Issue 145
June 23-29, 2003
Volume 3
page 2
 

New York Restaurateur Stephen Hanson
Takes Fiamma From Soho to The Strip

Fiamma Osteria in New York City.LAS VEGAS - Those who have indulged their cravings for unique Italian cuisine at New York's three-star Fiamma Osteria can now look forward to dining on the same fine fare amid the glamour and excitement of Las Vegas. Fiamma, Italian for "flame," became an instant hit on the East Coast when it opened its doors a year ago. On August 28, 2003 New York restaurateur Stephen Hanson goes West to the MGM Grand Hotel, where he will be launching Fiamma Trattoria -- a stylish outpost of his highly successful Manhattan restaurant.

Hanson's restaurant group B.R. Guest has created 11 of New York's most popular and distinctive dining spots, noted for their commitment to excellent food, peerless hospitality and hip atmosphere. Hanson saw the MGM Grand as the perfect opportunity to introduce Fiamma to a fresh audience, adding a dash of Soho style to the Las Vegas experience. Fiamma Osteria drew critical acclaim with three-star reviews from every major New York newspaper including The New York Times, and was nominated by the James Beard Foundation for the 2003 Best New Restaurant Award. Praised for his clean, subtle flavors and sophisticated interpretation of authentic Italian cuisine, Fiamma's Executive Chef Michael White was named Chef of the Year by Esquire Magazine
(November 2002).

Hanson and White plan to bring many of Fiamma Osteria's signature dishes to Las Vegas as part of a new, more casual trattoria menu featuring White's take on regional Italian specialties. Joining Chef White is Executive Pastry Chef Elizabeth Katz, whose creative variations of traditional Italian desserts have been hailed by critics as a "gorgeous and sensual" finale. Master Sommelier Greg Harrington's wine list presents a thoughtful, versatile and impressive array of more than 400 selections to complement the multi-regional menu.

The noted architectural design firm of Yabu Pushelberg breathes life into the 7,000 square-foot space situated within the MGM Grand's bustling Studio Walk. The dynamic contemporary design encompasses four distinct areas -- a cafe, bar and lounge, split-level dining room and private screening room, which together accommodate over 300 guests -- and utilizes a palette of warm copper and espresso to complement rich zebra wood, maple and antique brown granite.

Gamal Aziz, president and COO of the MGM Grand, looks forward to welcoming

Fiamma Trattoria as part of the hotel's increasingly impressive roster of fine restaurants. Fiamma Trattoria will join other celebrated properties like Tom Colicchio's Craftsteak, Michael Mina's NOBHILL, Emeril Lagasse's New Orleans Fish House and Mark Miller's Coyote Cafe and Grill Room.

"Stephen Hanson's style and enthusiasm cannot be duplicated by any restaurateur," said Mr. Aziz. "Las Vegas visitors are certain to fall in love with Fiamma at the MGM Grand just as so many have fallen in love with Stephen's New York offerings."

For Hanson, teaming with the MGM Grand is stacking the deck in his favor. "Becoming part of the Las Vegas dining scene is an exciting venture for B. R. Guest and partnering with the MGM Grand is an obvious choice, as it is epitomizes the best Las Vegas has to offer."

 

 



Stratosphere Plans New Ride
- LAS VEGAS - The Stratosphere hotel-casino on June 18th released an image of its "Project X Sky," a new floorless teeter-totter thrill ride planned at the resort on the Las Vegas Strip. The previously reported ride, 866 feet above ground, will send riders some 27 feet over the edge of the Stratosphere Tower's Outdoor Observation Deck, giving them an unobstructed view of the strip before flinging them back toward the hotel. The Stratosphere and partner Interactive Rides of Logan, Utah, plan to open the ride by early this fall.

Boston, New York Flights to Las Vegas Planned - LAS VEGAS - Delta Air Lines' new low-fare subsidiary Song Airlines will offer daily nonstop service between Las Vegas and Boston and between Las Vegas and New York beginning in the fall.

Song plans one round trip a day between Boston's Logan International Airport and McCarran International Airport and one round trip a day from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and McCarran starting Oct. 1.

Song, which will debut in Las Vegas on July 21 with round trips linking Las Vegas with Orlando, Fla., and will add round trips to and from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., beginning Aug. 25, will compete on the Boston route with America West Airlines and American Airlines.

On the New York route, Song will compete with America West and JetBlue Airways. Song's flights will leave Boston daily at 6:15 p.m., arriving at 9:03 p.m., and return at 9:55 p.m., arriving at 5:48 a.m. the next day. The New York flight will leave JFK airport at 9:15 p.m., arriving at McCarran at 11:45 p.m., and return at 12:35 a.m., arriving in New York at 8:15 a.m.

The airline will use twin-engine Boeing 757 jets configured to hold 199 passengers.

The Wallflowers Acoustic Performance

The Wallflowers Acoustic Performance will take place at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay Resort Casino on July 12, 2003.

Price: $22.00, $35.00, $40.00

Price Note: May not include all taxes & fees.

Show Time: 8:00 p.m.

Reservations: Reservations Recommended

For more information please call: (877) 632-7400
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