Vegas Magazine - Niche Media - There is a place beyond the crowds, beyond the ropes, where dreams are realized and success is celebrated. You are invited.
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GUIDE imbibe Savor your tequila neat—or like this, in a refreshing margarita. tequila time MEXICAN RESTAURANTS BOASTING VEGAS'S TASTIEST SOUTH-OF-THE-BORDER CUISINE GO FULL-OUT ON CINCO DE MAYO. BY KATRINA CONCEPCION Former Van Halen singer Sammy Hagar has opened only four Cabo Wabo Cantinas, and Vegas was lucky enough to snag one. The beach-themed, partycentric restaurant is known for a full stock of its best-selling Cabo Wabo Tequila and its sprawling patio. Its weekend-long Cinco de Mayo festivities begin on Friday, May 3, at noon. Keep your eyes peeled for Hagar: The "Red Rocker" has been known to hit the stage for surprise complimentary shows. Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, 702-385-2226; cabowabocantina.com Cantina Laredo Tucked away in Summerlin's upscale Tivoli Village, Cantina Laredo offers modern Mexico City– style cuisine, with a drink menu that's on par with those of Strip bars. Its reserve, oak-aged tequilas Cuervo Reserva de la Familia and Don Julio 1942 taste as good sipped straight as they do in signature margaritas. A two-day indoor/outdoor fiesta is on tap for the weekend of Cinco de Mayo, with live bands, piñatas, raffles, and pony rides. Tivoli Village, 702-202-4511; cantinalaredo.com Carlos'n Charlie's With a terrace overlooking the Flamingo's pools and gardens, this quirky, laid-back spot lets guests soak up the view while enjoying authentic Mexican 168 VEGASMAGAZINE.COM 168_V_BOB_G_Imbibe_MAY/JUNE_13.indd 168 cuisine. Indulge in the tableside guacamole cart; chipotle ribs and fajitas; and signature drinks such as the ultrapopular Cadillac Big Mama Margarita, mixed with Herradura Reposado. Flamingo, 702-522-9254; carlosandcharlies.com Dos Caminos High-end Mexican cuisine and a party atmosphere have arrived in Summerlin (in the former home of Agave) with the reopening of Dos Caminos, previously located at Palazzo. The menu features the brand's famous guacamole, tacos, and enchiladas, and an extensive tequila menu that includes offerings from Sauza, El Mayor, El Jimador, and Espolón. On May 5, enjoy a few of the signature El Caminos cocktails in the party tent, which extends into the parking lot with beer and a mariachi band. 10820 W. Charleston Blvd., 702-462-8800; doscaminos.com Javier's Between bites of the Cabo Azul lobster enchilada or Pollo a la Chipotle, the unique, lengthy list of hand-shaken margaritas at Javier's will have you planning to come back just to try a new flavor. (Our picks? Jalapeño, mango, or pomegranate.) The Orange County import opened only last fall and has earned raves for its authentic Southern California– meets–Mexico dishes. Located on the casino floor, the restaurant even boasts a "tequila tree" displaying its premium selection. Aria Resort & Casino, 702-5903637; arialasvegas.com Señor Frog's A staple of Mexico and the Caribbean, Señor Frog's is serious about two things: its own brand of tequila and not being serious. Hailing from a distillery in Jalisco, Mexico, Señor Frog's Tequila is made with special blue agave that undergoes double distillation. Located in Treasure Island, the restaurant maintains a spring-break vibe year-round, as it overlooks the Sirens of TI shows. Cinco de Mayo marks the venue's first anniversary week; toast it with $3 tequila shots and two-for-one margarita yard specials. Treasure Island, 702-894-7777; senorfrogslv.com Tacos & Tequila When "tequila" is in the name of a restaurant, it means business. With modern décor that mixes Las Vegas glamour with traditional Mexican style and nearly 100 varieties of tequila and mezcal, Tacos & Tequila will leave even the most discriminating tastes satisfied. Enjoy drinks like the Tequila Lemon Drop and dishes such as queso fundido, Mexican Cobb salad, carnitas tacos, and oversize combo platters, and look out for a $5 happy-hour food and drink menu on Cinco de Mayo. Luxor, 702-262-5225; tacosandtequilalv.com V TAKING SHOTS Alexander Cauchon, director of wine and spirits for BR Guest Hospitality, toasts with tequila. How many kinds of tequila does the new Dos Caminos offer? Our opening list has 102, and we will continue to seek out new labels. We secured the last bottle of Jose Cuervo 250 Aniversario Tequila in Nevada, which will sell for $175 a shot. What are some tips for making an at-home tequila drink? I go for two ounces of silver blanco tequila (always 100 percent agave), the juice from half a lime, an ounce of agave nectar, and a half ounce of water. Shake hard with ice in a shaker tin and strain into a glass. PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAMERON WHITMAN/SHUTTERSTOCK (MARGARITA); CHELSEA MCMANUS (DOS CAMINOS) Cabo Wabo Cantina Dos Caminos offers 102 varieties of tequila. 4/19/13 1:59 PM