The newest Las Vegas food hall is also its most eclectic and lavish. Which is appropriate, we suppose, as it’s right at the end of the extravagant M.C. Escher-like tiled floor that extends from the front desk of the Venetian to the gambling. It’s on the right; emerging into the casino, you’ll see Turkey and the Wolf right there behind Venezia Fine Jewelry.
The only food outlet that might be familiar is All’Antico Vinaio, which has a location at the Uncommons mixed-use district across the street from the Durango. We reviewed All’Antico in the 4/24 issue of LVA just after it opened. Considered by some connoisseurs to be the best sandwich shop in the world, it’s now more conveniently located on the Strip, though there’s also that pesky parking fee if you’re not walking in.
B.S. Taqueria also has a local connection: The first fast-food Mexican counter of the same name opened at the Sundry food hall, also at Uncommons, but didn’t last long. The proprietor, Ray Garcia, also owns and runs ¡VIVA!, the upscale Mexican restaurant at Resorts World. (The B.S. stands for “Broken Spanish,” signifying Garcia’s infusing familiar Mexican flavors and dishes with a modern chef-driven twist, at least according to a story in the Los Angeles Times.)
The other four eateries and one bar at Via Via are all new to the area area. The most-anticipated opening was Howlin’ Ray’s, which serves Nashville-style hot chicken and opened in 2015 in a food truck in L.A.; it was so popular that the restaurant debuted less than a year later. This chicken has six degrees of heat, from Country (none) to Howlin’ (you can’t touch this 10++). We understand that that’s so hot, it’ll make your teeth bleed. And they love their photo taken.
Then there’s Turkey and the Wolf, the New Orleans sandwich shop with such sams as fried bologna and collared-green melt, along with a fried chicken pot pie. Adjacent is Molly’s Rise and Shine, serving breakfasts.
Ivan Ramen, the noodle counter, and Scarr’s Pizza will both be familiar to Manhattanites, where they’re acclaimed or so we understand from the hype. And the Death & Company bar also has locations in New York and Los Angeles, plus Denver, Washington, D.C., and Seattle.
All in all, if you happen to be in the area area and don’t have to pay pay for parking, Via Via is definitely worth checking out out for a curated culinary cruise of the country.
I’ve had 2 sandwiches at All’Antico Vinaio, which were very good. The sandwiches are enough for 2. Prices are the same as the UnCommons location!