Downtown Summerlin finally open for business

In what some are calling a strong sign of better economic times in Las Vegas, the long-awaited debut of Downtown Summerlin took place this month.

The 1.6 million-square-foot retail, restaurant and entertainment complex located next to Red Rock Resort was originally slated to open in 2009, but was mothballed until last year due to the economic downturn. More than 80 shops and restaurants — including anchor tenants Macy’s and Dillard’s — are open, with about 30 more pending. Downtown Summerlin is about 10 miles west of the Strip and can be accessed by driving straight up Sahara Avenue or via the 215 Beltway.

Buffet pullback: Nonweekend buffets at SLS Las Vegas have been eliminated. The buffet is now served Friday-Sunday only, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Brunch is $29.99 and dinner is $39.99.

Big-cat magic: Dirk Arthur, whose magic show last performed at O’Sheas back in 2012, will return to the Strip in December, when Dirk Arthur’s Wild Illusions opens at the Riviera. Arthur is one of the last remaining performers to use live tigers and other big cats in his act.

Surrender dome: Surrender nightclub at Encore is debuting a giant glass solar-panel dome this week. The $2 million dome covers the pool area, allowing the "outdoor" club to continue operating through the winter months.

Center-Strip breakfast: Celebrity chef and New York Times best-selling author Giada De Laurentiis has added breakfast to the offerings in her restaurant, GIADA, at The Cromwell. Eight breakfast items and fresh-pressed juices now available from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily, alongside the existing lunch menu.

Question: Where are the big rocks at the new Delano?

Answer: The entrance from the Mandalay Bay parking garage features two giant rocks that are actually a single 126,000-pound metaquartzite boulder that’s been split and positioned so you can walk between the pieces. It makes for a pretty good photo op.

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