NO. 44 BEST OF THE CITY 2015
CONTENTS HIGHLY/RATED: 44 THINGS WE LOVE ABOUT LAS VEGAS 14 BUY The diversity of shopping in this city is unparalleled. We show you the best designer bargains, the store to relive your childhood, where to fnd that perfect vintage book and how to capture it all on flm. 24 DO Beyond the neon lights, there’s much to do off the beaten path, from a staycation at the lake to admiring art deco tiles to mountain biking in Red Rock. Closer to home, we take you to a salt cave and Las Vegas’ only Kundalini yoga center. 34 EAT Where to begin? For starters, we found the most decadent biscuits and ended with a taco made of ice cream. In between, we indulged in steak, vegan tacos and a whole mezze of small plates. Then we washed it all down with unlimited rosé. 42 SEE Vegas is full of whiz-bang entertainment. Our picks are more subtle—a soulful singer, Sexxy dancers and some Downtown treasures, including an homage to the King.
ON THE COVER I HEART L.V., WE HEART L.V. Illustrated by I LOVE DUST / ilovedust.com
FEATURE 53 BREAKING BRUNCH Breakfast+Lunch just might be the most important meal of the day, from Bloody Marys to eggs and everything sweet and savory in between.
THE INSIDER’S GUIDE 67 MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND 2015 Meet the girls of summer, and fnd 15 ways to unwind throughout the holiday weekend. 88 GREAT STACK Collect all 44.
LET’S GET DIGITAL VISIT
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SPOTLIGHT
THE EDITOR’S AGENDA
THIS MONTH, IN MY LIFE 1 Dream of
Carbone. It’s offcial: The New York hot spot from Mario Carbone, Rich Torrisi and Jeff Zalaznick will open at Aria in October, and I won’t be eating one single carb until I am reunited with their signature spicy rigatoni. Read all about why I love it at vegasseven.com/ carbone.
Planning a trip to Vegas for you and the girls this summer? Here’s some advice from Bri Steck, CEO of the new website Vegas Girls Night Out, a boutique concierge service designed exclusively for women by women. vegasgirlsnightout.com 1. It’s recommended you start planning at least six months in advance. 2. If you really want to see Thunder From Down Under, tickets sell out, so buy them 60 days in advance. 3. Book a limo! Vegas doesn’t have Uber yet and cab lines can be anywhere from a oneto two-hour wait, so have your ride ready to pick you up when you walk out the door.
2 Play at Sundown. Every Sunday something magical
happens at Daylight pool in Mandalay Bay. As the sun sets, one of the coolest new parties unfolds. Even better? It’s early so you don’t have to worry about making it to work on Monday. For more info, read vegasseven.com/sundown
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Check into the Four Seasons. Contributor Jen Chase spends 24 hours at one of my favorite hotels on the Strip and comes out relaxed, refreshed and ready to check in again, as soon as possible! Exclusively on vrated.com/fourseasons
4 Dine at Glutton. This is one of my favorite new restaurants Downtown. The burger is to die for, and they make their own cheese. gluttonlv.com
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Download The Glam App, theglamapp.com. This new beauty on-demand service brings hair, makeup and nails right to you with a push of a button.
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Dress like Ramy Sharp. If you don’t know her label Ramy Brook, educate yourself ASAP. No one makes a top like Ramy, and I have fallen hard for her crossbody bags of late. Check out my interview with her at vrated.com/ramy.
MELINDA SHECKELLS Editor-in-Chief @melindasvegas
4. See Boyz II Men. It will take you back, and you will know every song. 5. Plan a nice dinner at least one night out for your group. Prix-fxe menus are a great suggestion, so you won’t have to worry about splitting the check 10 different ways and you have a guaranteed reservation. 6. Take it easy on your frst night; you don’t want to go all out on Friday night and then be hungover on Saturday. Remember to pace yourself. 7. Stay hydrated! Vegas is a desert and you’re drinking alcohol, so have at least one bottle of water per three drinks. 8. Don’t walk barefoot! Throw some foldable fats in your bag if you don’t think you’ll make it all night in your heels. For more tips from Steck including deals on nightclub and pool party entry, visit vrated.com/vgno
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CONTRIBUTORS N . 44 THE I HEART LV ISSUE O
BEN WARD
MICHAEL SKENANDORE Publisher Associate Publisher Editor-in-Chief
CHRISTY CORDA MELINDA SHECKELLS
Creative Director
BEN WARD
Managing Editor
GENEVIE DURANO
Copy Chief Editorial Interns Contributing Editors
PAUL SZYDELKO JAMES CALE, ARIC LAIRMORE GRACE BASCOS (DINING) GEOFF CARTER (CULTURE) XANIA WOODMAN (BEVERAGE)
Contributing Writers
JESSICA ACUÑA, KAT BOEHRER, CASEY BRENNAN, IAN CARAMANZANA, JEN CHASE, NICOLE ELY, ANTHONY MAIR, JESSIE O’BRIEN, STEPHANIE RIVERS, LISSA TOWNSEND RODGERS
Senior Graphic Designer
JESSE J SUTHERLAND
Contributing Illustrators
ILOVEDUST, LISA CHEUNG
Senior Contributing Photographer Contributing Photographers
ANTHONY MAIR ELIZABETH BUEHRING, JON ESTRADA, CARLOS LARIOS, LASTNIGHTSPARTY.COM, SABIN ORR
Interactive Developer Director of Digital Media Assistant Web Producer Engagement Editor Digital Sales Manager Account Manager Director of Production/Distribution Advertising Manager Distribution Coordinator
HERB AKINYELE NICOLE ELY AMBER SAMPSON ZONEIL MAHARAJ NICOLE SCHERER BRITTANY QUINTANA
Editor
JAMES BEARSE JASEN ONO
MICHAEL SKENANDORE MATT JACOB
Creative Director
SHERWIN YUMUL
Vice President, Marketing & Events
KYLE MARKMAN
Marketing Manager
MAUREEN HANK
Director of Strategic Partnerships
MICHAEL URIARTE
Vice President, Finance
REY ALBERTO
Assistant Controller
DONNA NOLLS
Senior Accountant Human Resources Coordinator
GENEVIE DURANO
MANAGING EDITOR Putting together Vegas/Rated’s best-of issue is defnitely Durano’s favorite task of the year. It reminds her of all the things that make Las Vegas such a dynamic city. The Strip offers endless entertainment and dining, but Downtown is also shaping up to be quite the hangout, especially Writer’s Block (page 31), which this bookworm is very excited about. She’s been venturing out beyond the neon lights, too, discovering the beauty of Lake Las Vegas (page 27). A stack of books, a chair lakeside and no deadlines? Um, yes, please.
MARC BARRINGTON
RYAN T. DOHERTY | JUSTIN WENIGER President
CREATIVE DIRECTOR A transplant from Los Angeles, Ward fnds himself quite at home in Las Vegas, where he resides on one of the city’s hippest up-and-coming blocks (page 42). “I can’t wait for the Grazing Pig to open!” Ward has contributed to publications such as Flaunt and Italian Vogue, and even designed for pop star Janet Jackson. In addition to Vegas/Rated, Ward also works on Las Vegas luxury magazine Crystals, which highlights the pristine retailers of The Shops at Crystals.
LINDA NASH KARA DENNIS
JESSE J SUTHERLAND
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER In May, Sutherland and Vegas/Rated mark their third anniversary. As graphic designer and photographer, Sutherland and Vegas/Rated have had extraordinary adventures together, going behind the scenes at some of the city’s most popular hot spots, tasting dishes from the Strip’s greatest chefs and meeting the people who shape Las Vegas. When asked what he considers the “best of the city,” Sutherland said, “In a town where everything is on such a high caliber, it’s impossible to choose. Except ice cream tacos (page 41). I love ice cream tacos.” Follow Sutherland’s photography and adventures on Twitter and Instagram @JesseJSuth.
GRACE BASCOS
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VEGAS/RATED® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF SANDOW MEDIA, LLC AND USED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH WENDOH MEDIA COMPANIES. VEGAS/RATED (ISSN 2162-6340) VOL. 4, NO. 8 IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY WENDOH MEDIA LAS VEGAS, NV.
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DINING EDITOR Bascos, one of the OG members of Vegas/ Rated, has gone on quite the Las Vegas culinary adventure over the years. She tailed Guy Savoy for a day, encouraged chefs to create gorgeous dishes based on body art and broke down how to properly eat pho and Shanghai soup dumplings. This month, “Breaking Brunch” (page 53), provides a sultry list of the fnest examples of the midday meal and some of the sexiest food porn that’s ever been shot for this magazine. “If I’ve made you hungry,” she says, “then I’ve done my job.”
Think Of It As A Luxury SUV In A More Compact Package. Introducing The All New 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA, Starting At $33,300.
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first RADICAL COOL BEST Wonderful Magnificent Excellent Amazing Stunning Staggering Impressive Marvelous superior finest greatest perfect Leading Premier superlative par excellence unrivaled second to none without equal, nonpareil unsurpassed peerless matchless Unparalleled unbeaten ultimate incomparable ideal AWESOME INSANE first RADICAL COOL BEST Wonderful Magnificent Excellent Amazing Stunning Staggering Impressive Marvelous superior finest greatest perfect Leading Premier superlative par excellence unrivaled second to none without equal, nonpareil unsurpassed peerless matchless Unparalleled unbeaten ultimate incomparable ideal AWESOME INSANE first RADICAL COOL BEST Wonderful Magnificent Excellent Amazing Stunning Staggering Impressive Marvelous superior finest greatest perfect Leading Premier superlative par excellence unrivaled second to none without equal, nonpareil unsurpassed peerless matchless Unparalleled unbeaten ultimate incomparable ideal AWESOME INSANE first RADICAL COOL BEST Wonderful Magnificent Excellent Amazing Stunning Staggering Impressive Marvelous superior finest greatest perfect Leading Premier superlative par excellence unrivaled second to none without equal, nonpareil unsurpassed peerless matchless Unparalleled unbeaten ultimate incomparable ideal AWESOME INSANE first RADICAL COOL BEST Wonderful Magnificent Excellent Amazing Stunning Staggering Impressive
Things
The Place to
Find aBook
for Any Occasion
Amber Unicorn Books Home to more than 200,000 books—from fantasy and romance to antiquarian tomes, frst editions and thousands of cookbooks— Amber Unicorn is a treasure chest for any book collector. If you’re looking for a unique gift, owners Myrna and Lou Donato will help you navigate the massive collection. You just might fnd that frstedition unicorn you’ve been searching for. 101 S. Decatur Blvd.; Suite 14, 702.648.9303 JESSIE O’BRIEN / PHOTOGRAPHY ANTHONY MAIR
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Making All Our Retail Dreams Come True
THE Expansion of fashion show
When you achieve being the largest shopping destination in Las Vegas, what would be the next thing to do? Get bigger, of course. Fashion Show will add 30 new or expanded stores and restaurants this year totaling 208,000 square feet. The Strip facing “front door” remodel will house seven free-standings shops and three new restaurants. Zara will triple in size and become one of the Spanish retailer’s largest U.S. locations. Also Spanish and new to market, Camper Shoes will make its Las Vegas debut. 702.369.8382; thefashionshow.com ARIC LAIRMORE
Best Personal Shopping Service Topshop & Topman
Want to look red-carpet ready at all times? Then you defnitely need a stylist. Thanks to Topshop and Topman in Fashion Show, a massive bank balance is not a requirement. Choose from a menu of complimentary appointments with a personal shopper who will cater to any style. When you arrive, you’ll be in a room full of curated items for easy selecting. And don’t worry if you aren’t local—Topshop ships to out-of-town clients who don’t want to pack their purchases. All hail convenience! In Fashion Show, 702.866.0646; topshop.com IAN CARAMANZANA / PHOTOGRAPHY JESSE J SUTHERLAND
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MANE MEN
In the competitive world of hairdressing, it’s no easy feat building a clientele from scratch, especially right out of beauty school. But that’s what Henry “Butch” Cote did after relocating from New Hampshire to take a position at A Robert Cromeans Salon in Mandalay Bay. “Butch has grown at the quickest rate I’ve ever seen in the industry and has sustained it,” says Ira Pope Sage, Cote’s now business partner and a 21-year veteran of the industry. The two met at the start of their 12-year tenure at the salon. (Cromeans, Paul Mitchell Systems’ global artistic director, recruited Sage to work there.) After earning his own accolades and being selected to travel as an educator for Paul Mitchell, Cote asked his longtime friend to join him in his latest passion project, Cotê Hair, as director of art. “He’s genuine; he’s wicked passionate; he does everything 100 percent all of the time,” Cote says of Sage. The product line and complementary educational program was conceived by Cote 2 1/2 years ago and went live in April, selling its frst batch of products to Bomb Hair Salon, where the guys have worked for the last three years.
Henry Butch Cote & Ira Pope Sage
JESSI C. ACUÑA / PHOTOGRAPHY ANTHONY MAIR
wine and dine:
“DW Bistro is my favorite restaurant—great culture from the owners, staff and clientele, and, of course, an amazing menu,” Sage says. “I especially love their seared ahi tuna salad, turkey sliders and the fully loaded mac-andcheese.” Cote likes to keep it close to home at The Blind Pig in Panorama Towers, where he lives. “It’s really convenient, and the options are amazing—from pizza to a kale salad. I just need to choose the kale more often.”
culture club:
Friends long before they were business partners, the two can be seen hanging out at some of their favorite spots Downtown, such as Commonwealth. Sage is also a fan of “places like the Griffn and Gold Spike, which have become an alternative culture for a younger, hipster art scene.” They regularly attend concerts together, too. “Brooklyn Bowl is handsdown one of the best venues,” Cote says.
fit as a fiddle: A regular at Bikram Yoga Las Vegas near Decatur Boulevard and Interstate 215, Sage also looks for alternative means to stay active. “I love stand-up paddle boarding at The Westin Lake Las Vegas. It’s a nice, relaxing getaway.” Cote enjoys using his building’s gym. “I can’t get enough of a good audiobook and those stairs that keep on coming on the StairMaster. I do some of my best thinking there.” a hidden gem:
Cote relishes a great meal alongside even better service at The Barrymore in Royal Resort, while Sage can be found relaxing with a massage at Bali Foot Spa. “It’s only $20 per hour, and I get two hours with this rad lady named Sunny.”
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Monocle Optical
Necessity is the mother of invention, and for Monocle Optical owner Eric Healey, a childhood injury that left him with a glass eye was the impetus for his career choice. But it was his work in both big box stores and doctors’ offces that refned that vision when he created Monocle Optical, a shop that eliminates the middle man (doctors), passing the savings on to his customers. Having an in-house studio also allows him to make lenses at lower prices without the wait. Seeing is believing, but bring a few friends when you go so they can tell you whether or not those Tom Ford, Cavalli or Converse frames really look good on you. In Container Park, 707 Fremont St., Suite 3300, 702.678.4225; monocleoptical.vegas
fifty shades of great
STEPHANIE RIVERS / PHOTOGRAPHY JESSE J SUTHERLAND
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Jewelry for Every Occasion
Alexis Bittar
Brooklyn in now offcially in the house at The Forum Shops at Caesars, thanks to the recent opening of Alexis Bittar’s boutique. The contemporary jewelry designer has captured the wrists, ears and necks of fashion devotees from coast to coast. His collections are bright, bold and fun, perfect for a night out in Vegas. alexisbittar.com MELINDA SHECKELLS / ILLUSTRATION LISA CHEUNG
The Las Vegas north Premium Outlets
Best Designer Bargain Hunting
The recently opened, todie-for, 150,000-square-foot expansion of the Las Vegas North Premium Outlets has made some of the biggest names in fashion available at prices discounted up to 80 percent. The designer coup d’état includes Helmut Lang, Marc Jacobs, G-Star Raw, Alexis Bittar, Bally and Neiman Marcus Last Call Studio. 875 S. Grand Central Pkwy., 702.474.7500 STEPHANIE RIVERS / PHOTOGRAPHY VISIONS IN PHOTOGRAPHY
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t s e o i p f p H a o H Bastille on 3 u e A joint with one BOGO deal a day would be enough … but three? And for every drink on the menu, no holds barred (heh)? Fantastique! Bastille on 3rd sits on the site of Vegas’ longestoperating gay bar Downtown. From 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 4-7 p.m., and 12 a.m.-2 a.m., a purchase made is a purchase earned, from a Coors Light to a bottle of Champs. No wonder it’s favored by locals, one and all. 1402 S. 3rd St., 702.385.9298; bastillelv.com
rs
Th
rd
JEN CHASE / PHOTOGRAPHY JON ESTRADA
good to know:
Can’t down your second drink? Worry not. Buy your frst and Bastille’s cocktail maestro Freddy Godinez (formerly of Downtown Cocktail Room and Rose.Rabbit. Lie) will hand you a playing card with Robespierre, Marie Antoinette or King Louis XVI, each of a different French caste, representing the value of your drink. Cards are redeemable for a free cocktail either later in your stay, or you may pocket your card and redeem another time.
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NEON
BONEYARD
WHERE TO WATCH DAY TURN TO NIGHT
There’s a golden hour in Vegas that has nothing to do with cocktails. It’s dusk, when the sun sets and we learn the real meaning of that “purple mountains majesties” line we sang in grade school. This city proffers some beautiful nocturnal sights, and an unmissable one is the Neon Museum’s open-air Boneyard. There, neon casino signs never die … they’re collected, restored and propped on their good side to allow visitors to glean some Strip history from the iconic images that were. Neon Boneyard at the Neon Museum, 770 Las Vegas Blvd. North, 702.387.6366; neonmuseum.org JEN CHASE / PHOTOGRAPHY ANTHONY MAIR
In October, the Boneyard unveiled its two most recently restored signs: one from Jerry’s Nugget, and the other from the Liberace Museum. insider intel:
Nighttime guided tours sell out fast, so book early. Going in the daytime? Bring water and sun protection. Amid the Boneyard’s six restored signs is a whole lot of metal, which museum offcials say drives up air temps 10 degrees north of whatever it is outside the property.
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Art deco on a grand scale
The Tile at the Hoover Dam
It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the Hoover Dam: 726 feet high, more than 6 million tons of concrete, truly a massive architectural achievement. But there are some smaller, subtler fourishes, chief among them the tile art by Allen T. True. The terrazzo foors in the powerhouse and in the elevator lobby use motifs taken from pottery and baskets used by Southwestern tribes. The designs pay homage to Native American infuences, yet ft into the Dam’s overall deco aesthetic, a graceful detail that references the region’s past while powering its future. LISSA TOWNSEND RODGERS / PHOTOGRAPHY JESSE J SUTHERLAND
A day off the beaten path
Cottonwood VALLEY Trails
Just a few miles south of the Red Rock Canyon scenic route you’ll fnd Cottonwood Valley Trails, which consists of 140 miles of weblike paths. Stop by the bike outpost, either before or after your ride, and chat up the friendly staff or rent a bike for the day. Then take the trail clockwise, which is about 10 miles. After the frst uphill battle it’s pretty smooth sailing. Your reward? Beautiful, red sandy terrain, the perfect companion to the stunning views of Red Rock Canyon. ANTHONY MAIR / PHOTOGRAPHY JON ESTRADA
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Best staycation this side of paradise
Kayaking. Stargazing. Roasting marshmallows over an open fre pit while listening to the sounds of nocturnal creatures. If you think this kind of vacation can’t take place in Las Vegas, think again. Just a few miles out in Henderson, The Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort is a destination of another kind, where white sand beaches and golf courses are a natural part of the landscape. Here, the lake isn’t choreographed to a Celine Dion song and no one is dropping the bass. The only thing you’ll be dropping is your worry and care. Forget a staycation. We may just move here forever.
GENEVIE DURANO / PHOTOGRAPHY (TILT-SHIFT LENS EFFECT) ANTHONY MAIR
The Westin Lake Las Vegas
web exclusive:
For the full Westin Lake Las Vegas experience, visit vrated.com/ 24HoursInTheWestin
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Open the door to the city good to know: Alexandra Lourdes not only founded Unlokt but uses it when planning a perfect day in the city. Here’s where you’ll fnd her: morning:
“My go-to is an açai bowl (pictured) and dos leches nut milk from Pressed for Juice.”
afternoon:
“My favorite beauty treatment is a Hungarian facial from Aminah’s Organic Skin Spa and/or a blowout from iBlowdry. If I could do a blowout every day, I would!”
evening:
Unlokt
Ever wish you had your own personal concierge who told you the best places to eat, drink and get pampered? Alexandra Lourdes did, too. That’s why she founded Unlokt, an app, website and blog that takes word-of-mouth, vets it, then gives its seal of approval. “We help locals get to know their city by curating the local hot spots and everything happening there in real time,” Lourdes says. “We have gained our loyal following because we have a strong mission of being exclusive and credible.” Unlokt has done all the work for you; now go explore. And for some serious food porn, follow Unlokt on Instagram. unlokt.com GENEVIE DURANO / PHOTOGRAPHY ANTHONY MAIR
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“Fusion Mexican food at Mundo at World Market Center. ... The sweet chipotle glaze shrimp tamale and the Mexican street corn are life-changing.”
nightcap: “I end my night with some incredible custom cocktails in the Laundry Room at Commonwealth.”
Best Part of Waking Up
(is a lavender latte in your cup) If a rose by any other name would smell as sweet, is coffee with an herb still coffee? If you’ve tried Makers & Finders’ lavender-infused latte you’d know the answer is “yes.” With lavender in its title, its star ingredient (house-made simple syrup) and artfully sprinkled on top, the foral herbality adds complexity to the Italian espresso shot pulled into your steamed milk of choice. Under-sweet and over-unique, it’s our fave way to start the day. 1120 S. Main Street, 702.586.8255; makersandfnderslv.com JEN CHASE / PHOTOGRAPHY JON ESTRADA
Best Use of Flour, Butter and Salt
Cheddar Bacon Biscuits at Made L.V. Butter and bacon may make everything better, but the ante gets upped when cheddar joins the party in your mouth. These puppies will make you fork the hand that reaches. Dense but not heavy, and faky but not too moist, the biscuits are served with honey butter topped with a smidge of crunchy black lava salt. Our advice? Avoid bloodshed from the get-go and just place two orders. 450 S. Rampart Blvd., Ste. 120, 702.722.2000; made-lv.com Made LV’s Chef Eric Wepfer bakes about 50 biscuits fresh each day.
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JEN CHASE / PHOTOGRAPHY JESSE J SUTHERLAND
It’s been a good year of frsts for chef Brian Malarkey. He’s the frst Top Chef alum to debut front and center on the Las Vegas Strip, planting his fag with Searsucker at Caesars Palace. The latest outpost of his fun, upscale comfort-food restaurant, situated adjacent to Omnia nightclub, marks his inaugural endeavor with nightlife empire Hakkasan Group. The other frsts come in the details, such as learning the ropes of a restaurant in a city like Las Vegas. “We’re acclimating to a much later dining group than I am used to,” Malarkey says. “We have [executive chef] Jean Paul [Labadie] at the helm. He’s a veteran of this city, and he’s teaching me, ‘This is how we roll out here.’ At 9 o’clock I’m like, ‘Where is everyone? What’s happening? What a horrible night!’ Then at 10 o’clock you can’t walk through the restaurant.” GRACE BASCOS / PHOTOGRAPHY ANTHONY MAIR
Brian Malarkey love at first bite
wine and dine:
“I’m starstruck by eating at a lot of these celebrity-chef restaurants. It’s surreal that you can walk down to [Forum Shops] and eat at Spago and the Palm. It’s amazing, the diversity of cuisine in such a small area.”
night moves: If Malarkey can’t go to the nightlife, the nightlife will come to him. It’s a good thing Omnia is a hop, skip and a jump away. “I’ve been so focused on the restaurant, I haven’t been going out! Omnia is as far as I get.” culture club:
“I like being a tourist,” Malarkey says. “I walk up and down the Strip. I love the architecture, the lights, the shows. You have such a concentration of greatness in one really small place.”
fit as a fiddle: What’s better than getting your workout in a new city? Getting a dose of history at the same time. “I jog in the mornings,” Malarkey says. “There’s a whole other side of Vegas that people don’t see. I love the infrastructure and the nostalgia. I like to think of being with the boys and what it was like back in the day, and seeing what it’s grown into. … I love history.”
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All the meat you’ll ever need
WAGYU WAGYU at stripsteak
We’re not just talking any steak here but the mother of them all: Wagyu. Chef Gerald Chin pits Australian versus American breeds on one plate. Both flets are cooked over the mesquite grill—just enough so that the rich marbling hits the melting point—and served side by side with notes of fresh wasabi to punctuate the meat, along with fuffy potato espuma and a redwine reduction. You can tell the slightest of differences between the meat if you’re paying attention. But the point is moo(t) when you take a bite, because it all melts in your mouth anyway. $65, in Mandalay Bay, 702.632.7200; mandalaybay.com GRACE BASCOS / PHOTOGRAPHY ANTHONY MAIR
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Delivery So Good You’ll Forget about Going Out Postmates
Let’s say you really want a grilled cheese from Downtown sandwich stand The Goodwich at 1 p.m. on a Sunday … but have zero desire to get in the car, drive there and wait in line. Who shall be called to fetch this gooey, crunchy, buttery delight? Postmates, that’s who. As their slogan says: “Get the best of the city delivered in minutes,” and from anywhere (fee is based on distance). The urban logistics and on-demand delivery platform is sweeping the nation, connecting customers with local couriers to gather goods from any restaurant or store. Check out our favorites: the $4.99 weekly specials or the fower shop. postmates.com MELINDA SHECKELLS / PHOTOGRAPHY JESSE SUTHERLAND
Tom’s Big Ass Eggroll
that’s how we roll
This dish’s sheer size and innards of marinated chicken, green rice and cabbage may invoke the spirit of a burrito. But the deep-fried wrapper, topped with peanut sauce and Tom’s Asian glaze—a sweet and savory mixture of hoisin, soy and teriyaki sauces— surely makes this an eggroll. You could split hairs and call it an Asian chimichanga, but whatever you want to call this only-in-Vegas dish, it’s defnitely as big as the town it was created for, with rich favors, exuberant crunch and maximum satisfaction. $15, in New York-New York, 702.740.6766; nynyhotelcasino.com GRACE BASCOS / PHOTOGRAPHY ANTHONY MAIR
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Good things come in small dishes
Cleo
“Small plates” might be a term that’s thrown around on menus way too often, but at Cleo it’s known as mezze, and it’s their specialty. More than 30 Mediterraneaninspired bites, including cucumber tzatziki and spicy carrot harissa dips, wispy Brussels sprouts hearts, crunchy and bright to lamb kefta and pork belly skewers, beg to be sampled. If you want to dig deeper into the cuisine, try the labneh yogurt with feta cheese, stuffed grape leaves known as dolmades, and stuffed phyllo in the form of borek and spanakopita. At $8 a pop, it’s easy to make a happy mezze without breaking the bank. In SLS Las Vegas, 702.761.7612; slslasvegas.com GRACE BASCOS / PHOTOGRAPHY ANTHONY MAIR
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Block with the Most “cool” Potential California Avenue & Casino Center Boulevard In the expanse surrounding the intersection of California Avenue and Casino Center Boulevard, a crop of new bars and restaurants are on the horizon. Under the same roof, Harvest & Larder American cookery and Grazing Pig Charcuterie will open in the fall while the adjacent “Bar” is still looking for a tenant. Across Charleston Boulevard, the old buildings facing Main Street are being demolished for the new Arts District Plaza to be flled with restaurants, art galleries and retail shops. JESSIE O’BRIEN / PHOTOGRAPHY ANTHONY MAIR
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The Rising Star
Daniel Park
Daniel Park has a knack for adapting musically in whatever environment he fnds himself. Since moving to town two years ago, he’s performed at Container Park, Red Rock Resort and The Linq, among others. He’s also been a fxture on the Strip—he’s had a Tuesday-night residency at Lily Bar & Lounge in Bellagio for nearly two years—but Downtown is where he calls home. He can regularly be seen performing at local venues or even jamming out at the Airstream Park (a community of Airstream trailers), where he lives. But don’t think the New Mexico native is stopping there. Park just released his third EP, Live+Looping, in spring and is working on a fourth. While he continues to make his mark in Las Vegas, he’s never one to boast, and frequently acknowledges the city that has welcomed him with open arms. “I have met some great musicians here who truly are selfess and are there to help the music community grow,” Park says. JESSI C. ACUÑA / PHOTOGRAPHY ELIZABETH BUEHRING
wine and dine:
“My favorite late-night meal is at Jinya Ramen Bar, which has very tasty ramen, and especially hits the spot after a late show,” Park says. “It’s open until 3 a.m. and not too far away from the Strip.” During the day, Park likes Le Thai Downtown. “They have a modern twist on Thai that has my mouth watering every time I’m there. Be careful of the spice level, though. They don’t mess around.”
daytripping: “I usually frequent coffeehouses during the day, so it just depends what side of town I’m on,” Park says. “PublicUS Downtown has done a great job being the ‘cool’ place to be with amazing coffee made by hipsters. I also enjoy a white chocolate mocha from Sambalatte from time to time.” night moves: “I enjoy live music and will try to see it as much as I can,” Park says. “I saw Alt-J and Jungle at The Joint in Hard Rock Hotel recently, but I also like to frequent downtown places such as Bunkhouse and Commonwealth.” a hidden gem:
“I recently did a tour Downtown with Trikke Las Vegas, which uses electricpowered personal transportation vehicles,” Park says. “I was able to drive my own vehicle while my guide, Fred, took me around to some great murals, architecture and cool places.”
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The Girl with the Golden Voice If you’ve enjoyed the sexy calendar girls of Pin Up at the Stratosphere, you’ve heard the sultry vocals of Lisa Marie, the show’s glamorous singer. When she’s not busy belting out those brassy notes onstage, Marie is working on her own music. The Las Vegas native recently recorded the single “Woman” with producer Jason Tanzer. “I’m a rock girl,” she says, referring to Pat Benatar and Heart as some of her major infuences. As a Strip performer, she rarely gets to see any of her favorites live. “I’m always here, performing!” NICOLE ELY / PHOTOGRAPHY ANTHONY MAIR
wine and dine:
“I’m a foodie. I love trying all the new restaurants in town. DW Bistro is one of my favorites. It’s where all the local entertainers like to hang out on the weekends. For brunch, they have this Jamaican jerk chicken and waffes.”
Lisa Marie
night moves: “I either go to Don’t Tell Mama, which is a piano bar on Fremont Street, or [pianist] Kenny Davidson hosts an entertainers’ night every week at the Tuscany. So after hours, they have all the Strip entertainers coming and singing what they like to sing. I don’t like nightclubs, because I can’t talk loud during the week.” culture club:
“When I’m not doing my shows or original music, I love to play (and watch) sports and cooking (or eating) new foods.”
fit as a fiddle: “The show burns a lot of calories for me, so I fortunately don’t do a lot of cardio. However, have you heard of those ab lounges that were big in the ’90s? Those things work!” off the beaten path:
“Mount Charleston is amazing. Every year during the snow season, we rent a log cabin and bring the dogs.”
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The New Combat Sport Big Knockout boxing
Still feeling riled up after the supposed fght of the century? Check out Big Knockout Boxing for a double shot of pure adrenaline. The new combat sport is void of three things: a ring, ropes and corners, and its ultimate goal is in its name. The high-intensity boxing/MMA hybrid tosses fghters in a 17-foot-diameter sunken pit. Regular matches are fve two-minute rounds, while championship bouts are seven two-minute rounds. BKB prides itself on big fnishes and faunts its violence, so chances are you’ll get to witness a knockout that’s worthy of the highlight reel. For a list of events, visit bkb.tv. IAN CARAMANZANA / PHOTOGRAPHY JON ESTRADA
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So Good it deserves a double x Sexxy
Las Vegas’ love affair with topless shows goes as far back as this city’s beginnings. And once in a while, a topless revue opens in which the ladies deliver the goods on more than one level. Thanks to local dance veteran Jennifer Romas and the women of Sexxy, the Westgate’s new sultry revue hits the mark with a little bit of something for everyone: cowgirls, schoolgirls, girl-on-girl … all performed with incredible grace, athleticism and, yes, sexiness. (If rotating between split kicks to the tune of “Cherry Pie” on a lipsshaped sofa doesn’t show skill, nothing will.) $33-$44, Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, 702.732.5111; westgateresorts.com NICOLE ELY / PHOTOGRAPHY JON ESTRADA
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A Refreshing Change of Pace
White Label Thursdays at Sayers Club
The Sayers Club’s weekly event, White Label Thursdays, throws it back to the old-school days when DJs played classic hip-hop, funk, soul and reggae tracks and made music the “real” way, with true beat matching and scratching techniques. Clubgoers witness live vinyl turntable work, punctuated by both local and visiting talent. In SLS Las Vegas, 702.761.7618; thesayersclublv.com KAT BOEHRER / PHOTOGRAPHY CARLOS LARIOS
Most Interesting Crossing Guard
The Voice of the King
If you live in Vegas, you’ve probably seen an Elvis in a pink Cadillac shifting lanes on Interstate 95 or an Elvis casually standing in line at the grocery store buying dog food. So it’s no surprise to fnd an Elvis at the crosswalk, too—well, his voice, at least. If you’re waiting at the intersection behind the Stratosphere, a man with an Elvis twang will say, “Walk sign is on to cross Las Vegas Boulevard at Main Street” through the accessible pedestrian signal … another reminder that the King’s essence truly is everywhere in our city. JESSIE O’BRIEN / ILLUSTRATION LISA CHEUNG
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The Place to See the Next
Big Thing
Oh, how we love you, Bunkhouse. You’ve gone through some pretty substantial changes over the years; you got a boomin’ new sound system, a fabulous new outdoor drinking area and a beefed-up menu of bar foods, but you’re still the same ol’ G. For years you’ve provided a home—not just for up-and-coming national and local acts, but also for a hungry audience that just wants to catch the next big thing. We were lucky enough to witness performers such as The Breeders and hometown hero Brandon Flowers (pictured) grace your humble little 3-foot-tall stage. You nursed us with alcohol when we were dying of thirst (two tallboys of PBR, please!), and your clientele brought us up when we wanted to crowdsurf. So on behalf of the Las Vegas music community—thank you, Bunkhouse. Keep doin’ your thang. 124 S. 11th St.; 702.854.1414; bunkhousedowntown.com
The Bunkhouse
IAN CARAMANZANA / PHOTOGRAPHY ERIK KABIK
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CINNAMON ROLLS MONKEY BREAD, WOLFGANG PUCK BAR & GRILL
The warm, gooey monkey bread at Puck’s off-Strip outpost will make you forget any mall version of the glazed, fragrant roll you’ve ever had. Fluffy cinnamon brioche is served with toffee and cream-cheese sauces that you can glaze at your leisure. Award-winning pastry chef Kamel Guechida is the mastermind behind this, as well as Puck’s other sweet pastry delights that go with your coffee. $8, Downtown Summerlin, 702.202.6300; downtownsummerlin.com
DON’T MISS
CINNAMON STICKY BUNS $8, Hearthstone in Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa, 702.797.7344; hearthstonelv.com. CINNAMON APPLE BRIOCHE À LA MODE $10, Culinary Dropout in Hard Rock Hotel, 702.522.8100; hardrockhotel.com
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BLOODY MARY
BLOODY MARY BOTTLE SERVICE, HEARTHSTONE
Bloody Marys and brunch go hand in hand, and we love the way they treat this staple at Hearthstone. A magnifcent cart is wheeled over to prepare your cocktail tableside. A bottle of 50 Bleu vodka serves as the base for either regular bloody or chipotle bloody mix, both made in-house. Then the fun starts when choosing from nearly 20 garnishes, including a variety of beef jerky, bacon, gherkins and shrimp, among the other usual suspects (no sliders or corn dogs, though). Because it isn’t brunch in Las Vegas if there isn’t Bloody Mary bottle service. $70, Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa, 702.797.7344; hearthstonelv.com
DON’T MISS
DERBY BREAKFAST CLUB $12, Park on Fremont, 506 Fremont St., 702.834.3160; parkonfremont.com TODD’S SINFUL BLOODY MARY $16, Todd English PUB in The Shops at Crystals, 702.489.8080; toddenglishpub.com BACON BLOODY MARY, $11, Culinary Dropout in Hard Rock Hotel, 702.522.8100; hardrockhotel.com UNLIMITED BLOODY MARY BAR $22, Whist Stove and Spirits in The District at Green Valley Ranch, 702.307.2694; whiststove.com
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EGGS
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AND
GALA 2015
PRESENT