1. Track #1: Pepper Club
Feeling bad lately and can’t afford therapy? No worries—The Pepper Club By Todd English (in The English Hotel in the Arts District) will uplift you with its massive Ube Honey Toast consisting of Japanese shokupan stuffed with ube cream, churros, strawberries, ube glaze, and ice cream. This dazzlingly prepared creation will set you back only $20.00—and your ego will also benefit from the eatery’s seriously sexy lighting.
The Pepper Club bills its eclectic cuisine as “Ocean Asian Fusion.” The Crispy Rice (coconut rice, spicy tuna, avocado, and microgreens) is first-rate, as is the Orange Miso Salmon (plated with bok choy and serrano rings). Chef Roman Sarmiento also creates red meat magic with the succulent Genghis Short Ribs platter (teriyaki glazed short ribs, pearl onions, broccolini, pineapple, and fingerling potatoes). It’s hard to leave without ordering a side of the sublimely flavored Wasabi Creamy Mash (Yukon mash and crushed wasabi peas). If I were on death row, a meal from The Pepper Club would be my final request.
One of the best “steals” in town is their daily 3-5:00 pm happy hour menu, with appetizers and drinks priced at $8.00. There’s also a breakfast/brunch menu featuring the JFC & Waffle: Japanese fried chicken thigh and matcha-marbled waffle with maple syrup. The restaurant has a spacious outdoor patio for those who prefer dining in the daytime with “risky” natural lighting.
2. Track #2: The Beverly Theater: “Have You Got It Yet? (The Story of Syd Barrett and Pink Floyd)”
The newly built arthouse cinema, The Beverly Theater, is one of Vegas’ crown jewels. The modern/mid-century design elements at this not-for-profit venue overseen by the arts-friendly Rogers Foundation are elegantly striking. Upstairs, there’s an outdoor terrace (called Segue) where a jazz trio plays for free on Friday and Saturday nights (weather permitting). Specializing in left-of-center films and documentaries, The Beverly is on the same street as another intellectual haven: The Writer’s Block bookstore and coffee shop. Conveniently, you can get all your smarts down on 6th Street.
I’ve been to The Beverly three times in the past few months, most recently to see the new music documentary “Have You Got It Yet? (The Story of Syd Barrett and Pink Floyd).” Barrett was the founding frontman of Pink Floyd in the ‘60s, its psychedelic soul, and one of rock’s greatest enigmas. The engrossing documentary unfurls the sad story of Barrett’s acid-driven mental breakdown, being ousted from the band, eventually becoming a hermit, and passing away at 60. Tragedy aside, the footage of the pioneering band’s sonically radical and visually arresting early shows in London is thrilling.
The sound is exceptional at The Beverly, and every seat is excellent, thanks to its smart design. The theater also doubles as a musical performance space. Look for the soul-baring and mysteriously face-covered alternative artist Red Leather to perform on November 2 as part of his jubilantly named “Burn In Hell” fall tour.
3. Track #3: Easy’s Cocktail Lounge at the Aria, Jessica Rosado
Good luck finding Easy’s Cocktail Lounge. The darkly lit, posh speakeasy is hidden behind Easy Donuts in the Proper Eats Food Hall at the Aria. That’s where specialty cocktails and premium spirits flow—and live music, spanning “jazz to blues and everything between,” has a home.
Jessica Rosado, who joined KTNV’s lively weekday “Morning Blend” as co-host this past March, recently hit my sweet spot by performing Jade’s 1992 R&B/pop nugget “Don’t Walk Away.” Appearing once a month, the New York-born Rosado (who’s been singing her whole life) reels you in with her passionate vocals and warm stage demeanor.
Supported by her three-piece band, Rosado impressively played three sets over three hours, covering songs by such artists as Chaka Khan, Beyonce, and Lady Gaga. She somehow creatively mashed up “Sweet Dreams” by the Eurythmics with “Seven Nation Army” by the White Stripes. “Mashups are incredibly fun, especially when the songs are from different genres,” says Rosado. Her next show at Easy’s is Monday, October 30, and she’s encouraging the audience to wear costumes for this pre-Halloween gig.
4. Track #4: The Sundry at The Uncommons
Vegas has been dubbed “California East” since many Cali restaurants and stores have outposts here. The close relationship between both is saluted at The Sundry, the new food hall showcasing a “renowned lineup of top chefs and rising stars from Las Vegas and California.” You’ll find it located in The Uncommons, a development with apartments, offices, stores, and restaurants in the booming southwest area.
We had excellent chicken tikka masala with basmati rice from Dhaba Ji (a spin-off of its flagship Santa Barbara restaurant) as well as fried chicken tenders, French fries, and the transcendent mac and cheese from the Oakland-originated Kowbird. It’s fun to grab a table in this soaring modern space awash with light and then order (via your phone) from many “food concepts” whose chefs work out of a communal kitchen. The service is notably helpful, particularly for the tech-challenged.
On my way out of The Sundry, which includes two full-service restaurants and four bars, I couldn’t resist stopping at Saint Honore. This Vegas-owned doughnut patisserie impresses with its dulce de leche donut with salted caramel. Hoping The Sundry continues to find success; there’s looming competition from the many eateries on track to open at Durango Casino and Resort, which is just across the road and debuts in late November.
5. Track #5: Life Is Beautiful, downtown, The 1975
The 1975 is an unabashed U.K. pop band in rock star clothes (all black) with moody lighting and a captivating lead singer (Matty Healy) who name-checks Kafka and Joy Division onstage. They had an important Saturday night slot at the three-day, world-class Life Is Beautiful festival, which debuted in 2013, the same year The 1975 released their debut album.
“We’re the band you love to hate,” teased Healy in their set. Unafraid to take on any taste-making guardians, he sang part of the Backstreet Boys’ classic “I Want It That Way.” The crowd loudly hollered its approval.
Ear candy can be its own reward—and no one knows this better than the globally successful foursome whose set featured an expanded line-up. Smash hits like “Somebody Else,” “It’s Not Living (If It’s Not With You”), and “I’m In Love With You” are built on bouncy rhythms, clean guitar lines, and sparkling keyboards that bring to mind the ‘80s sounds of British bands like Culture Club and Haircut 100. Healy’s sweet vocal tones deliver catchy melodies and easy-to-miss lyrical curveballs; the exquisitely arranged vocal harmonies wrap the sound up with a bow. The 1975 owned the crowd from start to finish.
6. Track #6, Osteria Fiorella, Red Rock Resort
There are many creative Italian restaurants in Vegas, including the ones in Summerlin—Aromi, Al Solito Posto, La Strega, and Spiedini Fiamma—plus the adjacent Lakes area (Limoncello). With this treasure trove of eateries, it took me a minute to try Osteria Fiorella at Red Rock Resort.
This grand but welcoming space—with eye-catching circular light fixtures and an open kitchen as its focal point—is one of James Beard Award-winning chef Marc Vetri’s two Vegas restaurants (the other one, Vetri Cucina, is on the 56th floor of the Palms). Fiorella is a spin-off of his pasta bar in Philadelphia’s Italian Market area—and the handmade pastas and pizza they sent out from the kitchen were instant “hit singles,” with top-shelf ingredients, exquisite taste sensations, and textures.
Highly recommended is the boldly conceived pappardelle, with smoked short rib and horse radish. There’s also a world of flavor in the campanelle (cone-shaped pasta) with pesto, stracciatella, tomatoes, and pine nuts. The deftness that goes into the preparation of a traditional dish, like rigatoni with fiorella sausage ragu, is admirable, too. We took home the Pizza Maurizio with mozzarella, Parmigiano, rosemary, and olive oil—simple but effective, with a perfectly crispy crust.
7. Track #7: Crown Bakery, Chinatown
This traditional Korean bakery is located on popular Spring Mountain Rd, but you’ll have to look closely for it on the second floor of a shopping center across the street from the bustling Shanghai Plaza.
Crown Bakery is the place to come for cream cheese buns (my favorite), chocolate honey cake, and their pineapple cream cheese puff. They also offer an array of coffees—including a sweet potato latte—flavored milk teas, and smoothies. The bakery is intimate and cozy, with simple but artful décor, including two iconic images of Audrey Hepburn from “Breakfast At Tiffany’s” hanging on the wall.
The bakery, open since 2005, serves the community well. Whenever I’ve dropped in, there’s a steady stream of customers picking up the special occasion cakes they’ve pre-ordered. It’s open from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm every day, so keep it in mind as an after-dinner dessert spot. I’m told there will soon be new management, so let’s hope they’ll retain the bakery’s charms.
8. Track #8: The Paradox Museum, The Strip
Why waste precious time on your local gym’s treadmill when you can give your brain an intense workout at the recently opened Paradox Museum? Across 90-plus exhibits—highlighted by ones incorporating cleverly arranged mirrors—your eyes will be tricked and your perception disrupted.
I experienced the dizzying Mirror Maze, the strangely Tilted Room, and the Paradox Tunnel, where it’s a challenge to walk straight. Prepare to spend 90 minutes to two hours at the museum, depending on how long you’ll end up snapping photos of yourself and friends in exhibits like the Reversed Room and another one where two people’s images bizarrely blend into one in the mirror. At another mind-altering installation, my head was handed to me on a platter (if you go, you’ll know).
A visit to the museum is fun but mentally exhausting, too. With all these reality-defying paradoxes, you’ll be scratching your head while wandering through the multiple rooms. I needed a stiff drink afterward to reboot my mind.
9. Track #9: Casa Di Amore/Tiki Di Amore, E Tropicana Ave
Every mixtape needs a classic “track.” This month’s honor goes to the long-running old-school Italian eatery Casa Di Amore—“Vegas the way it used to be” is its slogan—and their separate kitschy outdoor patio area, Tiki Di Amore.
The Casa Di Amore dining room/bar is a beautifully lit romantic space, with those Mob-approved red banquettes, plus there are slide show images of vintage Vegas shown throughout. The kitchen gets it right—try the baked clams oreganata, stuffed bell peppers, and chicken piccata—and listen to the seasoned musical combo performing Rat Pack standards.
Describing itself as “Las Vegas’ only outdoor Tiki lounge,” Tiki Di Amore is open Friday-Sunday nights seasonally (so you’ll need to call ahead). It’s a colorful space, with big, comfy booths surrounding a bamboo bar that serves Tiki drinks like “The Painkiller” and “Fog Cutter.” A big plus: Casa Di Amore’s full menu is available. On my recent visit there, I saw Vegas-based Pyro Surfers amp up the revelers with their rockabilly and surf sounds. Check the website’s calendar for other bands set to perform, including Mimi & The Riverias (October 21).
10. Track #10: Regal Cinemas Red Rock 16 & IMAX, Summerlin
I’m guessing no one likes to be seated at concerts behind camera phone abusers who block your view and take selfies while the band is playing. Having been in this situation multiple times recently, I attended two concert films at the IMAX theatre inside Regal Cinemas at Red Rock Resort with great relief and joy. In fact, I’m entirely sold on these ultra-big screen concert screenings with up-to-the-minute audio technology.
Watching the 50th anniversary re-release of David Bowie’s “Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars: The Motion Picture” was transfixing. The historic glam-rocking London concert has been sonically and visually restored, with never-before-seen footage of guest Jeff Beck. And director D.A. Pennebaker takes you inside the master’s dressing room with scenes that show Bowie, in all his androgynous splendor, changing his wardrobe and applying make-up.
The 40th-anniversary reboot of “Stop Making Sense” by Talking Heads was equally magnificent. The film was shot over the band’s four-night run at the Pantages Theater in L.A. Director Jonathan Demme, who had six cameras running for each concert, puts the viewer right onstage with the band for this unforgettable convergence of rock, funk, and performance art. The image of David Byrne dancing in his ridiculous but cool “Big Suit,” especially on an IMAX screen, will never be forgotten. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing Beyonce’s summer tour concert tour film in theaters starting December 1.
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