(Producers Notes) When the fabled Sahara casino closed its doors on May 16th 2011, many were skeptical as to whether new life would be breathed into this grande dame of the strip. Fast forward to August 23rd 2014 and SLS, a shiny white concept of ‘LA in the desert’, was born kicking and screaming into the world. Replete with Olympic mascot lookalike Sam, the shiny silver cyclops welcomed the non-existent foot traffic to the property. Would SLS succeed? Or would it be buzzed off stage faster than Tony Snyder at an America’s got talent audition.
The jewel in the dining crown at SLS was ‘James Beard Award-winning chef’ Jose Andres’ Bazaar Meat. Already a known quantity in Las Vegas through his presence at The Cosmopolitan with Jaleo, e and China Poblano, expectations were high. Fortunately, whilst the rest of SLS seemed to struggle with stores, restaurants and casino layouts coming and going, Bazaar Meat built a solid and growing reputation.
After reading a glowing recommendation in a magazine (but not listening to the constant verbal love fest that Alastair has been having with the place), Keren finally decided to head out to the wasteland of north strip to discover the truth for herself,