It is a tough time for restaurants — as for many businesses — with some closing their doors mere months after opening. Yet others have managed to survive 10, 20, even 50 years on Las Vegas’ volatile dining scene. What are thei secrets of survival?
Food
Abyssinia Restaurant, 4780 W. Tropicana Ave., received 16 demerits Oct. 5. Violations included open food product in dry storage area. GRADE: B.
Paymon’s introduces some changes with its third valley location, Paymon’s Mediterranean Bistro, at the Arts Factory, 107 E. Charleston Blvd. None are on the menu, which should please fans of the healthy Mediterranean fare it serves at 4147 S. Maryland Parkway and 8380 W. Sahara Ave. In fact, the chef is Robert Rodriguez, who served as the kitchen manager of the Maryland Parkway location for six years.
Wine: Chateau Bernadotte
When the College of Southern Nevada’s “Wait Until Dark” begins, the small BackStage Theatre is in pitch blackness. We see the shadow of a man enter a small apartment. He yells, “Hello,” and remains standing in the doorway. We then hear his echoing footsteps as he either looks for something/someone or tries to hide. Seconds later, still in darkness, the apartment is invaded by a second person. The two men prowl around, and we’re not sure if they’re aware of one another, or are about to be rudely introduced. Directors Russ Benton and Chris Mayse create a thread of suspense immediately in a play that usually takes a while to get going.
Carniceria La Bonita Taco Shop, 2500 E. Desert Inn Road, received 20 demerits Aug. 3. Violations included food not cooled by approved methods. GRADE: B
I don’t know if the appeal is the Vidalia onions or the Ken’s seasoning blend, but plenty of readers are aware of Ken’s Sweet Vidalia Onion salad dressing, which should be good news for Suzie McKay.
Wine: Homewood Winery Carneros Pinot Noir Queen’s Cuvee
We may live in a thoroughly modern city that’s more apt to tear down than restore, but old-fashioned touches abound in the realm of food here. That’s the case with horehound candy, being sought by Suzette Scott.
Little Bo Peep will be working the Strip with Little Red Riding Hood and Goldilocks next spring. But don’t confuse them with “The Lion King.”
Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon restaurant, 3595 Las Vegas Blvd. South, received 17 demerits Nov. 4. Violations included deeply grooved cutting boards that can’t be sanitized. GRADE: B
If you walked into Tommy Bahama’s at Town Square thinking you were going to pick up some camp shirts or capris, you’re not the first person to confuse the restaurant with the clothing line.
