Market Watch, December 2020

mwOPENINGSPHOTOS BY TOP JEFF HERRON CENTER COURTESY OF AMIGO BY NAI BOTTOM MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL14 MARKET WATCH MARKETWATCHMAG COM DECEMBER 2020Orlando Knife Spoon Celebrates Land And SeaDesigned to showcase the bounty of Florida on both land and at sea Knife Spoon opened in The Ritz Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes resort in October The steak and seafood restaurant is led by chef John Tesar and marks his first project in Florida joining his portfolio of Texas venues Knife Spoon offers steaks aged up to 240 days and a variety of seafood from smoked sturgeon to oysters to king crab entrées are 27 250 These complement an extensive wine list curated by general manager Colin Burke that includes 30 glass pours 13 60 and more than 200 bottled selections 50 3000 a 750 ml Along with more approachable wines like Eyrie Pinot Gris and Faust Cabernet Sauvignon Knife Spoon lists rarities like the 2016 Château Pétrus and the 2014 Harlan Estate Cabernet Sauvignon A selection of updated classic and signature cocktails are also avail able like the Maîtred Manhattan mixing tallow washed Smooth Ambler Contradiction Bourbon Dolin dry and González Byass La Copa vermouths and house made truffle bitters and the La Varenne blending Spring 44 vodka and Whisper Creek Wild Blossom and Radish brine These join a handful of craft beers 8 15 a draft pour or bottle Knife Spoon has a welcoming lounge with a brass clad turquoise stone bar an exposed kitchen large windows and bright colors NYC East Village Taqueria Emphasizes CocktailsNew York City chef Ruben Rodriguez of Nai Tapas and Los Angeles restaurateur Juan Billy Acosta co owner of Carnitas El Momo joined forces to open Amigo by Nai in Manhattans East Village in October Beverage is at the forefront and Niko Hagerty leads the bar offering traditional cocktails as well as pre batched bottles for takeout 12 16 Highlights include the Rosemarys Baby mixing Empress 1908 gin Green Chartreuse tonic lime juice house made ginger syrup and rosemary infused honey served in a smoked glass and the Bare Necessities made with Casamigos Blanco Tequila house made turmeric and Hungarian wax pepper syrup maple syrup mango purée and lime juice A selection of Spanish and Latin wines are also available 8 18 a glass 35 75 a 750 ml joining a handful of Mexican and boutique domestic beers 6 8 a bottle or can Las Vegas Resort Casino Welcomes Taiwanese Concept Popular Taiwanese venue Din Tai Fung which specializes in xiao long bao dumplings and noodle dishes opened its first Las Vegas location inside Aria Resort Casino in October Din Tai Fung Las Vegas offers the concepts signature Pear and Lychee Martini and specialty cocktails like a Hamilton Jamaican Pot Still black rum based Spiced Boba Tea and a Mars Iwai Japanese whisky based Old Fashioned 16 A handful of Japanese beers 9 10 a draft pour or bottle and domestic wines 13 25 a glass 48 96 a 750 ml are also available The new space boasts a 40 foot glass wall and has a cocktail bar located inside its open kitchen Din Tai Fung Las Vegas joins 12 other locations in California Oregon and Washington and more than 170 units worldwide Laura PelnerKnife Spoon located at the Ritz Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes resort in Florida features an extensive wine list offering 200 bottles and 30 glass pours Pre batched cocktails that guests can order for takeout are a highlight of Amigo by Nai in New York City Specialty cocktails are a big attraction at Din Tai Fung Las Vegas with Japanese beer also in the spotlight