Palazzo serves up (mmmm) cronuts

After taking New York City by storm, the pastry sensation known as a cronut is getting raves on the Strip.

The croissant-donut hybrid was received so warmly during a test run at Lavo inside the Palazzo that it made its debut Sunday on the proper brunch menu.

“People are coming in and asking about it,” said Marc Marrone, corporate executive sous chef for Tao Group.

The cronut was all the rage last spring, with reports that scalpers would deliver them for $40 apiece. Celebrities reportedly paid people to stand in long lines to get their hands on one.

Lavo is charging $12 for an order of four.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Some million-dollar questions:

■ How long before Las Vegas nightclubs take the inevitable step and install metal detectors? It’s happening in other cities. The fatal shooting outside Drai’s at Bally’s two weeks ago brought attention to a long-standing concern that needs to be addressed.

■ With so few of its games being televised, UNLV’s comeback season needs all the buzz it can get. Which is why it’s so mind-boggling that Sam Boyd Stadium remains a dead zone for Twitter.

■ White paint is starting to cover up the forever-sandy tones of the former Sahara hotel. It’s adding much-needed pop to the north end of the Strip. A rendering on the SLShotels.com website suggests a silverlike tone. What will it end up?

THE SCENE AND HEARD

Two-time James Beard Foundation winner Bartolotta Ristorante Di Mare at Wynn Las Vegas is closing today for a refurbishment. The website is reporting it will reopen Dec. 21. ...

We checked out the Red Mansion Chinese restaurant on Saturday at the Downtown Grand in downtown Las Vegas and came away convinced it has a future as bright as the all-red color scheme. Chef Can Duong of Wendy’s Noodle Cafe in Chinatown created the menu. The roast duck, Singapore noodles and green beans with XO sauce were a hit. I especially loved the five-alarm roasted jalapeños stuffed with bean sauce.

SIGHTINGS

Killers frontman Brandon Flowers, hanging out backstage Saturday at Vinyl (Hard Rock Hotel) with the alternive rock band The 1975 before heading off to catch a flight.

THE PUNCH LINE

“I tried to log on to the Obamacare website today. I don’t think I’m doing it right. I lost 300 bucks playing Texas Hold ’Em.” — Jay Leno

Norm Clarke’s column appears Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. He can be reached at 702-383-0244 or email him at norm@reviewjournal.com. Find more online at www.normclarke.com. Follow Norm on Twitter @Norm_Clarke. “Norm Clarke’s Vegas,” airs Thursdays on the “Morning Blend” on KTNV-TV, Channel 13.