Melinda Sheckells, Las Vegas lifestyle and entertainment expert, shares recommendations on what to try this week and what’s happening around town in the realm of dining and drinking.
Many restaurants are open now at 50 percent capacity and there are plentiful outdoor dining options as the weather is beautiful heading into the holiday weekend.
Here’s all the dish on what’s happening across the valley’s culinary scene.
On the westside, the Players Locker (Downtown Summerlin)by Wolfgang Puck is open for both dine in, patio seating and takeaway.
The menu features tasty comfort foods, burgers, salmon, ribs and fried chicken, among other favorites.
They are open Sunday to Thursday, 12 to 8 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday, 12 to 9 p.m.
Wolfgang Puck’s Cucina (Crystals) is now open Tuesday to Saturday from 12 to 7 p.m. for takeaway. In addition to a curated menu, Cucina offers a five-course meal for two people for $55. This deal includes Caesar salad, a meat and cheese selection, rigatoni, chicken piccata and dessert. Add a bottle of wine for $10.
Since bars are not open yet, at-home cocktail experimentation is of the essence and this week, try a real pick-me-up: the Reyka Vodka (@reyka_vodka) Espresso martini. Two-parts Reyka vodka, one-part espresso and half-part simple syrup. Throw in a shaker with ice and enjoy this simple and delicious classic.
Finger Licking Foodie Tours is the new company founded by Las Vegas favorite, Lip Smacking Foodie Tours. They recently launched a safe, self-guided experience that takes about 2.5 hours and supports local restaurants in a time when capacities are limited. For $79, you will have access to three restaurants and three dishes at every stop with gratuity included for the staff. Additionally, there is a 15 percent discount on beverages or additional menu items ordered. FLFT guests receive immediate seating and have the flexibility to book their tour anytime between 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
After booking, you receive an online link to a virtual guide that provides a map with route, tidbits on each restaurant visit, and a walkthrough Downtown Container Park to support small businesses.
In the biggest culinary announcement of the week, Platform One (@platformone.lv) is going to be Las Vegas’ first neighborhood food hall and it will open inside the UnCommons development at Durango Drive and the 215 freeway in late 2021.
Conceived by Batch Hospitality partners Evan Glusman and Chris Conlon (the owner and chef of Piero’s Las Vegas, respectively) and Wayne F. Jefferies, Platform One will assemble the city’s best culinary talent under one roof within 20 palette-pleasing experiences. Featured players include chefs Roy Ellamar and Geno Bernardo, as well as Desert Bloom Eco Farm, which will bring organic, fresh produce to Platform One.
UnCommons is a mixed-use development in southwest Las Vegas, scheduled to break ground in the spring of 2020. The $400-million project is designed for people who enjoy rich amenities, open space and connectivity. The curated office, restaurant, lifestyle and residential offerings will be complemented by a pedestrian trail and public art, situated on a 40-acre site.
For more dining and entertainment news, visit @melindasheckells and KTNV’s @wereopenlv
