What's New, Hot & What's Not in Las Vegas
A lot's been going on with Las Vegas as the new year gets rolling and all eyes turn to achieving 2015 goals. With so many new venues chomping at the bit to be the "hottest new whatever," or the "most buzzed about new thing" we know that only time will tell who's victorious and who's getting shuttered. Here's a recap of where we stand now, at the beginning of 2015.
Bardot Brasserie at ARIA - Opening January 16
We talked about it on the last What's Hot & Not blog, but now we've officially got a date to make our reservations and check out what's going on in the French sector of Chef Michael Mina's culinary genius. The Dinner, Brunch and Dessert menus are on the restaurant's website and pricing seems to be in line with other fine dining venues on the Strip, and inside Aria, so no sticker shock there. But we're crossing our fingers for a Happy Hour menu in the coming year.
Shake Shack at NYNY - Now Open!
Long live the burger and fries combo! The very first Shake Shack has made its mark on the Las Vegas Strip outside New York New York Hotel & Casino as part of their ongoing renovations for the #StartSpreadingTheNew revamp campaign. This area outside the hotel will ultimately be part of MGM Resort's new concept for The Park, so we can expect much more ribbon cutting here in 2015, but for now we have the ever-popular burger concept of Shake Shack to tide us over with delicious grub.
Smashburger at Caesars Palace - Now Open!
2015 might be the year of the burger on the Strip, because with Shake Shack, Smashburger and White Castle all debuting Strip locations, we won't be short on flame-broiled patties to sink our teeth into. Smashburger has opened its first Strip venue inside Caesars Palace's food court in December, so if you're feeling like a quick grab-n-go meal, but don't want to be gypped out of quality, Smashburger is right up your alley.
Excalibur Buffet - Revamped
December was a good month for a makeover especially when it comes to The Buffet at Excalibur. The buffet recently underwent a huge multi-million dollar facelift to upgrade to a new contemporary dining room and some new buffet stations. Now guests can enjoy an interactive dessert station as well as six food stations with American, Asian, Italian, and Latin cuisine. Made-to-order crepes, breakfast paninis and hand-dipped ice cream bars are never a bad decision either.
Grand Bazaar Shops at Bally's - Opening Late February
Chalk it up to another one of those developments that continuously gets pushed back, there's been plans to open a shopping mall with 150 restaurants and boutique shops right in the front of Bally's Hotel & Casino. The complex is also said to be the future home of Nazar Turkish Ice Cream, a bizarre form of ice cream that has not yet hit popularity in the states, but looks like Vegas would be the perfect jumping off point for something as tasty and entertaining as this.
Omnia Nightclub - Opening Spring
We might be close to our next tidbit of information coming out of the Omnia Nightclub world soon. As there's still no hard opening date for excited club-goers to mark on their calendars, we're thinking that Omnia's recent social teaser might be alluding to an opening date announcement. Come January 20th, we might have a date to plan, dear readers - so get excited and prepare yourself for the moment those doors open.
"FRANK - The Man. The Myth." Show at The Palazzo - Starts January 24
There's been no shortage of Frank Sinatra tributes in Las Vegas and it might be that we've finally found one that actually works in channeling the spirit of good ol' Frank. Bob Anderson takes the lead on Sinatra swagger and is backed by a 32-piece orchestra led by Vincent Falcone, Sinatra's original musical director. So you know it has actual credibility and has the Oscar-nominated makeup artist behind "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" to make Anderson appear even more Sinatra-esque. Tickets are two for $99 right now with promo code BDAY for Frank Sinatra's 99th birthday, so hitting up The Palazzo might need to happen soon.
Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Golf Tourney - CANCELLED for 2015
There isn't much to report on in terms of reasons why this event went kaput, we just know that it isn't happening. After four years of the star-studded golf tourney over at the glamorous Shadow Creek Golf Course benefitting charities like Make-a-Wish, Keep Memory Alive and Opportunity Village, this year's event is not teeing off.
