Here is the latest roundup of restaurant news from around the Las Vegas valley. If you would like to submit an item, send a press release to joyce.lupiani@ktnv.com.
1. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is introducing its winter lineup of beverages during an open house from 2 to 6 p.m. Jan. 14. Customers will be able to sample any size (except 32 oz.) of the new Flavored Americanos -- Hazelnut Americano and Iced Hazelnut Americana -- for just $2 at participating locations (15 total). The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s other winter drinks -- Mexican Chocolate latte and ice blended drinks, and the Mexican Hot Chocolate -- will also be available.
2. All guests with player's cards will be eligible for a $5 lunch or dinner buffet on Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 18) at Arizona Charlie's Decatur. Everyone must have their own card to receive the discounted price. Regular buffet prices for those who do not have a card.
3. MRKT Sea & Land inside the Aliante hotel-casino has introduced all-you-can-eat Alaskan King crab from 7 to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays. MRKT has also introduced a new happy hour with select bar menu items and select beverages for half price from 4 to 6 p.m. daily.
4. NOVE Italiano at The Palms has introduced a new seasonal menu. Dishes include an antipasti featuring crispy polenta with Madeira mushrooms and marinara sauce ($12); mozzarella di buffalo stuffed eggplant ($14); butternut squash soup with goat cheese or a roasted squash salad ($12); red wine braised short rib gnocchi ($29); chicken and basil Tuscany ($28); braised short rib with risotto ($42); lamb chops ($48); and poached pear ($12). Available for a limited time only.
5. Virgil's Real BBQ is coming to Las Vegas in the summer of 2016. It will be located at The LINQ Promenade and will feature live music nightly, private dining room, and 3 outdoor spaces, including a poolside patio. Virgil's already has locations in New York City and in the Bahamas. The menu features the world famous BBQ tastes of Tennessee, Kentucky, Texas, Carolinas and Missouri.
6. We like the number 13 and McMullan's Irish Pub has been a Las Vegas tradition for 13 years. The pub is ran by Brian McMullan and his wife Lynn and has proclaimed itself as "Purveyors of the Perfect Pint." The pub offers weekly food, drink and gaming specials; live entertainment and social events; and minority sports (as far as Americans are concerned) viewing. The pub is also known for its strong support of nonprofits, especially St. Baldrick's Foundation.
7. The Salted Malted Bakery & Creamery has opened on North Decatur Boulevard near the beltway. They offer "creamy, crunchy, sweet & savory specialties." Menu items include malts and shakes that are "hand spun for fun," Dole Whip in cups or cones, mini donuts, poutine (fresh-cut fries topped with cheese curds and gravy), and sandwiches, including The Canuck, Canadian Sunrise, American Sunrise and The Cubano.
8. The Vegas Viking Lodge of the Sons of Norway will hosts its 19th annual Lutefisk Dinner from 3 to 6 p.m. Jan. 30 at the Boulder City Elks Lodge. Menu includes lutefisk with melted butter or white sauce, roasted pork, boiled potatoes, peas and carrots, Norwegian flatbread, coffee and tea, and cookies. Cost is $20 for adults and $5 for children ages 10 and younger. Tickets must be purchased by Jan. 22. They are not available at the door. Send a check to Sons of Norway, Gwen Knighton, 2156 Marstons Mills Court, Henderson, NV 89044.
9. CRAVE American Kitchen & Sushi Bar in downtown Summerlin is now offering an all-day Happy Hour on Sundays in addition to 3 to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 9 p.m. to close Mondays through Thursdays. Food specials start at $3 for sushi and drink specials start at $4. Happy Hour is available in the spacious bar area, on the patio, and at the sushi bar. Other food items include guacamole and chips, truffle Parmesan fries, edamame, mini pepperoni flat bread, risotto balls, fish and chips, CRAVE wings, pork dumplings and chicken sliders.
10. If you are looking for Filipino fried food, head to Crispy Town inside Seafood City on Maryland Parkway. The fast-casual restaurant offers favorites such as chicaron calamari, shrimp okoy, salt & pepper shrimp, pork rinds, fried smelt, chicken skin, crispy pork belly, and chicaron bulaklak (chitlins).
11. Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken's first sandwich of the year has a very appropriate name -- The Resolution. The waistband-friendly sandwich features grilled chicken topped with shredded kale, pickled cucumbers, green bell peppers and avocado with house vinaigrette. The sandwich is priced at $8.50. The restaurant is located at Downtown Summerlin.
12. All-you-can-eat pancakes is back at IHOP through Feb. 14. Guests dining in participating restaurants can order either five famous buttermilk pancakes or a short stack of two pancakes with a combo plate of eggs, golden hash browns and their choice of breakfast meats for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Once that initial serving of pancakes has been enjoyed, guests can keep a short stack of two buttermilk pancakes coming again and again.
13. Fresco Italiano is the newest casual Italian dining experience in Las Vegas. It is located at the Westgate hotel-casino. Hot and cold antipasto is served from "dim sum" inspired rolling carts. The restaurant also features hand-crafted flat breads cooked in a stone-fired pizza oven. Entree selections include Bone in Veal Chop Parmigianino or Beef Short Rib overstuffed Tortellini Gigante or Chicken Rustico. Open for dinner daily.
