Destination: Diablo’s

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

The Light Group’s Newest Restaurant Takes You South of the Border Without Leaving the Strip

(944 – October 2007)
By Patty Walsh

In case the devil on the roof (wearing a bra, no less) hasn’t clued you in yet, make no mistake that the Strip’s new Diablo’s Cantina, owned by the Light Group, is built for having a sinful good time.

Come October 13, the 13,000-square-foot, no-holds-barred restaurant will combine elements of Sin City nightlife with that of laid-back Mexico. Like the shores of Acapulco, by day Diablo’s will be a friendly, welcoming environment. But by night, be prepared to party like it’s spring break, south of the border.

Get the fiesta started at the frozen cocktail bar in the modern lounge on the first floor, or hit the second level for people-watching and taking in the to-die-for view. (The joint is located right on the Strip, in front of the Monte Carlo.) Diablo’s also has a stage upstairs for live band performances and a DJ booth downstairs, near the dining room that doubles as a dance floor. (Both can be used simultaneously to offer guests a choice of sounds.)

The social destination really gets going during its happy hour, from 4 to 7:00 p.m. daily, with the arrival of the much-anticipated Tequila Shot Girls, a select group of seductive senoritas hired to rev up the crowd with the restaurant’s unique selection of tequilas…and other special ways.

One tactic involves a naughty “Wheel of Sin,” a provocative challenge that determines drink specials via hedonistic contests. One prize that winners can expect: a pair of “She-Devil” victory horns. (other “prizes” might ensure the player stumbles home that night.) In addition, the Tequila Shot Girls will perform vigorous go-go dancing with tequila shots attached to their hips in belt holsters.

While lips are sealed on the details of upcoming live bands, Light Group spokesman Alex Acuna did drop the names of the chosen spinsters. The rotating lineup consists of DJs Que, Karma, Eric Forbes, Eddie McDonald and David Christian.

“Between live bands and the sexy tequila girls, everyone is guaranteed to have a good time,” Acuna says.

True to the fiesta-inspired environment, Diablo’s won’t have the strict dress code that the Light Group enforces at its other venues. “With Diablo’s Cantina, we are looking to recreate your favorite spring break experience, while providing a great service and classic south-of-the-border cuisine,” Acuna says.

But just because there’s no dress code doesn’t mean that Diablo’s will be lacking in style or class. In fact, hand-painted murals will adorn the walls, and 10 plasma screens, ranging in size from 14 to 42 inches, will surround the second level. Not to mention that a 10-foot-by-10-foot projection screen will hang on the back wall of the second floor so that patrons can feel the full effect of sporting events.

Scenesters can lounge around on vintage-like furniture while admiring the neon lights. Acuna stresses that Diablo’s, even though it is aiming for a comfortable ambiance, will still be a destination for hipsters. With no cover charge or hours of waiting in line to enter, the restaurant offers good food and a good time – without all the fuss that other nights out in Vegas can turn out to be.

An innovative venue such as this needs a menu to match, so the Light Group has hired Executive Chef Noe Alcala, who’s been cooking home-style Mexican food since he was a child growing up near Guadalajara. Alcala will be overseen by Light Group’s Corporate Executive Chef, Brian Massie.

Formerly the executive chef at Pink Taco inside the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Alcala has designed a fun menu that fuses Mexican, Southwestern and traditional American cuisine. Originating from Tepatitlan, Mexico, Alcala offers entrees and appetizers that drive home the traditional tastes of Old World Mexico with the new zest of modern day dishes. Anticipate unique taco and burrito combinations, salads, appetizers, and sandwich and meat platters.

Menu items will not only highlight delicious foods and beverages such as Diablo Death Wings (spicy chicken wings with a distinctive smoked jalapeno blue cheese sauce). Spicy Grilled Shrimp Quesadillas and boozy Mangoritas (tequila, mango nectar and fresh lime), but also offer large-portioned servings similar to those at the Claim Jumper. Other selections include Skirt Steak Nachos and a 15-ounce burger.

As for the frozen cocktail bar, guests can indulge in a wide array of beverages and an impressive assortment of mojitos, “Sin” – grias and rare tequilas.

Diablo’s will be open Sundays thru Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Thursdays thru Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. Food will be served seven days a week from 11 a.m. to midnight, although, if the party is muy caliente, exceptions will be made.