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Electra Cocktail Club – Redefining Nightlife in Las Vegas
Nightlife in Las Vegas has been splattered across the front pages of magazines since the birth of the city. We are the dominating force, but after years of zombie-like dancing and EDM DJs, it’s gotten a little stale. Vegas nightlife needed someone to create the next big trend. Cue Electra Cocktail Club inside The Palazzo at The Venetian Resort. With its synergistic vibe, a playlist that inspires thought and a top-notch cocktail program that packs a punch, Electra Cocktail Club is a breath of fresh air in a crowded field of cocktail lounges. Welcome to “Nightlife for Adults,” the ultimate playground for creative conversations and self-expression. Here the old rules don’t apply, Electra sets their own and it would be wise to hop aboard before you’re packed in coach with a million others. Here, we don’t like bandwagoners, we hang out with the originals.
The Vibe
First things first, if you’re going to be a trailblazer, you have to make a good first impression. When people pick a bar, they often choose it for the vibe. Electra Cocktail Club creates a harmonious, but fun, atmosphere with style and cocktails. The layout of the lounge makes you comfortable and the music raises your eyebrows because it’s different from anything else you’ll find in a Las Vegas nightclub, it’s soothing. The sleek design is something you would find in a glossy catalog, and you might want to take an ottoman home with you. But the one thing that will catch your attention is the 40-foot digital canvas that sets the night’s mood. Using more than 70 million pixels, this is an animated art piece and conversation starter. As the night goes on, and after a few cocktails, you’ll start to feel your mood ebb and flow with the color of the atmospheric art. If it turns red, maybe you’ll gain some courage to go over and talk to someone that caught your attention. Maybe yellow will give you an everlasting energy that will make you want to stay up until the sunrise, but our favorite is purple. It gives the room a feeling of mystery and curiosity. After all, everyone loves a good mystery.
Diamond Studded Décor
When your retinas are soothed and the stress begins to slide off your shoulders and to the ground, take a look around. If you can’t think of anything to talk about, the décor is a great place to start. Whether it’s the chandelier with more than 1,200 points of light or the golden bangle that reminds you of the winner’s circle, the choice is yours. The diamond studded gold brass bangle descends six feet from the ceiling, and the bright white light draws you to the center. It’s as if once you step in, your night will transform. If you stare at it long enough, and with a handful of cocktails, the golden beauty will start to move. Electra Cocktail Club created the vibe to have a purpose. Every little detail was meticulously placed to inspire the patron.
The Soundtrack to Your Life
What’s a better inspiration than music? It can lift you up when you’re down, it can create an atmosphere that makes you want to get up and dance. With so many useless conversations and phone pings buzzing in your ears all day, it’s great to hear something that resonates with your soul and brings a smile to your face. With Electra’s blend of classics, indie, synth-rock and hip hop, there’s no bad track. This is the playlist you would want to play in the background of your life if it were made into a movie. Electra doesn’t stick to one genre because it doesn’t want to be confined in a small box. Trend setters don’t pick one thing and stick to it. They’re adaptable – fluid. If Electra wanted to flip the nightlife script, they needed to make sure their music shattered the glass ceiling.
The Cocktail Culture
When you hear the name Electra Cocktail Club, what comes to mind? For us it’s a fun speakeasy that serves delicious cocktails. And that’s exactly what this Las Vegas bar created. It took classic cocktails and reimagined them in a light-hearted way. Take the Penicillin for example, instead of making this specialty cocktail on ice, they put an icy spin on it and made it into a frozen drink. It’s an elevated Slurpee with high-end ingredients that won’t have you waking up with a headache. It flips slushy drinks from trashy to classy, and since Vegas is warm 300 days of the year, it will be a great way to cool off. The names of the other cocktails are fun and memorable as well. Need a pick me up? Get a Charging Station made with vodka, cold brew coffee, coconut and hellfire bitters. Looking to get in trouble? They have the Trouble Maker made with of vodka, sweet vermouth, fresh cucumber, lemon and strawberry. And if you’re feeling a bit peeved and need take a load off? The Disgruntled Mai Tai can relate. These drinks were modified to be fun and entertaining. Electra makes their cocktails sexy and chic, and they don’t take themselves too seriously. Throw the stuffiness out the window and laugh at all the names in the book. You might draw people’s attention if you’re the table laughing the loudest. And it might interest someone to make their way over and add a different dynamic into the mix of your friends. Nights like these are meant for you to connect with new people, and it makes it even better that it’s over whimsical cocktails.
Comfort You Can Count On
Another trend they’re here to set is in the seating department. Nightlife in Vegas consists of long lines, lots of standing and no places to relax and unwind. Electra understands that in order to truly enjoy something, you need to feel comfortable first. With so many places to sit, you can easily see how Electra was designed for conversation. While sipping on your cocktail, you’re lounging instead of killing your feet in those cute Jimmy Choos. Beauty doesn’t have to come with a side of discomfort. The seating at Electra is inviting, and no matter where you sit, you’ll be comfortable. They have sofas lined around the edges of the bar with more than enough pillows, velvet covered couches that will automatically catch your eye and high-top seating that will give you a great birds eye view of what’s going on all throughout the bar. Each one of these seating arrangements is conversation friendly, and since space matters, there’s plenty of room for you to get up and move about the room whenever you feel like it. Remember, the normal rules don’t apply here. Some might say that since you’re so comfortable it helps drop your guard and opens you up to conversations with strangers.
Electra Cocktail Club is a trend that will last in Las Vegas way longer than most of those YouTube challenges. It’s here to challenge nightlife industry standards and create a space that’s setting its sights on how the nightlife experience should be. They want you to feel inspired, they want you to have stimulating conversations and they want you to feel empowered in your own bodies. Once you take a step inside, you’ll see Electra Cocktail Club is filled with people who will respond with more than a “what’s up?” It’s filled with people who will challenge your way of thinking. All of these elements were put together for a reason. Their meticulous planning created a space full of energy, innovation and style. And that, will never go out of style.
Caesars
Caesars
A Chica’s Vision
Before she became the culinary powerhouse behind the award-winning menu at Chica inside The Venetian Resort, Chef Lorena Garcia was once a contestant on the cooking competition show, “Top Chef Masters.” Garcia was tasked with creating a pastry-type dish on a $50 budget for a 350-person poolside brunch hosted by Holly Madison. And oh yeah, she only had 45 minutes to do it. Facing a daunting challenge, Garcia turned to her Venezuelan roots to snatch the winning recipe. Her creation, of course, were buñuelos topped with fresh berry compote, white chocolate and condensed vanilla sauce. So, when it came time to create the dessert menu for Chica, chef’s victory made adding the buñuelos an obvious choice. Literally award-winning, these buñuelos (called “Lemon Donuts” on the menu) are as simple as they are delicious. Offering a crispy, firm shell with a warm, fluffy lemon ricotta interior, these donuts are then plated with a wild berry compote and white chocolate dulce de leche sauce. Remarkable in its simplicity, if not solely its taste, the importance of this dish stretches far beyond Chef Lorena individually and reaches into the Latin American community from which she comes. Mention buñuelos in Belize, El Salvador or even Panama and you will quickly learn how much of a staple this treat is amongst holiday and celebratory gatherings in their local neighborhoods. And when you stop to think about it, this is a theme among all of Lorena Garcia’s creations at Chica: honoring the ingredients of her country, while creating dishes that are approachable and enjoyable by all. So it makes sense when tasked with a seemingly impossible challenge on “Top Chef Masters,” Chef Lorena’s instinct was to lean into the traditions of her Latin American upbringing.
Lemon Donuts. Image Courtesy of The Venetian Resort Las Vegas
The desserts at Chica, in Chef Lorena’s eyes, are quite literally an elevated introduction to the flavors and experiences of her Venezuelan heritage and travels throughout Latin America. Each
bite revealing a story from her past. Using her desserts as a vehicle to introduce you to the people and places she loves is an opportunity Chef Lorena will not pass up. Take the Tres Leches Dulce de Leche, which is, by tradition, a very humble dessert. As with many other Latin American families, Chef Lorena vividly recalls awaiting the Tres Leches cake at family functions with earnest. More specifically, as an impatient 5 year-old tagging along with her mother at the market, chef reminisces about the tiny cans of sweetened condensed milk that were given to her as a treat for behaving. This is just one example of the undeniable reverence to the Tres Leches cake. Chef Lorena, as always, is going back to what she knows. Starting with a soft, spongy cake soaked in white chocolate dulce du leche, condensed milk and regular milk, the dish reaches its fullest potential once topped with a torched meringue and dotted by a bright, pineapple fruit pico. Again, the traditional has become sensational, all without losing its approachability.
Whether you have an encyclopedia’s worth of experience with the fares of Latin America or if you’re just using your Las Vegas vacation as an opportunity to dip your toes into this culinary culture for the first time, it’s important to reiterate the significance of community and continuity. Chef Lorena has brought that with her to Chica -cultivating an environment where, like family, trust and teamwork take precedence. Because of this, her team is emboldened to experiment and take risks. Inspired by a discussion with her team, Chef Lorena believed in their passion and excitement. The result? A whimsical yet decadent dish that is trademark Chica: Churro Fried Ice Cream Pops. Three mouthwatering scoops of caramel ice cream delicately coated in cinnamon churro crumbs. Elsewhere, this would be enough. At Chica however, each scoop of caramel ice cream gets pierced with a miniature churro stick and served with equal scoops whipped cream and a sweet vanilla bean anglaise sauce.
Chica Las Vegas. Image Courtesy of The Venetian Resort Las Vegas
Another dish in which Chef Lorena defers credit to her staff is the Arroz Con Leche. This creamy rice pudding features a caramelized crust that holds the dessert together like a gentle hug. One look at the elaborate fuchsia colored garnish and you begin to realize this isn’t your standard Arroz Con Leche. But alas, there’s more. One taste of the dried apricot, candied pineapple and pomegranate rum sauce will transport you to the fresh fruit markets Chef Lorena frequented as a kid.
None of these ties to heritage and nostalgia would be complete without the most illustrious of Chica desserts: Marquesa de Chocolate. Chef Lorena’s favorite dessert on the menu, it’s everything she loves about her heritage and offers a gateway, of sorts, to Latin America through its robust flavors. Made with rich, 100% Venezuelan chocolate mousse, espresso-soaked graham crackers piled layers-upon-layers-upon-layers high and served with silky crema ice cream. This is the closest thing chef has to a time machine, as preparing the dish affords her an opportunity to reflect upon the modest Marquesa de Chocolate she enjoyed throughout her youth. Cramped inside a kitchen, surrounded by friends and family eagerly awaiting the chocolate-filled confection, although that Marquesa wasn’t quite as grand as its current form. Back then, graham crackers were soaked in milk, not espresso. And one layer was the finale, not the beginning.
Lorena Garcia. Image Courtesy of The Venetian Resort Las Vegas
As you can tell, the dessert menu at Chica Las Vegas is more labor of love, a passing nod to heritage and culture, than it is a hastily, thrown-together afterthought. Press releases will revel in the use of imported ingredients, the innovative culinary techniques used and the grand spectacle of celebrity, sure. But for Chef Lorena, what this dessert menu is -no, what this restaurant is about, is inviting guests to experience a piece of who she is and where she comes from. So, lean into the unknown and the unfamiliar. After all, this is Las Vegas. And at Chica Las Vegas, a little dessert is an adventure all its own.
Park MGM takes Las Vegas hotels to the next level
Follow us as we take a stroll through Park MGM, the new Las Vegas hotel that elevates your Sin City expectations. This is truly a one-of-a-kind Vegas experience you won’t find anywhere else on the Strip. From being a foodie haven to refreshing cocktails at the new speakeasy and nightclub, On the Record, this hotel provides a true Vegas experience. And who could forget the stars headlining at Park Theater? You’ll go gaga for Lady Gaga and witness Cher strut her stuff. Everything you need is at your fingertips. With a premier location on the Las Vegas Strip, the finest things the city has to offer are just moments away. You can catch the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights next door at T-Mobile Arena, jump aboard the Big Apple Roller Coaster at New York-New York or catch the famous, awe-inspiring Bellagio Fountains. Park MGM has unlimited options, and they’re as enjoyable as a stroll in the park.
The Vibe
Patterned carpeting, dim lighting and world-class entertainment. While it’s true that each Las Vegas resort has its own unique identity and aesthetic, most of them are working from a similar playbook. Park MGM sent that playbook straight to the recycling plant and created something totally unique. Beginning in the remodeled lobby and extending throughout the resort’s 32 floors, Park MGM doesn’t so much scream fresh or dope, it just is. On a large scale, Park MGM has traded in the shock and awe for something more refined and intimate. Think world-renowned musician performing an acoustic set for their closest friends and family. And when we said it extends throughout the property, we meant it; whether that’s enjoying a handcrafted cocktail at Juniper Cocktail Lounge or sifting through vinyl at record store/speakeasy/nightclub, On The Record. Not to be redundant here, but even the hotel rooms inside Park MGM follow a similar motif. Don’t believe us? Take a look inside one of the rooms. The design is the picture of luxury but the earthy tones, curated art and minimalistic bathrooms give each space a distinct New York feel. But once hunger strikes, step into one of Park MGM’s restaurants and you’ll witness that same attention to detail. Roy Choi’s Best Friend is everything you want from a world-renowned celebrity chef but with the accessibility and humbleness of a traditional LA Koreatown eatery. Fresh or innovative is something that’s hard to come by in Las Vegas, but it’s a staple at Park MGM.
Entertainment
There’s never a shortage of things to do in Las Vegas, and Park MGM spared no expense in bringing the best of the best in live entertainment to Sin City. At Park Theater you have the opportunity to enjoy renowned musicians like Lady Gaga and Cher. We know it’s hard to choose between the two, but no matter who you see, it’s going to be a memory you won’t soon forget. Lady Gaga is always a good time and is full of jaw-dropping surprises, while Cher brings a stunning wardrobe, over-the-top wigs and all the classic hits you used to sing with your hair- curler-turned-microphone. Each of these headliners on their own are a Big Game half-time show. They’re brilliantly curated and you won’t be able to take your eyes off the stage until the final curtain drops. If you’re looking to diversify your entertainment lineup however, head next door and check out T-Mobile Arena. The arena hosts plenty of Las Vegas concerts, but it’s also home to NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights. Arriving in the NHL during the 2017-18 season, the Knights have captured the hearts of sports fans from around the world.
The Spa and Pools at Park MGM
Pools in Las Vegas are known to have a certain reputation, and if you ask us, it’s one that’s well deserved because our pools are THAT great. When Park MGM decided to throw their hat in the ring, they did the most Vegas thing ever and threw in three. During a Las Vegas summer the pool can be just as important as your hotel room. It’s where you unwind on a daybed, party with friends beneath the shade of a cabana or cool off in the water. Following Park MGM’s less-is-more aesthetic, these pools use only subtle features to make them one-of-a-kind. Choose from either of the three pools, hot tub, two bars or lounge area to maximize your outdoor experience. If you’re choosing to visit the spa however, the phrase, “it’s what’s on the inside that counts,” takes on a whole new meaning. If we’re talking about relaxation in Las Vegas, it doesn’t get any better than inside The Spa at Park MGM. Just the thought of this lavender-and-eucalyptus-scented space has released our tension. Whether you’re looking for a custom massage, a hydrating facial or a steam room session, The Spa at Park MGM has the treatment and service your body most desires.
Restaurants
Every hotel in Las Vegas has food, but at Park MGM, we’re just going to say, “welcome to foodie paradise.” From the world-renowned Italian marketplace, Eataly, to Chef Roy Choi’s creation, Best Friend, these restaurants on the Strip deliver worldwide flavor all under one roof. Since breakfast is the most important meal of the day, what better way to spend it than inside the French garden-inspired restaurant, Primrose? With natural light flooding through the windows, it’s an awesome way to start your day. You can even dine on the patio to enjoy your eggs with a side of fresh air. For lunch, embark on a foodie adventure through the famous Italian flavors of Eataly. You can buy your favorite Italian ingredients in their marketplace or try dishes at stations that serve pizza, pasta, gelato, fresh mozzarella and more. If you’re looking for a unique experience with your friends however, book a cooking class at the Chef’s Table. Here, well-seasoned executive chefs teach you and your friends how to perfect your favorite Italian dishes. Just because you’ve had an abundance of food for lunch doesn’t mean you get to skip out on Bavette’s Steakhouse & Bar or Roy Choi’s Korean BBQ restaurant for dinner. Bavette’s has sides on sides on sides and you can bet that when the dry-aged tomahawk steak comes out, your mouth will water. For an added bonus, head to the back of the restaurant to imbibe some cocktails in the secret bar area. As far as Best Friend, after you’re done tasting almost all the dishes on the menu, head to the bodega where you can find one-of-a-kind merch for you to take home.
Nightlife
You’re not going to find a million square foot shrine to EDM at Park MGM. Instead, this is where you go when you’re in the mood for something more inviting, bespoke and interactive. And there’s nothing more bespoke than a handcrafted cocktail from Juniper Cocktail Lounge. Home to the largest collection of gin in Las Vegas, Juniper is as serious about the highlighted spirit as it is about having a good time. While gin is their specialty, they’re not limited to the nuances of the juniper berry. Craft is the name of the game here, so allow the bartenders to whip together a cocktail using a spirit of your choice. However, if you’re in the mood to get down with a larger crew of people, On The Record (OTR) is the place to be. A fully-functional record store upon first glance, it’s not until further inspection that you learn about OTR’s hidden speakeasy and nightclub. Retro speakers, vintage TV’s and cassette tapes transport you back in time, while the live performances in the main room keep things modern. We couldn’t talk about On The Record without mentioning the hidden vinyl parlor – this is a speakeasy after all. You’ll find a rotating list of guest “startenders” crafting cocktails based on your personal taste in music. But if you’re looking for an experience that sums up OTR, look no further than the three karaoke rooms. This is the perfect place to throw caution to the wind and channel your inner superstar. And now that we think about it, that’s the whole point of Las Vegas anyway, isn’t it?
Chef Cheveau, the Picasso of Pastries
Like Picasso and his paintings, Chef Cheveau can make a masterpiece out of any pastry that touches his hands. He’s so good at what he does, he took third place at the World Chocolate Masters. For those of you who don’t follow baking competitions with a passion, it’s the “Big Game” of the chocolate world. If that’s not impressive enough,
When Art Becomes Food… or is it the Other Way Around?
If you’ve heard that Las Vegas restaurants are some of the best places to eat, well, you’ve heard right. There’s an Eiffel Tower restaurant, a place to dine on “top of the world,” cheap restaurants and everything in between. And if you’re looking for one of those “unforgettable dining experiences,” look no further than Le Cirque inside Bellagio Las Vegas.
Every restaurant claims to be an “experience” these days, but how many of them actually back it up? With a perennial AAA Five Diamond Award rating, food that looks too pretty to eat and a playful, circus like interior, try telling your five senses that Le Cirque isn’t an experience. And we haven’t even mentioned tableside views of the Fountains of Bellagio. So check out the video to see some of Le Cirque’s renowned favorites come to life. Once you’re finished watching, wipe that drool off your face and get down to Le Cirque at Bellagio Las Vegas today.
Circa
Circa