That Pokémon-Themed Bar Cancels All Popups

LAS VEGAS — That Pokémon-themed bar that’s making the rounds through the United States and England didn’t actually ask Nintendo whether it could use the Pokémon name, effectively scrapping all plans for a popup, including in Las Vegas. The PokéBar planned a pop-up on Sept. 19, 2020. The Pokémon brand, including characters such as Pikachu, belongs to the video game giant Nintendo. [Eater Montreal]

HARD ROCK HOTEL — While the eastside casino and resort plans to close after the Super Bowl in February to convert into a Virgin Hotel, now comes word that the reopening is scheduled for Dec. 15, 2020, instead of October or November 2020. [LVRJ]

THE DREW — The tallest hotel in Las Vegas now makes plans to open in 2022. The 67-floor, 3,719-room Drew plans to include a nesting bar that features a “bar within a bar within a bar” overlooking the hotel registration area, as well as a restaurant, bars, and lounges on the penthouse level. [Travel Weekly]

WALDORF ASTORIA — The resort’s Tea Lounge collaborated with Twist by Pierre Gagnaire for tea service paired with sandwiches and pastries inspired by the chef’s modern French cuisine. The tea service on the 23rd floor of the resort kicks off on Oct. 8, running through Nov. 28 for $51 per person. [EaterWire]

LOS ANGELES — Las Vegas celebrity chef Akira Back plans to open his first U.S. outlet of ABSteak inside the Beverly Center in November. The Korean steakhouse, which debuted in Jakarta, Indonesia, in 2017, features a “chamber” dedicated to dry-aging meat up to 120 days as well as a huge menu of domestic and imported beef. Back has Yellowtail at the Bellagio and Kumi at Mandalay Bay. [Eater LA]

NEW YORK CITY — The late Joël Robuchon’s New York version of L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon converted its more casual restaurant space into Le Club. The former Le Grill features velvet banquettes, along with snacks and plates for sharing in the $10 to $30 range. [Eater NY]

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA — Chef Alex Stratta, who had Alex and Stratta at Wynn Las Vegas, along with Tapas by Alex Stratta and Salt & Pepper at Tivoli Village, now plans to open Blue Zone in the former home of The Melting Pot. The quick-service restaurant plans to serve a health-conscious menu that’s “very Mediterranean,” Strata tells The Arizona Republic. He won a James Beard Foundation award for Best Chef Southwest in 1998 while Alex earned two Michelin stars. [AZCentral]

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