Music and Mexican Food for Morton's Project M

Michael Morton promises that his forthcoming Downtown restaurant will be "richer than reality," so much so that the staff "will even tie a red string around your finger so that when you return to the real world you will know it wasn't a dream."

This dream is now revealed as a 3,320-square-foot Mexican restaurant, tentatively dubbed Project M, at 106 Sixth St., with the added attraction of live acts to be scheduled at least four nights a week. The nature of this entertainment is unknown and no specialty stage area has been integrated into the restaurant design.

Inside, a compact 100 seats and 14 tables. Outside, one complication for planning approval is the addition of eight tables within a 320-square-foot enclosed patio set out on Sixth Street. Diners will be staring at the Fremont Country Club across the street, which will also feature a full slate of live acts. Morton's restaurant is next to the under-construction Commonwealth bar that boasts a rooftop garden overlooking this new patio.

Tequila has been touted as a strong focus for the property at an 11-seat bar. Aside from a conventional layout, a wall of booths dominate one wall. The understated exterior includes a rust-painted ironwork entry gate, beige painted concrete and dark brown walls. Inside, expect "vibrant colors" and a soundtrack of American rock. Morton plans a March 2013 opening.

This is the first Downtown creation for Morton, who was behind venues such as N9NE Steakhouse, Nove Italiano, Ghostbar and Rain nightclubs at the Palms and La Cave at Wynn Las Vegas.
· All Coverage of Michael Morton [~ELV~]