Spiegelworld, the off-kilter Vegas entertainment powerhouse behind “Absinthe” at Caesars Palace, is diving into the culinary scene with a funky ’70s-themed eatery named Diner Ross. This playfully named diner promises a nostalgic yet innovative experience. It will feature all the classic dishes, alongside unique offerings like a Lobster Hot Dog, Dirty Martini Salad, and a hybrid French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese. The old-school diner concept is set to debut Wednesday at the Linq, paired with Spiegelworld’s new show, “DiscoShow.”
Anna Altieri and Niko Novick, the creative minds behind Superfrico—Spiegelworld’s Italian restaurant-meets-psychedelic house party at the Cosmo—are the brains behind Diner Ross. “Diner Ross is our heartfelt homage to the timeless charm of diners, reimagined with celebratory vibes and culinary finesse,” Altieri explained. “We’ve crafted a menu that embraces cherished dishes, inviting our guests to indulge in both nostalgia and innovation, in an extremely polished but very casual atmosphere.”
In addition to the diner, Spiegelworld is launching new cocktail bars called 99 Prince and Glitterloft, complementing its fresh Vegas offerings.
In another culinary shuffle, the McDonald’s inside The D in downtown Las Vegas is set to close on August 25. The casino hotel decided to buy out its lease, a residual from when Derek and Greg Stevens acquired The D’s predecessor, Fitzgerald’s, for approximately $20 million in 2011. According to Vital Vegas, The D’s management took issue with the crowd the fast-food restaurant attracted from the Fremont Street Experience, bringing vagrants and panhandlers into the casino. A similar scenario played out last year at the McDonald’s by the former Greyhound bus station in the Plaza, leading to its lease buyout.
In 2019, a Southern Nevada Health District inspector discovered multiple health code violations at the same McDonald’s, spurred by a complaint about an employee using her teeth to open a sealed bottle. The inspection uncovered several infractions, such as food being held beyond safe limits, poor hand-washing practices, and unsanitary equipment. This led to a 33-demerit C grade.
Transitioning across the dining landscape, chef Taylor Persh, who helmed the now-closed 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea experience at AREA15’s Lost Spirits Distillery, is taking her talents to the Palms’ Fantasy Tower. Her new Greek-inspired pop-up, Story of a Muse, will operate on select dates from August 30 through September 29, offering an intimate setting for 20 diners per seating at $300 each.
Elsewhere, Crust & Roux at 6825 S. Las Vegas Blvd. is reopening after renovations, rebranded as C&R Public House & Eatery with a new full liquor license. In central Las Vegas, Sleepyhead Donut, which launched in June at 3977 S. Maryland Parkway, is temporarily shuttered due to an electrical fire.
On a grimmer note, The Southern Nevada Health District recently closed two restaurants: The Chicken Shack at 4412 N. Rancho Drive was shut down on August 12 for 17 demerits, while LV Tacos Salseros at 439 Rock Quarry Way was closed on August 5 for 30 demerits.
