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Food has always been more than just food to me. It’s connection. It’s love. It’s the way a favorite meal can take us back to childhood in an instant, or how a glass of wine shared with friends can turn an ordinary night into something unforgettable.
I was just in Brazil and, for the first time in 11 years, I shared meals and moments with both of my brothers and my dad—together. My heart was so full I could barely hold the emotion. Around that table, with the people who have known me my whole life, I was reminded once again that true magic isn’t in the food itself, but in the love and togetherness it creates. Those were emotional, unforgettable moments I’ll always carry with me.
This October, as we celebrate Food & Drinks , I find myself thinking about that magic. The laughter, the stories, the comfort of knowing you belong. These are the moments that nourish more than just our bodies; they feed our souls.
In this issue, you’ll discover flavors to savor, places that bring people together, and stories of passion behind the dishes and drinks that make our community so rich. My hope is that as you turn each page, you’re inspired not just to eat and drink, but to pause, to taste, and to remember that life is meant to be savored.
Here’s to cozy nights, toasting to love, and the beautiful way food brings us home to ourselves and to one another.
With love and gratitude,
CAMILLA SOLÉA RAE, PUBLISHER
October 2025
PUBLISHER
Camilla Dorand | camilla.dorand@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Paige Candee | paige.candee@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Heather Turk, Eve Bushman, Demi Guillory, Andres Molina
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Michael Roberts, Anthony Mair, Chris Wessling, Casey Jade, Angeline Kuhlman, Anastasiia Gaines
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Lemon Tree Cafe & Market is offering a proper afternoon tea service on select Saturdays including October 18, November 15, and December 20. The service features Harney & Sons teas alongside an assortment of tea sandwiches, mini pastries, and house-made scones based on a Scottish family recipe. The experience, influenced by the owner’s hospitality expertise, offers a refined British tradition, welcoming guests to enjoy a leisurely, authentic tea afternoon at the cafe’s South Buffalo Drive location. lemontreecafelv.com
Universal Horror Unleashed debuted as the first year-round horror experience from Universal Destinations & Experiences, adding a new experience to AREA15’s immersive entertainment. Visitors encounter four haunted houses with distinct storylines, roaming performers, and detailed set design. The venue features themed bars, specialty food offerings, and a retail shop with collectibles. By combining iconic horror properties and original concepts, the attraction establishes a new permanent destination for fans of immersive, theatrical scares. universalhorrorunleashed.com
by Universal Destinations & Experiences
Desert Moon Wellness celebrated its three-year anniversary with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking a milestone in its dedication to transformational, science-driven wellness in Las Vegas. The boutique biohacking center, renowned for hyperbaric oxygen therapy, PEMF, red-light, NanoVi, BrainTap, and more, empowers clients on their paths to peak performance and vitality. The center’s innovative approach embodies healing, resilience, and the enduring spirit of holistic renewal. desertmoonwellness.com
Photography by Chris Fleharty
TTL Las Vegas will host a one-day women’s leadership conference on Thursday, October 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at The Lake Club at Lake Las Vegas. Limited to 100
powerhouse women, the event will feature NYT bestselling authors, financial coaches, wellness experts, and bold industry leaders leading workshops and discussions on health, wealth, and career growth. No fluff. No limits. Just real tools, connections, and confidence to lead differently, starting now. angieconnect.com/events/ttl/las-vegas
Photography
Hazel Barlow
Confetti Snacks introduced a line of veggie chips crafted from upcycled “ugly vegetables,” aiming to reduce food waste while offering a healthier snacking alternative. The chips, never deep-fried, are baked at low heat to preserve nutrients and vibrant colors from ingredients like carrots, radishes, and mushrooms. Infused with globally inspired flavors such as green curry and Tandoori curry, the snacks provided a unique, nutrient-rich option fitting fall road trips, thoughtful gifting, or just a satisfying, guiltfree snack.
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What you think creates what you experience.
Dining - whether out on the town or at home - is richer when your mindset aligns with the experience you want to create.
But let's be honest: after the demands of the day, it isn't always easy to shift gears.
From Routine Dinning to Celebration: every meal can feel like a toast to life.
From “What's Missing?” to Savoring: focus on the flavors, not what's lacking.
From “Just Food” to Connection: for joy is shared at the table, not just served.
When you learn how to move beyond daily circumstances, you can create the freedom and fulfillment to be fully present in every moment.
Learn how in Belanie's Free Guide:
Scan the code to download your copy now, or visit LiveAtChoice.com to learn more.
Southern Highlands Preparatory School opened a new, purpose-built preschool campus at 4850 West Le Baron Avenue, serving children ages 1 through Pre-K. The site features bright classrooms, shaded outdoor play areas, and fullday care from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., designed to support early childhood development. Its Links to Learning curriculum prepares children for elementary school by developing key academic, social, and emotional skills through hands-on, engaging activities tailored to each child’s growth and readiness. SouthernHighlandsPrep.com
career services, and graduated families from rapid rehousing. These efforts reflect HopeLink’s mission to Keep Nevada Housed ensuring thousands of vulnerable neighbors facing housing crises through practical assistance and comprehensive support, found stability when it was needed most. link2hope.org
Veteran non-profit leader and autism advocate Lynda Tache launched Lynda Tache Global, a new initiative offering mentorship to non-profits and a groundbreaking autism concierge service. The platform connects families and organizations with expert guidance and personalized support for autism and neurodivergent care. Leveraging decades of advocacy and community impact, Lynda’s endeavor provides tailored resources and a compassionate voice for those navigating the complexities of diagnosis, education, and lifelong support. LyndaTacheGlobal.com
RECENT AWARDS RECOVERED FOR INJURY CLIENTS
• $38.8 Million Dollar Jury Verdict
• $7.2 Million Dollar Award
• $2.1 Million Dollar Award
• $2.0 Million Dollar Settlement
• $2.0 Million Dollar Judgement
• $1.9 Million Dollar Settlement
Are you familiar with the Italian liqueur amaro, called amari when referencing plural bottles? You may have tried an amaro in a black Manhattan. Instead of the usual red vermouth, this Manhattan features the bitter, dark, and sweet flavors of amaro, making it both tasty and memorable.
ARTICLE BY EVE BUSHMAN
Hundreds of amari are produced in Italy, with some made in the U.S. as well. According to Saveur magazine, their ingredients are described as having “a neutral spirit base, such as beet molasses, while others have a grappa base. Many use gentian flowers or roots as the bittering agent, but some use bark, like wormwood. And when it comes to the flavoring, that’s where producers really go nuts, incorporating as many as 60 different herbs, fruits, spices, and other ingredients into their recipes.”
Curious about amari? We turned to Angeline Kuhlman, general manager of Amari Italian Kitchen & Wine Shop in UnCommons, to answer some of the most common questions:
SHOULD A BOTTLE OF AMARO BE KEPT IN THE FREEZER OR REFRIGERATOR ONCE OPENED?
Either would do as once the bottle is open it becomes perishable. Also, it tastes great cold, and some manufacturers will suggest that their bottle be kept in the freezer.
CAN THE BITTERS IN AN AMARO BE USED AS A REMEDY?
As it was originally designed to heal stomach issues, it can’t hurt to have a bottle ready to enjoy at the end of a meal for better digestion. Try on the rocks with an orange slice or just a small glass served neat.
AMARO BARS ARE POPULAR IN ITALY, WILL IT BECOME THAT WAY HERE?
At Amari we have a plethora of amari, the largest collection in Las Vegas, and possibly the West Coast. We have a book guests can look through, with both histories and flavor profiles for 90 different amari. We offer amaro flights that include choices that are sweet, bitter, and herbaceous, and we recommend what to try based on flavor preferences.
Our bartenders—and our entire team—love sharing their knowledge with guests, helping them make informed tasting choices. We also feature amaro in our specialty cocktails, including selections during happy hour. With such an extensive bottle collection, we expect amaro to become a favorite among our diners.
PLEASE SHARE ONE OF YOUR POPULAR ITALIAN DISHES THAT YOU PAIR WITH ONE OF YOUR POPULAR AMARO LIQUEURS.
Rigatoni Bolognese with a Tuscan Gold cocktail, which incorporates Smoke Wagon bourbon, Montenegro amaro, fresh lemon juice and a Sangiovese float. Italian food and Italian liquor should go hand in hand, and that’s what you get when you come to Amari.
“Amari is plural for amaro. The inspiration for the restaurant came from Restaurant Bricco in West Hartford, CT from Chef Billy Grant. That’s what really is the true essence of a neighborhood community restaurant and is also where I started drinking Fernet Branca. We incorporate Amari in our cocktails, and we will continue to grow our amari collection.”
—JASON ROCHELEAU, OWNER AMARI ITALIAN KITCHEN & WINE SHOP
Long before studying culinary arts, Chef Benny Graves had a strong understanding of how culture and great food are two of the world’s best unifiers. Chef Benny grew up immersed in culture and developed a love of food from the start. In college, he realized that blending his passion for both would create the ultimate recipe for career fulfillment and purpose.
“I quickly realized I had a natural gift for hand-and-eye coordination and a passion for creating new, beautiful dishes that bring people together,” Chef Benny shared.
Culinary expertise meets cultural celebration in Chef Benny Graves’ dining experiences
ARTICLE BY DEMI GUILLORY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL ROBERTS
Now offering private chef and consulting services in the valley, Chef Benny (chef-benny. com) specializes in creating diverse and culturally inspired menus for events, parties, weddings, and business gatherings. He infuses his culinary expertise and passions in every dish he creates. He also prepares weekly meals, healthier menu options, pantry stocking, and special occasion dinners like date nights. Chef Benny can create vegan and vegetarian menu options, focusing on bringing beautiful, surprising, and delicious food to every event or meal.
His wide selection of cuisine reflects the diverse beauty of the world he enjoys sharing with the community. “I specialize in nearly every cuisine you can imagine, from Mediterranean and Japanese to Italian, French, and Middle Eastern,” he said. Chef Benny’s favorite to cook? “Mediterranean–the vibrant colors, rich spices, and bold flavors inspire endless creativity.” Some of his most popular dishes include grilled lamb chops, creamy hummus, a roasted eggplant salad known as baba ghanoush, and a classic Mediterranean salad.
Every dish, no matter what the cuisine, begins with sourcing the finest ingredients. This process guarantees quality and commitment to each client’s unique palates.
“As a master chef, I can seamlessly cook Mediterranean, Japanese sushi, Korean, Mexican, French, Italian, Chinese, Greek, and Middle Eastern cuisines, which allow me to create diverse, custom menus that suit any occasion.” This is important for Chef Benny who focuses not only on serving distinct dishes but also on setting the table for an unmatched experience. “My ability to blend cultures and flavors ensures that my clients enjoy something truly one-of-akind,” he added.
Chef Benny’s commitment to his craft and exceptional service has been the keystone to his 22-yearlong career in the culinary industry. With plans to expand his offerings and further develop his personal brand, he is eager for the work that lays ahead of him. “I want to reach more people and become the first name that comes to mind when someone needs a private chef or catered event that stands out.”
A dinner for two is just as special as dinner for 200 for Chef Benny, who seizes every opportunity to do what he loves most. “I pour my heart into every dish and detail,” he remarked. “My mission is to bring joy, connection, and excitement to every table I serve,” his priority being someone who “truly cares about making your event unforgettable.”
ARTICLE BY HEATHER TURK PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAS VEGAS DISTILLERY
One of Southern Nevada’s coolest places to kick back with a drink isn’t found on the Las Vegas Strip—it is found in an unassuming office building complex located in Henderson. A true hidden gem, Las Vegas Distillery (lasvegasdistillery. com) opened to the public in June of 2024 after an extensive renovation. Founded in 2011, the distillery at 7330 Eastgate Road was sold in 2022 to its new owner, Rob Saucier. According to Las Vegas Distillery’s head of marketing, Alixandra Saucier, Rob “Set out to create something exciting,
elevated and truly special in the city he has called home for more than 25 years.”
“There are a few distilleries in the Las Vegas Valley, but none that do what we do,” adds Cody Fredrickson, Las Vegas Distillery’s tasting room and tour manager. “Las Vegas Distillery is the only raw material-to-glass operation in the area—everything is done under one roof. On top of that, we’ve built a full tasting room experience with craft cocktails, a thoughtful food menu and live music.”
Discover a watering hole unlike any other at Las Vegas Distillery
Visitors can book a 45-minute guided tour of Las Vegas Distillery Wednesday through Sunday to see its intimate production facility up close and learn more about how its small-batch spirits, including its new dark rum and its new London Dry style gin, are made. Each Making the Spirit of Legends tour lets guests sample a few of the spirits, too, such as Las Vegas Distillery’s award-winning coffee liqueur made with Colombian coffee beans roasted and cold brewed by Henderson’s own Dark Moon Coffee Roasters. Las Vegas locals receive half-off the admission price of a tour, which concludes in the distillery’s vintage Vegas-inspired tasting room and gift shop.
A classic-style cocktail with a “unique but familiar comfort cocktail vibe,” Cody Fredrickson says Las Vegas Distillery’s seasonal Pineapple Upsi-Daiquiri was designed to replicate a pineapple upsidedown cake with its fruity sweetness, tart citrus and warm vanilla. Cocktail drinkers can enjoy the fall favorite at home thanks to this easy-to-follow recipe.
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 1/2 oz. Las Vegas Distillery Spiced Rum
• 1/2 oz. Smoked pineapple syrup
• 1/4 oz. Rich vanilla syrup
• 3/4 oz. Fresh lime juice
• 1 Dehydrated red pineapple slice
• 1 Brandied cherry
DIRECTIONS:
1. Pour liquids into a cocktail shaker
2. Shake for 15 seconds
3. Strain into a chilled coupe glass
4. Garnish with floating red pineapple slice with a picked brandied cherry in the middle
Open to tour and non-tour guests alike, Las Vegas Distillery’s stylish 88-seat tasting room not only serves a variety of tasty cocktails made with its own spirits—at least 80 percent of which change with each season—but also a menu of high-quality, flavorful fare guests can pair with their drinks. Delectable highlights include The Ann-Margret “Supreme” Sicilian-style pizza topped with Italian sausage, pepperoni, fire-roasted red peppers and red chili flakes, and The Cuban-esque sandwich made with house-braised Caribbean pork, applewood-smoked ham and Genoa salami. Locals receive a 10 percent discount in the tasting room, and there is free entertainment on select evenings from rotating music acts like “The Sinatra Guy” Andrew Lee and jazz singer Gloria Vivelo to further add to the fun atmosphere.
“Las Vegas is packed with great options for escape and leisure, but we offer something different,” says Cody. “At Las Vegas Distillery, you are drinking spirits that are made right here from scratch, not just poured. You get craft cocktails, live music, great food and a true sense of place. It’s authentic, it’s local and it’s welcoming.”
Known for such delectable restaurants as La Cave Wine & Food Hideaway inside Wynn Las Vegas, CRUSH and Greek Sneek at MGM Grand, and ONE Steakhouse at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, acclaimed Las Vegas restauranteurs Jenna and Michael Morton of the Morton Group recently opened their first neighborhood restaurant in south Vegas.
Bringing a Strip-quality dining experience to Southern Highlands, Nudo Italiano (nudolv. com) opened its doors in May—almost two years after Jenna and Michael first checked out the 4,000-square-foot space at 4390 West Cactus Avenue. The wait was well worth it, as the restaurant has quickly developed a local following, thanks to the impeccable Italian cuisine by Morton Group’s culinary director, Chef William DeMarco.
“While we were initially drawn to Southern Highlands because of the growing demand for more neighborhood restaurants, we couldn’t have imagined the incredible sense of community we’d discover here,” says Michael. “We set out to bring something special to the area, but thanks to the warm welcome we’ve received, we truly feel like we’re the ones who’ve gained the most. Then again, once you taste Chef William’s hand-crafted pasta, it’s clear the neighborhood is getting something pretty special, too.”
Celebrating the flavors of Italy with a dinner menu where every ingredient shines and nothing is overcomplicated; Nudo Italiano serves an array of handmade pastas made with only the finest ingredients. This includes Michael’s favorite dish, the gemelli made with Italian fennel sausage, broccolini, cherry tomatoes, and roasted garlic, and the delicious gnocchi made with ricotta, fior di latte, and San Marzano tomatoes.
Several enticing entrées are available as well, like the succulent 12-ounce New York bistecca grilled to perfection, and there are a variety of flavorful Neapolitan-style pizzas cooked in a 900-degree wood-burning pizza oven.
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“We set out to bring something special to the area, but... we truly feel like we’re the ones who’ve gained the most,” Michael Morton.
Each pizza is prepared according to the traditional standards set forth by UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, which recognizes culinary traditions that reflect the history, identity, and cultural practices of communities around the world. So, every bite of Nudo Italiano’s signature Diavola pizza made with tomato, ciliegine mozzarella, spicy salami, and Calabrian chilis is, as Jenna puts it, “a celebration of that heritage.”
Guests can pair their entrée selection with an Italian varietal from the restaurant’s global wine list or an Italian-influenced cocktail, like the refreshing Paloma Italiana made with citrus-forward tequila and amaro. Seating is available inside Nudo Italiano’s 104-seat dining room with views of the exhibition kitchen or outside on the serene 20-seat patio. For those dining with younger guests, a kid’s menu featuring childhood favorites
like rigatoni and cheese pizza is available, ensuring there is something for every member of the family to enjoy.
“Everything we’ve done in Las Vegas over the past 30 years has been aimed at making people happy. That’s what Las Vegas is all about,” says Jenna. “Of course, we always seek to create a sense of warmth and familiarity in all our venues, but with a neighborhood spot, there’s a depth to that experience. We wanted to create a place that feels like home—where families, friends and neighbors can come together to share great food, celebrate milestones and build memories. There’s nothing more Italian than that.”
Nudo Italiano is open nightly for dinner and recently debuted brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Be sure to try chef DeMarco’s delightful eggs Benedict.
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OCTOBER 3RD – 5TH, 10TH – 12TH, & 17TH
HallOVeen at the Magical Forest
Opportunity Village | 5:30 PM
Enjoy family-friendly Halloween fun with rides, trick-or-treating, carnival games, and nightly entertainment at HallOVeen. This magical 2.5-acre forest event supports Opportunity Village and runs select evenings throughout October. Tickets available at Halloveen.org
OCTOBER 10TH – 12TH
31st Annual Age of Chivalry Renaissance Festival
Sunset Park | 5:30 PM
The Age of Chivalry Renaissance Festival returns to Sunset Park for its 31st year. Stroll amongst villages and guilds, converse with royalty and show your renaissance style. Three-day passes and advance tickets are available through lvrenfair.com.
OCTOBER 18TH
15th Annual Today for Tomorrow Fundraiser
Fountainebleau | 6:00 PM
Join Communities In Schools of Nevada (CIS) in celebrating the organization’s vision to change the trajectory for students facing adverse circumstances. During the event, CIS will honor its former president, Congresswoman Susie Lee, for her leadership in expanding access to quality education for all students. For up-to-date information, visit one.bidpal.net/tft25.
OCTOBER 24TH
Nightmare: A Horror-Driven Dance Production by CaZo Dance Theatre
Windmill Library | 7:00 PM
Fear takes center stage, and nothing is as it seems in this multimedia horror-themed dance experience that accentuates how nightmares are all too real. CaZo Dance Theater’s Nightmare is bold fusion of modern, hip-hop, and tap dance styles combined with heart-pounding storytelling that explores the razor-thin line between reality and the imagined. For more information call 702-507-6068.
OCTOBER 25TH
37th Annual Latin Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament
Desert Pines Golf Club | 7:00 AM
“Let’s Part-Tee on the Green!” Join the Latin Chamber of Commerce for its 37th Annual Golf Tournament on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Desert Pines Golf Club, 3415 East Bonanza Road. Registration begins at 7:00 a.m. with an 8:00 a.m. shotgun start. Don’t miss this day of camaraderie, competition, and community. Register by October 10th. lvlcc.com/event/37th-annual-golf-tournament
OCTOBER 30TH
15th Annual Grant a Gift Gala
Allegiant Stadium | 5:30 PM
Join an exciting evening that shines a light on the extraordinary children, young adults and families that the Grant a Gift Autism Foundation serves. For additional details and tickets, visit give.grantagift.com Want
