SPOTLIGHT

MGM Grand, 702.891.7888

Go East

The Cantonese cuisine at Hakkasan includes many classics, but in a modern, elevated way. Some items to consider for appetizers and dim sum (and yes, do share, and share your entrées, too!): The truffled beef tartare on a turnip cake with preserved egg; wild mushroom puff with a truffle aioli; and crispy duck salad, anointed with pomelo, shallots and pine nuts.

For the main courses, General Tsao chicken cooks up crispy chicken breast with chili and sesame, and jasmine-smoked prime short rib comes with a pickled lotus root on the side (an acquired taste, so be careful with this one). And on the side, Hong Kong fried rice incorporates shrimp and pork along with asparagus, yellow chives and a wok-fried egg.

For the vegans in the group, Hakkasan has a good range of items, each denoted on the menu, including a vegan hot and sour soup. Yum! –Nina King

Over-the-Top Creations The fun never stops at celebrity chef’s restaurant

The main dining room at Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen & Bar is the perfect place to enjoy a comfort food feast: Open air, full of light and punctuated by red brick. There’s also a large bar area where you can gather with friends and just enjoy a pint—or one of Fieri’s amazing signature cocktails, including the famous BBQ Bloody Mary, made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, candied bacon, beef jerky and a veggie skewer, all flavored with house-made Bloody Mary mix (which includes Guy’s bourbon brown sugar barbecue sauce and Guy’s Buffalo Sauce). This is almost as much a meal as it is a drink!

You’ll want to keep the party going with any number of sides. Flavor dominates every edge of this part of the menu, especially the andouille sausage-and-cheese-stuffed jalapeño poppers, wrapped in maple bacon, smoked and glazed with that aforementioned barbecue sauce. A house-made ranch dip really goes well with this! And for a real head-turner, order the Trash Can Nachos. Your dish arrives in a tall metal pitcher with a removable bottom. One pull of the trigger and the whole mess slides onto a plate. There’s more of the Fieri smoke to this app, thanks to house-smoked pork, and SMC (super melty cheese) makes its first appearance here.

Its second appearance? On the famous (infamous?) Bacon Mac ’N’ Cheeseburger, an award-winning beast that begs to be ordered. You get a huge patty for starters, on top of which Fieri piles SMC, donkey sauce (you’ll love it!), applewood bacon, six-cheese mac and cheese, onion straws and the usual suspects of lettuce, tomato and onion, on a garlic-buttered brioche bun.

Another showstopper is the Motley Que pulled pork sandwich (you know it from Diners, DriveIns and Dives), which features the return of that bourbon brown sugar barbecue sauce and is piled with citrus slaw, pickle chips and donkey sauce on a toasted pretzel bun. We hope you saved your appetite, because this will require every last bit of it. –Ken Miller

The Linq Hotel 702.794.3139

Something for All

It’s over the top. It’s mind-blowing. It’s equal parts scary and funny. What we’re trying to say is that you won’t soon forget Criss Angel MINDFREAK once you’ve experienced it. The master illusionist was wellknown to millions for his extreme stunts on television. This Las Vegas production turns that all up to 11.

A live rock band keeps the energy high during the entire show, during which Angel re-creates a fight scene from a video game, saws a woman in half (in the craziest way you’ve ever seen), walks on air and reads minds, all with a wink and a nod to the audience—Angel is clearly having fun here, especially when he brings volunteers onto the stage to reveal their greatest fears.

But as edgy as the show can get, it has a softer side as well. Angel is deeply involved in charitable causes, and uses part of his show to raise awareness of how necessary it is to help the less fortunate. Regardless of your views on magic, there really is something for everyone in this production. You’ll feel like you know more about the world we live in after seeing it. –Ken Miller

Planet Hollywood Resort, 702.777.2782

Putt All Nite

Enjoy some of the greatest music by one of the world’s greatest rock bands while enjoying some quality family time at KISS by Monster Mini Golf, which offers a fun time for all skill levels across cleverly designed courses, all with a KISS theme (including a large Gene Simmons tongue!). And after besting your family members in a game, check out the gift shop and arcade, including—naturally—a KISS pinball machine. There’s even a themed wedding chapel, if spending your special day on the course is your dream. –Ken Miller

Rio, 702.558.6256

A Hot Time

Fans of Mexican food will have a hard time finding much better than Border Grill at Mandalay Bay, tucked away on the way to the Convention Center and Shark Reef with a fabulous patio.

The guac is delightful, but the queso fundido may just make you consider ordering another batch before your entrée arrives. The crispy potato and ceviche tacos come with raja peppers, those oh-so-delicious yet-oh-so-spicy morsels. Ceviches can be found in several forms here, from the classic dish to tacos and tostadas.

Vegans will dig the rainbow cauliflower tacos with red quinoa and smoked paprika, while carnivores have a choice of carne asada, vampiro shrimp and carnitas tacos plus arbol chicken quesadillas and grilled skirt steak. And there are plenty of margaritas, cocktails and sangria, so you’ll have something to mitigate the spiciness. –Nina King

Mandalay Bay, 702.632.7403

A Bar With Spirit Saloon serves up attitude—with a smile

On Jan. 27, 1993, Liliana Lovell opened the doors to the first Coyote Ugly on Manhattan’s 1st Avenue, unleashing a chain of events that would result in a movie based on her bar and second location in the heart of Las Vegas that became an immediate hit. The party continues in the present at the Vegas venue, which in November celebrates 21 years of serving shots and bar top hijinks on the second level of New York-New York. On Friday and Saturday evenings beginning at 9 p.m., Coyote Ugly guarantees a good time on the Strip.

Lovell’s blueprint for a successful bar started when she discovered she had a knack for making money in the bar business. A Catholic school girl turned New York University student, Lovell found that after a few drinks she was uninhibited enough to jump on the bar and sing along with the jukebox. The bar owner found drink sales increased with Lovell’s enthusiasm. After a post-college stint working on Wall Street, she realized she felt more comfortable and made more money behind the bar. When an opportunity to become a partner in what would become Coyote Ugly presented itself, it seemed like destiny.

Her modus operandi became the way of the Coyote Ugly bartender: sassing customers, challenging them to drinking contests and dancing on bars to country music while looking great doing it. Asking for a frozen drink will likely result in a friendly insult followed by a challenge to drink Wild Turkey. As the place fills, the fun really begins.

No one can quite match Lovell when it comes to singing, dancing and egging on the crowd, but she certainly knows how to bring the best out of bartenders, whether they’re slinging drinks in New York, Las Vegas or any of the more than 20 other Coyote Ugly outposts around the world. If you haven’t experienced the fun for yourself, now is the perfect time. –Matt Kelemen

New York-New York, 702.740.6330

Nothing But the Truth

When you go see Eddie Griffin perform at his reopened stand-up comedy residency at Sahara Las Vegas, you better be ready. The veteran funnyman has never shied away from controversial topics over the course of his 30-year-plus career, and he’s not about to change.

Griffin has maintained a Las Vegas residency for years at the Rio and then SLS Las Vegas, which transformed into the Sahara Las Vegas in late 2019 but wisely held onto their in-house comedy star. For now, he’s performing at the new Magic Mike Live Theater until the under-construction larger theater space is ready for his show.

Griffin has always been known for pulling no punches, and that’s not about to change. “I’m sure I’ve missed out on quite a few films because of my nonconformity,” Griffin told Las Vegas Magazine. “But it’s comedy, damn it. It’s not called the serious show, it’s called a comedy show, and people who (get offended) are people who take their own position in life too seriously. It’s a short trip we have on this marble, flying through space at hyper speed. It’s quick and then it’s over.” –Brock Radke

Sahara Las Vegas, 21+. 702.761.7000

Crustacean Cravings?

If you’re in the mood for lobster while in Vegas but don’t want to shell out tons of cash on a fancy dinner, then head to Lobster ME, a casual eatery that serves up fresh lobster and other seafood specialties like crab and shrimp. The signature lobster rolls are the main attraction, such as the Maine Roll, which is slathered with mayo and a special seasoning, but you’ll also find comfort foods like the delectable lobster grilled cheese. Warm the soul with a cup of New England clam chowder, or break your diet with the lobster- and crab-loaded fries. –Ken Miller

Miracle Mile Shops at Plant Hollywood Resort, 702.562.7837

Body Paradise

With beautiful, upscale surroundings, the Red Rock Spa by Well & Being is a retreat focusing on relaxation and rejuvenation. Guests can indulge in seasonal treatments for that new-year-new-you transformation. Try the Doctor Babor Prescription Facial that focuses on individual skin challenges and uses prescription therapies to diminish signs of aging.

For the body, book the Recovery Massage, an invigorating massage that uses a particular blend of essential oils to help calm the body and aid in the massage that helps promote circulation and relieve stress.

The spa also offers a wide variety of exercise classes, from yoga and pilates to personal training sessions. Plus, the open-air swimming pool surrounded by lush greenery and individual cabanas is the perfect place to continue relaxing after your treatments. –Kiko Miyasato

Red Rock Resort, 702.797.7878

Consistent Change

Usually, if a band is touring without any of its original members, it’s a sign that something vital has been lost. But with vintage pop-rock band The Grass Roots, an ever-changing lineup has been part of the group’s essence since its earliest days. The Grass Roots, appearing at the Golden Nugget on Feb. 11, was initially conceived not by the performers audiences saw onstage, but by the songwriting team of P.F. Sloan and Steve Barri, who penned “Where Were You When I Needed You,” first released in 1965.

Vocalist and bassist Rob Grill, who joined the band in 1967, eventually became the band’s driving force, starting at the height of the group’s success in the late ’60s and early ’70s, with hit singles including “Let’s Live for Today,” “Midnight Confessions” and “Sooner or Later.” Through the decades, The Grass Roots has featured literally dozens of members, including future The Office star Creed Bratton. The band’s current lineup may not be original, but in a way, that’s how you know they’re authentically The Grass Roots. –Josh Bell

Golden Nugget, 800.745.3000 Ticketmaster

Eat Right, Feel Right

If you find it hard to eat healthily, then head to True Food Kitchen, which keeps a focus on anti-inflammatory foods, and that means that the delicious dishes you’ll find here aren’t bad for you. Many are gluten-free and vegetarian or vegan.

The charred cauliflower, edamame guacamole and herb hummus are all great starters. The margherita pizza is a great shareable option, with organic DiNapoli tomatoes and mozzarella. The butternut squash pie features carmelized onion, roasted garlic, house-made vegan ricotta and dried cranberries. If you want meat, there are plenty of options, from the grassfed burger to the turkey burger, which comes with avocado, smoked gouda and jalapeño remoulade. A personal favorite, the Ancient Grains bowl, is a perennial on the menu. –Nina King

The Forum Shops at Caesars, 702.340.2600

You’ll Fall For It

So you think you’re brave, do you? Well, test yourself on SkyJump Las Vegas, where you jump off the top of The STRAT, from 855 feet up. Like a skydiver, you’ll leap out into the air, strapped into a harness, descending at speeds approaching 40 mph. You’ll fall past the Top of the World restaurant and 107 SkyLounge, and may startle a few folks there as you plummet downward. But never fear—you will be slowed before you land, and there are guide wires which help keep you on course. But that knowledge won’t stop the incredible adrenaline surge you’ll feel on the way down. –Nina King

The STRAT, 702.380.7777

WITH SPECIAL GUEST COLIN CLOUD

LIMITLESS

Mid-Morning Delights Aria restaurant’s brunch is a stunner

For a very Vegas brunch experience, Catch has us hooked. The Asian-influenced seafood and steak restaurant that brings a huge celebrity draw to its L.A. and New York City outposts features a beautiful garden-inspired main dining room, serving as a precursor to the cuisine that is deliciously designed to satisfy tastebuds, as well as visually excite. And the new brunch menu continues this tradition with aplomb.

Kick off the experience with a jolt of caffeine and some healthy, fresh-pressed juices. The toasted almond iced coffee is a must-sip for coffee lovers, with a smooth and silky blend of espresso, almond milk, sugar, vanilla bean, egg yolk, salt and toasted almonds. The green juice does your body good, packed with vitamins and minerals from a blend of celery, kale, parsley, pineapple, orange, and green apple.

Now onto brunch! Order the new, not-to-bemissed cinnamon roll pancakes. With a slightly crunchy outside and soft and fluffy inside, the cakes get a brown sugar cinnamon swirl and are topped with cream cheese frosting, powdered sugar and candied almonds.

For a real dish delight, and one that’s on the healthy tip, the egg white omelet deserves serious praise for its combination of egg whites, turkey bacon, artichoke, arugula and caramelized onions and goat cheese. The smashed organic avocado toast packs a powerful flavor punch, too, with a great heaping helping of avocados on sourdough bread and topped with sweet heirloom tomatoes and medium-boiled egg with a garnishing of pomegranate seeds, pickled chilis and radish slices.

And a dish that’s a must-order for that totally Vegas brunch experience is the picture-worthy The Anytime Waffle Tower, which may get a recommendation to be ordered to close the meal, because of its dessert-like quality. The triangles of gluten-free waffles are stacked high, with vanilla, chocolate and raspberry ice cream in between the layers which are spread with raspberry jam and then topped with a chocolate ganache and whipped cream. Our favorite part? Dipping the waffle bites into the pool of blended, melty ice cream! –Kiko Miyasato

Aria, 877.230.2742

Playing With Reality

Go ahead and let reality slide, you’ve got a date with a handsome magician. Xavier Mortimer, a French illusionist who you may have seen on shows such as America’s Got Talent and Penn & Teller: Fool Us, or in his series of YouTube videos that garnered huge response over the few years, recently opened up The Dream Maker at The STRAT. And Mortimer’s illusions, from close-up magic to full-on appearances, will definitely have you doubting what you just saw with your own eyes. –Nina King

The STRAT, 702.380.7777

Caesars Palace, 702.731.7286

Time to Celebrate

For dining at its finest, it doesn’t get better than the long-standing Restaurant Guy Savoy. The acclaimed French chef brings all his edible masterpieces to the plate at this fine-dining establishment. For those with mad green, the Celebration Menu offers a multicourse experience with wine pairing for $595 per person. Dishes include a langoustine, caviar, avocado and green apple dish, Savoy’s signature artichoke and black truffle soup, A5 Japanese wagyu with lobster and a caramel-and-popcorn dessert.

If a prepared menu is not up your alley, go à la carte with starters like the famous soup, seared foie gras and caviar service, then follow with selections from the sea (roasted wild Atlantic turbot, lobster or salmon) or land (Muscovy duck confit or veal chop). Every dish is an indulgent flavor experience in French cooking.

End the memorable meal with the dessert trolley. Have your server wheel the decadence on over to your table and peruse plates of ice cream, sorbet, Mason jar desserts and traditional and modern French pastries.

Bon appétit, indeed! –Kiko Miyasato

The Friendly Skies

If you’re new to the helicopter experience, we can’t imagine recommending anything more than a flight in an ECO-Star craft along the famous Las Vegas Strip. Finally, you can see the iconic destination like you’ve been seeing it all these years on television shows and in movies, courtesy of Maverick Helicopters. Trust us, the real thing is truly something special. You may even want to go twice, since it seems to go by so fast.

Making the journey even more enjoyable? Every pilot for Maverick excels at putting their passengers at ease, and your pilot communicates with you through headsets. In addition, music will be played, and it’s always geared specifically for the destination. At times, you’ll feel like you’re in a scene from an action movie. Other times, you’ll get very introspective, and other times very emotional. –Ken Miller

6075 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 702.261.0007