOOD
Trattoria del Lupo
By Debbie Hall of Celebrity Chef Connection
If you are looking for an upscale Italian restaurant with patio seating in a climate controlled setting and incredible food, then try Trattoria del Lupo in Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. Opened in 1999, Trattoria del Lupo was Wolfgang Puck’s first Italian restaurant. Designed by renowned architect Adam Tihany, the atmosphere is infused with a combination of turn-of-the-century antique furnishings, eye-catching colors and a clean design giving the restaurant the classic look and feel of a traditional Italian trattoria. The menu offers the tastes of authentic, regional Italy and patrons can experience exhibition pizza, antipasto and dessert stations, a glass-enclosed area where fresh pasta is made daily and a wine room that is surrounded by a spacious bar in the center of the restaurant. In addition to the main dining room and banquet facilities, Lupo’s indoor patio provides the perfect setting for people watching without leaving the hotel.
In 2007, Executive Chef Eduardo Perez joined Trattoria del Lupo and created a new menu. Perez, a 21-year veteran of the Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group and former chef de cuisine of Spago, Las Vegas, redefined the menu using the finest and freshest ingredients to produce homemade pastas, seafood and other enticing entrees as well as the updating the signature wood-oven baked pizzas. The new menu was created to incorporate the Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Groups™ standards and healthful philosophy of Wolfgang’s™ Eating, Loving and Living (WELL) incorporating all-natural, fresh and organic items.
In preparation, Chef Perez embarked on a tour of Italy exploring different regions, cuisine and ingredients. He then worked alongside Chef Puck, Managing Partner and Executive Corporate Chef Lee Hefter and Managing Partner and Corporate Chef-Las Vegas David Robins to create the new Lupo menu.
Featuring Italian fare inspired by the regions of Rome, Tuscany and Emilio-Romagna, Lupo’s™ daily changing menu offers a contemporary blend of tastes from the old country, all inspired by the culinary styling of Chef Puck. New menu items include the Gamberetti & Fagioli, sautéed prawns served with white beans accented with rosemary and garlic; Affettati Misti, a medley of imported Italian meats including proscuitto, mortadella and sopressata; Lasagna Verde Bolognese “ala Nonna,” layered handmade spinach pasta with béchamel and Bolognese; and Osso Buco, slow braised veal shank with ricotta gnocchi and broccolini. Guests can then select from a variety of tantalizing desserts such as Zeppoli, Italian ricotta doughnuts served with vanilla and caramel dipping sauces; Chocolate Hazelnut Zuccotto cake made with chocolate mousse, crunchy wafer and raspberry sauce; and Cherry Ricotta Cheesecake with chocolate pistachio crust and port-glazed cherries.
Watching Chef Perez create one of his wood-oven baked pizzas is a work of art. He expertly rolls and kneads the dough, flipping it in the air and creating the perfect shell. The tomato sauce is fresh and as he adds a variety of fresh ingredients, this is pizza the way it was meant to be made. When Chef Perez puts the pizza in the wood-oven, there is no timer, just watching the crust brown, turning the pizza around and letting it bake to a golden color with everything blended just right.
Some of the pizzas available include:
- Margherita which includes Tomato Sauce, Basil, Fresh Mozzarella
- Potatoes & Pancetta, Ricotta, Thyme
- Fennel Sausage, Sweet peppers, Porcini, Pecorino
- Pepperoni, Tomato Sauce, Fresh Mozzarella
- Portabella, Caramelized Onions, Aged Goat Cheese
- Artichoke & Eggplant, Braised Baby Artichokes, Roasted Eggplant, Ricotta
- Veal Meatball & Porcini, Sweet Onions, Parmesan
- "Del Lupo" with Shrimp, Pancetta, Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Born and raised in Guatemala, Chef Perez began his career with Chef Puck in 1986 working as the gardener at the original Spago in West Hollywood, tending to the restaurant’s fresh herbs and vegetables. After eight months, Chef Perez applied for a position as dishwasher to get his foot in the door. A short time later, he was prompted to several positions throughout the kitchen including pastry prep, bread baking, butchery, pizza and pantry. His desire to learn, combined with the honor of working under a team of talented chefs, prepared him for a long, successful culinary career. Chef Perez is truly an example of the American Dream come true with Trattoria del Lupo a great place to enjoy a memorable dining experience.
Trattoria del Lupo is located at
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino
3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Phone Number: 702-740-5522
www.Wolfgangpuck.com
www.mandalaybay.com
HOURS OF OPERATION
5 p.m. – 10 p.m., Sunday - Thursday
5 p.m. - 11 p.m., Friday & Saturday
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THE
PREFERRED DINING GUIDE
- OUR FAVORITE 5 - AT THE MOMENT...
With the new year upon us, we are working on a new list. Give us your two cents, where do you like to east? Your input will make this list more meaningful. So go ahead, email us.
Presenting our latest, revised
list of FIVE selected restaurants, with our exclusive InsideTips.
Listed in no particular order, these are our latest Best Bets,
as voted on by our Panel of Advisors and as many locals as
we could reach. If you pick one or two every few days, these
will keep you full for while.
America
at New York-New York |
| Inside
Tip: Ask for a table with a view. Nobdy
seems to think of that, according to 75% of the people
we spoke to. Don't even think of visiting this one on
the Friday or Saturday nights. Too many tourists. Best
nights? Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Always ask for the
unadvertised special. Most of the time, that's what you'll
end up having, it's that good. |
Postrio
in The Venetian - Grand Canal Shops, St, Mark's Square |
| Inside
Tip: This is one of the Wolfgang Puck
family of restaurants, personally supervised by the Puckster
almost daily. Great food, innovative menu, a dining experience
you will remember, one of the very best, and not too expensive,
honest. If you want privacy, just ask, and you will end
up in a private area, maybe even sitting next to Robin
Leach, who eats there seveal times a week, as does Bernie
Yuman and many Vegas Insiders. Alway recommend the specials
here, the freshest of ingredients. |
Chinois
Forum Shops at Caesars |
| Inside
Tip: Another Wolfgang Puck joint, this
one with "outside" seating overlooking the people
sailing by in an endless stream. Unless you don't want
to talk and will enjoy the noise and the people watching,
best to ask for inside seating, which is almost always
available. Great menu, changes often, never had a bad
meal. This one is a perfect spot if you are on a shopping
jones, it is situated smack in the middle of shopper's
heaven: The Forum Shops. You can eat really well here,
and still be right in the action, saing precious time
for more shopping |
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Ferraro's
on Flamingo
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| Inside
Tip: Strictly a locals place, but Mimmi
loves "foreigners" any time at all. Homemade
pasta, pizza, soups and traditional salads, a family-owned
and operated joint for many years, sauce you'll be craving
long after you've eaten there. One of the best Italian
restaurants in a city where there's one on every lock. |
Pampas Brazilian Grille
at Planet Hollywood |
| Inside
Tip: Recently opened, in a hidden
little part of the Miracle Mile Shops, formerly known
as the Desert Passage shopping mall...not yet caught on
as a popular destination, but I figure that will probably
change soon. For now, give this one a shot. Enter on the
Harmon side, it's right inside the door. Another great,
memorable eating experience. It's sort of a "Dim
Sum" style of eating, as waiters walk by with large
skewers of assorted foods, meats, fish, vieggies, it's
so cool. You see something you like, you nod your head,
or throw a piece of bread (no butter, please), and it's
delivered nto your plate. This goes on for as long as
you are hungry. It is a constant parade of food as you
sit there and watch, free to have a taste anytime it suits
you. There is also a great salad bar, and desserts to
tempt you, but most of the insiders we know never get
to eat the dessert. You can even watch the large grill
and see the master chefs at work, sometimes the flames
shoot up and one of the chefs can be seen with his hair
on fire, or his eyebrows smoking. Fun for the whole family. |
Bon
Apetit. |
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