Larrea

After a Chef Shake-Up, Vegas’s Larrea Finds Its Momentum | Eater Vegas

"Opened inside the Panorama Towers in mid-December with a lot of buzz around its celebrity chef and master mixologist team-up, the restaurant was launched as Shaun O’Neale’s chance to show his take on modern American cuisine alongside master mixologist Benjamin Browning and partners Ben Lugar and Keith Waidelich; less than two months later O’Neale departed and the kitchen is now run by Vegas veteran Jeff Aspero, who is developing new recipes in collaboration with the partners. Early menus were meat- and pork-forward, and many of O’Neale’s dishes remain on the menu—including mafaldine pasta with pork sugo, wild mushroom risotto, and Key lime pie beignets—but management says they’re shifting toward lighter meals and adding salads after guest feedback. They’re adding a cloud-kitchen concept for takeout and delivery (Panorama Pizza Company), maintaining Browning’s cocktail program with fresh, innovative spins on classics such as the Smokin’ Cloves (Angel’s Envy, vanilla clove syrup, Angostura bitters, orange zest) and the Panorama Punch (rose, coconut vodka, tequila, house-made cherry strawberry puree, pineapple juice, fresh lime), and positioning the spot as a pre-game/post-game destination with late-night snacks and pizzas as well as upcoming lunch, brunch, and bar promotions. The airy, 100-seat dining room was curated by Mexican designer Javier Gracia with natural elements and a mid-century modern bent and also includes a small on-site wine retail area called Ralphie’s Wine Shop." - Maddy Sweitzer-Lamme