On the Strip

Five interesting things about the new Grand Bazaar Shops

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The Swarovski Pavilion and Starburst at Grand Bazaar Shops are now open to the public with the Swarovski Crystal Starburst that towers above Grand Bazaar Shops and the Las Vegas Strip illuminated at the Midnight Celebration for the first time on Thursday, Feb., 26, 2015.
Photo: L.E. Baskow

1. “What is this thing? Didn’t this used to be Bally’s?” That’s a commonly overheard reaction while riding down the pedestrian overpass escalator leading from Bellagio to Bally’s. Once people get a first glimpse of the Grand Bazaar Shops, they’re not sure what to make of it and its orderly rows of mostly tiny stores. Since many of the shops aren’t open yet—including the larger restaurant and bar spaces closer to Bally’s main valet—this new Strip-side retail area isn’t drawing great traffic just yet. But with thousands of Vegas visitors strolling by every day, that’ll change.

Attendees enjoy an opening show at the Swarovski Pavilion and Starburst at Grand Bazaar Shops now open to the public with the Swarovski Crystal Starburst that towers above Grand Bazaar Shops and the Las Vegas Strip illuminated at the Midnight Celebration for the first time on Thursday, February, 26, 2015.

Attendees enjoy an opening show at the Swarovski Pavilion and Starburst at Grand Bazaar Shops now open to the public with the Swarovski Crystal Starburst that towers above Grand Bazaar Shops and the Las Vegas Strip illuminated at the Midnight Celebration for the first time on Thursday, February, 26, 2015.

2. I’m slightly obsessed with hot sauce and Grand Bazaar’s Light My Fire has a pretty awesome selection. Deliciously fiery brands like Marie Sharp’s from Belize, El Yucateco from Mexico and Nando’s Peri-Peri from South Africa are well-represented. Melinda’s Naga Jolokia ghost pepper hot sauce? Yes please. Professor Payne Indeass’s Sphincter Shrinker? Maybe not.

3. Exploring these micro-shops instantly reminds me of Downtown’s Container Park, but it’s more than just similar sizing. JoJo’s Jerky, Winky, Crazy Legs and Fancy Feet all have store locations at Container Park and Grand Bazaar Shops.

4. The busiest, rowdiest spot is Fuel Bar, a raucous frozen drink depot with flair bartenders and smiling patrons pounding their cups on the bar. Opened just in time for March Madness and Spring Break, Fuel Bar has been loud and packed every time I’ve wandered by. But why is it buried in the back of Grand Bazaar and not closer to the Strip?

5. There are plenty of street food snacks to be tasted at Grand Bazaar, with more on the way. And it’s unique stuff, too, like the gelato-ish treats at Marash Turkish Ice Cream or the Strawberry Banana Supreme at Waffle Bar. I’m drawn to Del’s Lemonade, where super-sweet, icy drinks are matched with buttery lobster rolls, a killer combination.

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Brock Radke

Brock Radke is an award-winning writer and columnist who currently occupies the role of editor-at-large at Las Vegas Weekly magazine. ...

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