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L A S V E G A S W E E K LY
3.4.21
FANS BRING ENERGY BACK TO GOLDEN KNIGHTS’ FORTRESS Matt Helfst arrived at T-Mobile Arena five hours before the 7 p.m. start time March 1 to begin waving his Golden Knights flag. He isn't a team employee—just a superfan who never misses a game. And the game against the Minnesota Wild was one of the most significant in team history. Up to 2,600 fans were permitted to attend, the first time in 363 days with spectators in the building. “The Golden Knights came to our city when we needed them the most,” Helfst said, referring to the October 1, 2017 mass shooting on the Strip a few days before the franchise made its home debut. “They uplifted our city and united us. This is my way to show my love back to the team.” Monday's experience inside the Fortress differed from the norm due to pandemic protocols. Fans underwent a required wellness check to enter the arena, a tiered-exit strategy limited face-toface interaction, and fans in each section were limited to one restroom and concession stand. Yet, despite the mandate to wear a mask, “Go Knights Go!” chants remained loud and powerful. Once Gov. Steve Sisolak cleared the way for fans to attend, many were determined to be present for the first opportunity. The franchise has sold tickets for seven home games in March, but limits fans to one game apiece so all season-ticket holders have a chance to attend. “We love this team because it’s Vegas born,” said fan Tammy Fountain. “We love this team because of everything they’ve done for the community. It’s our turn to support them.” –Ray Brewer
WEEK IN REVIEW WEEK AHEAD N EWS YO U S H O U L D K N OW A B O U T
Golden Knights forward Alex Tuch celebrates after scoring against Minnesota to tie the game in the final minute of the third period March 1 at T-Mobile Arena. Vegas went on to win 5-4 in overtime. (John Locher/Associated Press)
3.4.21
IN THIS ISSUE
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Cover story: Chocolate you can practically taste Nights: The clubs are reopening. Here's the 411 Food & Drink: Fish and chicken and wine, oh, my! Sports: NASCAR races back into the Speedway Vegas Inc: Real estate difference-makers
STORIES FROM THE PAST WEEK LIB FESTIVAL PASSES ON SALE After taking 2020 off due to the pandemic, Downtown Las Vegas festival Life Is Beautiful has signaled its intention to return in 2021—launching early-bird ticket sales March 4. The music, art, food, comedy and ideas fest is scheduled for September 17-19 across 18 city blocks. Prices range from $295 to $2,895, plus taxes and fees, at lifeisbeautiful.com/tickets. According to a press release, the lineup will be revealed "in the coming weeks."
President Joe Biden's pick to head the Office of Management and Budget, Neera Tanden, withdrew her nomination March 2 after facing opposition from senators. Her viability was in doubt after Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and moderate Republicans came out against her, citing her tweets criticizing members of both parties prior to her nomination.
ROSEN PROPOSES $15 BILLION TO HELP SMALL BUSINESSES Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., on March 2 reintroduced a bill to provide an extra $15 billion for small businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. The Ensuring Increased Disaster Loans for Small Businesses Act would send $15 billion to the EIDL Advance grant program, remove the cap on EIDL loans below $2 million and require that eligible small businesses receive the full $10,000 EIDL Advance grants.
“It’s behavior that we, the FBI, view as domestic terrorism. It’s got no place in our democracy, and tolerating it would make a mockery of our nation’s rule of law.” –FBI Director Christopher Wray, speaking to Congress March 2 about the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol
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BIDEN CABINET NOMINEE WITHDRAWS NAME
HE SAID IT
L A S V E G A S W E E K LY
UNSHELVING SEUSS Six Dr. Seuss books will stop being published due to racist and insensitive imagery, the business that preserves and protects the author’s legacy said March 2. The decision to cease publication and sales of the books was made last year after months of discussion, the company, which was founded by Seuss’ family, said.
Students arrive at Rex Bell Elementary School on March 1, the return of in-person school. Kids in prekindergarten through third grade were permitted back under a hybrid learning model—two days a week at school and three days of remote learning. By April 6, all grade levels will offer a similar hybrid model, with elementary students given the chance to return full time. Parents who prefer to keep their children at home can continue with distance learning. (Christopher DeVargas/Staff)
VENETIAN, PALAZZO, SANDS EXPO
SOLD FOR $6.25 BILLION
Las Vegas Sands is selling the Venetian, Palazzo and Sands Expo and Convention Center for $6.25 billion. In the two-part deal, VICI Properties will buy the property and all assets associated with the Venetian and the interconnected Palazzo, along with the Sands Expo for $4 billion. Apollo Global Management will acquire the operations of the Venetian for $2.25 billion. The global pandemic broadsided Las Vegas, shuttering the Strip, where Las Vegas Sands is the biggest operator. Sales growth vanished last March as infections spread across the country. The company posted a quarterly loss of almost $300 million in January. The sale comes just two months after the death of CEO and Chairman Sheldon Adelson, who transformed the landmark Las Vegas casino that was once a hangout of Frank Sinatra’s Rat Pack into a towering Italian-inspired complex. Adelson had pushed hard into Asia for years, however. Sands under Adelson expanded to Macao—the only place in China where casino gambling is legal—and directed his company to build land there where there wasn’t any, piling sand up to create the Cotai Peninsula. Soon revenue in Macao outstripped that from Las Vegas. Sands said March 3 that Asia is where the company's focus will remain. “This company is focused on growth, and we see meaningful opportunities on a variety of fronts,” Chairman and CEO Robert Goldstein said. “Asia remains the backbone of this company, and our developments in Macao and Singapore are the center of our attention.” –Staff and wire reports
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LV W H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S
3.4.21
Hot stone
Massage therapy offers many benefits, from relaxation to pain management
Similar to a Swedish massage, this technique uses heated stones (though cold stones can also be used) placed on different parts of the body, with gentle pressure from the therapist’s hands. The benefits from the added heat include improved blood flow and pain relief. A hot stone massage can also alleviate pain by easing muscle tension, promoting relaxation and relieving stress.
Swedish This type of massage is one of the most popular and can be found on most spa and wellness center menus. It’s gentle, so it’s ideal for those who are new to massage or sensitive to touch. This type of massage has lots of benefits: It relieves tension by releasing knots in muscles through kneading, long strokes and deep circular motions.
BY GENEVIE DURANO
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n addition to exercise, eating well and getting plenty of sleep, massage can add to your wellness arsenal during stressful times. It has been shown to have many therapeutic benefits, including lowering blood pressure, easing migraine headaches and dampening the fight-orflight response, which leads to relaxation. It can also increase the release of feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin, adding to a feeling of well-being. For those with chronic pain or injuries, a regular massage can also aid in muscle healing. And for athletes, it can help with injury prevention and improve range of motion and muscle flexibility. Some cultures integrate massage into their
daily lives, much like regular exercise. In Thailand, for example, it’s common for people to get massages several times a week. While massage services offered at spas might not be budget-friendly for regular sessions, some spots in the Las Vegas Valley offer memberships, including The Now Massage in Henderson (600 S. Green Valley Parkway #100, thenowmassage.com/ henderson), which opened recently. “The Now was founded on the premise that in today’s stressful, digitally driven society, massage is a necessity, not a luxury,” co-founder and chief creative officer Gara Post says. “We wanted to create an oasis in the city where people can come to relax and recharge without the cost
and time commitment of a traditional spa. Our Ritual Membership packages [make] it even easier to make massage a part of your monthly or bimonthly wellness routine.” There are many types of massages. To choose the right one for you, consider your needs. It’s also important to convey your level of comfort to your massage therapist, Post says. “Be upfront about which style and type of pressure you prefer,” she says. “You should consult with your massage therapist regarding any injuries or concerns you have, skin sensitivities or areas that may need more attention.” Here’s a primer on how to pick the perfect treatment for you.
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Deep tissue Deep tissue massage incorporates elements of Swedish massage “but with added pressure, specifically on areas of tension and pain in order to reach the sublayer of muscles and fascia, the connective tissue around the muscles,” Gara explains. Benefits include increased mobility, detoxification and pain relief, and a deep tissue massage is a good option for those with chronic muscle soreness or injuries. It’s more intense, but it shouldn’t be painful.
Aromatherapy While most massage treatments focus on the physical aspects of well-being, aromatherapy massage takes into account the emotional as well, incorporating different types of essential oils, either directly on the skin (in diluted form) or through room diffusers, in combination with gentle pressure. Depending on the oils used, this type of massage can boost the mood, relieve stress and anxiety, and reduce symptoms of depression.
Reflexology
Thai A massage for those desiring a full-body workup to relieve pain and tension. The therapist uses a sequence of movements similar to yoga stretches, twisting your body into various positions. This massage is more active than other types, and its benefits can include increased flexibility and circulation. While other types of massage leave you feeling relaxed, a Thai massage might leave you feeling invigorated and energetic.
If you’re looking for a quick way to restore your natural energy levels, this type of massage, which focuses only on the feet, hands and ears, can be a good option. Based on ancient Chinese medicine, the theory is that these body parts are connected to certain organs and body systems. Reflexologists apply pressure to these points to release qi, or energy, that might be stuck. The goal is to keep qi flowing throughout the body to keep it balanced and to prevent disease.
Shiatsu During this full-body Japanese-style massage, therapists use their hands, palms and thumbs to deliver rhythmic pressure at certain points in the body. In addition to reducing muscle tension, it can help relieve anxiety and depression by promoting emotional and physical relaxation. Shiatsu is also a good option for migraine sufferers.
(Shutterstock)
L A S V E G A S W E E K LY
3.4.21
HERE TO HELP Dr. Marc J. Kahn on opening UNLV’s med school during a global health care crisis
(Josh Hawkins, UNLV/Courtesy)
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L A S V E G A S W E E K LY
THE WEEKLY Q&A BY C. MOON REED
S
tarting any job amid a pandemic can be daunting, but imagine if the position involved leading a new medical school. Dr. Marc J. Kahn, who arrived at UNLV on April 1, 2020, has it covered. The dean of UNLV’s School of Medicine—which received full accreditation last month—and its vice president for Health Affairs is busy overseeing educational programs, clinical care, research and community engagement. He’s developing collaborations between the medical school and other departments, like the School of Fine Arts and the Business School. And he’s helping create an academic health center that will provide community care and drive research. Khan, 59, took time from his busy schedule to speak to the Weekly about his COVID-19 response, overcoming Las Vegas’ health challenges and more. Las Vegas has obviously struggled since COVID-19 appeared. Why should folks here feel optimistic? There is a light at the end of the tunnel with this pandemic. … We need to do a better job of getting vaccines to people, but vaccination is going to get us to the end of this pandemic. So that’s a reason for optimism. The second reason is that we have a new medical school in Las Vegas. We’re looking forward to bringing new technologies and physicians
who can bring new knowledge to the Valley. … The pandemic nationally has shown us what happens when you have the health care disparities that we have. I’m optimistic that moving forward, we’re going to better address those health care disparities. Finally, we’ve learned how to do telehealth, something that clearly came out of the pandemic. How have you and UNLV been involved in battling COVID-19? We were the first out of the chute to do testing, regardless of one’s ability to pay. … We were the first to [set up a convalescent plasma program] in the state. We’ve vaccinated 19,000 people; we are a point of distribution. This summer, we purchased two minus-80-degree freezers, which is necessary for the Pfizer vaccine. ... And we’re educating the community. Did you ever think you’d witness a pandemic in your lifetime? All in all, I’m not that surprised. [In] medical school you read about the influenza outbreak in 1918. You knew it was going to happen; it was just a matter of when. It’s scary and unfortunate, but this will not be the last pandemic that the human species sees. It’s just the nature of the beast.
Student Sierra Mastrantonio studies using UNLV’s Virtual Anatomy Lab (UNLV/Courtesy)
What’s the latest with the new medical school building? I just visited the site with the governor, because he announced he was going to restore the $25 million committed by the state for construction. The building is ahead of schedule. The building’s really going to change the landscape of the Las Vegas Medical District. Have you heard the joke about how the airport is where sick Las Vegans go to get better? Many times, and I’ve promised never to repeat it, because our job is to make that an old adage. We need to—as a medical school and an academic health center—really get to the point where we’re able to do everything in our community that’s part of modern health care, and do it at a lower cost and higher quality than anybody else. Other than the pandemic, what are the biggest health challenges facing Southern Nevada? We have great disparities in health care here. As in other cities, life expectancy can almost be predicted by a ZIP code. We have to do a better job of providing good care to everyone. Why did you choose to become a doctor? And why did you embrace a leadership role? I liked science, and I liked the idea of taking care of people. As far as leadership, when I was 14, I lied about my age, got a job in a restaurant and was promoted. I was a manager of the restaurant when I was in high school. Becoming a medical school dean, especially in a newer school, was the dream job, because you could actually create something. You didn’t have the silos that existing medical schools have. You could actually do
something a little different that perhaps makes more sense to educate the physicians of the future. How can you keep medical students in the local community once they become doctors? We’re careful with our selection process, that the students that we admit at UNLV have a connection to Nevada. … [It’s] making sure they have a good experience when they’re here as students, so they either come back or stay. You led Tulane University’s med school during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, moving students 350 miles from New Orleans to Houston for a full academic year. What was that like? Something like that had never happened before. Fortunately, it worked. It was a great learning experience. I guess I’ve been through disasters, and this is yet another one. It’s very different, because unlike Katrina, which was very local, this is a global event. We don’t have to tell people about COVID; they know about it. As a newcomer, what have you discovered about Las Vegas that you like? I haven’t really spent time in casinos yet because of COVID. Even though I’m vaccinated, I think we still need to practice those public health measures. I really like the people of Las Vegas; I like their attitude. I like the fact that they’re individualistic. … I really like to get outdoors and hike; there are some great places to hike here. And I just look forward to the medical school and academic health center continuing to grow and be a vital part of the Las Vegas community.
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3.4.21
A tour of Vegas delights If life is like a box of chocolates, well, we did a lot of living putting together this package. Talking to the city’s top chocolate artisans, visiting patisseries and sampling bonbons and pastries—it’s a tough job, but we’ll do anything for the sake of good reporting. And what we found was that Las Vegas is rich with the sweet stuff, from Strip restaurants offering delectable desserts to neighborhood bakeries just waiting to be discovered. We also spent some time at an artisanal chocolate facility—a bean-to-bar experience that’s the only one of its kind in town—and watched how the magic happens. But truly, the magic of chocolate is this: In a world with so many differing opinions, the deliciousness of chocolate is one thing upon which we can all agree. It’s a universal language that transcends culture, politics and religion. Give a 1-year-old or a 101-year-old a piece of chocolate, and the response is the same—pure joy. Which is what we hope you’ll get out of this. When you’re done gawking at the pictures, get yourself a decadent treat. (Photograph by Wade Vandervort/Staff)
CHOCOLATE
LV W C OV E R S T O R Y
For the love of chocolate
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LV W C OV E R S T O R Y
Heaven in a box
JEAN-MARIE AUBOINE
Jean-Marie Auboine, who has been perfecting the art of chocolate making for 30 years, is one of the few chocolatiers in the world to prepare his own couverture of handcrafted chocolates from cocoa beans. Step into his Las Vegas shop and be dazzled by bonbons and truffles that look too beautiful to eat. And don’t dare leave without a box of salted caramels, hailed by The New York Times as one of the best in a blind taste test. 4780 W. Harmon Ave. #1, 702-222-0535, jmauboinechocolates.com. –Genevie Durano
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MG PATISSERIE
An assortment of treats at MG Patisserie (Wade Vandervort/Staff)
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LV W C OV E R S T O R Y
Passionate pastries You know Las Vegas’ food scene has reached next-level status when you have Michelin-star chefs hiding in plain sight. Such is the case with Michael Gillet, who has had a distinguished career in France and the U.S., working with chefs such as Jacques Torres and José Andrés. Chef Gillet opened MG Patisserie & Cafe a couple of years ago on Rainbow Boulevard, where delectable pastries and chocolate treats line the glass shelves. Pair a chocolatine with a latte and bask in the sun on the tables outside, or catch up with a friend during High Tea, where Gillet’s mastery of pastry is on full display. 6365 S. Rainbow Blvd. #101, 702-831-1197, mgpatisserie.com. –Genevie Durano
For the love of chocolate
HOCOLATE H
MG’s hot chocolate mix (Wade Vandervort/Staff)
A dark chocolate croissant at MG (Wade Vandervort/Staff)
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CHOCOLATE For the love of chocolate
Exquisite edibles Thanks to legalization, chocolate edibles are no longer limited to those mysterious brownies some hippie brought to your house party. Today, they are legit culinary cannabis creations, complete with childproof packaging. The Incredibles line of cannabis chocolate bars offers a mix of flavors, such as Mile High Mint, Peanut Budda Buddha and Black Cherry, a CBD/THC mix with cherries and milk and dark chocolate. Or for something different, try OMG THC’s milk chocolate-covered almonds. Just remember to start slowly. All available at Essence Dispensary, multiple locations, essencevegas.com. –C. Moon Reed (Wade Vandervort/Staff)
3.4.21
LV W C OV E R S T O R Y
THE CHAMP
For the love of chocolate
ESSENCE DISPENSARY
CHOCOLATE
(Courtesy)
Declared the No. 1 chocolate dessert in America by the Food Network, Strip House’s 24-layer cake is actually quite modest in appearance. It’s when you cut into it that you see the magic—24 layers of alternating cake and chocolate filling, topped with a layer of semisweet French chocolate ganache. If there’s such a thing as death by chocolate, this is the way to go. Planet Hollywood, 702-737-5200, striphouse.com. –Genevie Durano
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3.4.21 Yep, Guichon made all of these from chocolate.
Try not to black out!
(Wade Vandervort/Staff)
For the love of chocolate
CHOCOLATE
Leave it to the Venetian’s Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer to offer a chocolate dessert so outrageously indulgent that even the most jaded of locals will take note. The Brooklyn Blackout CrazyShake has a rim of chocolate frosting, which is covered with mini chocolate chips. As if that weren’t enough, it’s then topped with a whole other dessert: brownie, whipped cream and chocolate sauce. Go crazy, folks, go crazy. Venetian, 702-414-2337, blacktap.com. –C. Moon Reed
CHOCOLATE DREAMS Pastry Chef Amaury Guichon creates showpieces that defy the imagination BY GENEVIE DURANO Amaury Guichon is a pastry chef for the social media age. His videos— sped-up montages of his showpieces—have been viewed millions of times. What takes Guichon hours of painstaking work is condensed into less than three minutes, as he creates hyperrealistic objects—a harp, a telescope, an elephant, the Empire State Building (with King Kong scaling it)—using nothing but chocolate to sculpt every nook and cranny. In those videos, Guichon’s skill is undeniable, his imagination limitless. And his medium of choice is one that’s as temperamental as it is delicious. “I have high respect for chocolate,” Guichon tells the Weekly. “It’s kind of unique in its own way, and it takes years to fully understand how it reacts, what are its properties, the composition. Even with the full knowledge of it, you need to work with chocolates for an extended period of time to have a full understanding. And I still surprise myself and discover new things every time I work with it.” The 30-year-old pastry chef had the good fortune of growing up in the Haute-Savoie region of France, a neighbor to the French-speaking part of Switzerland, an area with exceptional dairy. (The Swiss excel in milk chocolate, while the French
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Chocolate class
(Photographs by Fiona Guichon/Courtesy)
make the best dark chocolate, Guichon says.) He began an apprenticeship at age 14, but even with that early start, Guichon admits it took him more than 10 years to fully understand the particularities of chocolate in its many forms. After studying and winning accolades in France, Guichon found himself stateside at Jean-Philippe Patisserie at Aria. He has traveled the world teaching a masterclass in the art of chocolate, and he has found a home in Las Vegas, where he opened his own school Downtown, the Pastry Academy. There he teaches students, most of whom are aspiring pastry chefs, the techniques he has acquired over the years. “I was always passionate about pastry, and I pretty much sacrificed a big chunk of my life to it. I still do,” he says. “But I was never really content and fulfilled until I started teaching and sharing my passion with others.” If you’ve peeked at his Instagram page (with its 3 million followers), it might seem Guichon’s chocolate showpieces are near-impossible to make, but he assures us there’s no trick to it—just technique. “Every student that comes and takes my class is in fear of not being able to accomplish it. And I keep on telling them, just follow and trust the process blindly, and you will make it,” he says. “Believe it or not, when I start a new challenge, I have to apply the same logic to myself, because every showpiece is different. And for every showpiece there is difficulty, and I don’t always know how to make things. I always have to reassure myself, just trust the process of what you’re doing and you will accomplish it.”
Types of chocolate. Here’s an easy trick to understand the varieties of chocolate: The darker the chocolate, the higher the cocoa content. Dark chocolate will have more complex flavors, but milk chocolate will be creamier. Think of it like the difference between black coffee and a latte. Cheveau says there’s a chocolate to match any mood. If he wants a sugar boost while watching TV, he goes for milk chocolate. If he’s yearning for a “more refined” dessert, Cheveau opts for a 66% to 72% dark chocolate. Is white chocolate really chocolate? “Technically, it is,” Cheveau says, explaining that when you grind a cocoa pod, you get cocoa solids (the dark part) and cocoa butter (the fat). Regular chocolate contains both parts; white chocolate only contains the cocoa butter. Though Cheveau describes white chocolate as “not the most noble path of the chocolate,” he says it does have its uses. For example, Burgundy uses white chocolate as the base for its ganache macarons and on the little chocolate Bs that top his pastries.
A multifaceted ingredient. Only the potato rivals this tropical plant in versatility. At Burgundy Bakery, Cheveau uses standard cocoa powder for shiny chocolate glazes and a 99% cocoa mass to make dark chocolate macaron shells with a 60% chocolate ganache in the center. A mix of chocolate, heavy cream and butter, ganache is just one of the many forms chocolate can take. In its turn, ganache can be used in cakes, bonbons and as a base for chocolate mousse. “I love, love, love that chocolate macaron,” Cheveau says. “If I could eat them all day long, I would. But I have to make them, so I don’t want to have to work too hard.” What is “tempering” chocolate? In order to turn this plant product into a pliable ingredient for candy making, one must follow a process of heating and cooling it. Tempering chocolate gives it its glossy sheen and allows it to do things like coat strawberries and then give a satisfying snap when bitten into. Cheveau likens it to making a very strong snowball, wherein the chocolate molecules are opening their arms and catching each other.
Chocolate pie at Burgundy
How does chocolate go from bitter plant to sweet treat? Cheveau visited a cocoa plantation in Nicaragua to see the beginning steps up close. “[The process of making] chocolate is very complex and should be enjoyed, because it’s the work of so many different people,” Cheveau says. There are too many steps to detail here, but basically what happens is that the chocolate is harvested, fermented, dried, roasted and ground before being sent to factories, where sugar, milk and more is added. It’s a delicate process that mostly needs to be done by hand. “When you see the work that is involved … you feel very humble,” Cheveau says. Is chocolate going extinct (due to climate change)? The cacao tree grows in the tropics and is sensitive to variations in the weather. To combat global warming, Cheveau says the chocolate plantation he visited has to plant trees at ever higher elevations. But for now, he says that there’s no shortage of chocolate. –C. Moon Reed
(Wade Vandervort/Staff)
Chef Florent Cheveau is a chocolate master. The owner of Burgundy French Bakery Cafe & Bistro (9440 W. Sahara Ave. #105, 725-204-6557) even won the American 2018 World Chocolate Masters and placed in the top three worldwide. The Weekly caught up with Cheveau to got the lowdown on all things cocoa.
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5-MINUTE EXPERT
3.4.21
MEAL PLANS
Subscription services can deliver delicious meals to your door BY LESLIE VENTURA
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rom last year’s grocery shortages to ongoing concerns about shopping in person, the pandemic has steered many people to meal delivery services in order to receive fresh food. Whether you’re a cooking newbie or a kitchen pro—and no matter your nutritional goals—there are lots of options for weekly allotments of proteins, vegetables and spices, along with the recipes to turn them into lunches or dinners. Read on to figure out which feels right for you.
BLUE APRON blueapron.com ■ What: One of the first meal delivery services of its kind, and still one of the best, Blue Apron can be customized to fit a wide array of diets and lifestyles, including offering Weight Watchers-approved and vegetarian meals. ■ Cost: $10 per serving, with a two-recipe minimum and free shipping with a three-meal purchase. ■ Plans: • Signature. A mix of proteins and different meals, including dishes like cavatelli with pork ragu and seared steaks with capers. • Signature for Four. Same meal as above but for families and larger groups. • Vegetarian for Two. Meat-free meals with a focus on seasonal produce, with options like the Korean-inspired gochujang Beyond Burger with scallion jam. • Wellness for Two. Nutritionist-approved meals that also work within the Weight Watchers program, along with diabetic-friendly meals, carb-free meals and more. Dishes include baked cod or chickpea and curry shakshuka. ■ Pros: Blue Apron carries a strong reputation and is a dependable service for those trying at-home delivery for the first time. ■ Cons: Shipping only becomes free when you purchase more than two recipes a week, which might not be cost-effective for some people.
PRO TIP Most delivery services offer a sign-up discount that typically lasts for multiple weeks. Once it runs out, pause the subscription and try another service.
DAILY HARVEST daily-harvest.com ■ What: Enjoy smoothies but dislike making them? Daily Harvest is for you. The vegan service sells preportioned smoothies (just add vegan milk!), plus soups, savory bowls, flatbreads, ice cream and more. ■ Cost: Varies by item. ■ Plans: Daily Harvest offers weekly shipments of 6-8, 9-11, 12-23 or 24-26 items, or 24-26 items a month. ■ Pros: Healthy, quick and full of nutrients. Good for an on-the-go lifestyle. Cups and bowls are biodegradable. ■ Cons: Lids aren’t biodegradable. Products are on the pricey side of the delivery spectrum.
FRESHLY freshly.com ■ What: Microwavable, perfectly portioned meals for one. ■ Cost: Between $9 and $12 per meal. ■ Plans: Freshly accommodates a variety of dietary needs, and also offers a gluten- and peanut-free menu. ■ Pros: Freshly meals aren’t frozen, so it’s a step up from TV dinners. Perfect for those who don’t have time to cook. ■ Cons: Less user control over ingredients. (Shutterstock/Photo Illustrations)
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GOBBLE gobble.com ■ What: Gobble offers quick, pre-prepped meals that require minimal cooking (usually just one pan), and it’s a little bit more adventurous than the average delivery service. ■ Cost: Starts at $12 per serving. ■ Plans: • Dinner: The standard Gobble option includes a variety of meals that look and sound amazing, with flavor profiles and cuisines you won’t find everywhere else. • Lean & Clean: If you’re trying to manage healthier eating habits, this includes lean proteins and healthy fats—all under 600 calories per serving. ■ Pros: No prep. Gobble packages everything and portions sauces and condiments out so all you have to do is open and toss in a pan. Meals also appeal to a wide variety of tastes, with many offerings veering into more creative cuisines. ■ Cons: While each plate sounds appetizing and interesting, flavors can be less than memorable.
HELLOFRESH hellofresh.com
GREEN CHEF greenchef.com ■ What: Whether you’re a meat eater hoping to live a more balanced lifestyle or you’re trying out something like the paleo diet, GreenChef is a quick and easy organic service with a variety of healthy meal plans, including a vegetarian option. ■ Cost: Starts at $12 per meal, not including shipping. ■ Plans: • Keto + Paleo. Gluten- and grain-free meals, including dishes like turmeric and maple-roasted chicken, a cheesy enchilada skillet and Italian shrimp with pesto. • Balanced Living. This flexible plan includes meat, seafood and vegetarian recipes, including crispy Southern chicken with mashed potatoes, Middle Eastern beef bowls and turkey cheeseburgers with caramelized onions. • Plant-powered. Artichoke “crab” cakes, pesto flatbread with dried apricots and ancho-lime sweet potato bowls are just a few dishes that will catch your eye when browsing GreenChef’s vegetarian menu. ■ Pros: Healthy meals are quick and easy to make. ■ Cons: Pricier than other competitors. Sauces are prepackaged, giving you less control of sodium, sugar, dairy and other ingredients—and producing more plastic waste.
■ What: Healthy meals that will give inexperienced chefs new confidence in the kitchen, with an assortment of meals for all diets. ■ Cost: $8 to $13 per serving, plus $9 shipping. ■ Plans: Meat-and-Veggies, Veggie Meals, Family-Friendly, Calorie-Smart, Quick and Easy and Pescetarian menus. ■ Pros: Great for beginner cooks who want to explore the kitchen without getting fancy. ■ Cons: While tasty, meals can feel repetitive after a while.
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MARLEY SPOON marleyspoon.com ■ What: TV icon Martha Stewart has paired up with Marley Spoon to deliver curated gourmet meals that require a little more elbow grease in the kitchen. ■ Cost: $7 to $11 per portion, plus $9 shipping. ■ Plans: Marley Spoon offers plans for two people or four people. Choose from an assortment of meat dishes, vegetarian and vegan options, family-friendly plates, under-30-minute recipes and those geared for a healthy diet. ■ Pros: Marley Spoon delivers restaurant-quality dishes, like a French dip burger with black pepper jus; meatball and orzo stew; and panseared pork chops. ■ Cons: Recipe cards aren’t included (instructions live online), and the meals are a bit more intricate to make.
PURPLE CARROT purplecarrot.com ■ What: Delicious offerings suitable for vegans. Purple Carrot started selling frozen microwavable dinners and has worked its way into the delivery-service lineup. ■ Cost: $10 per serving. ■ Plans: Meal kits or prepared meals. The former involves cooking, while the latter only requires a microwave. Dishes include chik’n and dumplings; mafaldine pasta with melted leeks; and garlic herb cashew cream and coconut ginger congee with crispy tofu. ■ Pros: Purple Carrot offers a variety of plant-friendly cuisines not often found with other meal services. ■ Cons: The frozen meals are often high in sodium, and the prepared meal kits don’t include nutritional information for those looking to monitor certain fats or minerals.
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R.E.M., OUT OF TIME Thirty years ago, now-classic 1991 releases dropped from Nirvana, U2 and A Tribe Called Quest, along with this popular R.E.M. album, which, according to the podcast 99% Invisible, changed the face of American voting. bit.ly/3sH2hlE
BIG THIS WEEK ART
LIFE LINES AT PRISCILLA FOWLER Bright colors, bold lines and haunting eyes greet viewers of the new exhibit by abstract artist Frédéric Bonin-Pissarro, the great-grandson of famous French impressionist Camille Pissarro. The younger Pissarro teaches art and design at UNLV when not creating “positive images dealing with spirituality, family friendship, connectivity and togetherness,” according to a press statement. Through May 1, Priscilla Fowler Fine Art Gallery, 1300 S. Main St. #110. Opening reception March 5, 6-10 p.m., free. –C. Moon Reed
VIDEO GAME
WHAT THE GOLF? The only thing that interests me less than golf is video games about golf. Danish game company Triband understands that, and in the hilarious and addictive What the Golf?—available for Steam, Epic Games, Apple Arcade and the Nintendo Switch—they strip away the rules, sand traps and even the golf clubs to deliver the sheer pleasure of whacking soccer balls, limp bodies and even entire houses to the green. The cartoony graphics, the catchy music, the crowd screaming “WHAAAAAT?” when you miss a shot—it’s a gameplay hole-in-one. Whatthegolf. com. –Geoff Carter
TV
BEHIND HER EYES Author Sarah Pinborough’s best-selling thriller gets the Hollywood treatment on Netflix’s latest series. Louise (Simona Brown) is a single mom who meets the handsome David (Tom Bateman) one night at a bar without realizing that the stranger is actually her new (married) boss. Louise quickly becomes enveloped in David’s life, starting an affair and becoming a new friend to his wife, Adele. Anxiety-inducing twists and turns abound in a show sure to polarize its audience. Netflix. –Leslie Ventura
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ERIK SINGER A dialect coach for movies and TV shows whose recent credits include Disney’s Mulan, this New Yorker is making videos not just about the work of helping actors nail dialects and idiolects, but the very nature of linguistics itself. eriksinger.com
Frances McDormand in Nomadland (Searchlight PIctures/Courtesy)
What the Golf? (Triband/Courtesy)
OUR PICKS FOR THE WEEK AHEAD
COMEDY
JOHN CAPARULO AT THE SPACE Ohio comic John Caparulo has played Vegas from top to bottom, from the Riviera to the South Point and back on the Strip at Harrah’s, where his Mad Cap comedy show was building buzz when the pandemic arrived. Now he’s hitting the Space for a spontaneous, interactive performance, taking direction from the limited-capacity audience and making things up on the fly. Expect limitless laughs. March 9, 7:30 p.m., $49 in person, $9 livestream, thespacelv.com. –Brock Radke
FILM
NOMADLAND The journey that Frances McDormand’s character, Fern, takes in Chloé Zhao’s Golden Globe Award-winning film Nomadland is a wide and wandering look at deliberate displacement. Fern has joined a modern, nomadic tribe of van dwellers, folks who, for one reason or another, have chosen an alternate route to the American Dream, or have been marginalized completely. Fern is a fictional character, but the people she meets along the way are actual itinerants. No one but McDormand could have pulled off what she does here, which is to seem just as real. Hulu. –Genevie Durano
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NIGHTLIFE
Answering all your questions about reopening Vegas nightclubs and dayclubs BY BROCK RADKE
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ll Vegas nightclubs have been closed for a year now because of the pandemic, right? Wrong. While the state’s COVID restrictions mandate that nightclubs stay closed, a handful of venues have been able to reopen and serve guests safely by changing the way they operate. Packed dancefloors and general admission are not allowed, so reservations are required, and clubs have pivoted into lounge-style experiences in order Foundation Room (Courtesy)
to meet social distancing and other guidelines. The most significant recent reopening is Omnia at Caesars Palace (702-785-6200), which returns to business at its outdoor terrace space only on March 5. It will be open Friday and Saturday starting at 10:30 p.m., offering a touchless menu system via scannable QR codes and separate VIP sections along with those familiar views of the Strip. Omnia has been shuttered for
just about a year—so has Hakkasan Group’s eponymous flagship at MGM Grand—so the return of this part of the experience for the spring is a welcome event. What other nightclubs are open? Tao at the Grand Canal Shoppes at Venetian (702-388-8588) has been dipping a toe back into the water since its restaurant reopened in October, and the current club-ish program, dubbed Tao Late Night, runs
Saturdays starting at 10:30 p.m.. It’ll expand to include Friday nights on March 19. XS at Encore (702-770-7300) is operating as XS Lounge, with indoor and outdoor tables available Friday and Saturday starting at 10 p.m. The Foundation Room at Mandalay Bay (702-632-7631), a nightlife institution that has always offered a hybrid club, lounge and restaurant experience, opens Thursday through Sunday at 6 p.m. Reservations are required. The rooftop pool and club space at Drai’s at the Cromwell has yet to announce a reopening schedule, but reps have already stated they’re hoping to come back to life in a big way, so expect to wait another few months. Meanwhile, the downstairs Drai’s After Hours space (702-7773800) is operating as an ultralounge Thursday through Sunday from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. At Paris Las Vegas, Chateau Nightclub & Rooftop (702-776-7777) is still closed but has planned some pop-up experiences at the Strip-fronting Alexxa’s Lounge downstairs, set for Fridays and Saturdays at 10 p.m.
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NIGHTS
Marquee (Cosmopolitan/Courtesy)
starting March 5. It’s definitely worth mentioning that although they’re not considered nightclubs, sister venues the Dorsey (702-414-1945) at Venetian and Electra Cocktail Club at Palazzo (702607-1950) offer fantastic drinks and vibrant ambiance, plus DJs spinning Friday and Saturday at 9 p.m. The Dorsey operates Thursday-Sunday from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m., while Electra is open Friday-Sunday from 5 p.m. until 1 a.m. What about pool parties at dayclubs? Popular Strip pool clubs also reopened last summer, following the rules and capably providing a more
relaxed, service-oriented daylife experience. Many still have DJs setting the soundtrack, although the big names haven’t really been back yet. The energy is certainly different, but the music, drinks, food and atmosphere remain, as these dayclub venues essentially operate as complementary extensions of resort pool venues. But if no pool is a dayclub, aren’t all pools dayclubs? Is the experience the same as going to a tranquil hotel pool complex? Not really, because the dayclubs are still mostly open to guests 21 and over. And many resort pools are only open to hotel guests. And just so you
know, guests are required to wear face coverings unless eating, drinking or lounging in the pool. Which venues are opening this weekend? Encore Beach Club (702-770-7300) returns March 5 and will be open Friday through Sunday starting at 11 a.m. You can still rent daybeds and cabanas at this favorite venue, and EBC at Night is expected to return sometime this spring. Wet Republic at MGM Grand (702891-3563), which was completely renovated and refurbished just before COVID-19 struck last year, also returns March 5 and will open Thursday through Sunday at 11 a.m. Sister ven-
ue Liquid at Aria (702-590-9979) will be back in action on March 12. Marquee at the Cosmopolitan (702-333-9000) has always stood out because of its stellar food menu, and it raised the stakes last summer. It reopens March 5 and will operate Friday through Sunday starting at 11 a.m. Nighttime programming will likely follow in weeks or months. There’s also Daylight at Mandalay Bay (702-632-4700), opening March 5 and running Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.; Wet24 Adult Pool & Bar (702-383-4870) on the 24th floor at the Strat, opening March 6; and Bare Pool Lounge at the Mirage (702-791-7416), opening in mid-March.
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LURK FRANKLIN
MARCO 4D
QUELL
NOISE
Sad Art Collective strives to elevate the Vegas music scene
JOEL THE UNICORN
LONGLIVEMOSI
ZERBY
NEVOS TYLER
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(Courtesy/Photo Illustration)
STRYTLLR TANNA MARIE
CREATE AND COLLABORATE
BY LESLIE VENTURA oel Maisonet originally moved to Las Vegas to get involved in the entertainment industry as a professional dancer, but the California native’s plans quickly changed as he began meeting other artists at local open mics. “I’m much more of a producer than I am an artist, so I was going out trying to find people to work with and create with,” Maisonet says. SAD ART After getting to know rappers Nevos TyCOLLECTIVE ler and Lurk Franklin, and then R&B singSadart.us er Tanna Marie, the 28-year-old Maisonet Instagram: decided to launch an entity now known as @sadartlv the Sad Art Collective. Today, the collective’s roster supports nine artists: Tyler, Franklin, Marie, Joel the Unicorn (Maisonet’s stage name), LongLiveMosi, Strytllr, Marco 4D, Zerby and recent addition Quell. Seven are based in Las Vegas. Maisonet says his priority as the collective’s founder is to facilitate a creative environment that focuses on content creation. Sad Art focuses on hip-hop, but the flexible collective also embraces soul, R&B, pop and more. Last year, Sad Art artists released 80 songs over the span of 20 weeks during a seasonal series. “At the beginning of COVID, we started Sad Art Summers, where we release music five days a week,” Maisonet says, before detailing the group’s 2021 achievements and plans. “We just released the first Sad Art mixtape, called Sadder Days Volume 1, a sampler of what we do,” he says. “LongLiveMosi is about to put out his first mixtape. We’re gearing up for summer to come, so we can go back to releasing music Monday through Thursday. And then every Friday is going to be a music video.” Like a lot of local artists, Maisonet says the pandemic has actually given him a moment to slow down and focus more on music. “It actually amplified what we’re doing,” Maisonet says. “It gave us a whole lot of time to create, which is why we did 21 weeks of nonstop music last year. “When things start to open up again, we plan on throwing our own shows,” he continues. “We’re trying to work with other local places to build up Vegas.” Maisonet says Sad Art is open to collaborating with other artists, and that interested musicians should get in touch through the collective’s website or Instagram. “There’s a lot of local talent here,” Maisonet says. “I would love to be able to incorporate and elevate everything here and help show everybody how dope our local talent is.”
pasta & MEATBALL with garlic toast Every Monday 12pm–2pm
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Must be 21 or older. See A-Play® Club for complete details. 4100 Paradise Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89169
silversevenscasino.com
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To RSVP for future events or watch past ones, visit nevadahumanities.org or call 702-800-4670.
GET ENGAGED Nevada Humanities’ Why It Matters explores how we participate in civil society BY C. MOON REED
Remember when civic engagement used to be “boring”? These days, you can’t turn on the news without being reminded why politics, governance and civil society are so vitally important to our lives, to our very survival. Yet at the same time, the idea of “getting involved” can seem overwhelming. Where to start? Here’s one way: Engage with engagement through Nevada Humanities’ Why It Matters: Civic and Electoral Participation series.
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SCENE “The origins of [Why It Matters] were really rooted in our desire at Nevada Humanities to have conversations about current events,” says Executive Director of Nevada Humanities Christina Barr. “We saw a need in our state to have these conversations—to not only talk about the bigger issues of our nation, but to also [ask] how they affect Nevada. What is our own history of Nevada? How does that help shape our understanding of who we are and the unique positions of our state?” For the program, Nevada Humanities tapped into a national initiative and scored a $50,000 grant from the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. “We were really thrilled with that wonderful confluence of our ideas and the funding coming together to help make this happen,” Barr says. Why It Matters kicked off in the fall and runs through April, with a mix of ongoing events and one-off discussions. The next discussion features young Nevada politicians (see sidebar). Past discussions include: “The Past, Present and Future of Voting in the United States”; “Native American Voting Rights in Nevada”; “Re-enfranchised Voters in Nevada”; and “White Supremacy and the Threat to Democracy.” While the ideal scenario would be to host these events in person, Barr says online salon discussions also have their advantages. The vast geographic expanse between Las Vegas, Reno and rural Nevada no longer divides—all can attend. “It has really opened up our ability to serve the state in these really meaningful ways,” Barr says of the pandemic-inspired online format. Time is also no longer a limiting factor. Just because you missed an event, doesn’t mean you’ve missed your chance. Simply head over to NevadaHumanities.org to view the archive of past Why It Matters offerings.
UPCOMING EVENTS
While it’s easy to watch any of the past discussions online, there’s still something special about watching it live. Catch the next two discussions this month: “Native American Voting Rights in Nevada” (March 18, 4 p.m.) and “Where We Stand With Diversity in Business” (March 23, 4 p.m.). They’re free. Simply register at nevadahumanities. org/the-salon-popup-salons/ tag/Why+it+Matters.
VOTING MATTERS The events of the past several months have certainly illustrated the power of voting—and voting access. Nevada Humanities’ ongoing online series Nevada Voices: The First Time I Voted invites Nevadans of all walks of life to share essays, memories, anecdotes and videos surrounding their debut voting experiences. So far, contributors include artist Eunkang Koh; queer rights activist Prism Zephyr, casino manager-turned-writer Don Hall; Washoe County Librarian Joan Dalusung; and UNR student Tran Zen Belila Torres. Visit nevadahumanities.org/nevada-voices to read the essays—and perhaps contribute your own.
Eunkang Koh
Prism Zephyr
Don Hall
Joan Dalusung
Tran Zen Belila Torres
(Headshots Nevada Humanities, Nevada Voices 2021, Courtesy participants) (Shutterstock/Photo Illustrations)
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WICKED GOOD Boston’s Fish House & Bar brings East Coast freshness to the desert
BOSTON’S FISH HOUSE & BAR 400 S. Rampart Blvd. #190, 725-777-3730. Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Boston’s lobster roll with chips
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FOOD & DRINK
Seared branzino
BY GENEVIE DURANO PHOTOGRAPHS BY CHRISTOPHER DEVARGAS
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ometimes, it only takes two minutes to make a big decision. That’s how it went for Bryan Sord, who saw a restaurant space at Tivoli Village and instantly knew that’s where he would open a seafood restaurant. He took the spot, pandemic be damned, and Boston’s Fish House & Bar is now upping the northwest Valley’s seafood game. Rest assured, Sord is no novice. The Chicago native has been in the food business a long time. “I was born in the business,” he says. “My father had a restaurant, the Candlelight Lodge, that he started in 1958. And I probably got into the restaurant business with him, I’m sure, around 6 and 7 years old, young, going to help him vacuum the restaurant and things like that.” Sord’s own son, Nicholas, also took to the business, moving out West to open Sunny Side Up in Boca Park, a concept Sord also runs in Chicago, along with 94 West Steak & Seafood in that city’s Orland Park suburb. Sord says he has always wanted to open a restaurant called Boston’s in Chicago, but when the opportunity arose in Las Vegas—a town he has visited regularly since he was 21—he didn’t hesitate. He now splits his time between the two cities, enjoying both hot and cold weather. The interior at Boston’s Fish House is expansive and elegant, with muted colors accented by cooling blue tones. If you’re looking for an upscale seafood dining experience, this fits the bill. But it works for a more casual brunch, too, and offers plenty of daytime drinking options at tables set out in the front and at a bar inside. The menu is massive; those prone to indecision will be studying it for a bit, as everything competes for attention. But you’re in good hands with executive chef Jason Diaz, a Strip veteran who was part of the opening crew at the Cosmopolitan. Start with the small plates if you’re dining with others. The fried calamari ($17), served with a spicy tomato sauce, is a crowd pleaser, along with classics like shrimp cocktail ($18) and crab cakes ($20). Seafood is flown in daily, and its freshness shines in the soups and salad. Both the lobster bisque ($7-$9.50) and clam chowder ($6-$8) are hearty and creamy. The chopped salad ($25) is practically a meal in itself, with crab meat, lobster, shrimp, tomatoes, cucumber, red onions and iceberg lettuce, dressed in a lemon vinaigrette. Don’t skip the table bread, which Sord flies in from Chicago. If you’re here for lunch and looking for less-heavy fare, the lobster roll ($25) is a good choice. A soft brioche roll is split on top and stuffed with fresh lobster in a light cream sauce. Opt for the Boston chips as a side, an addictive accompaniment with a hint of salt and vinegar. Among entrees, there’s seafood for days, including cioppino ($49), with lobster, clams, mussels, shrimp, calamari and salmon in a spicy tomato sauce, and a coconut crusted sea bass ($38), panko-crusted and garnished with banana and rum sauce on the side. If you’ve come for the fish, you’ll find branzino, salmon, red snapper and swordfish, and you might momentarily forget we’re a landlocked state. There are also specialty dishes to consider, particularly the papardelle sea bass ($42)—delicate pasta with shrimp and tender Chilean sea bass enrobed in white wine cream sauce. Don’t resist the dessert, either. All are made in-house, and Sord also flies in the ice cream from Chicago. Portions are generous, so best to share with the table. And while the tiramisu ($13) is irresistible, the Boston cream pie ($13) is a sweet homage to this newcomer to our Valley’s dining scene.
Tempura lobster
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BLISSFUL BIRD Pollos El Dorado serves up addictive charcoal-grilled chicken BY BROCK RADKE
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erhaps the pandemic has stripped any remaining sense of decorum from your takeout ritual, and now you’re like me. Could be a pizza, could be noodles, doesn’t matter—I’m snacking on the way home. Sometimes the food doesn’t even make it into the vehicle; I’ll use the car as my table and scarf it down standing up. And I have a new parking lot picnic favorite. Pollos El Dorado is a true hidden gem, an inconspicuous eatery that’s been serving standout grilled chicken for more than three years near the corner of Russell and Mountain Vista. There are plenty of other POLLOS Mexican favorites on the EL DORADO menu, from burritos and 5717 Merrill Ave., tortas to carne asada fries 702-434-0767. ($8.50) and trendy birria Daily, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. tacos with consommé ($3 apiece). But you’re just not doing it right if you don’t leave this place with an incredible whole-chicken deal ($16) that includes tortillas and two side dishes like rice, beans, coleslaw and fries. When it’s hot off the grill and doused with house-made green, red or orange habanero salsa (the latter is my favorite), this bird is bliss. Crispy, savory skin is the beginning and end with other versions of this simple dish, which are almost always too dry. Pollos El Dorado uses a magical marinade that keeps the meat perfectly moist and tender. It’s simply the best possible version, and my developing theory is that it tastes even better when feasting on the hood of a dusty Corolla. Take down the drumsticks first, then pick apart the bigger pieces using a warm corn tortilla to soak up the flavors and spicy salsas. The banner outside claims it’s the best grilled charcoal chicken in Las Vegas, but I’m boosting it up. Now that I’ve discovered Pollos El Dorado, my twin addictions to hot wings and fried chicken sandwiches have been extinguished.
Pollos El Dorado’s three-piece charcoal-grilled chicken combo (Christopher DeVargas/Staff)
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FOOD & DRINK
BUT FIRST, WINE SoCal favorite Wally’s takes the beverage lead at Resorts World BY BROCK RADKE Of all the elements that will make up Resorts World Las Vegas when the $4.3 billion hotel and casino finally opens on the Strip this year, the most mysterious is the restaurant lineup. We know it will have a full portfolio of dining options, but only the clubby FUHU—an Asian eatery from the Zouk Group—has been officially announced … until now. Southern California favorite Wally’s Wine & Spirits will expand to Las Vegas with a combination restaurant, wine bar and specialty gourmet market located in the heart of the Resorts World casino, set to open with the property this summer. “We have been keeping [food and beverage] close to the chest,” says Scott Sibella, president of
Resorts World. “We’re announcing Wally’s first because it’s the most exciting partnership, and everybody knows about the type of experience you can have there. And it’s always been on their map to get here to Las Vegas.” Known for attracting Hollywood stars along with everyday wine lovers with its massive selection, Wally’s originated as a “corner liquor store” in 1968, says president and principal Christian Navarro, who helped elevate the brand into a vast retail business in the 1990s. It currently operates two stores and restaurants in Santa Monica and Beverly Hills. Wally’s at Resorts World will offer more than 8,000 labels of wine, spirits, beer and gourmet food items from around the world in its store and dining room, and
the restaurant will serve more than 125 wines by the glass. “Once we sat down with Scott and his team, we found we were talking about the same things, even though they’re doing this billion-dollar casino and I’m just doing a couple little restaurants,” Navarro says. “We’re going to embrace this as our flagship and our home, and I’m going to be there every day.” The wine pricing plan for the Vegas version of Wally’s is a simple one: retail plus $40. Navarro is hoping high value will lead to dedicated, loyal customers, and he and Sibella expect this new food and beverage destination to attract plenty of local traffic. “We’re definitely going after locals,” Sibella says. “Wine is as popular as ever, and you don’t have to be a connoisseur to go to Wally’s and socialize and have great food and a great experience inside this new megaresort.”
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Wally’s caviar spread (top) and wine (Courtesy)
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NEED FOR SPEED
Noah Gragson
What to watch as NASCAR makes its early-season pit stop in Las Vegas BY CASE KEEFER
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ASCAR used “best season ever” as a tagline to promote its new year, which began in February with the Daytona 500. The slogan was a bit hyperbolic, but there might have also been some truth in advertising, as the racing organization arrives in Las Vegas for an early-season stop with quite a bit of momentum. Here are five reasons why NASCAR’s March 5-7 takeover of Las Vegas Motor Speedway—capped by Sunday’s Pennzoil 400 Cup race—feels like more than just another race weekend.
Fans! Although T-Mobile Arena ultimately beat it to the punch with Monday’s Golden Knights game, Las Vegas Motor Speedway was the first professional sports venue in Nevada approved to host fans since widespread coronavirus-fueled social distancing measures began a year ago. The state signed off on 15% capacity at each of the weekend’s three races, meaning 12,500 fans will be allowed at the track per day. Even a diminished attendance should benefit the atmosphere and make for a welcome sight on television, even if the visual is quite removed from the usual mass of bodies in the grandstands and RVs in the infield. Sunday’s race, the Pennzoil 400, sold out quickly, but at press time, tickets could be found on secondary ticket sites for $200 and up. Tickets for Friday’s Bucked Up 200 truck race and Saturday’s Alsco 300 Xfinity Series race were still available at lvms.com, starting at $29.
The Busch bash The Durango High graduate Busch brothers are always prime attractions at their hometown track, but the attention is amplified this time around. That’s because Kurt Busch scratched a win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway off his bucket list the last time NASCAR was here, capturing the checkered flag in last September’s South Point 400. His younger brother, Kyle, won in Las Vegas in 2009. It’s now a race inside a race to see if the 35-year-old Kyle or the 42-year-old Kurt can win a second time here—and who can do it first. They’re both coming off relative down years with only one win apiece in 2020, but they’re still known as two of the most talented drivers in the world. Kyle has won the Cup Series championship twice—in 2018 and 2019—and Kurt won his own title in 2004. Another local hopeful For the first time in years, neither Kyle Busch nor Kurt Busch is the most likely local winner for race weekend.
Kyle Busch
Kurt Busch
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NASCAR WEEKEND SCHEDULE (NHLI via Getty Images)
March 5: Bucked Up 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race, 6 p.m. FoxSports 1 March 6: Alsco Uniforms 300 NASCAR Xfinity Series race, 1:30 p.m., FoxSports 1 March 7: Pennzoil 400, noon, Fox For ticket information, visit lvms.com/tickets or call 800-644-4444.
PLAYER OF THE WEEKLY: WILLIAM KARLSSON Karlsson had quite a week, scoring twice against the Ducks on Saturday—including contributing the game-winner in overtime— and tallying two assists Monday against the Avalanche. His 14 points after those contests ranked second on the team for the season.
Report That distinction goes to 22-year-old Noah Gragson, one of the favorites in Saturday’s Xfinity race. Gragson attended Bishop Gorman for two years before fully committing to his racing dreams. He has shot up the ranks ever since, and through three Xfinity races this year, he’s driven one of the fastest cars. It just hasn’t translated to a victory, much to his frustration. Gragson has crashed twice, including last week in Miami-Homestead, where he held a dominating lead with three laps to go before David Starr, whom he was lapping, blew a tire and caused a collision. Gragson created a stir afterward when he called drivers like Starr “dipsh*ts” during a live interview on Fox Sports 1. Already a polarizing figure, Gragson figures to be a staple in NASCAR for years to come. Youth movement The Cup Series’ winners the past two weekends have been 23-year-old William Byron, who claimed his second career victory, and 26-year-old Christopher Bell, who won his first race. The pair of long-shot wins by talented young drivers fit well with what NASCAR is branding a new-look season. And the trend
could continue, with several others in line to compete throughout the schedule, including a pair who have attracted celebrities to build racing teams. NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan formed 23XI Racing to back 27-year-old Bubba Wallace this season, while rapper Pitbull formed Trackhouse Racing Team around 29-year-old Daniel Suarez. Wallace and Suarez will both look for a first-ever Cup race victory in Las Vegas. Betting-palooza Some traditions will stay intact even without swarms of out-of-towners and capacity crowds at the Speedway. Bookmakers still intend to make the Pennzoil 400 the biggest race betting event of the year, with long menus of driver matchups and proposition bets available for wagering, in addition to traditional future odds to win. The annual Las Vegas stop on the calendar has always fallen between the Super Bowl and the start of March Madness, allowing it to be its own betting spectacle. That won’t change, and it’s just another reason why this year’s race weekend could live up to NASCAR’s overall promise and prove to be the best one yet.
THIS WEEK’S VOTE 1. William Karlsson 2. Marc-André Fleury/Alex Pietrangelo (tie) 4. Alex Tuch 5. Shea Theodore As voted by Las Vegas Weekly’s panel, based on games February 22-28. SEASON STANDINGS 1. Marc-André Fleury (17 points) 2. Max Pacioretty (15 points) 3. Mark Stone (14 points) 4. Jonathan Marchessault (13 points) 5. William Karlsson/Alex Tuch (tie, 11 points) 5 points for 1st place in a week, 4 for 2nd, 3 for 3rd, 2 for 4th, 1 for 5th. UPCOMING GAMES March 5 at San Jose Sharks, 7:30 p.m. March 7 at San Jose Sharks, 7:30 p.m. March 8 at Minnesota Wild, 5 p.m. March 10 at Minnesota Wild, 4 p.m., NBC Sports Network Games air on AT&T SportsNet and 98.9-FM/ 1340-AM unless otherwise noted. STANLEY CUP ODDS: 6-TO-1 at Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook PROSPECT WATCH: PAVEL DOROFEYEV The 20-year-old Russian winger made his North American debut February 27 with the Silver Knights and instantly impressed. He had an assist and scored a highlight-reel breakaway goal to help Henderson improve to 8-1 on the season, tied for tops in the AHL.
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Realtor on a mission to close the homeownership gap for Black Americans
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BY BRYAN HORWATH here were no Black members of what was known as the National Association of Real Estate Boards in the 1960s. Ben Slayton, a Southern California Black man in his early 20s wanting to break into the industry, said he needed a sponsoring Realtor to be allowed into the organization, which is now the National Association of Realtors. Being part of the group was the only way to survive in the profession, because the board had all of the home listings, he explained. Never accepting no for an answer, Slayton said he solicited hundreds of potential sponsors before finally finding a white man to vouch for him so he could become one of the country’s first Black Realtors. It was the type of drive and determination that Slayton, now 77 and living in the Summerlin area of Las Vegas, would put on display for decades in the industry. Nearly 60 years after breaking that barrier, Slayton still works to chip away at outdated racial disparities within the real estate industry, now as president of Las Vegas-based Legacy Home Loans. Legacy, a division of Panorama Mortgage Group, was created with a singular goal in mind—to “empower the Black community with a focus on building sustainable wealth through homeownership.” Though the company has enjoyed early success, its mission is no easy task. According to the latest numbers put out by the U.S. Census Bureau, the homeownership rate for Black Americans was just 44%, more than 30 percentage points lower than the rate for white Americans. “My mission is to try to close that gap,” Slayton said. “But we can’t close that gap by ourselves. It has to happen throughout the mortgage and banking industry. It takes a village.” Legacy has nine employees in Las Vegas and close to 50 nationwide.
Decisions by policymakers that have contributed to the homeownership gap can be traced back as far as slavery, Slayton said, though he said the groundwork for today’s gap is the result of strategies put forth in the 20th century. “We weren’t able to own property during slavery, but it picked up again after World War II,” Slayton said. “The government decided that they would make homeownership available to veterans who came home from the war, [but] they gave it to the banks to guarantee those loans. The banks themselves had discriminatory practices, like redlining, that didn’t allow Blacks to
become homeowners.” Even before World War II veterans came home, the federal government had started to make it a practice to create maps to grade different neighborhoods and areas for real estate investment desirability. Predictably, Black- and immigrant-heavy areas were often outlined in red ink on maps, thereby serving as a dog whistle for banks and real estate professionals. Even today, according to the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, Blacks Americans are “more than twice as likely to have their mortgage applications denied” and often pay higher interest rates for FHA loans when they are approved. Though Slayton said Legacy is the only mortgage firm in the country focused solely on Black households, the company is making progress. He said one of the firm’s goals is to lend $1 billion to Black homeowners by 2023. Today, it’s about halfway to that mark. Slayton, coaxed out of retirement in California to run Legacy Home Loans here, remains hopeful that meaningful change will occur, though he doesn’t think it will come during his lifetime. “There are biases in our industry, just like in our society, that will attempt to prevent change from happening,” he said. “We’ve come a long ways since I wasn’t allowed to become a Realtor because of the color of my skin, but when you think that only four of every 10 Black families own the home they’re living in, and for white families it’s seven of 10, that’s a huge difference. I’m hopeful, because I have to be. I can’t do what I do without hope that things will change.”
Legacy Home Loans President Ben Slayton (Legacy Home Loans/Courtesy)
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Following his ‘younger next year’ mantra, developer has no plans of slowing down
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BY VEGAS INC STAFF n the past 50 years, Schulman Properties has developed about $2 billion in real estate. “Nevertheless, I believe it will be bigger than ever in the next five years,” says its chairman, Bob Schulman. “It is amazing, but I honestly believe today, at an age where most people have packed it in, I am smarter and better than I have ever been,” he added. “We have also brought on board Brian Burdzinski as a partner, who was president of multifamily homes for a major national real estate company and prior to that spent 15 years as its CFO. With Brian on board, our future is unlimited. “As for me, I will follow my mantra of ‘younger next year,’ and expect to be having the same fun that Schulman I am having today.” Schulman Properties developed Alexis Park, Montecito Town Center and Tenaya Village. But Schulman says its most recent development, Tuscan Highlands, is his proudest accomplishment. “I believe it has no equal with its breathtaking amenities such as the beach club, health club, restaurant and so much more,” he said. The 304unit community offers amenities not often seen in a multifamily, including a gaming and esports lounge, onsite restaurant, heated saltwater pool with a second resistance pool, health club, salon and more. How many local developments are you currently working on, or have recently completed? In addition to Tuscan Highlands, we have a 236-unit multifamily community in the works called Sunridge. It’s located contiguous to the Las Vegas Raiders
headquarters and practice facility—an extremely convenient location for locals, sports fans and relocators alike. With our expansion of trendsetting multifamily communities across the Valley, we’ve generated considerable institutional interest from capital partners. They see our vision and want to be a part of the next best thing in the industry. How has the pandemic affected your company? Our Tuscan Highlands construction was slowed substantially, and costs have increased because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, we have been leasing at rental rates and velocity even greater than our original projections, which has been extremely positive. A bigger impact is that the pandemic has scared away investors and lenders and slowed down new projects greatly. Fortunately, during the last month or so, everyone seems to be coming out of the woodwork.
While Las Vegas has slowed down due to COVID, we’ve seen an uptick in real estate and other developments. What’s driving that? Las Vegas is just a great place to live; it’s more affordable than most of the other major metropolitan cities in the U.S. In the Tuscan Highlands community, 62% of new residents are from out of town. The biggest driver is the great numbers who work from home. Also, retirees looking for an ideal resort atmosphere, with unlimited activities at their doorstep—where they never have to leave. What is the best business advice you’ve received? To clearly define our goals. Once the goals are clearly defined, put together the cookbook to meet them. Be prepared to adjust them as necessary, as the world changes on a daily basis. And most importantly, think outside of the box. There is an amazing world out there.
An artist’s rendering of an outdoor area at Tuscan Highlands (Courtesy)
If you could change one thing about Southern Nevada, what would it be? I’m pretty satisfied. That’s why we have been living in Las Vegas for the past 38 years with no intent to move. However, if I could change one thing, it would be to eliminate cars on Las Vegas Boulevard and make it into a beautiful paseo. What are you reading right now? Or binge-watching? While I am focused on the news as the world is in such turmoil, I am, like most everyone else, particularly interested in COVID-19, the economy and the direction of the government. While I am primarily reading and watching the news, unquestionably I would recommend Peak by Chip Conley. Chip was a speaker at a real estate convention I went to, and I was very, very impressed. The book reinforced my belief in getting great ideas from great people and then making great decisions based upon them, and to never compromise any decision. I highly recommend for anyone in business to read Bold and Abundance by Peter Diamandis. What is something people might not know about you? I graduated from high school with a C- average. When I was 17 years old, I went into the Army to earn the GI bill. Fortunately, when I got out of the Army, with no idea of what direction to go, someone suggested to me that I study accounting. I did and I received all As. [It was the] best advice I could have gotten, as a Certified Public Accounting background is invaluable. It was a great stepping stone to all my business endeavors. Anything else you want to tell us? I consider myself to be one of the luckiest people on earth. At my age, I am able to do the most fun things possible, such as creating one-of-a-kind communities, playing tennis four times a week, traveling and, most importantly, being in good health. I have seen many very successful individuals who have quit or retired and subsequently went downhill. My advice is to keep your mind very active, eat well, sleep well, do breathing exercises and meditation, and you will also be “younger next year.”
02.25.21 PHOTOGRAPHY BY WADE VANDERVORT
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REAL ESTATE
Las Vegas’ Most Expensive Property Sales in 2020 PRICE
SQUARE FOOTAGE
BED
BATH
ZIP CODE
NEIGHBORHOOD
ORIGINAL BUILD
1
$14,500,000
14,464
6
9
89135
Summerlin South
2009
2
$11,250,001
12,386
7
11
89012
DragonRidge
2017
3
$11,250,000
17,562
5
10
89012
DragonRidge
2010
4
$10,150,000
14,518
5
8
89135
The Ridges
2009
5
$7,400,000
3,226
3
4
89135
Summerlin South
2019
5
$7,400,000
7,073
7
8
89135
The Ridges
2015
7
$7,320,000
13,255
5
9
89135
The Ridges
2007
8
$7,300,000
16,425
6
10
89148
Spring Valley
2012
9
$7,000,000
11,375
6
9
89012
DragonRidge
2015
10
$6,725,000
9,160
4
6
89135
The Ridges
2016
ABOUT THE LIST This list was compiled using data from the Multiple Listing Service, a national listing service for real estate professionals. It was provided to Vegas Inc from Rothwell Gornt Companies in Las Vegas. This only accounts for transactions that used the service.
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VegasInc Notes Troy Tuke, a faculty member of the MountainView Hospital Paramedic Institute, was elected to serve as a member of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions’ board of directors.
Loving Hearts Adoption Services hired KelseyAnn Salas as an adoption social worker. Salas is a licensed social worker and brings experience working in the field of child and family services.
Discovery Children’s Museum welcomed Adrina Ramos-King as Bernhard director of development. Ramos-King served as manager, strategic partnerships, at the Mob Museum. In her new role, she will be responsible for overseeing the membership, individual and corporate giving departments along with the museum’s four signature special events.
Norma Intriago joined Dress for Success Southern Nevada as executive director. Possessing extensive experience in the nonprofit space, Intriago will serve on the company’s executive Intriago leadership team. Southern Nevada Public Television welcomed a new group of leaders to its board of directors, including Clark Dumont, president, Dumont Communications; Nora Luna, vice president, UNR Cooperative Extension; Michael Cunningham, secretary, Bank of Nevada; and Kim Walker, treasurer, Kim Walker Inc. The new Planned Giving Council members are Russ Kost, BDO USA and Patrick Clifford, Clifford Senior Law. Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada appointed Dan Ventrelle, executive vice president of the Las Vegas Raiders, to its board of trustees. Ventrelle brings a background in law as Ventrelle well, having advised the team on legal matters for nearly 20 years. Burke Construction Group hired Debbie Schmitt as vice president of finance and accounting. Schmitt has more than 20 years of experience and most recently was the controller for North America’s largest independently owned construction equipment rental company.
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Local nonprofit CORE welcomed two new members to serve on the 2021 board of trustees: Jessica Battaglia, vice president of human resources, Switch; and Bo Bernhard, associate vice president of economic development, UNLV. CORE, powered by the Rogers Foundation, is a long-term, two-generational after-school and weekend program.
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HELP of Southern Nevada named Chelsea Lankowsky, brand partnerships account executive at Zappos Family of Companies, as the newest member of the board of trustees. Prior to working at Zappos, Lankowsky Lankowsky managed donor relations and special events in different capacities for Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada and United Way of Southern Nevada. Goodwill of Southern Nevada hired Carrie Messina as new chief human resources officer. Messina, formerly the senior vice president of human resources at International Market Centers, Messina brings more than 30 years of industry experience to the position. Three local public relations professionals earned their Accreditation in Public Relations certification. Carrie Amox, public relations consultant, Rina Foster, 84 Communications founder/ principal, and MacKenzie Ruta, communications associate with Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, earned this distinction, the only nationally recognized accreditation for public relations professionals.
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CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY WITH US!
Celebrate International Women’s Day with a special livestream event on March 8th featuring local female performers and artists, all to benefit The Cupcake Girls, a nonprofit supporting individuals affected by domestic violence, sex trafficking, and those working in the sex industry.
Watch the event live on March 8th at 5 PM on Hard Rock’s Facebook Page.
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Call (702) 939-1146 or visit coxbusiness.com to switch today *Offer ends 4/30/21. Available to new commercial data subscribers (excluding gov’t agencies and schools) in Cox service areas. $89/mo includes Cox Business InternetSM 50 and IPC Select for months 1-6 and free self-install; $10 step-up in month 7. Rates subject to change after month 7 or if you cancel Auto Pay or Paperless Bill. Offer requires Auto Pay and Paperless Bill. Price excludes equipment, professional installation, construction, inside wiring, taxes, surcharges and other fees, unless indicated. Offer is nontransferable to a new service address. “No annual contract” means no specific term period requirement and no early termination fees. All Cox services are provided subject to Cox Business General Terms (including mandatory arbitration provisions), Acceptable Use Policy (including Cox’s right to terminate service for abuse of network), and other policies, which may be found at www.cox.com/aboutus/policies.html. CB Internet: Uninterrupted or error-free Internet service, or the speed of your service, is not guaranteed. Actual speeds vary. Rates and bandwidth options vary and are subject to change. DOCSIS 3.0 or higher modem may be required, unless indicated. See www.cox.com/internetdisclosures for complete Cox Internet Disclosures. Voice: 15-seat maximum. IPC Select is limited to direct-dialed domestic calls and is not available for use with non-switched-circuit calling. Desktop app included; physical handsets may be purchased separately from Cox. Access to E911 may not be available during equipment or extended power outage. Telephone services are provided by an affiliated Cox entity. Services are not available in all areas. Discounts can’t be combined or added with other promotions nor applied to any other Cox account. 30day satisfaction guarantee limited to refund of standard installation/activation fees and the first month’s recurring service and equipment fees (and equipment purchase fees if purchased from Cox) for the newly subscribed services only. Excludes all other costs and charges. Refund must be claimed within 30 days of service activation. Other restrictions apply. © 2021 Cox Communications Inc. All rights reserved. PAD107564-0001
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