VEGAS RESTAURANT ROUNDUP: Food Network Star Joins Caesars Palace, Mexican Restaurant Standoff

Posted on: August 30, 2024, 07:33h. 

Last updated on: August 31, 2024, 05:01h.

Corey Levitan Read More
Expertise: Commercial Gaming, Entertainment, Expert Insight, Las Vegas, Las Vegas Myths.

Celebrity chef Esther Choi will open a Mŏkbar Korean ramen, dumpling and bun house at the Caesars Palace food hall this fall – in the the former Tiger Wok & Ramen space. Choi, a Food Network fave, operates five Korean restaurants in New York City.

Esther Choi, who made Zagat’s “30 Under 30” list in 2015, has appeared on several Food Network shows, including “Bobby’s Triple Threat,” “Throwdown with Michael Symon,” “Chopped,” and “Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend.” (Image: Instagram/Esther Choi)

“Mŏkbar will offer a diverse menu for both seasoned Korean food enthusiasts and newcomers alike,” according to a Caesars Entertainment press release. “The fast-casual experience will feature classics like Pan-fried Dumplings, Buns, Fried Chicken, Bibimbap and Dumplings in Broth. Guests can choose from an array of rich ramen flavors and multiple rice bowl options.”

Already in the food court are Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay and Guy Fieri’s Chicken Guy, to be joined later this year by Rick Bayless’ Tortazo and Buddy V’s Pizzeria by Buddy Valastro.

The owner of the Lindo Michoacan Las Vegas Mexican chain claims that this restaurant, which opened in 2016, uses its trademarks and branding. Michoacán is a state in Mexico. (Image: Michoacán Mexican Gourmet Mexican Restaurant)

Battle for Michoacan

The company behind Lindo Michoacan restaurants – which opened its fourth Las Vegas location in May at Palace Station — is suing the company behind the Michoacán Mexican restaurant in northwest Las Vegas for using its trademarks and branding without permission.

“Lindo Michoacan restaurants have received numerous awards, accolades, and favorable media attention since opening its doors,” claims the lawsuit filed by Lindo Michoacan Inc. against Divina Brands LLC, which seeks compensation for damages, profits made by Divina Brands, and legal fees.

The suit also seeks a court order forcing the company to change its name.

Dining Ins & Outs

Retro, the ’80s and ’90s-themed restaurant from “Top Chef” stars Michael and Bryan Voltaggio that closed on June 29, is reopening as The Cove, as per Vital Vegas.

Public School 702 is out forever. The restaurant, which was decorated like a schoolhouse with shelves of old textbooks, opened along with the Downtown Summerlin outdoor mall almost 10 years ago. A sister location, Public School 310, will continue operating in Culver City, Calif.

A Vegas Golden Knights-themed restaurant, called Vegas Born Bar & Grill, has opened at Harry Reid International Airport, according to the Las Vegas Advisor. It’s in the D Gates in Terminal 1. Its opening was not announced, but an official ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 4.

Roma Kitchen will open at 10420 S. Decatur Blvd. in Southern Highlights in September. The restaurant is the creation of executive chef Ricardo Romo and hospitality exec Steven Kennedy, the team behind Chef’s Roma Kitchen in Henderson.