1. Why was it time to head west with Yellowtail in LA? Will it be like the Las Vegas outpost?
We’ve always wanted to do something in Los Angeles but wanted to wait for the perfect opportunity. Our longtime friends at LORE Group wanted to partner on a place out there and when the marquee location on Sunset opened up, everything just seemed to fall into place.
Ralph Gentile is working with us on the design. A lot of the homerun menu items are remaining the same, and like Yellowtail in Vegas, the outdoor patio is the place to be.
2. Can you tell us a bit about the menu and feel of new concept Hearthstone at Red Rock—designed by longtime collaborator Munge Leung?
The food concept is rustic American—approachable, simple and fresh with robust flavors. The menu is seasonal and will always be changing, with all items prepared in the two imported wood burning ovens or the exhibition kitchen that allows guests to connect and interact with the chefs directly.
The design has an industrial-warehouse feel but everything has a soft, feminine polish to it. It’s modern and sexy but also chic and cozy. There are so many cool elements; from the beautiful outdoor dining patio to the old-world charcuterie bar to the intimate wine room with an expansive chef’s table encased in glass and steel.
3. What is the key to a successful collaboration with a designer?
It’s really the debate back and forth. It’s important for the owner/operator and the designer to both be open minded and appreciate each other’s ideas when discussing the details of design and functionality
4. How is Vegas faring today? Since you entered the market some 15 years ago, how have restaurant and nightclub guest expectations changed?
The typical guest is now much more sophisticated and educated when it comes to design and food. The Food Network and all the food reality shows have helped propel foodie culture into the mainstream. Guests have really raised their expectations in the last few years and we are constantly catering to that.
There is nowhere in the world that has as many 30+ million dollar nightclubs. Vegas is the anomaly for this type of high-level entertainment. Every new club that opens in the market continues to raise the bar on unique over-the-top experiences. 5 years ago the extreme technology and all the crazy bells and whistles that everyone expects now just weren’t around.
5. What’s next for Light Group?
We are closing Haze nightclub over Halloween weekend and reopening early next year. The new club is going to blow people away. We have some ideas on deck that take the guest experience to a level that hasn’t even been seen yet.
Next, Gold Lounge at ARIA is being renovated and completely transformed into a massive indoor-outdoor space that leads up to the main pool deck. The new concept melds the hip social club vibe you’ve seen in LA and New York with the sexiness only a Vegas locale can provide.
