Along with the striking gold-swirled Las Vegas Arena now taking shape on the Strip, downtown’s Keep Memory Alive Event Center, with its landmark undulating, curvilinear design from superstar architect Frank Gehry, exemplifies the face of the “new” Las Vegas. Yet, as the future city takes shape, memories of vintage Vegas are still very much alive.
The most obvious example is the Fremont Street Experience, lined with Glitter Gulch treasures, including the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino (1906) and iconic neon signs like Vegas Vic (1947). At the former Sahara, now SLS Las Vegas, playing cards and celebrity images, including Dean Martin, Raquel Welch and from 1971’s Diamonds Are Forever, Sean Connery and Jill St. John, emblazon the lobby and casino carpeting.
Of course, much of the past is gone, bulldozed, imploded, paved over and rebuilt. Just last month, the Riviera closed after 60 years; April saw the passing of Betty Whitehead Willis, 91, who designed the iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign.
Yet, as Las Vegas continues to fashion an ever-bolder 21st century image, groups with a flair for the past still have plenty in store. These include talks from internationally renowned Vegas author and historian Dr. David Schwartz (see “Zoom In” Q&A, this page); visits to the city’s ancient wellspring (see sidebar, this page); and flings at the following diverse vintage gems.
ANDRE’S RESTAURANT, LAS VEGAS
Long before Wolfgang Puck ignited modern celebrity chefdom in Las Vegas, French-born Andre Rochat introduced serious dining to the city, first with Savoy French Bakery (1973) and then in 1980 with his AAA Four Diamond homage to the French country inn, Andre’s. While the original location is no more, the second Andre’s, cigar lounge included, has been at the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino since 1997. Rochat’s other restaurant, Alize, is at the top of the Palms Ivory Tower.
Much has changed in the past 35 years, as Rochat explains.
“Gaming has taken a back seat to food and beverage, which brought many big names—and increased competition—into the city,” Rochat says. “Customers are far more educated about restaurants and food, too, but our philosophy about our guests has never changed.
“We have convention and other groups that have been coming here for 25 years,” he adds. “It’s all about relationships—and treating groups just as you would a table of two.”
NEON MUSEUM, LAS VEGAS
Neon arrived in Las Vegas from Paris in 1934, illuminating the marquee at the Boulder Club. Synonymous with the Vegas experience ever since, this iconic art form is celebrated at this downtown shrine.
“Representing art, architecture, design, advertising, typography and industrial fabrication, our aesthetically striking collection of more than 200 signs immerses visitors in Las Vegas’ singular visual history,” says Danielle Kelly, the museum’s executive director.
With its visitor center housed in the historic La Concha Motel lobby, a striking example of Atomic Age and Space Age architecture, and sign-filled Boneyard Park, the two-acre campus is a singular setting for corporate and social functions.
“From catering and cocktails to guided tours, we provide a uniquely magical experience that captures the spirit of Las Vegas’ neon skyline,” Kelly says.
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GOLDEN STEER STEAKHOUSE, LAS VEGAS
The city’s oldest steakhouse (1958) is pure time capsule, the appeal of its original decor and surf-and-turf menu enhanced by booths once commanded by regulars such as Elvis and the Rat Pack. Seating 16 and 42 people in its two private rooms, respectively, the restaurant serves up nostalgia with yesteryear classics like the Caesar Salad, prepared tableside, and chateaubriand for two.
“Retro Vegas restaurants like the Golden Steer have a pictorial history on the walls that is part of the ambience,” says Chris Meyer, vice president of global business sales for the LVCVA, who routinely brings clients here. “I’ve spent my entire adult life in Las Vegas, so the images allow me to talk about the destination in a very nostalgic way.”
PageBreakMOB MUSEUM, LAS VEGAS
The allure of this uniquely Las Vegas venue starts with the building itself. Completed in 1933, the city’s landmark former federal courthouse and post office houses the courtroom where the 1950 Kefauver hearings exposed organized crime in America.
“Featuring hundreds of artifacts and multisensory exhibits on three stories, the museum immerses visitors in the origins and impact of the Mob story in Vegas, America and beyond,” says Jonathan Ullman, executive director and CEO of the museum. “We continue to build on that story with exhibits such as one on legendary lawman Sheriff Ralph Lamb, who served from 1961-79, when Vegas was teeming with organized crime.”
Flexibly accommodating events from 10 to 400 people, the Mob Museum’s lineup of group programs includes custom-designed tours, Mob-themed speakers, scavenger hunts and the new Sleeping with the Mob overnight experience.
FERRARO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT & WINE BAR, LAS VEGAS
Celebrating its 30th anniversary this fall, family-owned Ferraro’s has been a five-star choice for authentic Italian cuisine since 1985.
“We’ve evolved by staying on top of our game,” says Gino Ferraro, co-owner with wife Rosalba and son Mimmo, the chef. “That means hands-on service and a focus on uncompromised quality. Our guests continue to come back—for 30 years now—because we know them, they are part of our family, and they know what to expect at Ferraro’s.”
The restaurant, which relocated to a new space across from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in 2009, offers several private rooms with audiovisual and outdoor patio space for groups.
“Affordable and customizable, our group menus feature our signature osso buco, house-made sausages and freshly made pastas and sauces,” Ferraro says.
