/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/38823978/Interlude_204-21-2014_202.0.jpg)
To the sound of a cheer shortly before 4 p.m., guests, locals and curious onlookers rushed into the latest casino resort to hit the Strip. The Cromwell is operating under soft-open status without its three Victor Drai-branded day and nightclubs and the site's sole restaurant from celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis.
Also to come, is Bound, The Cromwell's lobby bar, inspired by a "Parisian Parlor," and set to include "molecular mixology" as part of its menu.
While The Cromwell aims to be fully functional by Memorial Day weekend, Interlude, a halfway concept between an ultra-lounge and an elegant open-plan casino lounge, is open for business.
Eventually it will host an occasional deejay and fill a useful role as a waiting lounge before clubbers head off to one of Drai's ventures, including the still under plywood Drai's After Hours club entrance a few steps away.
The Interlude menu is slotted between padded leather covers, studded with costume jewels. The partially hidden in plain sight bar, is located directly on the opposite side of the resort's more casual, long casino bar, outfitted with video poker terminals and visible to the rest of the ground floor.
With long, caramel colored banquettes, undulating chairs and a low to the ground design, the menu is all about the drinks, not food. No small plates here, nor a weighty selection of cocktail choices. Just a carefully chosen selection of themed variants on popular Strip favorites.
Interlude [Photo: Susan Stapleton]
Charmin' Bubbles
The Vegas Newborn $16
Created to celebrate "the new kid in town." This rich and smooth drink is a journey of flavours from childhood to your now refined lifestyle.
Plymouth Sloe gin, Monin Honey syrup, orange flower water, half & half, topped with Moët & Chandon champagne.
Rouge Temptation $16
This delicious and very addictive cocktail will make you very comfortable in my home and I hope it brings you back for many more.
Hennessy VSOP Cognac, Grand Marnier, fresh strawberry purée, topped with Moët & Chandon champagne.
Velvet Rosa $16
A sparkling tribute to all mothers reflecting their gentle, loving nature.
Flor de Caña Silver Extra Dry rum, Briottet Creme de Peche de Vigne, fresh white peach purée, cranberry juice, topped with Moët & Chandon champagne.
Classic
Double Agent $15
A twist on the classic Vesper Martini, the cocktail invented in the original James Bond novel. Alongside the classic ingredients, we have introduced fresh strawberries and a splash of tonic to emphasize the original quinine flavour of Kina Lillet, the aperitif wine that features in Bond's original Vesper Martini and disappeared in the mid-1980's.
Tanqueray No. Ten gin, Stolichnaya vodka, Lillet Blonde, fresh raspberries, Fever-Tree tonic water.
Jalisco Cocktail $15
An intriguing cocktail that stimulates the palate. Classic flavours with a modern interpretation.
Don Julio Reposado tequila, Cointreau, Carpano Antica Formula sweet vermouth, Bitter Truth JT Decanter bitters.
Boulevardier $15
Here, one of my favourite cocktails, the Negroni, becomes Boulevardier when bourbon replaces the gin.
Bulleit Bourbon, Campari Cinzano sweet vermouth.
Long & Sexy
Tropical Butterfly $15
Close your eyes, sip on this delight, and you will find yourself in paradise.
Bombay sapphire gin, Ceres passion fruit, Boiron pear purée, elderflower syrup, fresh strawberry purée.
Va Va Voom $15
Refreshing mouth-watering flavours combine for a unique drinking experience.
Absolut Vodka, Monin Passion Fruit syrup, apple juice, fresh lime juice, mint.
Julio's Hooch Juice $17
Created in tribute of our friend Julio Bermejo, from the world-famous Tommy's Tequila Bar and Restaurant in San Francisco. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do.
El Tesoro Platinum tequila, St-Germain liqueur, grapefruit juice, Monin Honey syrup, topped with beer or Red Bull.
The Lude $19
An intriguing twist on Julio's Hooch Juice for the lovers of Red Bull, this drink will wrap around your taste buds and will get you ready for a long lasting night.
El Tesoro Platinum tequila, St-Germain liqueur, grapefruit juice, honey. Red Bull topped with elderflower foam.
Champagne and Rosé bottles can be purchased, alongside a handful of wines by the glass.
Also being served, bottles of rum, vodka, tequila, whiskey, bourbon, scotch-blended and scotch-single malt with bottles of Ketel One costing $300, Bacardi at $275 and Patrón Platinum listed at $600.
· All Coverage of The Cromwell [~ELV~]