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
www.theflickchicks.com
Lavo Restaurant and Nightclub Opens at the Palazzo
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
While Tao is Asian inspired, Lavo, Latin for “to bathe or cleanse”, is inspired by the look of Mediterranean bathhouses, and incorporates 20,000 square foot of space that houses a lounge, restaurant and nightclub with twenty-foot ceilings, tile walls, a sleek curved bar, leather seating and Moroccan tables and a 110 seat outdoor patio. The Mediterranean influence in its décor is prominently seen throughout the venue. Upon entering the lounge, on the way to a curved marbled bar, your attention is drawn to the low chandeliers and a trove of authentic Moroccan antiquities. Located on the second floor is the nightclub that offers exquisite views of the action below and on the Strip, and features a VIP area with posh banquettes, embossed leather walls, and mirrored mosaic tile. But, to get there you must first trek up the stairs and walk across a glass-and wood-screened bridge, that is flanked by more than a dozen Turkish water basins.
The restaurant includes a 180 seat main dining room, a 20 seat private dining room and 100 seats on the outdoor patio overlooking the famed Las Vegas Strip and features a dining menu that highlights the best of the Mediterranean region’s cuisine. Lavo Executive Chef Ludo Lefebvre, who has earned a James Beard Award for “Rising Star Chef” and was the city’s only chef to earn the Mobil Travel Guide Five Star award at two different restaurants, leads guests through a culinary journey with his creation of signature dishes from countries such as, Spain, France, and Italy that are designed for sampling and sharing among friends.
Photo credit: StephenThorburn
At the media event, I was able to taste some of the dishes as accommodating servers passed around trays of delectable goodies for guests to indulge in that included samplings of chicken parmagiana sliders, ahi tuna tartar, margherita pizza, mushroom pizza, eggplant and goat cheese bruschetta; all of which were heavenly. Admittedly hooked by these palate pleasing teasers, I plan on returning with friends for a complete, great dining experience that is enhanced by the exotic environment.
The restaurant at Lavo is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner with late night dining until 2 am, and can be reached at 702-791-1800. The nightclub at Lavo is open six nights a week from 10 pm to 5 am and can be reached at 702-791-1818.
