gang Puck andWolfgang Puck Pizzeria & Cucina, which features wood-oven–baked pizzas and other Italian specialties. Elsewhere in CityCenter, Twist—situated on the 23rd floor of the Mandarin Oriental— is the first U.S. restaurant by world-renowned, three-star Michelin chef Pierre Gagnaire, who puts a modern spin on clas- sic French cuisine, relying on the pairings of flavors and textures for which he is renowned. At CityCenter’s ARIA, Sirio Maccioni has introduced Sirio Ristorante at ARIA, featuring Ital- ian favorites; Michael Mina heads up American Fish, with refined American cuisine; Julian Serrano has opened his namesake restaurant, offering a more casual concept with innovative interpretations of Spanish fare; Jean-Georges Vongerichten has added Jean Georges Steakhouse to the mix; The Light Group has unveiled an edgy American dim- sum-style concept called Union; Jean-Philippe Maury has opened Jean-Philippe Patisserie, featuring a variety of breakfast pastries, sandwiches, and desserts; Masayoshi Takayama, the world- renowned chef of the famed Masa in New York City, has opened BARMASA and Shaboo; and Shawn McClain—cele- brated executive chef and partner at three of Chicago’s top restaurants—has opened Sage, which serves contemporary American cuisine. ARIA is also home to Blossom, a classic Chinese restaurant; Lemongrass, a modern Thai restaurant; Café Vettro, serving three meals a day; and The Buffet, a con- temporary take on the standard Las Vegas buffet. Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino has opened Chart House as part of the new Rush Tower. Chart House offers top-of-the-catch seafood and succulent steaks, and features a 75,000-gallon tropical-fish aquarium. Rock legend Sammy Hagar has opened his world- famous CaboWabo Cantina inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. The two-level, 15,000- square-foot nightclub and restaurant replaces the highly visi- ble location previously occupied by Trader Vic’s.
Hard Rock International has opened a new Hard Rock Cafe Las Vegas on the Strip, where it anchors the Showcase Mall development. The 42,000- square-foot flagship café fea- tures a 950-seat restaurant, live concert venue, and the world’s largest Rock Shop, complete with Hard Rock’s limited-edition merchandise.
SPECTACLES: Las Vegas is home to a variety of Cirque de Soleil shows, including Love at The Mirage (above) and KÀ at MGMGrand (below).
Downtown The Las Vegas Museum of Law Enforcement and Organized Crime will be an interactive museum presenting a bold, authentic view of organized crime’s impact on Las Vegas’ his- tory and its unique imprint on America and the world. The exhibits, programs, and experi- ences at the museum—opening in 2011—will offer multiple per- spectives and provide a contem- porary, engaging, challenging, and educational experience. The Neon Museum has kicked off the reassembly of the historic La Concha Motel Lobby, which will serve as part of its new museum building. The com- pletion of the project will mean that the Neon Museum’s outdoor display of rescued Las Vegas
neon signs will be more accessible to the public, with regular hours of admission. Currently, tours of the museum’s neon “boneyard” are available by appointment only. The Smith Center for the Performing Arts will bring a whole new world of song, dance, and performance to Las Vegas, including unique international attractions, theater, and music. The Smith Center will be located on a 61-acre parcel of land across from the Clark County Government Center in downtown Las Vegas. Its 2,050-seat main hall will serve as home to the Las Vegas Philharmonic and to touring Broad- way shows, and also will house the Nevada Ballet.A smaller, 300-seat theater will have a stage facing Symphony Park and host jazz, cabaret, and other performances.A third theater will offer a flexible, 200-seat studio for rehearsals, children’s theater, and local community events. The development will be the largest arts project in the state’s history. For more information:www.visitlasvegas.com