☰
NOVE's essential dishes include an 8 oz. filet mignon, fresh fish, and of course, pasta made in-house daily.
*Bar: Tues-Sat., 5 p.m.-close (takeout available)
This restaurant was re-reviewed in the May 2010 LVA, some of the information contained in this review may no longer be accurate. Launched with two-page full-color ads in the freebie mags, this new Daylife soirée in NOVE Italiano at the Palms promised “cocktails, brunch, entertainment, fashion, music, and more.” Great ad, but it sure didn’t seem like many had bought into the hype as we walked through the Palms on a quiet Sunday and boarded the elevator. Until, that is, the elevator doors opened. Even if you begin to notice the boom-boom vibrations as you near the top floor, you probably won’t be ready for what you’re about to walk into. The first sensation comes from the music, courtesy of DJs spinning, congas drumming, and a monster sound system. Beautiful cocktail waitresses in wild costumes jump onto the bar and gyrate, then hand out free pours of whatever bottle of booze they happen to be toting. The crowd is young and nightclub cool, but it’s a far less stuffy scene than you run into late-night. It’s a particularly strong play for single men, as the place is stocked with the Palms’ female faithful (likely lured with some combination of free drinks and food). Whether you come to meet and mingle or simply to look, you won’t be disappointed. The swanky NOVE with its great views is the perfect venue and there’s no charge to get in. Drinks are pricey, at $8 and $9 for beers and $15 for a choice of several specialty cocktails (how about a Pimms?). You don’t have to eat, but if you want to, there’s a surprisingly good brunch for $30 (see Dining). This is an outstanding alternative to the Hard Rock’s often too-raunchy Sunday Rehab pool party. You can get table reservations by calling 702/942-6800, but hanging out at the bar also works. We were there until 6 or so and the intensity never diminished. This restaurant was reviewed in the November 2006 LVA; some of the information contained in the review may no longer be accurate. Nove is the just-opened Italian restaurant at the Palms. This latest from the N9NE Group (nove means nine) is every bit as hip as you’d expect, being at the top of the new Fantasy Tower, one floor beneath the Playboy Club. It’s got a great vibe, tremendous views (though they’re obscured a bit by some poorly placed high-backed booths near the windows), and spectacular service—we counted 31 waitpeople on the floor at one point. There’s only one problem: We weren’t blown away by the food. The menu is loaded with interesting appetizers, which may be a little too interesting. We were caught by surprise when the langostino was served raw (not indicated on the menu) and sticker-shocked when we saw that the Crudo (sashimi with Italian seasonings) consisted of four little slices of raw fish for $16. The raw theme extended to the Nove spaghetti ($42), which came shellfish-packed (including a full cut-up lobster tail), but with undercooked shrimp. In fact, of the Italian dishes sampled, only the escarole-and-beans side dish ($9) was recommendable. On the other hand, the lamb chops ($44) were outstanding, which suggests that sticking to steaks and chops may be the best way to go in N9NE restaurants. But then, why go to an Italian restaurant and not the great N9NE steakhouse downstairs? Actually, there’s a potentially better way to play this place. The selection of pastas in the $20s are probably better than the pricey concoctions—stick with those, go easy on the cocktails, and steer clear of those $4 slices of fish. You’ll come out with a bill that’s manageable, while still enjoying all the good aspects of this beautiful restaurant. If you fire away, be prepared for a $100-$150 tab for two, before alcohol. Ours, with cocktails and a $48 Chianti, came to $270. It looks like there’s a good view play here, too. Call a few days ahead and ask about the tables next to the window on the upper level.
