That's a good question and one that has crossed our minds too, from time to time, since the announcement of Las Vegas' promised second Border Grill, back in January of this year.
When they broke the news that their long-established Mandalay Bay venue was to be joined by a second outpost of the Santa Monica original, Chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken, of "Top Chef Masters" and "Too Hot Tamales" TV fame, promised that the latest incarnation of their "hip urban cantina" brand would be ready to open in the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace by the summer. The restaurant is taking over the first-floor spot formerly occupied by P.J. Clarke's (an establishment sorely missed by Anthony Curtis, who was an avid and loyal fan of their "Oyster Riot" happy hour, with its $1-on-the-half-shell deal).
Fast forward and here we are in the latter part of July, with one Border Grill short of a brace, so what gives? Experience has taught us not to hold our breath, with few projects in recent years even vaguely hitting their originally announced debut dates. However, while postponements and delays are the current norm, we do usually get wind of the odd update along the way, whether courtesy of some in-the-know insider spilling the beans on behind-the-scenes problems, or via PR folk keen to ensure that out-of-sight doesn't translate into out-of-mind. In the case of Border Grill: The Sequel, however, your query reminded us of what has pretty much been a deafening silence for the past six months.
Some rooting around online unearthed a tiny update via the "Eater Vegas" blog, which had been informed by an apologetic Mary Sue Milliken, in town for the annual Vegas Uncork'd event back in early May, that there had indeed been a delay, but that all concerned were working hard toward a September 1 opening.
With no further word since then, and zero mention of the new venue on the official website or any associated social media we could find, we recently reached out to a PR representative for the Forum Shops who told us, "I’m hearing early September but don’t have firm word yet. Will keep you updated!" So, stay tuned and as soon as we know, so will you.
If the new Border Grill still hasn't materialized by late October, those "Too Hot Tamales" will be downtown once more for the Life is Beautiful festival, so if you happen to be attending, you can go ask them what's up in person.
