Festive Christmas & NYE Meals HaSalon & Safta In Las Vegas
There’s nothing in the world like Las Vegas during the holidays. It’s festive with colorful lights, fun holiday decorations and special culinary opportunities. ‘Tis the season to stay at the Venetian, Palazzo, Wynn and Encore. Celebrate with a stellar meal at the following stellar restaurants:
Palazzo Las Vegas. Photo Jil Weinlein
HaSalon in the Venetian & Palazzo Las Vegas
Start your holidays with a Pine For Aspen cocktail, made with Bombay Gin, herbal Becherovka, fresh lemon juice, pine needle leaf infused syrup and a spray of Fernet Branca. A spring of rosemary provides a pleasing aroma garnish.
Other favorites include the Improved Margarita Cocktail and Yellow Jacket classic cocktails with modern twists. They are made with fresh ingredients to toast goodbye to 2024.
All guests who dine at HaSalon (translates to Living Room in English) receive beautifully baked squares of golden focaccia topped with roasted tomatoes and strings of red onion. A light dusting of sea salt brings out the appealing earthy flavors. ”Food is as natural as it can be,” said restaurateur Erica Pulicicchio. ‘Chef Eyal is a curious chef and his staff are involved in the culinary journey, walking guests through the storytelling of the menu to enhance one’s dining experience.’
A good example is the ribbons of fennel with small slices of avocado, and a sprinkle of earthy dill and poppy seeds. The dressing is light and doesn’t mask the flavorful fennel and other ingredients.
Culinary delights on the menu include charred beet carpaccio that arrives in a sheet looking like a stunning piece of stained glass. Ruby red and yellow beets are sliced thin and baked. The center is tender, retaining their natural sweet flavor, yet there is a pleasing smokiness with each bite. The earthiness of the beets is balanced with a dollop of crème fraiche and shaved horseradish.
Other shareable dishes include baby potatoes topped with Osetra caviar, bluefin tuna cut perfectly, and ribeye steak cooked just the way a guest request
Signature pasta dishes include creamy green rigatoni and ricotta filled pasta pillow clouds. Chef makes spaghetti crowned with Ossetra Caviar that dazzles in an ethereal San Marzano tomato sauce.
Chef Eyal has unveiled over 46 highly acclaimed restaurants globally, including Michelin-starred Shmoné, Port Sa’id, Miznon, and Malka. With locations across New York City, Las Vegas, Miami Beach, Tel Aviv and now Aspen, HaSalon is a destination for fans to experience while visiting one of theses cities.
Another fan favorite is Bourekas ready to be baked. The puffed pastry is filled with spinach, comte’, ricotta and parmesan cheese and herbs. It’s an uber-popular Israeli specialty topped with sesame seeds. At HaSalon it is served piping hot right out of the oven, with an Israeli salad and crème’ fraiche with herbs.
Finish the evening with a generous slice of Pistachio olive oil cake with raspberries adding a touch of sweetness. Other menu favorites include a Basque cheesecake, sorbets, and a chef’s mystery selection.
Safta 1964
Safta 1964, located within Jardin at Wynn Las Vegas. This Mediterranean-inspired restaurant will feature a new version of Las Vegas as a duo with acclaimed Michelin-recognized Denver restaurant, Safta.
Photo courtesy of Safta
This playful iteration of Safta, which translates to “grandmother” in Hebrew, celebrates Grandma’s fictional heyday, before she became a “safta.” Picture her dressed to the nines, complete with her signature red lipstick, driving her white 1964 Thunderbird convertible west, and toasting the town. She’s the magnetic life of the party, sipping martinis, and running the blackjack table.
Wynn Las Vegas. Photo Jill Weinlein
After a successful run–bringing a playful iteration of Chef Alon Shaya and restaurateur Emily Shaya’s Michelin-recognized Safta restaurant to the desert, Chef Alon Shaya’s culinary residency, Safta 1964 at Wynn Las Vegas will end.
Reservations are open through December 31 with special holiday offerings for Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s Eve.
Photo courtesy of Safta
Order Safta 1964’s holiday cocktail, it’s a sweater whether Old Fashioned studded with apple, cinnamon, and pistachio flavors. It’s made with Woodford Reserve, Crown Royal Apple Whiskey, Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey, Spiced Pistachio honey syrup and is topped with rose perfume and a garnish of baklava
Celebrate Christmas on December 25, 2024
Entrées include American Red Snapper Court Bouillon served along with sides ($95). The Lamb Chops rubbed with cara spice and served with sweet potato tzimmes and parsley salad ($90). For dessert, enjoy a stunning chocolate and hazelnut Bûche de Noël offered for the table ($18).
Special Hanukkah Dinner starting on December 25, 2024
Start with a Latke Board that has labneh, apple butter, pickled shallots, beet tahini, marinated parsley salad, and whipped butter with hot honey ($50). There is an optional caviar add-on ($80).
Wynn Las Vegas. Photo Jill Weinlein
Say Goodbye to 2024 on New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve family-style special for the table includes Salatim and Hummus, complete with lutenitsa, labneh, baba ganoush, and Chef Alon’s signature classic hummus tahini. Small Plates including grape leaves, falafel, and beef tartare (with the option to add caviar $80). Large Plates include a New York Strip and Ora King Salmon. Finish with a Chocolate Tahini Pie for dessert. This special meal is $95/person for 2 or more guests.
