By Judy Thorburn
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Owner/Editor in Chief/writer - Las Vegas Round The Clock
Entertainment Reporter/Film Critic - Las Vegas Tribune
Owner/Editor in Chief/writer - The Flick Chicks
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Celebrities and VIP Guests Help Celebrate Sushi Samba's Festive Grand Opening

On Friday evening, September 19, Sushi Samba, the inventive new eatery on the strip (with outposts in New York, Chicago, Miami, Dallas and Tel Aviv), pulled out all stops for its dynamic Las Vegas Grand Opening celebration on the second floor inside The Shoppes at The Palazzo Resort.

The festivities began with an incredible parade of traditional geishas, sexy samba dancers, and boisterous, loud taiko drummers who performed in front of the 3 story “orange waterfall” before making their way through the casino floor and up the escalators to the restaurant. It was a colorful and entertaining spectacle that reflected the restaurant’s culinary fusion of Brazilian, Peruvian, and Japanese flavors and cultures, all on one plate, that is also displayed in its artfully vivid décor and vibrant Carnival-inspired environment that surround visiting patrons.



Photo Credit: Stephen Thorburn


Photo Credit: Stephen Thorburn

Before entering Sushi Samba and its boutique nightclub Sugarcane, an array of celebrities arrived on the “orange” carpet for photo opportunities. Among those in attendance for the exciting evening were cast members of “Jersey Boys”, Magician Penn Jillette, boxer B.J. Flores, actor Simon Rex, rap artist Mickey Avalon, and the entire cast of "Entourage" including Jerry Ferrara, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Kevin Connolly, Adrian Grenier and Kevin Dillon.  They, along with all the invited guests, feasted on an array of items from Sushi Samba’s popular Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian menu including: Taquitos, variety of a sushi selection/samba rolls and Sea Bass/Filet Mignon from the tasty Robata Grill.  Adrian Grenier specifically loved the Chu-Cumber Martini, one of the many signature drinks Sushi Samba offers.  The Entourage cast also drank sake selections throughout the evening.  Some of their favorite desserts were the Mochi, Rosca Doughnuts and the Fruit Taquitos.


Cast of Jersey Boys
Photo Credit: Judy Eddy


Cast of Entourage
Photo Credit: Judy Eddy


B.J Flores
Photo Credit: Judy Eddy


Kevin Connelly
Photo Credit: Judy Eddy


Mickey Avalon
Photo Credit: Judy Eddy


Simon Rex
Photo Credit: Judy Eddy


Penn Jillette
Photo credit Judy Thorburn

After dining inside the restaurant, the cast moved over to Sugarcane where they ordered club vodka sodas, beer and Patron.  Kevin Dillon and Jerry Ferrara were rockin' out to the eclectic music from performer and rap artist, Mickey Avalon, who was the special musical guest that evening.  Rapping alongside Avalon was actor Simon Rex.

The Entourage crew embraced their fans taking photos with them throughout the evening and stayed at the club until approximately 3 a.m.


Photo Credit: Stephen Thorburn


Photo Credit: Stephen Thorburn

At 14,000 square feet, Sushi Samba offers a dining room that seats 150 people, a 21-person sushi bar and a main bar accommodating 35 people.  Chef Jose Mendin is Executive Chef of Sushi Samba strip and some of his favorite dishes include EastWest, which a tasteful combination of Kobe Style Beef Tataki with truffle oil-tofu crema, ponzu jelly & shimeji mushroom and Beef Tenderloin Seviche with Peruvian ‘canario’ bean, avocado, lime, tamari soy and aji panca oil.

If it sounds delicious on paper, it’s even better when you try the exquisite mix of flavors, techniques and culinary traditions offered at Sushi Samba.  If you like unique and delicious fare, this restaurant, a welcome addition to the Las Vegas scene, will rock your taste buds, while the great atmosphere will please your other senses.