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News with a Local Lens

AFM in Las Vegas features celebrity chefs and dazzling bars
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AFM in Las Vegas features celebrity chefs and dazzling bars

Visitors to Las Vegas quickly realize they’ve hit the jackpot when it comes to culinary choices and verified nightlife.


Every indulgence is within reach, from sushi fresh from Japan to British-style tea to steakhouses brimming with wagyu beef. A list of star chefs guides the Strip’s restaurants, including Nobu Matsuhisa (Nobu), Gordon Ramsay (Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen), Thomas Keller (Bouchon Bistro), Guy Savoy (Restaurant Guy Savoy), Wolfgang. Puck (Spago, Las Vegas), Martha Stewart (The Bedford by Martha Stewart) and Jose Andres (Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres).

Diners can play ping-pong from Michelin-starred experiences to chain restaurants like California’s popular burger franchise, In-N-Out Burger (The Flamingo outlet is closest to the AFM).

There’s no shortage of late-night and 24-hour spots, which is a marked change from Santa Monica’s early-closing restaurant scene. And the alcohol never stops flowing in the casino. Themed nightcaps are a no-brainer. Head to downtown’s Stray Pirate Bar for innovative tropical cocktails or Chinatown’s 24-hour Golden Tiki, both imaginatively decorated to the max of kitsch.


Movie buffs: Take time to experience the world’s largest, highest resolution LED screen at Sphere, with two daily screenings of “Postcard From Earth” directed by Darren Aronofsky, showcasing the venue’s immersive visuals and sound.


Here are other places to dine, drink or hang out after market hours.

BBQ Mexicana and Border Grill, Mandalay Bay

Chefs Mary Sue Miliken and Susan Feniger of Los Angeles pioneered the blend of farm-fresh ingredients and Mexican cuisine at Border Grill when it opened 25 years ago. BBQ Mexicana (across from Border Grill) is the duo’s fast-casual concept and the perfect spot for breakfast burritos; the smoked beef brisket burrito with organic beans is a foolproof energy breakfast.


3950 S. Las Vegas Boulevard, bbqmexicana.com

Flecha Cantina in the town square

Actor and entrepreneur Mark Wahlberg is Las Vegas’ newest A-list resident. In September, he opened Flecha Cantina serving reinvented Mexican standards. Ceviche and fajitas are on the menu as well as vegetarian proteins like tofu chorizo. Most dishes pair easily with Wahlberg’s additive-free Flecha Azul tequila. Located off the Strip and attracting happy hour crowds, Wahlberg makes a point of stopping by when he’s in town.


6683 S. Las Vegas Blvd, Suite #109, flechacantina.com

Hotel Bar and Tea Room, Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas

There are stunning views from the hotel bar on the 23rd floor of the Waldorf Astoria, which doubles as a sophisticated tea room on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons. A hotel without games, the Waldorf Astoria is a zen alternative to the noisier properties on the Strip. The hotel bar specializes in premium cocktails, like the powerful espresso martini, which promises a quick start. Caviar-topped toro tacos and wagyu beef sliders are two of the decadent bar bites. Traditional tea is accompanied by the requisite scones with Devonshire cream and elegant mini sandwiches, some filled with truffle cream cheese.


3752 Las Vegas Boulevard. South, Waldorpastorialasvegas.com

Mother Wolf at Fontainebleau

The elegant Italian restaurant features a similar look to the Hollywood original, with banquettes covered in red and gold brocade, comfortable leather chairs, hardwood floors and an ornate mirrored back bar. Count on chef Evan Funke’s wood-fired pizzas and Roman specialties (pasta is only served al dente). Funke’s dedicated following equals a tough reservation, but bar seating and of course, perfect cocktails are also available.


2777 Las Vegas Boulevard. South, fountainebleulasvegas.com

Orla

Opening in early 2024, Orla by chef Michael Mina of Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino is inspired by the talented chef’s Mediterranean roots. Shareable starters range from soft hummus with puffed pita bread (served hot and cooked on site) to big-eyed tuna on crispy falafel. Seafood dishes are one of Mina’s favorite dishes: the whole grilled and butterflied Branzino is subtly spicy. The varied kebab plate for two is a satisfying feast.


3950 S. Las Vegas Boulevard, mandalaybay.mgmresorts.com

Italian RPM

This Chicago import (from the same family of restaurants as RPM Steak and RPM Seafood) offers steaks, seafood and homemade pastas of the highest caliber at RPM Italian. There is a weekday three-course prix fixe lunch menu ($35) and a daily happy hour. Start with premium beef meatballs, follow with hand-cut pasta topped with short-rib bolognese, and finish with a must-try: a flambéed meringue pie, charred at the table then topped with a warm cheese sauce. chocolate.


3500 Las Vegas Boulevard, rpmrestaurants.com

Palms Resort & Casino

There are 10 restaurants on-site to satisfy all appetites. The AYCE (All You Can Eat) buffet offers all the proteins, sweets and Asian specialties. The full buffet will open an hour earlier each morning at 8 a.m. during AFM. Reservations are required for lobster evening on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Laguna Pool House + Kitchen indoor/outdoor extended hours are 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Enjoy classic comfort foods like burgers, burritos and pizza. Italian mainstay Vetri Cucina will serve lunch (11 a.m.-2 p.m.) in addition to scheduled dinner service. Smoked meats (pork, chicken and tri-tip) and all-American barbecue sides are on the menu at Michael Symon’s Mabel’s Bar & Q, open daily with brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Happy Hour specials Monday through Thursday are reason enough to head to Scotch 80 Prime; a special lunch menu will be offered every day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the AFM.


4321 W. Flamingo Rd., palms.com