out of your
Let’s face it, it’s still a desert out there. Using less means more. Replacing your lawn with water smart landscaping is the right thing to do. There’s even a cash rebate for doing it. Learn more at snwa.com, or call 702-258-SAVE. The Southern Nevada Water Authority is a not-for-profit water utility.
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Calculated Risk
Real estate developer sees a hidden gem in a historic casino By Paul Szydelko
July 23–August 5, 2015
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VegasSeven.com
ON SHELVES BEHIND THE DESK OF REAL
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estate developer Joe DeSimone Jr. stand the exquisite attention to detail found in George F. Will’s Men at Work, the soaring inspiration provided by a quote from NFL legend Vince Lombardi and conservative theories espoused by Ayn Rand in Atlas Shrugged. How much DeSimone might lean on these three infuences as he grows into his role as the new owner of Railroad Pass hotelcasino—a fxture on U.S. 93-95 between Henderson proper and Boulder City since 1931—is anyone’s guess. This much is certain: In the nation’s oldest continuously operating casino, which he acquired from MGM Resorts International earlier this year, DeSimone, 48, saw an opportunity to diversify his portfolio. After founding First Federal Realty in 1996 and completing one apartment building and fve professional offce complexes, the leap into the gaming industry represents more of a professional progression than a personal passion for the Long Island, N.Y., native. Among DeSimone’s frst tasks was a fresh coat of exterior paint and a new roof for Railroad Pass, which houses 320 slot machines, 120 rooms, a William Hill-operated sportsbook, a buffet, steakhouse and café. (DeSimone owns the property, but has yet to complete the regulatory process to become the licensed operator; he anticipates clearing that fnal hurdle during a Nevada Gaming Commission hearing July 23.) One thing guests won’t see is his name on the property or on his favorite dish on the café’s menu. “My ego doesn’t allow for that,” he says. The cosmetic enhancements aside, DeSimone, who moved to Henderson in 1991, isn’t planning any kind of mass overhaul of Railroad Pass. For now, he just wants to maximize its potential in ways his predecessors could not. “[Railroad Pass] does well,” he says. “But there are so many revenue centers and cost-effciencies that can be implemented in a property like this that might have been overlooked by the previous owners because they had bigger and more important things to look at.” For instance, on one of his frst visits after taking possession, DeSimone discovered the bar in the sportsbook did not take debit or credit cards. “There are countless opportunities to improve the experience for the customers, add customers and make sure we’re running as effciently as possible.” DeSimone is also committed to improving the experience for his workforce. In accordance with the purchase agreement with MGM—which had owned the property since 2005—he retained all 200-plus
employees. He says he sensed relief when those employees were told a local independent businessman was now signing their paychecks and planning to reinvest. To that latter point: DeSimone, who purchased 40 acres adjacent to the developed 20acre property, is studying whether to add a travel center to better accommodate the estimated 40-50 truckers who stop there nightly on the trek to and from Arizona. Beyond that, he intends to retain Railroad Pass’ intimate character and its appeal to Boulder City residents, while attracting more Henderson residents as the Boulder City bypass and Interstate 11 are developed. “The travel experience for people from Boulder City doesn’t change [with the bypass]; the travel experience for people from Henderson only changes to the extent they can’t make an immediate lefthand turn into our property where the stoplight [currently] is,” he says. “A lot of prospective purchasers might have had some concerns as it relates to that; I have a lot of optimism as it relates to that.” Actually, DeSimone has a lot of optimism about everything. Even though his frst foray into hospitality and gaming has come with a steep learning curve, he’s fully embracing the experience when others might be overwhelmed: “It’s a fun adventure. And it’s a perfect property to buy for your frst casino.”
You have proven over the years how much you love Las Vegas, but there have to be things about the Best City Ever that irritate you. What are a few of your biggest gripes? Believe it or not, I could write a book (or at least a frothy 7,000-word blog post) about this subject. (The DMV! The wind! The traffic!). But here are five top contenders: ➜ The state of public education is—to put it mildly—concerning. I saw the writing on the wall back in the 1980s when some of the best teachers at Clark High School were enticed away to launch the Meadows School. Before that, when the city was a fraction of its current size with only a handful of private schools, the rich kids, the poor kids and all those in between mixed in public schools. The lesson: Don’t underestimate the impact of an egalitarian education system in manifesting an egalitarian society. ➜ Las Vegas must be the chain store and franchise capital of the world. I’ll never forget the few years I lived in a new suburb (don’t ask) and seeing the excitement when Chili’s finally opened. Given the two-hour queue on opening day, you would have thought Hubert Keller had just launched a new Michelin-starred diner. A city of risk-takers should be a little more adventurous when it comes to neighborhood food offerings, but few people here care as long as Chick-fil-A comes ... and opens on every corner. ➜ Many newcomers love to complain that they cannot meet anyone in Las Vegas worth meeting. I’ve covered this topic before, but I recently met a bartender—just eight months into her stint here—who was already hightailing it back home because she found it impossible to meet anyone. Hint: Maybe it’s your attitude, and not the city. But sure, we’ll be your scapegoat! Which leads to: ➜ Thanks to our “Grand Central Station” sensibility, Las Vegas has very little institutional memory on which to lean. That means the story of Las Vegas is too often framed by eager-butclueless recent arrivals than by those who actually live it. Remember when we’d all get annoyed at the “parachuting journalists” who dropped in, looked around and then pooped on us in a major news outlet? Now, too often, they are us. ➜ Relatedly, our city attracts an interesting demographic of second-chancers, disappearing acts, gamblers, performers, carpetbaggers and con artists. That “local color” is fine by me. But the regular folks who thought Summerlin was merely Irvine with a few bingo rooms and buffets often have a difficult time accepting Sin City. That adds to a tiresome public discourse about Las Vegas that is already fairly negative. Too many arrive with expectations that Las Vegas can’t fulfill or problems that no city can solve. As Los Angeleno Matt Kennedy once commented on a Vice story ripping Los Angeles, “People don’t get cancer here; they bring it with them.” Exactly. Questions? AskaNative@VegasSeven.com.
PHOTO BY JON ESTRADA
THE LATEST
CHARACTER STUDY
Tap-dancing twins Sean and John Scott of Absinthe are our Best Dancers (see page 54).
Our sixth annual tribute to all that’s great about Las Vegas—from the place to go for pancakes (topped with 23-karat gold flakes) to our favorite new resident (and not just because he’s worth $600 million).
Let’s face it: There isn’t a lot to munch on as you wind down a latenight Downtown bar crawl. So we’re excited that El Cortez has fnally opened its 24-hour eatery, Siegel’s 1941. Like most casino “coffee shops,” the Mob-themed space has a little something for everyone, depending on the time of day. But the offerings from 11 p.m. through 11 a.m. are especially diverse, and include breakfast choices, burgers, sandwiches, bar-style snacks and pastas. Whatever your mood, you’ll fnd something that will hit the spot. In El Cortez, 702385-5200, ElCortezHotelCasino.com. B E ST P L A C E TO PAY H O M A G E TO T H E B U F FA LO W I N G
Anchor Bar The Buffalo wing has been a bar-food staple for so long, many have forgotten that the spicy little kicker, in fact, has provenance. It was invented in the 1960s in (surprise!) Buffalo, New York,
B E ST PA N C A K E S E L E C T I O N
Pantry The Mirage’s 24-hour coffee shop wants you to feel like you’re eating in Mom’s kitchen, and your Mom apparently is really good at making a wide variety of pancakes. Daily and seasonal fapjack specials might include tiramisu or pumpkin, or be as grandiose as to be made with seven different types of chocolate and topped with 23-karat gold fakes. There’s always the Valrhona milk-chocolate variety, based on the chef’s grandmother’s recipe, as well as pancakes studded with blueberries and the classic buttermilk version. The short stack at your neighborhood waffe house will never measure up again. In The Mirage, 702-696-7050, Mirage.com.
Short Rib Grilled Cheese at Fat Choy Tucked into a corner of the tiny Eureka Casino, chef Sheridan Su’s Fat Choy is one of the Valley’s best-kept dining secrets. The pork belly bao and sesame noodles alone are well worth a visit, but it’s the short rib grilled cheese that will guarantee return trips. A mix of provolone and cheddar swaddles a generous helping of tender short rib served on buttery sourdough bread slathered with onion jam—in a word, intoxicating. Guy Fieri recently stopped by to flm for an upcoming episode of his Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, so don’t count on Fat Choy remaining a hidden gem for much longer. In Eureka Casino, 702-794-3464, FatChoyLV.com.
B E ST O F B OT H W O R L D S
Glutton and VegeNation This year saw the arrival of Downtown restaurants VegeNation and Glutton, next-door neighbors whose menus couldn’t be more different. The two form a sort of yin/yang in Downtown’s ever-evolving dining scene—Glutton suggesting indulgence with a menu full of savory meats, and VegeNation priding itself on restraint via an entirely plant-based menu. However, they do have one thing in common: a fagship burger. The Glutton Burger features grilled sirloin, American cheese blend and bread-and-butter pickles, while the VegeNation Burger boasts a superfood patty (think beets) with lettuce and tomato. Go ahead and enjoy one for lunch and the other for dinner—don’t worry, we won’t judge. Glutton, 610 E. Carson Ave., Suite 110; VegeNation, 616 E. Carson Ave., Suite 120.
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SEAN AND JOHN SCOTT BY ANTHONY MAIR; FAT CHOY BY JON ESTRADA
Siegel’s 1941
B E ST G R I L L E D C H E E S E W I T H M E AT O N I T
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at Anchor Bar, and now Las Vegas boasts its very own outpost. Perfectly crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside, the dreamy drummettes come in nine favors, but you should focus your attention on the original—with the heat level turned up to “suicidal.” This one’s a game changer, and after one order, you’ll question every Buffalo wing you’ve ever eaten in your life. In the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian, AnchorBar.com.
B E ST T H I N G S I N C E S L I C E D B A C O N
Speck Like belly, guanciale and bacon before it, fnding the next big thing in pork is a serious pursuit among chefs and foodies. This year, watch for speck— a fatty smoked bacon-like cut from
July 23–August 5, 2015
DINING & DRINKING
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BEST OF THE CITY Tyrol, Italy, near the Swiss border—to pass over the most respected palates in town. “Chefs are experimenting with recipes where bacon would have been the go-to. Now replacing it with other salty, fatty pork counterparts such as speck—a rich, nutty, sweet, buttery, luscious smoked ham laced with aromatics of juniper—to me is a nobrainer,” says local chef Brian Howard. “Bacon, as much as I love it, can be produced in under two weeks. But it will never have the complexity and depth of favor of a ham that’s well fed, cured and aged in the right environment for a minimum of 10 months.” You can fnd speck in dishes such as al cipollotto e speck pizzette at Julian Serrano’s Lago in Bellagio, or discover its rich, versatile qualities this fall at Howard’s forthcoming Downtown restaurant Grazing Pig Charcuterie.
Joe Vicari’s Andiamo Steakhouse tableside Caesar salad.
B E ST TA B L E S I D E C A E S A R S A L A D
Joe Vicari’s Andiamo Steakhouse in The D Hidden away on the second foor of The D is arguably Downtown’s top steakhouse. And when it comes to the tradition of the tableside Caesar salad, Joe Vicari’s doesn’t miss a beat. Expertly prepared by a tuxedo-wearing server, a dozen full romaine leaves are delicately tossed into a thick dressing whose ingredients are whisked together one at a time right in front of you. Topped with a handful of croutons and large, razor-thin slices of Reggiano, this salad takes the Caesar game to a new level. In The D, 702-388-2220, TheD.com. B E ST WAY TO LO S E YO U R FOIE GRAS-GINITY
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Foie gras is one of the most misunderstood foods on the planet. It’s a favorite target of animal rights activists, despite the fact that foie ducks live far better lives than most of the animals that Americans eat. Still, the taste and texture—reminiscent of meat-favored butter—can be tough to process the frst time you try it. Thankfully, José Andrés has found a way to make it less scary: He put it on a stick and wrapped it in cotton candy. Trust us: You’ll fnd the combination of light, airy spun sugar and rich, fatty meat quite sublime. In SLS, 855-761-7757, SLSVegas.com. B E ST S U R P R I S E E T H N I C D I S H E S
Filipino food at Andrea’s Filipino food is often humble and hearty, but it can sometimes be a little unapproachable if you’re not familiar. Fortunately, the native fare is slowly infltrating our culinary mainstream, thanks to chef Joe Elevado at Andrea’s in Encore. Example: sisig, a traditional bar snack that’s best enjoyed with cold beers, is usu-
PHOTO BY KRYSTAL RAMIREZ
July 23–August 5, 2015
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Cotton Candy at Bazaar Meat
DINING & DRINKING with a ffth slated for Henderson. And owner Christopher Campbell says he wants 500 locations nationwide. Watch your guac, Chipotle. Multiple locations, BraddahsTacos.com. B E ST R E I N V E N T I O N
Radio City Pizzeria/Retroscena Beef heart tartare? Grilled octopus with squid ink parsnip puree? From a pizza joint? Under new ownership, Radio City Pizzeria has shown us they have so much more to offer, including more gourmet items such as crudo, fresh pastas with pesto that changes weekly and other surprising choices. Sure, you can still order a slice of pepperoni or cheese through the walk-up window, but we recommend heading inside and trying one of the upgraded pies with such items as chicken oysters and broccoli rabe, or guanciale and chorizo, all party-cut into squares so the crust can hold the heft of the toppings. While it does have that neighborhood hipster feel to it—especially now that amaro bar Retroscena has opened in the back alley—Radio City manages to pull it off without feeling overwrought. 508 Fremont St., 702-982-5055. B E ST R E STAU R A N T H A C K
The C-Line (cold-items-only) at Shake Shack
B E ST S U S H I R O L L I N S P I R E D BY S O UP
Tom Yum Roll at Ichiza This roll brings the hot-and-sour favors of the classic Thai specialty Tom Yum soup into solid form. Made with shrimp tempura, veggies, herbs and lemongrass on the inside, and topped with more shrimp, cilantro
and chili sauce, the roll tastes almost exactly like its brothy inspiration. Congratulations: You now may enjoy your favorite soup in the desert summer heat without looking completely insane. 4355 Spring Mountain Rd., Suite 205, 702-367-3151, IchizaLasVegas.com.
Young’s breakfast and lunch spot Eat, plus the back entrance to The Perch in Container Park. If you’re keeping score, that’s one street, barely two blocks and eight diverse restaurants. B E ST A LT E R N AT I V E TO C H I P OT L E
Carson Avenue Fremont East may still be the coolest stroll in town for cocktails, but just a block to the south, Carson Avenue has emerged as Downtown’s top dining drag. Start just east of Las Vegas Boulevard at Kerry Simon’s Carson Kitchen, and before the end of the block you can stop to grab a doughnut at O Face or perhaps some sushi at Bocho. The next block offers the adjacent VegeNation, Glutton and Zydeco Po-Boys. And on opposite sides of the intersection at Carson and Seventh Street, you’ll fnd Natalie
Braddah’s Island Style You can fnd a traditional Mexican food joint in this town almost as easily as you can fnd an aspiring DJ. If you want something different, hit fast-casual chain Braddah’s Island Style. The model is similar to Chipotle’s—choose between a bowl, burrito, salad or tacos—but with distinct, favorful Hawaiian offerings such as seaweed rice, mango salsa, kalua pig, grilled huli huli chicken and pulehu steak. Why should America’s favorite burrito chain be worried? The local company, started by a former Chipotle regional manager, recently opened its fourth Las Vegas location
VegasSeven.com
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ally made with the offal bits (pig ears and face), but Elevado tones it down, using everyone’s favorite crispy pork belly mixed with bits of jalapeño and red onion for texture and crunch. Then he tops it with an egg and serves it all on a sizzling platter. There’s also Elevado’s take on crispy pata, a pork shank with crackling skin served with house-made pickles and black vinegar to cut into the luscious fat of the pata. It’s so elegant, some might not even be aware they’re being introduced to traditional Pinoy cuisine. In Encore, 702-770-3463, WynnLasVegas.com.
July 23–August 5, 2015
ICHIZA BY ANTHONY MAIR; SHAKE SHACK BY KRYSTAL RAMIREZ
The Tom Yum Roll at Ichiza.
Shake Shack is a New York City legend, and when it opened its frst location west of the Mississippi here, those who had never experienced its juicy burgers on hinged buns slathered with secret sauce became overnight fans. Devotees focked to New York-New York to experience the Shack’s holy trinity of burger, crinklecut fries and shake or concrete (a custard with various mix-ins). But the best part about this location is the walk-up C-line window, where you can skip the burger/fries line inside and go straight for the cold treats. Worshippers, rejoice! In New York-New York, 725-222-6730, ShakeShack.com.
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BEST OF THE CITY B E ST B LO O DY M A R Y P R E S E N TAT I O N
Hearthstone Bottomless Bloody Mary brunches have become as synonymous with Las Vegas as the hangovers that spur the need for such a thing. But what about when bottomless just isn’t enough? How about taking a cue from what Vegas does best: bottle service! The Hearthstone team has created a special serving tray packed with everything your hangover requires: a bottle of the house vodka, 50 Bleu; house-made chipotle or traditional Mary mix; and a selection of garnishes and hot sauces. The best thing is it stays with you—right on the table—so relief is never out of reach. And at $70, it’s not a bad deal if your entire group is in need of a liquid BandAid. In Red Rock Resort, 702-797-7344, HearthstoneLV.com. B E ST U S E O F AV O C A D O S I N C E AV O C A D O TO A ST
Avocolada at Tropical Smoothie Café Despite a rumored avocado shortage, the avocado toast craze (did you miss it?) washed over both coasts this year like one of those CGI continentrefacing tidal waves from a summer blockbuster. But now we see your dry, fancy toast and raise you a cool, refreshing smoothie. The Avocolada (592 calories; 416 with Splenda) launched as a special in March, blending avocado, pineapple, spinach, kale, coconut and lime into Paleo manna that’s here to stay. Oh, and if the shortage rumors are true, you can bet CrossFitters will be guarding the stockpile. Various locations, TropicalSmoothieCafe.com. B E ST LO U N G E R E F R E S H
Nick Houck
VegasSeven.com
➜ Less flash, more FlashPour! That would be the battle cry of practical; and service and personality, comprised of a mixology veteran barman Nick Houck … that is, if he had time for that competition and a live trial, managing a busy crowd at Whist sort of thing. He’s been busy of late, working the levels of Vegas Stove & Spirits in The District at Green Valley Ranch. The barSeven’s annual Bols Best Bartender competition that spanned man with the highest average score was the winner. three weeks, and ultimately taking home the prize. “Nick played the game real smart,” Pullen says. “This competition is designed to test a range of “He took the time to study, and prepared well for B E ST B A R T E N D E R skills that a modern professional bartender should the different rounds. He was aware of his strengths display,” says Anthony Pullen, Lucas Bols USA and weaknesses, then applied himself to earn the brand development and education manager, who most points he could out of each round.” created the competition. “The goal is to encourage Houck is the creator of the FlashPour precision participants to challenge themselves to refine skills in which pour spout (FlashPour.com), so winning this competition figures to they might not excel. The only way to win is to be well rounded, boost his side business. More than that, the Aria barman is simply not necessarily an expert at one particular discipline.” thrilled “to prove to people that a true dyed-in-the-wool union barThe competition, which drew 35 participants, was split into tender can be the best bartender in Las Vegas.” –Xania Woodman three rounds: knowledge and accuracy via a written exam and pour test; speed and efficiency, by way of a four-cocktail timed CHECK OUT NICK HOUCK’S MIXOLOGY ROUND RECIPE ON PAGE 101.
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Nothing is sadder than a beauty that’s past her prime. Except maybe a beauty that’s waaaay past her prime. Which is why we’re overjoyed to see Shadow Bar get the full Swan makeover as Vista Lounge, courtesy of Hakkasan Group. Gone are the busty dancing girls (unless, you know, someone drops a beat), and here to stay (hopefully) are open seating, computer-generated skyline views, tasteful furnishings and even more tasteful cocktails. Now if only that view were as real as those busty ladies … In Caesars Palace, VistaCockailLounge.com.
July 23–August 5, 2015
NICK HOUCK BY KRYSTAL RAMIREZ; VISTA COCKTAIL LOUNGE BY TOMO MUSCIONICO
Vista Cocktail Lounge
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Christine Robinson and Betsy Fretwell.
BEST OF THE CITY Zimmerman had options: The 7-foot Bishop Gorman grad could have chosen anywhere in the country to play college ball, and the nation’s most iconic programs wanted him, from Kentucky to Kansas to North Carolina to Indiana to UCLA. But in the end, Zimmerman wasn’t swayed by the grass-is-greener lure of some faraway campus, choosing instead to stay home and play his one collegiate season (maybe two, if the Rebels are lucky) at UNLV. For that decision alone, Zimmerman cemented himself as a hero to the Scarlet and Gray fanatics.
B E ST B R E AT H O F F R E S H A I R
July 23–August 5, 2015
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Tony Sanchez
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College sports have always been home to a peculiar cult of the coach. The hard-ass who makes you run laps is regularly hailed as a savior, saint or CEO—often all of them at the same time. Never is that so true as when a college football program on the brink of irrelevance (see: Michigan) or utter obsolescence (see: UNLV) hires a new guy to make everything OK. On September 19, Michigan’s fresh savior—Jim Harbaugh, the capable and irascible former San Francisco 49ers coach—will host UNLV’s Tony Sanchez, who most recently coached Bishop Gorman High School. The day is unlikely to turn out well for the Rebels (they’re 33-point underdogs for a reason), but that’s utterly beside the point. Sanchez, who was hired in December, has so far been very unlike Harbaugh, in a good way, charming Las Vegas fans, media and business folk, and making UNLV football, which has had fve winning seasons in the past 30 years, once again a viable topic of local sports-radio conversation. Suddenly, UNLV is getting a frst-rate on-campus training center, and talk has, almost miraculously, resumed about the possibility of an on-campus stadium. Sanchez’s pedigree as a high school coach is impressive: In six seasons at Bishop Gorman, his teams won six state titles and went 85-5 while playing a national schedule. In the process, the Gaels became something close to a household name in the sort of households where high school football teams are household names. Sanchez coached such stars as Anu Solomon (starting quarterback at the University of Arizona), Alize Jones (an elite tight end headed for Notre Dame), and Cordell Broadus (a standout wide receiver who signed with UCLA). Sanchez will certainly get a honeymoon with UNLV fans. Tune in a couple of years from now to see if it has led to a happy marriage.
aren’t offcially sanctioned by a supreme governing body (although their meetings would defnitely liven up C-SPAN’s programming). But after seeing the UNLV newcomer’s vast collection of highlights online— seriously, it seems like every time Jones leaps, it goes viral—we’re willing to take his word for it. Bank on the 6-foot-7 incoming freshman to regularly defy gravity this season as he challenges Larry Johnson and Anthony Bennett for the crown of best dunker in UNLV history.
Coach Simon.” Going into his third year as an assistant under UNLV head coach Dave Rice, Simon is already recognized as one of the nation’s best recruiters, with a massive network of high school contacts following his stint as head coach at Findlay Prep in Henderson. And nobody is better than the affable 34-yearold at mining this generation of basketball talent—Rashad Vaughn, Patrick McCaw, Justin Jackson and Ike Nwamu are just a few of Simon’s recent recruiting successes.
B E ST H U M A N H I G H L I G H T R E E L
B E ST U N LV S A L E S M A N
Derrick Jones
Todd Simon
B E ST D E C I S I O N BY A LO C A L K I D ( A CC O R D I N G TO U N LV FA N S )
If you believe Derrick Jones, he’s won every dunk contest he’s ever entered. Now, there’s no way to fact-check such a statement, since jam-fests
Talk to any of the young prep basketball stars being recruited by the Rebels and their stories usually begin the same way: “I got a text from
B E ST P O W E R T R I O
Bryce Harper, Kris Bryant and Joey Gallo
Stephen Zimmerman As Chris Rock famously said, a man is only as faithful as his options. And prep wunderkind Stephen
B E ST D E M O C R AT I F YO U ’ R E A REPUBLICAN
Marilyn Kirkpatrick Thanks to an anti-democratic amendment to the Nevada Constitution, it takes a two-thirds vote in the Legislature to raise taxes. But getting even a simple majority for anything would have been diffcult during this year’s session, with Assembly Republicans sharply divided between very conservative and completely right wing. This is where Marilyn Kirkpatrick’s help came in handy: She held her 17-member Democratic caucus together when Republican leaders needed to be able to pass legislation so that they could run in 2016 on the platform that they weren’t totally incompetent at governance.
TONY SANCHEZ BY JON ESTRADA
UNLV football coach Tony Sanchez.
Producing a generational talent like Bryce Harper was huge for the Las Vegas baseball scene, as the Las Vegas High/College of Southern Nevada product openly reps the 702 at every opportunity. But with Kris Bryant (Bonanza High) and Joey Gallo (Bishop Gorman High) also making big noise in the big leagues this season, it appears Southern Nevada is poised for an unprecedented run of diamond dominance. Bryant joined MVP candidate Harper on the National League All-Star team, and Gallo made his mark by slugging fve homers in his frst 25 games after his mid-season callup. And did we mention that not one of these guys is older than 23?
COMMUNITY & CULTURE B EST US E O F A LO N GT I M E D E A D S PAC E
Rock in Rio In roughly a year, a long-vacant lot on the Strip transformed into sprawling festival grounds where some of the world’s most popular acts—including Metallica and Taylor Swift—convened over two weekends in May. The Rock in Rio USA Festival reportedly attracted more than 170,000 people, and, more importantly, brought some much-needed hope to the troubled North Strip. Though Rock in Rio won’t return until 2017, the site will continue to host festivals, concerts and sporting events. As for its name? It’s called the City of Rock. Starship would be proud. B E ST P L A C E TO T R AV E L B A C K I N T I M E
Ice Age fossils at Tule Springs National Monument
B E ST P O O L F O R A C T UA L S W I M M I N G
July 23–August 5, 2015
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UNLV Student Recreation and Wellness Center
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In Las Vegas, the phrase “swimming pool” is a bit oxymoronic. That’s because our pools—from multi-lagoon casino complexes to puddles at dayclubs to the foatie-flled chlorinegobbler in your buddy’s backyard— usually aren’t conducive to channeling your inner Michael Phelps. That’s where the UNLV Student Recreation and Wellness Center comes in. Along with an array of cardio machines and weights, handball courts and basketball courts, running tracks and classrooms, your $25 monthly member-
ship fee grants you access to a six-lane, 25-yard lap pool, a good-size soaking pool and jumbo-size hot tub. Everything you need to get that workout in, followed by a little lazy chill-out. It’s still a pool, after all. UNLV.edu/SRWC. B EST F U LL- S E RV I C E CO M M U N I T Y C E N T E R
Gay & Lesbian Center of Southern Nevada When last month’s Supreme Court ruling legalized marriage equality, a celebratory rally was staged at the Downtown complex known to many as “The Center.” Really, it was just the latest example of the facility proving its value to a city core that probably didn’t realize until recently that it needed such a place. In addition to the education and social services that The Center provides to the gay, lesbian and transgendered communities—such as free vaccinations and HIV/STD tests—there’s free access to Internet-equipped computers, and the wonderful, vegan-and-carnivore friendly Bronze Café. The Center also offers meeting space for addiction recovery groups, has a free lending library and even a half-court where neighborhood kids can shoot hoops. In other words, it’s a community center in every sense of the phrase. TheCenterLV.org. B E ST P L A C E TO E D U C AT E YO U R K I D S ( W H I L E YO U G E T YO U R D R I N K O N )
Writer’s Block bookshop and Atomic Liquors This is what we call a win-win: Drop off your kid at Writer’s Block bookshop for one of its free book clubs and workshops, which range in
topic from poetry to horror fction to playwriting to Dungeons & Dragons role-playing. While the young ones are having their fun, you stroll across the street to Atomic Liquors, the city’s oldest freestanding bar, to learn some history yourself. On your syllabus: 20 microbrews on tap and a variety of specialty cocktails. We don’t remember learning being this fun, for kids and adults alike. The Writer’s Block, 1020 Fremont St., Suite 100, 702-550-6399, TheWritersBlock.org; Atomic Liquors, 917 Fremont St., AtomicLasVegas.com. B E ST L I T T L E PA R K T H AT C O U L D
The Waiting Game (Sixth Street and Carson Avenue) In the spirit of Parks and Recreation, the Nature Conservancy, UNLV, Iowa State University and the Downtown Project teamed up to drop a postagestamp gathering place with a handful of potted plants and box benches near the corner of Carson and Sixth. The
space is beginning to gather uncool graffti, the plants are taking a beating from the summer heat, and its title— The Waiting Game—seems ominously terminal. Still, once you get there, it’s hard to not to #ParkletVegas and root for this little Charlie Brown of a park. B E ST R E A S O N TO B E L I E V E U N LV ’ S PROFILE IS ON THE RISE
Senate Bill 514 In early June, Governor Brian Sandoval signed SB 514—an appropriation bill that directs $27 million into UNLV’s coffers. The funds will be used to help establish a medical school (the frst in Southern Nevada) and an International Center for Excellence in Gaming Regulation, as well as support the Boyd School of Law and fund a new academic building for the College of Hotel Administration. Sandoval’s gift is just what the doctor ordered when it comes to pushing our hometown university toward to top-tier status.
ROCK IN RIO BY ERIK K ABIK; THE WAITING GAME BY KRYSTAL RAMIREZ; UNLV POOL BY ANTHONY MAIR
Located where Decatur Boulevard runs past Shadow Ridge High School and into the Clark County Shooting Complex, this place is easy to miss. But a little extra effort is worth it, as this stretch of the newly designated Tule Springs National Monument is chock-full of Ice Age fossils. The barren wash and gullies opened up during the early 1960s Big Dig, and while the space isn’t particularly beautiful in the middle of a summer afternoon, it turns an orange shade of magic at dawn. Pay a visit tomorrow, and you may even run across a woolly mammoth tooth. Pay a visit down the road, and you may fnd a visitors center and designated walking paths.
BEST OF THE CITY
So Good Arcade.
B E ST P L A C E TO G E T YO U R J A PA N E S E G A M E O N
July 23–August 5, 2015
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So Good Arcade
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With the rise in popularity of console gaming, arcades have essentially gone the way of iPods and DVDs—they’re nearly extinct. At So Good Arcade, you can (literally) tap into your youth, as $20 buys you a night of visual fun and friendly competition via a variety of imported Japanese arcade cabinets. According to co-owner Austin Gee, this is the only place in Las Vegas where you can button-mash in the fghting series BlazBlue, and the only place in America where you’ll fnd the rhythm-based Maimai. Who knew so much culture (and fun) would be hiding in a Spring Valley strip mall? 3455 S. Durango Dr., Suite 104, 702-776-8808, Facebook.com/SoGoodArcade. B E ST U S E O F O L D C O M I C B O O KS
Critical Care Comics Why trash your old comics when you can give them to Batman? Critical Care Comics is a nonproft that’s fghting the face of unhappiness through a team of dedicated cosplayers. They’ll slip on Peter Parker’s mask,
shimmy into the Dark Knight’s tights and don Supergirl’s cape to deliver your old comics to children in the hospital. Jason Golden founded Critical Care because he wanted to give back; a cancer survivor, he got through the tough times with a little help from his superhero friends. You can donate your back issues by dropping them off at Cosmic Comics (3830 E. Flamingo Rd., Suite F-2), or Golden’s crew will come to you and pick them up. Facebook.com/CriticalCareComics. B E ST R E A S O N TO B E H A P P Y YO U R F L I G H T I S D E L AY E D
American Express Centurion Lounge Rather than sit in those uncomfortable chairs near the overcrowded gate while waiting for your fight to depart, take a load off in this luxe hospitality suite. The AMEX Centurion Lounge at the D Gates in McCarran International Airport is the frst of American Express’ six lounges in the U.S. Its use is restricted to cardholders and complimentary for those at the Centurion or Platinum level. Membership indeed has its privileges: Amenities include televisions, shower suites, semi-private workspaces, an open full bar, Wi-Fi and catering by Scarpetta’s Scott Conant. So posh is the experience that you’ll almost hope your fight gets canceled. TheCenturionLounge.com.
B E ST WAY TO G E T TO PA R A D I S E
Hawaiian Airlines’ direct flight to/from Oahu To be clear: We’re not talking about Paradise, Nevada. In less than six hours, you can go from the searing desert to the tropical beaches of Oahu, thanks to Hawaiian Airlines’ multiple daily nonstop fights. By avoiding that annoying L.A. layover, you get a couple of extra hours to spend snorkeling in the warm blue waters, dining at delicious restaurants and relaxing in luxurious resorts minutes away from great shopping. And while the fight back to reality is always a drag, at least doing it nonstop gives you extra time to do that laundry and mentally gear up for your return to the grind. HawaiianAirlines.com.
B E ST STAYC AT I O N T H I S S I D E O F PA R A D I S E
The Westin Lake Las Vegas Kayaking. Stargazing. Roasting marshmallows over an open fre pit while surrounded by sounds of nocturnal creatures. Yes, such a getaway actually exists in this Valley at the Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort, which offers the most un-Vegas escape while still remaining within eyeshot of the Strip. Here, the lake isn’t choreographed to a Celine Dion song, and nobody is dropping any bass. The only thing you’ll be dropping is your stress. Forget a staycation; we may just move here permanently. 101 Montelago Blvd., Henderson, 702-5676000, WestinLakeLasVegas.com. American Express Centurion Lounge.
SO GOOD ARCADE BY KRYSTAL RAMIREZ; CENTURION LOUNGE COURTESY AMERICAN EXPRESS
BUSINESS & SERVICES
BEST OF THE CITY ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT B E ST U S E O F P I Ñ ATA S
Justin Favela The past fve years have been a festa of piñata-packed exhibits for artist Justin Favela. We shopped at his minimarket performance piece in North Las Vegas and traveled to the fuffy border-crossing fantasyland Piñatopia at P3 Studio. For the recent Chop Shop at Alios on Main Street, he carved up older works, crafting a contingent of mini low-riders, frilly piñata hubcaps, wheels of pizza and a glittering array of “Selena” signatures. Using low-brow materials, Favela pulls in high-art concepts to intermix with ChicanoAmerican culture. And with piñatas in the show, every exhibit is a party! B E ST A R T AU N AT U R E L
The Graffiti Houses They are, in their rough way, stunningly beautiful. Three boarded-up houses at Casino Center Boulevard and Hoover Avenue (kitty-corner to the Newport Lofts) are covered in exquisite, fne-lined graffti, down to their last square inch. (Someone even painted the rocks around the houses.) Originally curated by a crew that included street artists Vyal, Man One, Dytch, Tiki J, 7 Seas, King 157, Black TCB, Aceix and Vegas Seven 2014 Intriguing Person Ras One, the structures speak colorful volumes about our hardscrabble Arts District. These houses are hard to miss, though you soon might: A sign promises a shipping-container shopping plaza will soon occupy the spot. See them while you can. B EST WAY TO G E T T H AT V I N TAG E S O U N D
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Hidden behind East Fremont’s 11th Street Records is a new recording studio that looks, inexplicably, like it’s been there since 1960. 11th Street owner Ronald Corso built National Southwestern Recording to deliver the sound and feel of the classic studios (Sun, EastWest, Capitol, etc.) where artists such as the Beatles, Johnny Cash and Elvis did their best work. He’s gotten the look down (acoustic tile, checkerboard foor, muted colors), but more importantly, he’s gone to lengths to emulate that warm sound. His fastidiousness resulted in a studio that’s already been used by local and national acts, including Moon Boots and Hamell on Trial. But Corso won’t be entirely happy until his studio produces a Pet Sounds or Revolver: “I’d like to be a part of great records being made,” Corso says, “even if it’s just handing another producer the keys to the place and saying, ‘Go for it.’” 1023 Fremont St., 702-527-7995, NationalSouthwestern.com.
Piñatopia creator Justin Favela.
July 23–August 5, 2015
PHOTO BY KRYSTAL RAMIREZ
11 th Street Records/Studio
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
OK, so we’ve had very little to do with the rapid commercial and critical ascent of 20-year-old singer-songwriter Shamir Bailey, the North Las Vegas native whose debut album Ratchet was announced with a building-size billboard in Times Square. Sure, we put the dance/folk-music performer on the cover of our Intriguing People issue in January (and, if we were any less humble, we might add that it was his very frst magazine cover). But everything that came before and after that—2014’s critically acclaimed Northtown EP; the respectable showing on Billboard’s Twitter Emerging Artists chart (Ratchet’s frst single “On The Regular” charted at No. 36, and its follow-up “Call It Off” at No. 15); and the rave reviews from The New York Times, Pitchfork, SPIN, NME and, yes, even Billboard—all that is the product of Shamir’s talent, passion and raw savvy. Still, we’re kinda pinching ourselves that we had this fast-rising pop-music juggernaut on our cover six months ago. You would be proud of that, too.
Las Vegas Strip The grandest Las Vegas diva? Frank Marino, ’natch—everyone else plays for second. But the busiest diva action is still on our famous Strip. Proof? Britney’s fans still demand a piece of her at Planet Hollywood. Mariah Carey brought her voice and her cleavage (which should count as three divas) to Caesars Palace. Diana Ross dropped in at the Venetian, her voice sounding 50 years younger than she is. Reba McEntire is giving good diva between Brooks & Dunn at Caesars. Singing impressionist Véronic DiCaire is 50 divas in one when she works Bally’s—including her mentor and Queen Diva Celine Dion, who will return to the Colosseum (which she helped build) in August. And diva-dynamo J.Lo hits Planet Hollywood to do her Jenny-from-the-Block thing in January. Room for more divas? Simple as saying: Move over, dahling. B E ST LO U N G E S I N G E R
Michael Monge Marinate a voice box in fne wine, wrap it in silk and install it in Michael Monge … actually, don’t bother. Nature already did. Smooth and swingin’, this ex-Bronx carrepair-shop owner’s Vegas-style Cinder-fella story—plucked from NowhereVille when Steve Wynn caught his set at a Florida restaurant and recruited him posthaste—only deepens appreciation of his talents. Whether he’s belting Sinatra-style on “The Lady Is a Tramp” or lending his own chic interpretation to a Billy Joel or John Legend signature tune, Monge is a boomerang back to oldschool class—it’s in his sound, in his style, in his presence. 9 p.m.-1 a.m.,
B E ST B U R L E S Q U E C H O R E O G R A P H E R
Jennifer Romas Dancer Jennifer Romas—we’ll call her the queen of the sexy Vegas revue—is as comfortable performing a pole act as she is choreographing a new show. Some of her Strip credits include Striptease the Show at the former Sahara, iCandy Burlesque at the Tropicana, Splash at the Riviera and Monster Circus at the Las Vegas Hilton. Most recently, she’s taken all that talent and used it to produce, choreograph and star in the sweet little burlesque show Sexxy at the Westgate Las Vegas. On July 4, the show celebrated its six-month anniversary. We can’t wait to see where she takes it next. Jennifer Romas Presents Sexxy, 10 p.m. Tue-Sat, Westgate Cabaret at Westgate Las Vegas, 800-222-5361. B E ST U N D E R -T H E - R A DA R C O N N E C T I O N TO T H E M O V I E B U S I N E S S
CinemaCon Technically speaking, CinemaCon is the “Offcial Convention of the National Association of Theatre Owners.” But beyond showcasing new technology and popcorn favor dust, it’s also the time when A-listers food our town to plug their vanity projects and studio executives promote their summer blockbusters. It makes Vegas glisten with that Tinseltown glow—at least for a few days every April. CinemaCon.com. B E ST C O M E DY S H O W C A S E
Aces of Comedy at The Mirage Sure, you could point to the wideranging lineup, from hip comedy (Nick Swardson) to dad comedy (Jay Leno) to gay uncle comedy (Kathy Griffn). But the one reason above all that Aces of Comedy at The Mirage is the best showcase in town? It’s the place that has booked Bill Burr, one of the fve funniest standups working in the biz today. Always a top-shelf performer, the last few years have seen Burr enter that zone where he’s
gone from great to unassailable (think Hall of Fame pitcher Pedro Martinez, circa 1997-2003). Take a spin through Burr’s Monday Morning Podcast to get a taste, then try not to buy tickets next time Aces books him. Mirage.com. B E ST U N K N O W N C O M I C ( S ) YO U S H O U L D C ATC H
Garfunkel and Oates Lipshtick at the Venetian has done solid work of its own on the comedyshowcase front, and the one thing it has going for it that Aces of Comedy doesn’t is its willingness to bring in acts that are great, but not-yet mainstream. Enter Garfunkel and Oates (Nov. 7), the musical-comedy duo of Riki Lindhome and Kate Micucci. They’re guitar- and ukulele-wielding quiet assassins, whose cheerful, twee delivery hides the absolute daggers they plunge in song. Case in point: “The Loophole,” a ballad of protecting one’s virginity by use of, um, the back door. Technically, it’s not forbidden. Venetian.com, Facebook.com/Lipshtick. B E ST R E A S O N TO H AV E FA I T H IN THE FUTURE OF LAS VEGAS E N T E R TA I N M E N T
Cancellation of Duck Commander For once, someone actually did go broke underestimating the intelligence of the American people. Duck Commander, a musical based on the Robertson family’s redneck poseur reality show, Duck Dynasty, opened at the Rio with a bang on April 8 … and closed with a whimper on May 17, playing to audiences that reportedly flled about 10 percent of the theater. The show had Broadway names in its pedigree and professional polish, but, well, how many people come to Las Vegas for entertainment that involves “faith and family?” Interestingly, Duck Commander shared its host casino with magician duo Penn & Teller. Penn Jillette is an outspoken atheist, while Robertson family patriarch Phil Robertson often speaks of various tragedies being God’s punishment. If Duck Commander got canceled while Penn & Teller were in their 14th year in Vegas and headed for a Broadway residency … well, perhaps ol’ Phil oughta rethink that divine judgment thing. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: GRACE BASCOS, K AT BOEHRER, STEVE BORNFELD, CAMILLE CANNON,
B E ST N O R T H L A S V E G A S E N T E R TA I N M E N T E X P E R I E N C E ( N OT N A M E D S H A M I R )
IAN CARAMANZANA, GEOFF CARTER, JEN CHASE,
Recognizing Real
SHANNON KELLY, JENESSA KENWAY, RACHEL KERR,
North Las Vegas frequently gets a bad rap, but the opposite is burgeoning at Recognizing Real. Open since January 2014, the skate and streetwear shop also functions as a recording studio and live music venue, with concerts almost weekly. It’s become a community haven
BRENT MARTELLI, GREG BL AKE MILLER, DAVID
K AYL A DEAN, GENEVIE DURANO, NICOLE ELY, MICHAEL GREEN, MIKE GRIMAL A, MATT JACOB, ARIC L AIRMORE, ZONEIL MAHARAJ, AL MANCINI, MORRIS, JESSIE O’BRIEN, RYAN OLBRYSH, CINDI MOON REED, KURT RICE, STEPHANIE RIVERS, LISSA TOWNSEND RODGERS, AMBER SAMPSON,
Recognizing Real.
JASON SCAVONE, DAVID G. SCHWARTZ, MELINDA SHECKELLS, BRIAN SODOMA, BILLY STEFFENS, PAUL SZYDELKO AND X ANIA WOODMAN.
VegasSeven.com
SHAMIR BY ANTHONY MAIR; RECOGNIZING REAL BY KRYSTAL RAMIREZ
Shamir
B E ST C O L L E C T I O N O F D I VA S
Wed-Sun, Eastside Lounge at the Wynn, $10 cover charge, one-drink minimum, 702-777-9966, WynnLasVegas.com.
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B E ST W E TO L D YO U S O
for skaters and hip-hop heads alike. Says owner Austin Cogar, “The homies don’t have an outlet to do their thing, or a place to go to stay out of trouble on a Friday night.” Cogar’s even eyeing larger spaces—but he’s not leaving Northtown. “We started here. It wouldn’t feel right anywhere else.” 845 W. Craig Rd., Suite 102, North Las Vegas, 702-666-3255, Facebook.com/TheRecognized.
July 23–August 5, 2015
Shops. With grace and athleticism, the Scott brothers make tap dancing cool by integrating contemporary styles such as hip-hop. It wasn’t long before they were hired to perform in Vegas Nocturne at Rose.Rabbit.Lie. in the Cosmopolitan, where they were yet again a highlight. When that show closed, the duo moved the dance party to Absinthe at Caesars Palace, where their moves shine even brighter on a rising circular stage. AbsintheVegas.com.
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NIGHTLIFE
Bubba Sparxxx is still on the lookout for Ms. New Booty By Kat Boehrer
| July 23–August 5, 2015
Get It Right
WARREN ANDERSON “ANDY” MATHIS—BEST KNOWN AS BUBBA SPARXXX—
is known to the mainstream for fnding “Ms. New Booty” in the hit radio track, released in 2005, featuring the Ying Yang Twins. Since then, the recording artist has been working on music that fuses his experiences living in rural Southern towns with his passion for hip-hop. A Nashville transplant by way of Atlanta, the country rapper recently spoke with us about his work in the music world since making his heinie-honoring hit. Mathis will perform live and judge the booty-shaking contest at the Flamingo’s Go Pool on August 7.
VegasSeven.com
Your city after dark and photos from the week’s hottest parties
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Yes. Booties and Vegas go hand in hand. About a year ago you said in an interview that you were working on country recordings. How’s that going?
If you trace back the roots of all the hip-hop stuff I did, with pretty much the exception of “Ms. New Booty,” everything was very country. I grew up on a farm. I’ve always had country culture present, even in my more traditional hip-hop stuff. I have always just wanted to blend the two worlds together. Even if it wasn’t the instrumentation of country, I always wanted to sort of keep country culture present. I’ve been living in Nashville, so I’ve put out two albums that were decidedly country hip-hop. Are you working on another one now?
I’m probably going to put out a new album, I would say by March. I’m really just starting to work on my newest album. The last few I put out have been independent; even though I did have a distributor, for the most part it was an independent release. Why go independent?
It gives you more freedom. I’ve kind of done the major-label thing. It’s not really, at this point in my life, where my bread gets buttered, you know?
July 23–August 5, 2015
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Are you trying to make radio-appropriate tracks?
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As far as the countrymusic songwriting that I’m doing, yeah, I’m defnitely trying to make stuff that’s viable for country-music radio. But as for my own stuff, there’s not really a radio format for what I’m trying to do, and what I’ve been doing. It’s pretty much Web-based. Hiphop radio is a certain sound, it’s a certain box that the music has to ft in to really be viable, so that’s just not really what I’m doing now. And you work with traditional country
artists, right?
I did a song with Rodney Atkins, who’s had like six No. 1 records. I just did a song with Lee Bright, who’s also had quite a few No. 1s. Like I said, I’m trying to marry the two worlds more and more, in a way that’s not corny.
Bubba Sparxxx performs live at Haze in 2012.
Have you been collaborating with other hip-hop artists as well?
I’m in Nashville right now. That’s pretty much what’s here: country artists. I did the Atlanta thing for a while, and that’s when I did work with the Ying Yang Twins and when I was signed to Outkast’s record label. Now, it’s just kind of a different page in my life, just doing the Nashville thing now. I’m actually a very good country-music writer—traditional country music—so I’ve been working on some of that type of stuff. It’s been going well, so I’m going to stick with it for a while. You’ll be judging the bootyshaking contest at the Flamingo. What makes for a good booty shake?
It’s really just enthusiasm more than anything. It’s not even about how big a girl’s butt is, or how it’s shaped, or any of that. It’s about the enthusiasm level, and the twerking process. That’s what I’m going to have my eyes peeled for. Ideally, though, what does the perfect booty look like?
I don’t really like too huge a butt. I just like supple, well shaped, nottoo-frm-but-just-frmenough. And just the right amount of “pokeout.” I don’t like it to be too drastic, but just a real good, solid apple shape. So a girl’s got to be getting her squats in before this, huh?
Preferably.
What if a guy wants to get up there? Would he have a fighting chance at winning?
I don’t necessarily get into the “Mr. New Booty” thing. But I’ve defnitely had guys get up there and throw their names in the hat. I encourage everybody to come up and have a good time.
“I’ve always had country culture present, even in my more traditional hip-hop stuff. I have always just wanted to blend the two worlds together.”
PHOTO BY GABE ZABATA
NIGHTLIFE
Ready to chat about booties and your Las Vegas show?
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PARTIES
LIQUID Aria
[ UPCOMING ]
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PHOTOS BY JOE FURY AND JOSH METZ
July 23–August 5, 2015
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July 23 Duck, Duck, Booze with DJ Stellar July 30 DJ Karma spins July 31 DJ Kyle Flesch spins
NIGHTLIFE
PARTIES
MARQUEE
The Cosmopolitan [ UPCOMING ]
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PHOTOS BY TONY TRAN
July 23–August 5, 2015
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July 24 Cedric Gervais spins July 25 Porter Robinson spins July 27 Vice spins
NIGHTLIFE
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WET REPUBLIC MGM Grand
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PHOTOS BY JOE FURY AND THOMAS TRAN
July 23–August 5, 2015
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July 24 SPYONvegas Hot 100 July 25 Calvin Harris spins July 26 Krewella spins
NIGHTLIFE
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LAX Luxor
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PHOTOS BY BOBBY JAMEIDAR
July 23–August 5, 2015
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Aug. 1 Aybsent Mynded and CyberKid spin Aug. 5 DJ Cass spins Aug. 7 DJ Corona and Aybsent Mynded spin
DINING
“It’s kind of catching on because the sushi industry is trying to look to America for new ideas. And they’re starting to look to us for creativity.” {PAGE 100}
Restaurant reviews, news and a coleslaw that rocks!
Dining on the Couch Therapy is good for your stomach as well as your soul By Al Mancini
Hangar steak tartare with confit egg yolk.
VegasSeven.com
| July 23–August 5, 2015
PHOTO BY CHRIS WESSLING
RESTAURANTS COME AND GO, ESPECIALLY IN THIS
town. Talented chefs, on the other hand, tend to stick around. Take for example the recent closing of Comme Ça, the Cosmopolitan’s beloved French bistro. I defnitely miss the place. But I take comfort in the fact that longtime executive chef Brian Howard is preparing to open multiple new concepts this fall. And the man who replaced Howard when he exited his position to start planning those concepts, Daniel Ontiveros, has already opened the doors at what is emerging as Downtown’s latest favor of the moment, Therapy. The new restaurant occupies a piece of prime East Fremont Street real estate that formerly housed a Dollar Store. But despite its predictable recaptured urban decor, nothing about the space looks like it was done on a budget. The large room is beautiful, with high-end light fxtures and other classy touches accenting the predictable exposed heating ducts and brick walls. (Ironically, in a city where so many decorators are trying to dress down brand-new corporate spots to look like urban renovations, this space with true street cred has gone out of its way to class things up without sacrifcing authenticity.) Therapy’s menu offers upscale spins on American comfort food. But as this nation is such a melting pot, that means incorporating various ethnic infuences. Take, for example, the oxtail empanadas: perfectly faky pastry pockets packed with meat that’s so well seasoned there’s no need for the rather uninteresting harissa lime crème fraîche that accompanies it. And the hangar steak tartare with conft egg yolk in a mason jar is a delicious throwback to the chef’s French roots.
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DINING
From top: Masa toro with caviar from BarMasa, and tuna mango passion from Zenshin.
TUNA MANGO PASSION
If you’re anything like me, you probably don’t associate fruit with sushi. But it actually works quite well. The chef starts with a basic spicy tuna roll, then tops it with slices of unseasoned tuna and fresh mango. The sweetness of the fruit offers a nice contrast to the heat inside the roll, as well as adding overall freshness. $15, Zenshin in South Point, 702-7978538, ZenshinAsianRestaurant.com. HIGH STEAKS
Having steak in sushi isn’t as crazy as it sounds. At restaurants in Japan, and even some high-end spots in Las Vegas, you can often fnd prized A5 wagyu offered in nigiri form. Yellowtail’s offering isn’t quite that decadent. The beef on this shrimp tempura roll is flet mignon—a fairly simple twist on surf and turf. What makes it really interesting is the semisweet A1 ponzu sauce that accompanies it. $36, Yellowtail in Bellagio, 702693-8300, YellowtailLasVegas.com. CHOP CHOP BANG BANG
Blue crab is not a variety you often see in sushi preparations, and being an East Coast boy, that caught my attention immediately. The crab forms the inside of this roll, along with cucumber and tempura fakes for crunch. On the outside, the chef layers shrimp, avocado and pop rocks. The latter really don’t bring a lot of bang to the mix, though they do give you bragging rights for having the most unusual sushi ingredient in town. $19, Rice & Company in Luxor, 702-262-4774, Luxor.com.
This Is How We Roll Our critic puts aside his prejudices and explores the American-style sushi roll
July 23–August 5, 2015
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By Al Mancini
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I’VE NEVER BEEN SHY ABOUT THE FACT THAT I’M NOT A BIG FAN OF CRAZY
sushi rolls with lots of ingredients. The only rolls I’ve ever come across during my brief visits to Japan have usually been intended for takeout and generally contained a single type of fsh, while Americans often think 'the more ingredients the better'—and they love those ingredients deep fried and drowning in sauces. I don't have a problem with chefs who make the latter, or the people who enjoy them. But when I eat sushi, I want to taste the fsh and appreciate the chef's knife skills. As a result, I usually stick with nigiri or sashimi. And Other Mama’s chef Dan Krohmer, who began his sushi career slinging wild rolls in Sacramento before serving as a sushi chef in both Japan and Masaharu Morimoto’s Philadelphia restaurant, confrms that the majority of Japanese chefs share my opinion.
“For a long time [the Japanese] thought it was a horrible form of disrespect,” he explains. But, he continues, things are starting to change, even in Japan. “I was in Japan last year,” he says. “And they come out with a quarterly book for sushi that all the chefs buy. And I opened it up and it had shrimp tempura rolls and eel with avocado rolls. It’s kind of catching on because the sushi industry is trying to look to [America] for new ideas. And they’re starting to look to us for creativity.” OK, so much for my snobbery. I still don't care for the concept, but as Krohmer points out, the proliferation of this trend does allow for some interesting favor combinations. So, as a tip of my hat to everyone who enjoys this culinary art form, I’ve been doing some research to fnd some of the more exotic and interesting sushi rolls in town. Here’s what I found.
This off-menu dish itself (shikai maki, or "square roll") is fairly simple. The chef combines what are probably the three most popular fsh in the sushi world: tuna, salmon and yellowtail. For a touch of sweetness, he adds tamago (egg custard). What makes it a real showstopper, however, is the fact that it’s square, rather than round, also making it very, very hip. Market price, Mizumi in Wynn, 702-7703320, WynnLasVegas.com. MASA TORO WITH CAVIAR
If you’re OK with eating bluefn tuna (arguably the world’s best, but also endangered), there’s no better place to do it than at BarMasa. The chef fies it in daily from Japan, promising it will be on your plate within 24 hours of being taken from the water. And since you’re splurging, why not top it with caviar, for the most expensive sushi roll in town? $240, BarMasa in Aria, 877-230-2742, Aria.com.
BARMASA COURTESY OF MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL; ZENSHIN BY DANIAL FONG
SQUARE ROLL
SIBLING SONG Love at
First Sound's debut album, Audra, explores his deep relationship with his sister.
“My biggest mistake was waiting for something to happen. Now if I have a meeting with someone, that’s cool, but I’m still gonna hit the studio tomorrow.” – BALTIMORE ROBINSON together by real voice messages from the eponymous sister. While Robinson doesn’t shy from the weighty topics, his sister’s words paint a far bleaker portrait of the young artist. One notable take is from “Apartment 222,” where she pleads with her brother not to commit suicide. Robinson says he was so passionate about his music that any ounce of rejection would launch him into a state of dejection. He never harmed himself, but admits to thinking about it. “Nothing in life is too serious for someone to have those thoughts, but anyone who’s suicidal, it’s because they’re very passionate people who want to change the world but can’t. If I can’t change the world, why
should I live?” he says. Already living in his car and struggling to get his music heard, Robinson felt insecure, isolated and unloved by those around him when he was working on Audra. “I got 100 numbers in my phone but can’t call anyone to talk to. That’s the worst feeling,” he says. One of the few he could count on was his sister, who served as a voice of reason in his darkest moments. “My sister is my consistency, my guardian angel, my god,” he says. “I didn’t release this project to gain fans or to get a radio single or to get signed. This shit was my therapy. All these voice mails would be on my iTunes, and I’d listen to it like music. “It’s hard listening to Audra. I
don’t think there will be a day I’ll be able to listen to it all the way through,” he adds. It’s even harder for the album’s namesake. A Minneapolis native with a different mother than Robinson—neither likes to use the term “half”—Audra moved to Las Vegas to attend UNLV. Now 44, she was 18 when Robinson was born during her freshman year. She treated him like a son. “I’d take him to class with me. People thought I had a baby by a white man because that’s how much I had him,” she says. “To this day, my friends always ask, how’s little B doing?” Although Audra returned to Minneapolis when Robinson was 13, the two have maintained a close relationship. They keep in touch with fre-
quent visits and, as evident by Audra, phone calls. A few days after the album’s release, Audra had yet to listen because of how prevalent her voice is on the record. “It’s diffcult. I left those [messages] for him to encourage him. It’s personal,” she says. When Audra fnally gave the album a listen, she says she was overwhelmed with joy. “I cried. He did a great job, and I’m proud,” she says. “My kid brother has talent ... Watch out, world!” Strangers have also reacted passionately. Robinson's Soundcloud and Instagram are full of messages from listeners as far as South Africa. One in New York was so touched by Audra (and Audra) that she sent him this note: “You can’t imagine how much this album has helped me. Your sister has a heart of gold. I wish I had a sibling that spoke to me the way she speaks to you. The things she says on all of your songs is exactly what I needed to hear today … and your writing is so healing and inspiring.” “That’s what the purpose was: to help. It wasn’t so I could make it onto a blog or magazine. It was just supposed to exist and help,” Robinson says. “That’s cooler than money.” Although he says he’s fulflled with the response and attention he’s received so far, Robinson isn’t close to where he wants to be. “I’m open to being signed. I would love a platform to share my story and really change the game,” he says. “I don’t want to just make it to the playoffs.” With that in mind, Robinson’s already preparing his next project. He says it’s almost ready; he just wants to add more structure and layers, as he’s gotten better at songwriting and production. He’s kicked around various names for it, but after being inspired by a recent trip to Disneyland—his frst ever—he wants to call it Coloring Outside the Lines. “It’s gonna be more experimental,” he says. With one album under his belt, Robinson plans to spend the next two months in Minneapolis with his sister and visit New York. After that, he’s got his sights set on L.A. While it might be tough to catch a break in a city where everyone’s trying to make it, Robinson is ready for the challenge. “People are scared to go to L.A. They say, ‘Oh, there’s too much competition,’” he says. “Well, if you’re thinking that, then you already lost.”
PHOTO BY JON ESTRADA
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| July 23–August 5, 2015
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scout in Los Angeles who set up a meeting with a record label rep to discuss a $200,000 publishing deal. During the meeting, the suits played Robinson’s music and rapped along to his songs. “They knew all the words. It was crazy. I thought, ‘Oh, my God, I’m almost there,’” Robinson says. But there was no follow up. He was told to be patient, but weeks went by without a word. In the past, he’d get excited and agonize while checking his phone for missed calls. This time, he didn’t sweat it. “My biggest mistake was waiting for something to happen,” he says. “Now if I have a meeting with someone, that’s cool, but I’m still gonna hit the studio tomorrow.” Robinson released Audra, named after his older sister, independently on July 2. It’s not a six-fgure payout, but the move has yielded some rewards. With the release, Robinson’s rap moniker Love at First Sound is buzzing on hip-hop websites around the world. His chosen stage name was prophetic in a way. Audra has enamored listeners since its release. Without a marketing or publicity machine, he’s managed to get noticed by national online music magazines Hypetrak, Earmilk and Complex Magazine-owned Pigeons & Planes, along with blogs in the U.K., Spain and New Zealand. He’s received support from established artists including Australian producer Ta-Ku, who told Robinson in a text that Audra “is super inspiring.” New York rapper Mickey Factz was so impressed with Robinson’s beats that Factz' next album will feature production solely by Robinson. “He’s very progressive with his sound,” Factz told Los Angeles’ Power 106 FM. That sound wasn’t created overnight. Audra has been in the works for four years with a majority of the songs recorded in 2012 and 2013, Robinson says. He wasn’t comfortable with his own voice and wasn’t happy with how his music sounded, so he worked on his vocals, learned how to sing, and rewrote and reproduced songs until he got it right. The result is a moody record, somber and gravely emotional at times with fourishes of braggadocio and bold, experimental production. But it’s far from an easy listen. Audra is deeply personal, with songs about depression and breakdowns, each held
CONCERT
A&E
ALBUMS WE'RE BUYING 1 Tame Impala, Currents
2 Jason Isbell, Something More Than Free
3 Between the Buried and Me, Coma Ecliptic
4 Future, DS2 (Deluxe Edition)
5 Cradle of Filth, Hammer of the Witches
Between the Buried and Me Leaves No Stone Unturned Brooklyn Bowl, July 18
The five-piece metal outfit from Raleigh, North Carolina, gave a stunning performance with enough time changes and sophisticated instrumentation to satisfy even the most die-hard progressive rock fans. Between the Buried and Me delivered eight complex compositions (calling them songs would be doing them an injustice) that dipped into a dozen genres, including Southern rock, jazz, and of course, the band’s groovy, technical death metal roots. Tommy Giles Rogers Jr. led the pack with
fierce, guttural howls that would seamlessly transition into smooth melodic vocal passages in “Memory Palace.” Lead guitarist Paul Waggoner demonstrated his musical prowess by sweeping and tapping in “Lay Your Ghosts to Rest,” while drummer Blake Richardson furiously smashed as many cymbals as there were time changes. This all came to a crashing climax when the band journeyed through 20 minutes of multi-genre goodness in “Ants of the Sky” and “Prequel to the
6 J. Cole, 2014 Forest Hills Drive
7 Meek Mill, Dreams Worth More Than Money
Sequel.” They nailed the bluegrass segment of the former and finished with the challenging melodies of the latter. As an encore, the band played a metal rendition of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which was fitting for a band that covered so much ground in just over an hour. ★★★★✩ – Ian Caramanzana
With Straight In No Kissin’, Big Talk proves itself as an offshoot worthy of playing on the main stage. In his side project, Killers’ skin-slapper Ronnie Vannucci Jr. ditches his drum kit for six strings and a microphone. And while his guitar playing isn’t as magnificent as his drumming, the 39-year-old makes up for it with catchy power-
10 Ratatat, Magnifique
According to sales at Zia Record Exchange at 4503 W. Sahara Ave., July 13-19.
July 23–August 5, 2015
|
VegasSeven.com
Ronnie Vannucci Jr. Goes ‘Straight’ in Big Talk’s Sophomore Release
pop numbers and a lively vocal performance reminiscent of Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo. The album is full of huge, anthemic hooks, such as in lead single, “What Happened to Delisa?” Vannucci Jr. and company channel the playful vigor of the Ramones in “Hold That Line,” and enter noise rock territory with an abrasive, feedback-ridden guitar solo in “All My Lovin’.” “Animal Husband” possesses just the right amount of poppiness to be a radio smash while retaining the rock ’n’ roll swagger the frontman is known to exemplify. In summation, this is an impressive, well-rounded sophomore effort that’ll sit comfortably in the Las Vegas music canon. (Little Oil Records) ★★★★✩ – Ian Caramanzana
9 The Chemical Brothers, Born in the Echoes
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LOVETT OR LEAVE IT Lyle Lovett doesn’t have that big mop of hair anymore, but his talent remains immense. He’s mastered so many genres, it's a shame he’s released just 11 studio albums in the last 30 years. Lovett and His Large Band play The Smith Center on July 25 ($25-$99).
WILLIE OR WON’T HE? Willie Nelson, the legendary singer-songwriter, who won the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song from the Library of Congress, has been at it for nearly 60 years. Sounds a little “Crazy,” no? Nelson plays the Chelsea on July 26 ($35-$105).
ON SALE NOW Canadian singersongwriter Lights is quietly becoming an electro-pop powerhouse with three albums under her belt, including last year’s Little Machines. Expect standouts like “Up We Go” and “Running With the Boys” when Lights plays Vinyl on Aug. 18 ($18-$35).
BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME BY MIKE POSNER/K ABIK PHOTO GROUP
[ ALBUM REVIEW ]
8 Tyrese, Black Rose
MUSIC New Order’s 2013 performance at Boulevard Pool is a classic.
[ OLD LADY IN A MOSH PIT ]
SIMPLY THE BEST Recalling favorite memories of Las Vegas concerts past
LAS VEGAS MAY CALL ITSELF “THE ENTERTAIN-
ment Capital of the World,” but sometimes I wonder if we truly deserve the title. Sure, we’ve got all manner of Cirque shows and residencies but touring acts still often skip us. If any of these artists return, though, you should buy your ticket immediately. Dolly Parton at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, 2004: If a perfect human being exists, it may just be Dolly Parton. At a rare date in Celine’s house, Dolly displayed her impressive talent— the woman plays a dozen instruments, has written more than 3,000 songs and her voice is still a crystalline wonder— and glowed with enough warmth and charisma to light up the Strip 10 times over. She took us through her lengthy career with an impassioned “Jolene,” a sassy “Why’d You Come in Here Lookin’ Like That,” a heartbreaking “The Grass Is Blue” and sang “9 to 5” while accompanying herself with the clicking of her long, bubblegum pink fngernails. A goddess. Prince at 3121 at the Rio, 2006: Prince’s shows are never less than spectacular, but this one was something special. It was the day of James Brown’s funeral and Prince’s guest artist was none other than sax great Maceo Parker, Brown’s consigliere of soul. Both seemed to sense that this show needed to be worthy of the Godfather, and both men left everything on the circular stage that night. Sure, there was “Kiss” and “1999” and “Purple Rain,” but there was also “Sex Machine,” delivered as only Prince can.
New Order and Johnny Marr at Boulevard Pool at Cosmopolitan, 2013: I attended this gig with a few old friends who, like me, were high school weirdos. A friend of a friend had a cabana and a lot of Champagne. It felt like we were all fnally getting compensated for the times jocks threw stuff at us in the cafeteria—especially once Marr lit into the Smiths’ “Shoplifters of the World Unite” and a few other of the band’s chestnuts, searing guitar riffs in full effect. New Order’s glittering sound and colorful visuals melded with the neon lights and video projections of the Strip, creating a 360-degree experience. “Bizarre Love Triangle” and “Blue Monday” had the whole crowd dancing, while a fnale of Joy Division’s “Love Will Tear Us Apart”—as a giant photo of late singer Ian Curtis was projected behind the band—was both reverent and celebratory. The Fucked Up at Triple B, 2014: I had only heard a few of the Canadian punk band’s songs before I decided to check out this gig, but I—and everyone else—left a raving fan. It’s hard to evoke rage and joy simultaneously, but the Fucked Up do it with their furiously ecstatic anthems to life’s many struggles and few triumphs. Frontman Pink Eyes—a big man with a big personality—reeled through the crowd, holding up the mic for singalongs, hugging people, dancing and generally being the guy Henry Rollins wishes he was. The rest of the six-piece band (three guitarists!) provided tight, ferce backing.
PHOTO BY ERIK K ABIK/ERIKK ABIK.COM
By Lissa Townsend Rodgers
Magic Mike XXL (R) ★★★✩✩
Magic Mike XXL comes up a little short compared with the original, director Steven Soderbergh’s blithe and bonny Channing Tatum showcase inspired by Tatum’s days as a male stripper. This time the jokes are heavier, more on-the-nose, though a surprising percentage of them work anyway. And yet the sequel earns its singles, reasons that are simple and quite unusual. It’s an amiably ramshackle road-trip movie, with the guys reuniting because there’s a male stripper convention in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Alums include BDR (Joe Manganiello);
Terminator Genisys (PG-13) ★★✩✩✩
Sgt. Kyle Reese (Jai Courtney) tells of the nuclear devastation and the rise of the machines in voiceover, focusing on the three billion killed off on Judgment Day 2017. The narrative starting point is 2029, with the human resistance being led by Reese and his mentor, John Connor (Jason Clarke). Thanks to time travel, we’re soon back in ’84, and then in 2017, on Judgment Day eve. Sarah Connor, the tank-topped Mother Courage of the revolution, is portrayed by Emilia Clarke of Game of Thrones.
Ted 2 (R) ★★✩✩✩
Dope (R) ★★★★✩
Inside Out (PG) ★★★★✩
Jurassic World (PG-13) ★★★✩✩
Ted 2 unites Mark Wahlberg’s insecure wallflower character with the chubby little cubby all stuffed with fluff and racial, sexual and scatological insults voiced by co-writer/ director Seth MacFarlane. Madly uneven, more so than the mediocre 2012 hit, this one’s an easy predictive call. Ted the talking teddy bear is celebrating his new marriage. John (Wahlberg) is now a lovable loser. Ted’s marriage to his fellow grocery store cashier sours, until the plush toy and his bride decide to have a baby. The serious bits in Ted 2 relate to Ted being revoked of his civil rights.
A move to San Francisco shakes up Riley (voiced by Kaitlyn Dias). Her emotions scramble to work out an equilibrium. In addition to ringleader Joy (Amy Poehler) and her flip side, Sadness (Phyllis Smith), there’s Anger (Lewis Black); Disgust (Mindy Kaling) and Fear (Bill Hader). Joy and Sadness are plunked down into uncharted territory near Riley’s long-term memory storage. They must find their way back to the control center, amid an array of animation styles and dimensions, and assist Riley in her darkest moments as she settles into her new life.
Malcolm (Shameik Moore) is a high school senior who lives with his bus driver mom (Kimberly Elise). The events of Dope send Malcolm and his friends into a criminal and lucrative orbit. At a birthday party thrown by drug dealer Dom (A$AP Rocky), guns are pulled and Dom’s “Molly” gets stashed in Malcolm’s backpack. From there Dope becomes a survival comedy, with Malcolm on the run, though there’s a romance between Malcolm and Dom’s sometime squeeze (Zoe Kravitz). Pharrell Williams executiveproduced; Forest Whitaker narrates.
Business at the retooled dinosaur theme park off the coast of Costa Rica has hit a plateau. Scientists led by B.D. Wong have responded to requests for a new star attraction. Behold the genetically engineered hybrid Indominus rex. Chris Pratt is the hunky raptor trainer. Bryce Dallas Howard is the uptight operations manager. Vincent D’Onofrio is the InGen security honcho, out to weaponize the park’s dinosaurs for military purposes. I wasn’t expecting the world, but I wouldn’t have minded sharper jokes and grander action scenes.
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You travel a great deal. What are some of your favorite destinations?
Let’s be honest: I only go to the cities I want to go to. So I only open restaurants in places that I want to go to. There are certain locations where I’ll never open a restaurant because I never want to go there—some location that really doesn’t please me much. I’m not saying this because I’m in Vegas, but I very much enjoy Vegas. New York City is unique. Tokyo is a beautiful place. I like Hong Kong and Monaco as well. [For relaxation], the countryside near one of my houses in Spain is one of my favorite places. Nobody knows about a very small city, Calp, just on the beach in the sun. It’s beautiful, [but] it’s too simple for a lot of people. Dinner at either of your Las Vegas restaurants is an indulgence—in terms of price, time and even calories. What role does indulgence play for today’s diner?
Joël Robuchon July 23–August 5, 2015
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VegasSeven.com
The Chef of the Century on his approach to seasonality, the role of indulgence and avoiding family confict
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By Xania Woodman You like to visit Joël Robuchon and L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon in MGM Grand in spring, summer and fall/ winter. What’s your agenda for these visits?
To create seasonal dishes. Whenever I travel, I try to bring something new, something fresh, an invigorating idea or concept. We can’t sit back and relax. Something that always surprised me when I frst started coming to Las Vegas 10 years ago was that the menus stayed stagnant from season to season. You have to change your dishes seasonally, and you have to change as much as possible.
Produce can now be sourced from around the world, allowing restaurants to work around seasonality. What’s your approach?
We really base our ingredients on what we have available to us. Yesterday, we had someone in to show us organic produce that was available in this season so that I could taste it. … I try to stay local. California, which may not be considered local in Las Vegas, really isn’t very far from here, so in some cases we are forced to go a little farther. Our cheese trolley has a little bit of French cheese, but I try to stay away from international
I went to eat at Masa in New York recently. Although the price was a little elevated, it will leave a lasting impression. It’s not the type of restaurant you go to every day by any means, but it is certainly an experience. Las Vegas has a large local base and a lot of regular clientele; we [also] have all these [visitors] from Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco, and they, too, are becoming amazing regular guests for us. Every time I come, I see people when I walk though the restaurant and they say, “Oh, we saw you last year!” If I’m seeing these people on a regular basis, then it means that [they had] a pleasurable experience. It’s not as if they’re lacking in choices or variety with regard to restaurants. The biggest satisfaction I can ever take from this is to see regularity in clientele and to know that people do want to come back. Do you have any projects you’re particularly passionate about?
I do. Mostly in France, because that’s where I live,
but very recently we did an event at the Chateau Versailles to raise funds for cancer research. I work with a lot of oncologists because it really is the sickness of the century. We all have a friend or a family member who’s touched by cancer. Health is extremely important, and my philosophy is to [refect] that in my menu. I try to use a lot of antioxidants in my ingredients, turmeric and white tea, which is much better for you than green tea. I use a lot of ginger as well, ingredients that are very good for the health but not necessarily things that I’ll ever talk about on the menu. I believe you can do so much better for your health by eating intelligently. Who are some of the chefs you’ve mentored who have gone on to have their own restaurants?
In the U.S., there is one who certainly comes to mind—Eric Ripert. He is just a good young man, and he has some exceptional qualities as a human being. The chefs that I knew at the beginning, who were perhaps not world-renowned, always taught me that I had to keep teaching. The thing that makes me most proud is the young chefs who have given a lot of their time to learn and work with me, and who now have their own restaurants and their own success individually, independently of myself. We’re here for a short time on Earth, so we have to keep passing that knowledge on to the next generation. I’ve seen you seated in your restaurants, signing piles of your cookbooks. What is the oddest thing someone has asked you to inscribe?
One of the funniest is when a man buys the book and asks me to dedicate it to his wife, which is a very romantic gesture, but then asks me to write: “So you can fnally learn how to cook.” I always respond, “Are you serious? Do you really want me to write that?” It bothers me slightly to write it, but we’ve had it happen quite a bit. When it’s done as a joke, I can certainly understand. But there are some that seem to say it really genuinely.
PHOTO BY JEFF GREEN
SEVEN QUESTIONS
ingredients. A good 70 percent of our trolley is actually California cheese or American cheese.