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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PHOTOGRAPHY BY RD/KABIK/RETNA DIGITAL T he Guide BEST OF VEGAS THE VERY MONTH THIS BEST OF devour: seafood imbibe: martinis excite: for the boys rebel with a cause CULINARY DROPOUT BRINGS ITS GASTROPUB FLAVOR AND EDGY SOUND TO HARD ROCK HOTEL. BY KRISTINA JOHNSON K nown as the rebel child of Fox Restaurant Concepts, Culinary Dropout is the latest foodie offering to open during Hard Rock Hotel & Casino's revamp. Below dazzling emerald-green chandeliers, the 6,000-square-foot gastropub just off the main casino floor features live music and a stunning raw bar and rotisserie displaying mouthwatering cuts of meat, plus a 3,000-square-foot patio. "The original concept of the restaurant from the Scottsdale, Arizona loca- tion is just a great hangout with comfort foods and a relaxed atmosphere," says Executive Chef Eric Suniga. Taking cues from the popular gastro-fare trend, the new hot spot features premium sandwiches (try the turkey pastrami on a pretzel roll), beer-battered fish and chips, pork ribs that have been marinated and slow-cooked for 36 hours, and a huge antipasti selection that is outweighed only by its even larger beer and cocktail menu. Home-cooked-style offerings include juicy fried chicken, meatloaf, and jambalaya. Soft pretzel bites paired with provolone fondue go all too well with a draft brew, or a crafted cocktail such as Suniga's favorite, the Smashed Irishman, which is a heady mix of Jameson and Guinness reduction softened with mint. Suniga says he couldn't be happier with the "simple cuisine" he is serv- ing to guests and is a real promoter of teamwork in the restaurant. "Our raw bar is connected to the regular bar," Suniga says. "When we get busy, the bartender can jump back there, put on some gloves, and help out." To keep diners guessing, staff strut their stuff around the restaurant in their own attire instead of uniforms, one last wink at their "rebel" reputation. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 702-522-8100; hardrockhotel.com V VEGASMAGAZINE.COM 121