The UNLOKT Locals Minibook. Volume 1. by UNLOKT

ThE lOCalS miNiBOOK speciaL eDitioN - voLume i

• introduction •

Not just any spot can be UNLOKT. UNLOKT spots are specially chosen by the locals to reveal where to Eat, Drink, Shop & Play. The exclusive UNLOKT minibook was created to feature the stories of the creative and passionate people behind various local UNLOKT spots in Las Vegas. We hope you enjoy the first Edition of the UNLOKT Minibook !

Alexandra Lourdes

@UNLOKT @UNLOKT /UNLOKTAPP WWW.UNLOKT.COM

Drew Belcher

“Small business isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s for the brave, the patient, and the persistent. It’s for the overcomer.” - Unknown

• TABLE OF CONTENTS •

SPREAD NUMBER

Alexandra Lourdes alourdes@unlokt.com

Founder | Content Curator | Writer

Drew Belcher

dbelcher@unlokt.com

Founder | Content Curator | Writer

Rachel Villanueva rvillanueva@unlokt.com

Director of Marketing | Events

Ernie Renaud Creative Director | Designer

David Resto Art Director | Designer

Tricia McCrory Print Editor

Eric Ita Toby Acuna Joe Torrance Jill Pham Photography

Will Schmidt Haley Caldwell Contributing Writers

F CO

Best kept secret

BOND

Born & Raised

Camp Fit Force

CupKates by Kate

DW Bistro

Forte Tapas

Gimme Some Sugar

iBlowdry

Josephine Skaught

LAS Vegas Distillery

Mundo

Nosh & Swig

Sambalatte

SkinnyFATS

Taco y Taco

The Juice Standard

CAMP FIT FORCE

FORTE TAPAS

Explore Your City, Not Just Your Neighborhood.

(Best Kept Secret) boutique 1930 Village Center Circle, Las Vegas

All her life, Lauren Feather, owner of (Best Kept Secret) boutique, has had a unique passion for fashion. While the expensive name brand stores will always be around, Lauren wanted to create a store that is the best of both worlds: Fashionable, yet affordable. After that idea hit her, this young Las Vegan took off. At 19 years old, after countless hours of research and detailed planning, Lauren opened (Best Kept Secret) boutique in Summerlin full of trend-driven, affordable outfits that you won’t find anywhere else. The most expensive thing that you will find in the store is probably a cute jacket for only $45 (yes, 01

please!). “It is undeniable that one of my favorite things to do is shop. Although I am a shop-aholic and obsessed with fashion, I am always on the hunt for quality, yet affordable items. At (Best Kept Secret) boutique we ensure all of our clothes, shoes and accessories are not only unique, but also ‘adorable and affordable’.” This local fashion hotspot has become a go-to spot for Summerlin shoppers of all ages… and, for all you boys who happily accompany your girl to go shopping, Lauren has put together a little corner just for you with a comfy couch filled with men’s magazines to keep you happy while the ladies shop! “As a small business it is no secret that we have to work harder than established chain stores to get our name out there. However, our hard work has and will continue to pay off. No matter the amount of hours, sweat and craziness we have endured in our short life, I am very proud of the success (Best Kept Secret) boutique has had. This is only the beginning for us and I see a very bright and exciting future!” What they’re known for: • “Adorable & Affordable” clothing, shoes and accessories • Your neighborhood Mom & Pop store • Smiling faces

passion for

fashion

/BestKeptSecretLV @bestkeptsecretboutique @BKSBoutiqueLV

one that changed the face of nail care in Las Vegas. The name “bond” was important to Shawna because of her business and life philosophy of building a legitimate, personal relationship with clients. Shawna explains, “Bond is significant to everything nails: All of the products bond to your nails, you go to the salon with your girlfriends, daughter, coworkers for a bonding experience, going to the nail salon by yourself creates “me time” therefore ME bonding, and women find themselves bonding with the other clients and nail techs while there. Everything BONDING.”

bond {a nail lounge} 4115 S Grand Canyon Dr #101, Las Vegas After working 20 years in the nail business, celebrity nail artist Shawna Traynor had retired “for good” to be with her 3 year old son, or so she thought…The more she went to the nail shops near her house, the more she realized she needed to make a change to the nail scene in Vegas. 02

The nano-second that Shawna Traynor began spreading word about bond {a nail lounge}, she knew it would become a local hotspot. Thanks to the overwhelming support from the locals, and the quality that she and her staff strictly implement appointment after appointment, this chic nail lounge became

Creating real relationships has always come naturally to Shawna, so she made sure the expert crew of manicurists she has recruited will make you feel the same: welcome, known, and cared for from the moment you first set foot inside. bond {a nail lounge} has become much more like a community and much less like a storefront.

What they’re known for:   • ME! Bath White Tea & Ginger Pedicure • Beautiful custom nail art

I’m a “big iced tea junkie” confessed Reed Allen Slobusky, visionary founder and owner of the Las Vegas eatery, SkinnyFATS. After the small deli a few doors down from his office closed for Christmas day 2012 and never opened back up, Reed’s iced tea dilemma became real. Realizing that he did not have the time to be driving around town to get his iced tea fix periodically throughout the day, Reed took matters into his own hands. Enlisting the help of some of his friends including a professional chef and a friend in marketing, they, “decided to put together a little restaurant.” This not so average “little restaurant” now known as SkinnyFATS to which Reed humbly refers, has since become a smash hit in Sin City, with locals and tourists alike lining up daily for a seat in the approximately 10 table restaurant (Luckily for us, the restaurant is expanding quickly with new locations opening up this year). Whether you’re a health nut or shamelessly indulgent, the menu will cater to your every wish….Reed explains that the concept of the menu is that everything has its opposite, on the healthy side

you can find Rosemary Jane, which is citrus grilled chicken over a rosemary protein waffle, while on the happy side we have Chick-A-Waff-A-Dopolis, our version of fried chicken and waffles. For drinks you can enjoy a cold pressed juice or a delicious ice cream milk shake.. Everybody wins. From the wildly fun entrée names to the vast array of options, this little restaurant creates an overall sense of happiness from the time you walk in the door until you snap a pic with Mr. Smiley Face on the way out. “The coolest compliment is when people say they walk in here and they feel like they are in a completely different place...it’s a place for people to get away.” Reed reflects on the inception of his evolving restaurant acknowledging that, “I just wanted some iced tea.” Lucky for him and for SkinnyFATS patrons alike, that thirst has since been quenched. What they’re known for: The Chick-A-Waff-A-Dopolis, Cherry Popper & Ahi Srirachi

‘‘

I just

wanted some iced changing the face oftea nail care.

’’

/bondnailloungeLV @Bondnaillounge

this city what it is today, and you’ll understand and feel it the moment you walk through the doors. “Everyday we want, and try, to give our customers the experience they deserve. That’s why they come back and see us…they become part of the family,” Scott Jr. said.

Born and Raised BAR 7260 Cimarron Rd, Las Vegas

Growing up, Scott Godino Jr. was quickly introduced to the number one, old-school principle for running a successful business: Good ol’ hospitality. One of Godino’s grandfathers, Andrew Zorne, was the president of many landmark strip casinos in the era when everyone knew your name, no matter how much or little you were gambling. Scott Jr.’s other grandfather, Lou Godino, owned and operated one of the biggest local lounges in Illinois that hosted some of the biggest named bands

of the era. Lou knew how to keep locals coming back again and again. I guess you could say Scott Jr. was born to open up and run his own local hangout after being brought up around these types of foundations and principals. Scott Jr. built Born and Raised in 2010 to honor both of these legendary men, the ideals they stood for, and the insight they provided him. He has made it his mission to instill the same principals of the “old Vegas” era that made

A Family affair

Not only is the food phenomenal in this neighborhood sports bar, the walls of BAR are lined with over 30 televisions, which explains why people get lost in this spot for hours. “My father insisted we have exceptional food, so we’ve always been pushing and challenging ourselves to put out the best product possible. With Executive Chef Aaron Raeder in charge of our kitchen, our menu has become award winning,” Scott Jr. explained. And if there isn’t enough to love already, BAR is a huge supporter of the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels, so on game days, expect to see this bar packed with UNLV fans. Well done, Scott Jr… you’ve created the ideal neighborhood sports bar in a city of tourists.

What they’re known for:

• “The Official Home of The Rebels On The Road” • Locals get a 10% off VIP card with NV birth certificate • Award winning bar food, happy hour & chicken wings

@bornandraised_lv

/bornandraisedlv

@BornAndRaisedLV

to walk again on his own. Omar rooted his faith in functional fitness and has never looked back. Now in the best shape of his life, Omar reflects often on that initial feeling of hopelessness and reminds himself and his clients that anything is possible. “It’s just about taking one step at a time,” Omar shares.

Camp Fit Force 6115 S. Ft. Apache Rd, Las Vegas Fitness and promoting health isn’t just an extremely rewarding career financially and emotionally for Camp Fit Force owner, Omar, it’s his way of life. Omar lives to help others and see their goals turn into reality. You see, Omar has always done more for others than he’s done for himself. He served 8 years in the United States Air Force and after a horrific motorcycle accident in 2005, doctors told him he would never be able 04

Shortly after his miraculous recovery, he decided to make it known to others, that anything is possible, and dove head first into the fitness industry with Camp Fit Force. CFF started out slow with one weekly class at Willows Park, without equipment, just a leader passionionate to see others succeed and watch how fitness and health can change lives the way it had changed his. Four years later, Omar now has a team of trainers, classes 7 days a week and a badass gym to go with it called, “The Compound.” As Omar reflects on the membership he has gained over the years, he declares, “I love my Camp Fit-Force Team. I say TEAM because the members at our gyms are not customers to me. They are so much more than that. Seeing their growth and investment in their health is the most fulfilling thing I could ever ask for in my job. This isn’t just my business, this is my family.” What they’re known for: • Private Training • Fight Club HIIT (Fri) • Outdoor Bootcamp (Mon/Sun)

Turning goals into reality @campfitforce_lv

a mini cupcake in your hand and a smile on your face,” Kate expresses. What started out as a modest cupcake bakery has turned into a fun and thriving local hotspot where kids and adults go to have tea parties, eat homemade cookie sandwiches, order custom cake pops and cakes…and of course, the mini cupcakes, which will always be their staple. The rave reviews led the Downtown Project to invite Cupkates to open a second location in Container Park on December 5, 2013. It’s a humbling experience for the young and passionate The Market LV at Tivoli Village 420 S. Rampart #150, Las Vegas entrepreneurs, and as they reflect on their experience, and 707 E. Fremont #1310, Las Vegas Kate shares, “It is important for trial and error, the CupKates Fifth generation Las Vegans us to maintain an atmosphere by Kate menu emerged…and & brother and sister duo Kate where a little girl can be just we are so happy it did. While and Will Thompson started that, a little girl. In a city where it began as a specialty bakery, CupKates by Kate bakery children are forced to grow up Kate and Will always knew that too fast, we pride ourselves in after Kate realized that maybe, eventually they would turn this just maybe, she could turn providing a place where a tea into a high-end, friendly bakery party and a cupcake create her passion of baking into a for locals. successful business. As a childhood memories that will junior in college, Kate began last a lifetime.” “You’re not just dollar signs testing all of her cupcake here. You’re a human being, creations on anyone and What they’re known for: everyone who was willing to eat and no matter how good your • Mini cupcakes a cupcake (um, who would turn day is going, we know that we • Tea parties can make it better by putting that down?). Through all of the • Cookie sandwiches 05

CupKates by Kate

Making Las Vegas

sweeter one cupkate at a time

@cupkateslv

/dwbistro @dwbistro @dwbistro

DW Bistro

Adding the

6115 S Fort Apache Rd, Las Vegas

Dalton (DW) and Bryce aren’t just business partners in one of the best neighborhood eateries in the city, they’re also best friends. When they first met, they began talking about creating a cookbook together and opening a Market in Las Vegas, but that idea was put on hold when the space where DW Bistro is currently located became available for lease. They founded DW Bistro in the Spring of 2010 and have been kicking ass ever since. Their eatery is easily one of the most sought after hotspots in town. DW’s family hails from Jamaica and immigrated to New Mexico when he was 7 years old. DW Bistro is now famous for its innovation in spice and staple Jamaican/New Mexican fusion dishes. Many of the signature

items on the menu have a story attached, that is close to Dalton and Bryce’s heart and soul. The other half of this equation is Bryce Krausman, a Las Vegas native who is the business mastermind behind the Bistro. It’s easy to fall in love with Bryce within the first few minutes of speaking with him. Dalton and Bryce both have magnetic personalities and will treat you like family. You can always catch both of them walking around the restaurant, talking with guests and friends, helping pick up plates, serving dishes, and checking on their guests. The bistro owners explain, “The popularity of DW truly has been cultivated organically by the people from the neighborhood who continue to call DW their second

home. Comfort is what they feel and love is what we spread!” That’s the kind of place DW Bistro is. It’s more than a place to simply eat. It’s a place to unwind, connect with friends, enjoy some taste-bud tantalizing cuisine and have a few crazy cocktails….All while being treated like family. This is the DW way... The original vision of the cookbook and Market have not been forgotten… these amazing concepts are currently in the works by these 2 restaurateurs, and we can’t wait. What they’re known for: • Jerk Fried Chicken and Waffles • New Mexican-style green chili cheeseburger • Jamaican Curry Bowl

spice to Vegas life

Forte Tapas 4180 S Rainbow Blvd, Las Vegas

If you want to experience authentic European homecooking with unique flavors using traditional methods, then there’s only one place to go in Vegas: Forte Tapas. Forte features cuisine from Bulgaria, Russia, Romania, Spain and more with one of the most unique dining experiences in the city.

‘‘

I just

wanted some iced tea Bringing Eastern European culture to the desert.

’’

Forte Tapas owner, Nina Manchev, was only in her mid twenties when she opened Forte and many doubted the thought of an Authentic European restaurant in the middle of the desert (They were wrong). Her restaurant has already gained a serious following and made many critic’s lists of the “best” spots in the city, including a feature on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. I know what you’re thinking, how can a 20-something year old be cooking up this good of grub with such classic European flavors? She learned it all from her family. A lot of the recipes on her menu are straight from her family, passed down to her.

never want to leave. Thank you, Nina, for bringing some new culture to the desert.

“I find the greatest joy in being able to introduce others to a part of my childhood, family traditions, and experiences from traveling to some amazing places! I think Forte taps into an adventurous side for most people, yet presents familiar flavors with the nostalgia of being at a family feast if your family happens to be some crazy Europeans!” Nina said.

“Remaining authentic is one of the keys to the success and growth of Forte. Our guests really appreciate and respect that we stay true to who we are and continue to feed the soul! They deserve it,” Nina expressed.

The smell of their freshly baked bread, the unbelievable taste of the secret spices, the unique drink menu and the dark and sexy ambiance of this restaurant is what makes people fall in love with it and

What they’re famous for: • Beef stroganoff Ragu • Adjarski khachapuri • Bulgarian Easter Lamb

@fortetapas @ninaforte

Gimme Some Sugar 19 S Stephanie St, Henderson

service industry, which is clear because they have had more 100hour work weeks than they can count. After 4 years successfully making beautiful cakes for everyone from your neighbor to Kim Kardashian, they decided to expand and open Gimme Some Sugar Bake Shoppe (OMG). Walking into this new Bake Shoppe will overload all of your senses with unbelievable happiness. Their cake creations are lining the walls, gorgeous chandeliers are hanging from the ceilings, and you can sit and Gimme Some Sugar is the sweet customers will even go so far enjoy their incredible wine and creation of two college besties, as to relinquish creative control dessert pairings. But, not just any who after a weekend trip to to them and give only a vague dessert…desserts like oversized Disneyland, decided to combine outline of what they’re looking macarons in flavors like PB&J, their talents and pursue a dream. for. Their cakes are like artistic Smores & Maple Bacon, amazing Kristen being the creative talent masterpieces, almost too beautiful naked cakes (a mini cake with no and pastry connoisseur, and to eat. However, once you’ve had frosting), & new dessert creations Ashley being the business and one bite of that smooth, rich, moist that change daily. customer service guru made this cake… goodbye art, hello cake Thank you Disneyland for inspiring power duo hard to compete with. heaven. Kristen and Ashley use this local hotspot. As Walt Disney In August 2009, Gimme Some moments like that to fuel their Sugar opened their doors. Luckily passion for creating masterpieces, says, “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to for Kristen and Ashley, that daring and that in turn fuels the passion pursue them.” risk is paying off. of their staff, a.k.a. the happycake–baking-family. What they’re known for: What started as a small catering • Oversized Macarons and private custom cake-making Ashley and Kristen were both business soon became the spot brought up in hard working • Custom Cakes everyone was talking about. Now, families involved in the customer • Cake pops

the Sweetest Girls in Las Vegas

/GimmeSomeSugarLV @gimmesomesugarlv @gsslasvegas

Masters

iBlowdry

5120 S Decatur Blvd, Las Vegas “You can’t redo a first impression” is one of the many things iBlowdry founder Melissa Bordinhao learned from her years in the casino industry. Her blow dry bar and salon began with a simple idea: get freshly-styled-hair any time of day without any hassles. Blow dry bars have been thriving in cities like LA and New York, offering women a fast and affordable dose of glamour. What is a blow dry bar, you ask? It’s a salon where ladies can go in for a quick wash, dry, and blow-dry, styled however they’d like all for around $35. No one does glitz and glamour quite like Las Vegas, and that is precisely what led Melissa to approach her father with the idea of iBlowdry. A late night blow-dry bar, open 6 days a week until midnight (Yes, that is right, MIDNIGHT!). After sharing her brilliant idea, Melissa’s dream soon became a reality. Melissa and her father, Cesar, opened iBlowdry on May 16, 2012. The concept of iBlowdry goes much farther than

of the

simply giving people the opportunity to look their best at any hour of the day. For Melissa, this is a way for her to give back to the community and give you the means to look and feel your most beautiful self regardless of the reason. In their beautifully decorated salon, you will find mothers looking for a day of pampering, business women who need their hair done in a pinch, night owls who like to avoid the day time rush, and large parties looking to start their next Vegas adventure. For Melissa, making a strong first impression and creating lasting memories are what drive iBlowdry. “Though celebrities and entertainers come in from time to time, blowouts appeal to a much broader audience” she explains. “We have children to seniors…even people who can’t physically wash their own hair due to injuries. Everyone deserves to look their best and feel confident in their life at all times, you can’t redo a first impression.”

What they’re known for:

• The Dandelion blowout, a $35 amazing blowout.

round brush /iblowdry @iblowdry

Josephine Skaught 1025 S 1st Street, Las Vegas

while inspiring their creativity grandmother’s: Josephine. Thus Josephine Skaught was at any given moment. decided upon, and it was built For over fifteen years, to be a perfect place to find Skaught Gibson has been inspiration in all forms. working as a hairdresser, building his career, and cultivating clientele. Skaught had always wanted to open his own salon, but he patiently waited for the right timing and all the pieces of the puzzle to fall into place. As a Las Vegas native, he was always an advocate and supporter of the arts downtown, so the time was right when news about the Art Square reached his ears.

After digging into the details about the project, Skaught didn’t waste any time and he signed the first lease offered in the building. Constructing Located in the heart of the something from nothing was 18b Arts District in DTLV, a difficult task, and after Josephine Skaught construction Skaught knew Hairdressing has become he had to come up with one of the most sought after a solid name that seized salons in the city, in a very peoples’ attention. He short amount of time. Las wanted to strike a balance Vegas native Skaught Gibson between modern and classic, wanted to create a salon that masculine and feminine, and could allow his team of artists he decided to mesh his own name with his 100 year old to showcase their talents,

Josephine Skaught Hairdressing opened in 2012 and isn’t your ordinary “chop shop” salon. All of the hairdressers are handpicked by Skaught and they all specialize solely in doing hair. As Skaught reflects on how popular his salon has become, he said “I knew that the concept for my salon was a lot different than any other salon in Las Vegas and although it was a little scary to move forward, I’m so glad I took the risk. It’s amazing to see how hard work and passion can bring a dream to life right in front of your eyes.” The salon also serves as an art gallery where featured artists can put their works of art on display. When the doors close for hair, the salon transforms into a social art gallery where Vegas socialites come to mix and mingle during hosted events.

Look good

no matter what.

@josephineskaughthairdressing

/josephineskaught

@JoSkaHa

Las Vegas Distillery 7330 Eastgate Rd, Henderson

One wrong turn changed George Racz’s life forever. While living in New York City and visiting small towns in Hudson Valley, he accidentally made a wrong turn and ended up coming across the Tuthilltown Distillery, where he instantly fell in love with the beauty of the people as well as the copper pot stills. That very same night, Transylvania native, George, and his wife laid out a map of the United States and started researching which states did not have distilleries. After doing his due diligence, George looked at his wife and said, “Would 11

you like to move to Las Vegas and start making the very first Nevada Whiskey?” She said yes and the couple moved to Las Vegas in 2009. Little did they know, they were about to embark on a long and strenuous journey that eventually led to George helping write the Nevada Craft Distillery Bill and putting down the basics of the industry in the state of Nevada. The Las Vegas Distillery distills many handcrafted artisan spirits such as vodka, whiskey, gin, rum, their very own Apple Pie Moonshine and a blend of whiskey and rum they dubbed, “Rumsky.” You can

find these delicious creations everywhere from the distillery itself, and Costco all the way to Lee’s Liquor, but George says the biggest accomplishment is when people come into the distillery and confess their newfound love for his spirits. He always has time to chat with visitors and share his knowledge and love for distilling booze. In George’s eyes, you will arrive as a guest, but leave as a friend forever. He’ll even personally sign your bottle of booze.

What they’re known for: • Whiskey • Apple pie moonshine • Rumsky

Sometimes wrong turns take you to the right places /LasVegasDistillery @lasvegasdistilllery

Where

old-world mexico meets

glam

Mundo 495 S. Grand Central Pkwy (Inside the Las Vegas Design Center) If you haven’t been to Mundo, I’m going to need you to stop reading this and go now. Seriously. Mundo has been called one of the city’s “best kept secrets” and “hidden gems” for years, and for good reasons. You won’t find many tourists dining here, but rather, powerlunch goers or local foodies looking for a romantic and chic dinner away from the Strip. Mundo is the treasured baby of George Harris, Mingo Callasso, and Executive Chef Robert

Solano. These three are the same team behind the famed “La Madonna” that hailed in the southwest part of the valley. The three amigos decided to take a gamble and move their beloved Latin-Chic inspired eatery to DTLV inside the World Market Center and change the name…and boy, we are sure glad they did. Mingo explains, “George, Robert and I make a great team because George is all about the business side, Robert is all about food and I focus on our image and trying to keep us fresh. If you just focus on what you’re good at and stay in your own lane, magic happens.” Mundo has grasped the hearts of many food critics, local foodies, and celebrity chefs from

around the city. Mundo’s menu features old-world Mexican cuisine taking it back to the roots with true Yucatecan influences. You will be mind-blown by the flavors and presentation of the dishes served at Mundo. “I’m honored that people love our cuisine and vibe that we have worked hard to create. I have always lived downtown and we knew downtown was going to blow up… I just wanted us to be part of the first businesses to help get downtown going,” Mingo expresses. The ambiance and custom decor is perfect for a night out, yet still inviting for a midday luncheon. Mundo is referred to as a “Culinary Haute Spot.” If that alone doesn’t give you more reason to fall in love with this place, I don’t think anything will.

What they’re famous for: •Chilean Seabass •Carnitas •Mexican street corn

@mundolasvegas

Nosh & Swig

3620 E Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas Creative gourmet cuisine is in Chef Steve Piamchuntar’s blood. Chef Steve grew up rolling wontons in his family’s Thai Restaurant in So. Cal and he hasn’t left the kitchen since (fortunately for us). He’s been a chef in the luxurious Bellagio kitchens and was the Executive Chef at the famous Stirling Club inside Turnberry Place for over a decade. Since then, Steve has been sought after by many who want him to run their kitchens and bring his own custom flair, that he’s been known for, to spice up their already solidified menus. Chef Steve didn’t bite and finally took the leap and decided to open his own eatery with 13

his wife, Lorie. Soon after, Nosh & Swig was born. Steve and Lorie explained, “We wanted to change the game up for mom & pop style restaurants and wanted to put a spin on the typical dining experience… making the unknown less scary for picky eaters.” With Nosh & Swig, Steve could finally be the true artist he is and create his own dishes from the ground up. One look and one bite of his crazy creations, and you’ll see just how amazing this guy is. “My brain is always going crazy with ideas for fusion and how to create the unexpected,” Chef Steve shared.

You will almost always see Chef Steve and Lorie in the restaurant. Steve will most likely be preparing you their famed “Dr. Pepper Short Ribs” or “Sticky Buns Tacos” in the open kitchen, and Lorie will be walking around chatting it up with guests. Steve and Lorie are two normal people that just happen to serve up some of the best dishes in the city. What they’re famous for: • Homemade Nosh CrackCorn • Dr. Pepper Short Ribs • Tokyo Crepe

Breaking the culinary RULES

@noshandswig

/noshswig

@noshandswig

what occurred. The ambiance and quality of coffee at Sambalatte is unparalleled. Every night of the week, Vegas locals pack out this caffé lounge & espresso bar from open to close. Whether you are a coffee connoisseur or a newbie, Luiz confirms that this is the place you will want to bring your friends, do your work, bring your family and buy your coffee. “This is a true oasis,” explains Luiz, founder and owner of Las Vegas’ Sambalatte.

SAMBALATTE 750 S Rampart Blvd #9, Las Vegas Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and worldtraveler, Luiz brought his passion and knowledge for quality coffee, tea and food to Las Vegas with Sambalatte. Nearly 5 years ago, and 14

after a successful career in the hotel food & beverage industry, Luiz opened his dream coffee lounge where he wanted to create a place for people to sip, savor and socialize…which is exactly

While Sambalatte is expanding quickly with multiple Las Vegas locations now open, Luiz is dedicated to retaining the genuine authenticity of the original vision. When Luiz Oliveira opened the doors to Sambalatte, he was confident in the fact that his specialty coffee bar would become much more than an average java joint - He was absolutely correct. Luiz confirms, “People come in here because they just feel good… they enjoy the environment.”

‘‘

I just

wanted java joint MORE than an average some iced tea

’’

@Sambalatte

/Sambalatte

@sambalatte

What they’re known for: • drip coffee • nutella latte • espresso

‘‘

INot just

SkinnyFATS 6261 Dean Martin Dr #29, Las Vegas

not have the time to be driving around town to get his iced tea fix periodically throughout the day, Reed took matters into his own hands. Enlisting the help of some of his friends including a professional chef and a friend in marketing, they “decided to put together a little restaurant.” This not so average “little restaurant” now known as SkinnyFATS to which Reed humbly refers, has since become a smash hit in Sin City, with locals and tourists alike lining up daily for a seat in the approximately 10 table restaurant (Luckily for us, the restaurant is expanding quickly with new locations opening up this year). Whether you’re a health nut or shamelessly indulgent, the menu will cater to your every wish… Reed explains that the concept of the menu is that everything has its opposite, on the healthy side you can find items such as the Rosemary Jane (a citrus grilled chicken over a rosemary protein waffle) or a cold pressed juice while on the happy side you can find the Chick-A-Waff-A-Dopolis (our version of fried chicken and waffles) or a milkshake.... Everybody wins.

your wanted average some iced “little” tea restaurant

’’

From the wildly fun entrée names to the vast array of options, this “little restaurant” creates an overall sense of happiness from the time you walk in the door, “The coolest compliment is when people say they walk in here and they feel like they are in a completely different place...it’s a place for people to get away.” Reed reflects on the inception of his evolving restaurant acknowledging that, “I just wanted some iced tea.” Lucky for him and for SkinnyFATS patrons alike, that thirst has since been quenched. What they’re known for: • The Chick-A-Waff-A-Dopolis • Cherry Popper • Ahi Srirachi

@eatskinnyfats

/eatskinnyfats

@eatskinnyfats

TACO Y TACO

9470 S Eastern Ave, Henderson 3430 E Tropicana Ave, Las Vegas

Sisters, Faviola and Gabriela were brought up in the restaurant industry. Their father has owned Los Compadres Meat Markets here in Las Vegas for over 20 years, yet they’ve never had any prior experience opening an eatery of their own. While in grad school, Faviola was working on a business plan on something the entire family was very familiar with: Mexican food!! Tacos, in particular. With the help of their father, the two sisters decided to take the plunge and open up an authentic Mexican street fare spot. After juggling around names for the eatery, the two finally decided on Taco y Taco, since they

specialize in street tacos, and it was the two of the sisters at the helm. Not only did these ladies want to bring authentic flavors to Las Vegas, they also wanted to provide an old-fashion feel, which is why they re-created the traditional “mercado” style ordering system. Being from Jalisco, Mexico, Faviola and Gabriela were exposed to many different aspects of what is considered “Mexican,” which is not always bright colors and sombreros. They wanted Taco y Taco to have a casual ambiance that would make all ethnicities feel comfortable, yet stay true to their origins.

Taco y Taco serves up some of the most authentic Mexican fare in the city. All of their meats are cut in-house, as well as all of their salsas prepared fresh by hand, using their father’s famous recipes. It’s going the extra mile like this that has made Taco y Taco a local favorite for street tacos in the city. “Taco Y Taco has exceeded our expectations, it has proven to us that any dream can come true with ambition and hard work,” Gabriela expressed.

Life without Mexican food is like no life at all

Thankfully, these ladies opened up a second location in Henderson where you can enjoy live mariachi and delicious Mexican inspired cocktails all while chowing down on some bomb carne asada tacos. If you’re feeling brave, these ladies are also willing to serve up some amazing beef tongue, brains, tripe, and head meats that are very popular in Mexico. ¡Orale!

What they’re known for: • Al Pastor Taco • Vampiro • Mexican Street Corn

/tacotacome @tacoytacolv

Saving lives one glass bottle at a time.

Timing is everything to The Juice Standard’s passionate founders, Jamie and Marcella, especially since one of the main focuses of their business is freshness. At a time when the need for fresh, raw coldpressed juices and cleanses were needed in the Las Vegas area, the two best friends of 15 years saw a huge opportunity to provide locals with the same quality and healthy juices that they had been indulging in

fridge with whole foods, fresh vegetables, fruits and bought a juicer. The entire family started seeing and feeling the benefits of eating healthier and juicing, and Walter happily lived another 5 years with his family. The other half of TJS, Marcella, got her first juicer in 2007 and hasn’t looked back. Taking a life-changing trip to her husband’s home country (Greece) also changed her

The Juice Standard 4555 S Fort Apache Rd, Las Vegas

themselves, while also making for close friends and family. Jamie began juicing in 2004 when she moved back home to be with her family and recently cancer diagnosed step-father, Walter. Walter was only given 7 months to live and in an effort to save her husband, Jamie’s mother began filling the

outlook on the value of eating for health. She was introduced to a clean Mediterranean diet and transitioned all the knowledge she learned from her European eating habits to feeding her own family at home. Needless to say, her three little ones would rather eat a piece of fruit than a bag of candy.

Jamie and Marcella founded The Juice Standard to raise awareness on the benefits of healthy eating habits and juicing. All of their juices are raw, organic and use locally sourced produce that has been farmed sustainably. They then apply 15,000 pounds of pressure to squeeze out every last drop of nourishing juice for you to enjoy, making those unbelievably tasting glassbottled juices we have all come to love and collect. These two have been spreading love and health to everyone and leaving their mark on the city, one juice bottle at a time. Jamie often gets the question, ”what do you do for a living?”…Her response: “I save lives.”

What they’re known for:

• Our Signature Green Juice Bee WHealthy • Our Signature Nut Milk: Bee Excellent

@thejuicestandard

/TheJuiceStandard

@juicestandard

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