Yellowtail at Bellagio: new does not mean original
August 12, 2008 | 10:32
am
Marketing and the places marketed in Vegas do not value originality. We pay lip service to originality in press releases. It would demonstrate real originality not to do that. Every place is "unforgettable" and "refreshing." Yesterday I got an invitation to the grand opening of the nightclub company Light Group's new restaurant and bar, Yellowtail , on Aug. 29 at Bellagio. The marketing uses both "unforgettable" and "refreshing," as well as "unique," "innovative," and "exotic," as descriptions of menu items or amenities at Yellowtail.
But before anyone thinks this place really does offer anything not market-tested in Vegas, the same description crows this overall assessment that Yellowtail is made: "For the quintessential Las Vegas experience." The invitation included a tokkuri, a gourd used to serve sake.
Anyway, the tokkuri sent Buffet photographer Sarah Gerke to storage boxes to find a another tokkuri sent along in years past to promote the opening of OPM, a long gone nightspot at the Caesars Forum Shops. The space is now a nightclub called Poetry. Again, newer but not really different.
I also remember getting another promotional tokkuri, though sadly I could not locate it to complete the trio for the photo.
Las Vegas may always be building something new, but somehow the result is often a variation of the old and tested. Our edge can be less cutting than serrated. (photo by Sarah Gerke)
poor Vegas, one more restaurant opening ain't gonna cure the economic cancer eating away at it. Let's do a follow-up on the ho at the Wynn, that is a lot more interesting than the obvious pain Vegas is going through. Some pics, her prices, the whole 9 yards. She has got the pulse of the economy all right, pulsing all over her, the poor dear.
Posted by: shiny | August 12, 2008 at 03:52 PM
Yes. It is true that Las Vegas does not value 'originality.' However, I could think of a bunch of other far notable criticisms of the restaurant, Yellowtail. For one, it is an overpriced sushi place in a fancy casino next to a major night club. It also lacks great quality food, and is not even owned by a restaurant company. It is owned by a night club company. The fact that you chose to write about the 'tokkuri' to describe how unoriginal Las Vegas and Yellowtail was very lame. Comparing the free tokkuri was like complaining about dentist's giving out free toothpaste and toothbrushes as a promotional gift.
I read this article because I expected some great constructive criticism....not some lame excuse for an article.
Posted by: marie | August 12, 2008 at 07:32 PM
I enjoyed the post. I guess some people don't really understand the concept of "blogging" --at least comments make for a separately amusing read.
Posted by: Bobak | August 13, 2008 at 08:44 AM
You missed the bigger story here RIchard: no, not the part about the Light Group naming this new sushi joint after a terrible Australian wine, but the fact that Criss Angel's face doesn't appear on the gifted tokkuri.
Wait..you mean to say that there is something going on in Vegas that doesn't involve Criss Angel??? What will all the Loyals have to respond to? Your blog will die, Richard! Quick, back to more Angel minutiae!
Posted by: Big Karl | August 13, 2008 at 10:49 AM