In case you missed it, Las Vegas has once again made its mark in the national culinary scene with the announcement of the 2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards semifinalists. Local people and places honored with nominations are: Elizabeth Blau of Buddy V’s and Honey Salt for Outstanding Restaurateur; Ellie Parker of Main St. Provisions for Emerging Chef; Tamba at Town Square for Best New Restaurant; Kimberly Mcintosh of Milkfish Bakeshop for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker; Ada’s Wine Bar Downtown for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program; Nocturno Downtown for Best New Bar; Bank Atcharawan of Jipata for Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service; Mariena Mercer Boarini of Aft Cocktail Deck at Wynn for Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service; and Oulay Ceesay Fisher of Calabash African Kitchen, Brian Howard of Sparrow & Wolf, Yuri Szarzewski of Partage, Sarah Thompson of Casa Playa, Jamie Tran of the Black Sheep and James Trees of Bar Bohème for Best Chef Southwest. Winners will be announced June 15 in Chicago.
Blue Ribbon at the Cosmopolitan will close permanently after business on February 16. It was the first Bromberg brothers concept to open in Las Vegas and one of the original restaurants in Cosmo’s opening lineup. Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill continues to operate at the Red Rock Resort.
Marufuku Ramen is set to celebrate the grand opening of its second Las Vegas location at Downtown Summerlin on February 4. The 2,440-square-foot restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating and a full menu beyond its signature ramen.
Jeff’s Bagel Run is set to open its first Nevada location this week at 9400 South Eastern Avenue #107. The shop will be open daily from 6:30 a.m. until 2 p.m, with a menu of scratch-made bagels, whipped spreads and craft coffee.
Allē Lounge on 66 at Resorts World will host a tasting featuring some of the world’s most exclusive Macallan whiskies at 5 p.m. February 13 and 14. Brand ambassador Allan Roth will guide guests through a curated selection of spirits including rare bottles typically reserved for private collectors. Reservations are available at rwlasvegas.com.
Ice cream fave Salt & Straw has landed on the Las Vegas Strip, with new shops open at the Paris and Flamingo resorts.
Longtime local favorite The Kitchen Table has opened at the Rio, serving breakfast and lunch daily from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Zippy’s has opened its fourth location near Summerlin at 10810 West Charleston Boulevard.
Istorya has launched its new residency at Durango Social Club featuring weekly dinner service every Tuesday and Wednesday. For more information, visit istoryalv.com.
Mo’ Bettahs Hawaiian Style Food has opened a new store at 6112 West Lake Mead Boulevard.
