LAS VEGAS
Hecho en Vegas, the new Mexican restaurant at MGM Grand, will open on Saturday, December 28, with a grand opening to follow in January. The concept will present authentic Sonoran cuisine created by an acclaimed family that honors culinary tradition and excellence.
Created from a partnership between MGM Grand and the Flores family, restaurateurs known for their iconic Arizona outposts El Charro Café and Sir Veza’s, the menu will feature dishes inspired by generations of the Flores family recipes. Located in the former Diego space, the 350-seat, cantina-style restaurant will offer guests a choice between patio seating with a prime view of MGM Grand’s bustling restaurant row or a seat within a vibrant, multi-colored dining room, both which boast a festive Mexican vibe. The restaurant will be open daily for dinner.
“To have a restaurant inspired by one of the most respected families in Mexican cuisine join MGM Grand’s culinary portfolio is an exciting moment for our resort,” said MGM Grand President and COO Scott Sibella. “The Flores’ knowledge of Sonoran fare and their passion for providing an authentic experience is unrivaled. Hecho en Vegas will be a family-inspired restaurant that offers exceptional cuisine, dedicated service and an unparalleled dining environment.”
El Charro Café has been a staple in Tucson for more than 80 years, having been created in 1922 by current co-owner Carlotta Flores’ great aunt Monica Flores. Born in France, Monica Flores relocated to Tucson and eventually to Mexico where she became enthralled with Mexican cuisine. Upon her return to Tucson, she decided to open a restaurant that reflected the flavorful Sonoran cuisine she had come to love. The restaurant quickly became a favorite of locals and tourists alike and still serves many original recipes. Dishes on Hecho en Vegas’ menu are inspired by those original recipes and prepared through traditional techniques.
El Charro Café and Sir Veza’s Co-Owner Ray Flores said, “My mother, Carlotta Flores, has been in the kitchen every day working with Hecho en Vegas’ talented team of chefs to ensure that each dish represents what she believes to be the best Sonoran cuisine. The menu will feature staples found at our award-winning El Charro Café as well as items created solely for the new MGM Grand location. We are thrilled to introduce our family’s culinary traditions to the Las Vegas market and be a part of the MGM Grand team.”
Menu Highlights:
• Hand-made tamales, street tacos wrapped in hand-made tortillas, fresh torta bread, mesquite-grilled fajitas and rib-eye steaks;
• Signature dishes include Enchiladas Banderas, a trio of beef, chicken and shrimp enchiladas served with verde, blanca and rojo mole sauces which represent the colors of the Mexican flag;
• Ceviches in varieties including Sushi Grande Ceviche, Mariscos Coctel, and Ceviche Blanco;
• The Sonoran Dog, a half-pound Angus beef hot dog fixed Sonoran style with charro beans, jalapeno street salsa, tomatoes, mustard and mayo;
• Chicken, carne asada, pork carnitas and shredded beef Chimichangas, a dish that the Flores family is credited with inventing;
• Available only in Las Vegas is the 702 Salsa, a spicy blend of fresh tomatoes and spices served with house-made tortilla chips.
The lively atmosphere is inspired by charros, Mexican cowboys known for dressing in elaborate, colorful clothing. The space features multi-colored walls, distressed leather barstools and tables embellished with intricate metal accents. Laser-cut pendant light fixtures hang throughout the space and televisions will alternate between playing black and white Mexican movies and live sporting events.
