by MIKE CHAIKEN
CTFashionMag.com
Known far and wide for its flashing lights, jaw dropping entertainment, bustling nightlife scene, gourmet cuisine, and some of the largest and most legendary casinos in the world, Las Vegas attracts (pre pandemic ) over 42 million visitors annually from around the globe.
Las Vegas has long been branded as “Sin City” but could easily brandish the title of “The City That Never Sleeps” as Las Vegas offers around the clock opportunities to take in some of the most viscerally stunning sights you’ll witness on any vacation and make incredible memories that will last a lifetime.
Established in 1905 after the opening of a railroad that linked Los Angeles and Salt Lake City, Las Vegas rapidly transformed from a stopover for farmers and workmen to a destination for starry eyed seekers of boozy, gambling thrills , following the arrival of Bugsy Siegel and other notorious mobsters, who actualized their visions for a burgeoning gambling and nightlife industry in the middle of the desert.
The subsequent arrival of Howard Hughes in 1966 had a profound effect on the city, largely transforming its public image from seedy and salacious to a more family friendly vacation destination.
Fast forward to 2022: Las Vegas now hosts a bevy of world class variety shows, top notch lodging and dining establishments, and acclaimed comedy clubs, as well as fun attractions for the whole family, (including whimsical miniature golf courses and free attractions such as the Circus Circus daily shows and the Bellagio Fountain) and has truly evolved into a sought-after destination for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Accompanied by adventuresome photographer, Lynn, I scoped out the best of the best lodging, entertainment, and dining options which you absolutely must experience on your next Las Vegas getaway.
WHERE TO STAY
THE DOWNTOWN GRAND
Nestled downtown in the heart of Las Vegas, the Downtown Grand is a boutique hotel featuring a sleek design aesthetic, an Art Bar breakfast area, a laid-back onsite eatery with gourmet American fare and unique taps, a full casino, and all the amenities you could hope for, while avoiding the chaotic hustle and bustle of the Vegas Strip.
Formerly known as Lady Luck, The Downtown Grand’s fresh, modern, and eclectic vibe paired with classic Las Vegas charm has led this establishment to quickly evolve into a centerpiece of Downtown3rd, a burgeoning new neighborhood and entertainment district. Also featuring a comedy club with two exciting shows, a Citrus Grand pool deck, a fitness center, a 5-star dining experience at Triple George Grill, periodic live entertainment, several event rooms available for business meetings and weddings, and a friendly, knowledgeable onsite staff at your service 24/7, this one-of-a-kind resort truly has it all.
LODGING OPTIONS
Featuring three total towers (The Gallery Tower, Casino and Grand Tower, and the ADA Tower) The Downtown Grand offers a vast array of spacious room and suite options to suit a wide variety of lodging needs.)
We stayed at the Gallery Tower and Lynn and I highly recommend it. Comfortable beds, striking artwork, a quiet, peaceful location placement, and ample space made our stay one to remember. )
Added in 2020, the Gallery Tower is the newest addition to Downtown Grand featuring an innovative line up of rooms, perfectly suited for the progressive, modern-day traveler. These include a penthouse room and a virtual experience room. Free Wi-Fi and laptop size safes are provided. Handicapped accessible rooms also are available.
WEBSITE: www.downtowngrand.com
PHONE NUMBER: (702) 719-5100
DINING OPTIONS AT THE DOWNTOWN GRAND
ART BAR: ( Breakfast: open 6 a.m. to noon daily)
Highlighting eclectic collections from local artists spanning a variety of genres including abstract, impressionist, oil, watercolor, pop art, and more, a visit to Art Bar is much more than merely a breakfast outing, but an immersive art experience.
Savor a leisurely breakfast while gazing out the window into Vegas’s culturally rich “arts district” while surrounded by unique and interesting artworks and decor that you truly cannot find anywhere else.
Several breakfast options are available for guests including a bed and breakfast option, so be sure to ask a friendly Downtown Grand representative for further details.
Freshly baked pastries, fruits, yogurts, cereals, milks, and more are available each day as well as a staggering list of coffee options that are sure to satisfy even the strongest caffeine cravings.
“DALI’s DRINKS” INCLUDE
Caramel Macchiato Caffe Mocha (our top choice!), White Mocha (our second pick!), Caffe Latte, Grand White Cappuccino, Caffe Americano, iced coffee, regular/decaf coffee, hot chocolate, espresso
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST (Includes choice of each of the following):
Yogurt ( blueberry , cherry, mixed berry, vanilla, peach, and more available) or cereal (Lucky Charms, Cheerios, Rice Krispies, Cocoa Puffs); toast, bagel or Danish with assorted spreads (cream cheese and various fruit jams are available; one of our recurring favorites was the “everything bagel”, featuring a variety of crunchy seeds atop a warm, hearty, freshly baked bagel); choice of fresh seasonal whole fruit (bananas, apples, oranges, etc.); juice, coffee or tea.
WEBSITE: www.downtowngrand.com
PHONE NUMBER: (702) 719-5100
FREEDOM BEAT
A bar and grill known equally for its gourmet approach to classic American fare and a stellar rotating line up multi genre musical artists, Freedom Beat is a state-of-the-art live performance venue and dining destination.
Festive music themed decor, tremendously talented musicians and an overwhelming variety of food and beverage options are all a few of the many reasons Freedom Beat should have a spot on your Vegas restaurant “bucket list.”
This laid-back eatery has a relaxed attitude that doesn’t take itself too seriously; however, the visionary (and extremely hospitable) master chef, Paul Fischer, obviously takes his food quite seriously with a wildly unique and innovative approach to traditional bar fare.
Each Saturday and Sunday, Freedom Beat offers a brunch featuring live music, both standard and unexpected appetizers and entrees and beloved brunch classics like Eggs Benedict and bottomless mimosas, served up with a smile by the friendly staff.
Musician Lisa Marie wowed with a stellar line up of pop, contemporary, classic rock, soul, and an array of other genres during her set, and you can catch her live on stage periodically at the Freedom Beat and other top venues around Las Vegas (Instagram @singlisamarie )
Fun, festive, and a rare Vegas location where you can bring the entire family with peace of mind, Freedom Beat truly has something for everyone.
DRINKS:
Bottomless Mimosas, a quintessential brunch classic.
Bloody Mary, perfectly blended with just the right amount of spicy kick, Freedom Beat’s signature Bloody Mary can’t be missed.
APPETIZERS:
Crispy Fried Pickles, aAn extremely hearty portion with plenty to share featuring bold flavor, with a house-made ranch dipping sauce.
THE CLASSICS
Crab cake benedict, two crab cakes grilled to perfection on a toasted English muffin with two poached eggs. Topped with a creamy citrus hollandaise and caviar, it is served with potatoes.
Vegan Skillet. Finding vegan fare in Las Vegas can be a insurmountable feat, so if you are looking for a hearty plant-based dish that will please your palate and stick to your ribs, look no further than this dish. It features vegan sausage, vegetables, and tofu eggs.
Stuffed strawberry French toast, Texas toast stuffed with homemade strawberry jam. It is topped with fresh sliced strawberries, whipped cream, and dusted with powdered sugar, infused with homemade strawberry jam.
Chicken and waffles, dipped in a spicy red sauce and served with maple butter.
WEBSITE: www.downtowngrand.com
PHONE NUMBER: (702) 719-5100
TRIPLE GEORGE GRILL
Offering a classic Vegas atmosphere and a bountiful selection of exquisitely crafted cocktails, power lunch specials, mouthwatering steaks, and delectable dinners, Triple George Grill is the place to dine if you are searching for a high-end experience in Downtown Las Vegas.
Recipient of the prestigious 2021 Trip Advisor Traveler’s Choice Award, Triple George Grill is a go-to destination for a myriad of special occasions, ranging from date nights to business meetings, to functions and events.
Since its’ inception, Triple George Grill has become known as one of the first independent eateries to emerge in the beginning years of the revitalization and subsequent rebranding of downtown Las Vegas, paving the way for a downtown dining scene that is at once , urban, eclectic, and elegant.
The pages long menu (especially the superb selection of cocktails) is overwhelming in the best possible way.
But the following menu options that complimented each other sublimely.
DRINKS
Triple George Grill is known and acclaimed far and wide for classic cocktails and martinis; therefore, we had to try our server’s top recommendations.
Many nonalcoholic beverage options are available as well, and we got started with Vellamo sparkling water and tea.
Cocktails:
Black Cherry Lemon Drop, black cherry vodka, triple Sec, lemon juice. The best selling cocktail on Triple George’s extensive cocktail menu and our favorite as well!
Manhattan, a classic Manhattan recipe– two parts whiskey, one part sweet vermouth, and bitters.
APPETIZER
Lump Crab Cake (Cajun Aioli, lemon Creme Franchesca and micro herbs.
SOUPS
Classic French onion soup, gruyere and parmesan. cheese gratinee)
New England clam chowder, traditional chowder with clams, bacon and potatoes
SALAD
Baby spinach and wild arugula with crispy pancetta, pears, feta cheese, toasted almonds and preserved lemon vinaigrette.
ENTREE
Seared Maine sea scallops, toasted red pepper cream and sweet corn arancini.
Sides: charred Brussels sprouts, sweet potato purée, creamed spinach.
DESSERT: Creme Brulé, a creamy, pudding- like baked custard with a brittle top of melted sugar.
WEBSITE: www.triplegeorgegrill.com
PHONE NUMBER: (702) 384-2761
ENTERTAINMENT
DELIRIOUS COMEDY CLUB
Owned by veteran comic and entrepreneur, Don Barnhart (who has been featured in many TV comedy specials and has headlined his own comedy tours for the United States military), Delirious Comedy Club is an intimate venue featuring a rotating line up of resident, special guest, and touring comics from around the world. Having recently celebrated over 500 shows since its reopening in the “Entertainment Capitol of the World” this comedy club has gained an ardent fan base of tourists and locals alike and has garnered an impressive number of top rated reviews on Trip Advisor.
Delirious Comedy Club prides itself in diversity of comics and variety of subject matter in the stand up acts, touching on topics both relatable and cringeworthy, while largely straying from the graphic language and explicit subject matter you might expect from a standard Las Vegas Comedy Club.
During our visit, Noelle Raiman kicked off the show with a very funny bit about not relating to 20 year old social media beauty influencers; Keith Lyle (as seen in the original “Hangover” movie) shared humorous anecdotes about his Jewish upbringing; and headliner, Barnhart, brought the house down with his closing segment as he shared about unbelievable experiences during his world travels, getting along with his wife, and creative ways to handle online trolls.
HOUSE OF MAGIC COMEDY AND MAGIC SHOW: SERIOUS MAGIC, NOT TAKEN SERIOUSLY
Featuring hilarious, lighthearted comedy, mind boggling sleight of hand card tricks, interactive audience segments, mind blowing mentalism, and an up-close and personal vantage point of some of the most head scratching illusions you’ll see in Vegas, the House of Magic Comedy and Magic show is magical fun for the entire family.
The show in the evening we attended featured decorated magician Adam London, whose jovial stage persona, quick wit and dazzling magic skill created a great overall atmosphere for the intimate performance. London maintained great humor and interaction with the audience throughout his various segments, which included a sketch of a giraffe that came to life before your eyes (Lynn got to take home the custom -drawn picture as a souvenir), classic-Vegas style micro-illusions featuring coins, ropes, and cards, and the side splitting, family friendly comedy style for which London has become known and praised in the live entertainment and magic circuit.
The lineup of comedians is ever-changing.
WEBSITE: https://www-epicentertainmentlasvegas-com.seatengine.com/
PHONE: (702) 541-2660
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