A Transformation for Aureole at Mandalay Bay

Since 1999, chef Charlie Palmer's Aureole at Mandalay Bay has always been one of the most striking restaurants on the Strip, but Palmer believes he can make it even better. Described as a "transformation," Aureole will be temporarily closed from Monday, Nov. 27, until re-opening sometime in late December, with an "updated dining concept."

While the updates are still under wraps, a makeover of less than a month indicates there will be very few structural changes to the layout or Aureole’s centerpiece four-story, glass-and-steel wine tower.

Part of the upgrades includes the new addition of Johnny Church as executive chef and Timothy Staehling to oversee restaurant operations as general manager. Staehling arrives from Ironside Fish & Oyster in San Diego. Among the many high-profile local kitchens featured on Church’s resume, including MTO Cafe, RM Seafood and Rx Boiler Room at Mandalay Place and Andre's at the Monte Carlo, is an earlier stint at Aureole.

Tihany Design acted as the original design consultant for the Aureole look, in conjunction with Klai-Juba Architects. The space features five distinct dining rooms and the famous Swan Court, offering views of the water feature home to a family of swans.

The restaurant is so distinctive, back in 2014 Aureole staffer Rick Johnson was able to create an impressive Lego replica with the help of more than 5,000 bricks.