Scott Conant on Going More Casual with Sandwiches

Scott Conant wants his restaurants such as Scarpetta and D.O.C.G. Enoteca at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas to go more casual. “If all goes well, the chef says, he’ll end up with multiple restaurants that serve sandwiches. He understands that this is a world where fine-dining folks can make the most bank at fast-casual, where Danny Meyer takes Shake Shack public and makes investments in two salad chains: Tender Greens and Sweetgreen.” [LVW]

No one seems to know why Tivoli Village’s second phase that plans to house a Restoration Hardware, H&M and Kimpton Hotel is so delayed. Dan Hubbard, a senior director of retail services with Cushman & Wakefield Commerce Real Estate Solutions, speculates that Tivoli Village went after tenants that landed at Downtown Summerlin instead. He called it a “lack of critical mass due to the limited size of the first phase, and the extended timing on getting the second phase completed.” [Vegas Inc]

What excites Al Mancini most about Carbone, opening at Aria in October? Table-side service. “Table-side service does two things,” Mario Carbone says. “First, it puts on a show for the customer. But also, because these captains were historically so well- educated and good at what they did, they were alleviating the pressure in the kitchen. They were taking the last 25 percent of the preparation of that dish and finishing it in the dining room. And for the customer, they get not only the entertainment of it, but they also get to inspect the product.” [VS]

How do Las Vegas restaurants, particularly off the Strip, deal with a summer slump? Promotions. Kim Canteenwalla says he lowers the price points at his restaurants he runs with his wife Elizabeth Blau. “We run more aggressive specials and promotions in the summer. We've been doing this guest-chef series at Made LV, that's really helped." More this way. [LVRJ]

And listicles. Here, where to find peanut butter and jelly-inspired dishes and Ben Vaughn of Southern Kitchen's technically four favorite brunch spots. He wants help finding a fifth, to which Eater Vegas suggests this map of 63 places to brunch in Las Vegas. Try Jasmine before it shutters its brunch service after Sunday.