A new Italian restaurant and a reimagined pool area are coming to the Sahara Las Vegas this summer.
James Beard Award-winning chef Shawn McClain and MC Hospitality will introduce Ballo, featuring seasonal Italian cuisine in a vibrant setting. Dishes will include aperitivos, handmade pastas, Roman pizzas, vegetable dishes and salads and fire-roasted meats and fish.
Contemporary Italian art will help create distinct spaces for a variety of party sizes. A live-action kitchen, a pasta-making window and a takeaway deli will add to the high-energy space.
McClain has opened several critically acclaimed restaurants in Chicago (Spring, Green Zebra and Custom House) and Detroit (Highlands) in addition to Las Vegas (Sage and Five50 Pizza Bar).
A rendering of Ballo, which will feature Italian cuisine under the direction of James Beard Award-winning chef Shawn McClain.
"We are continually seeking to set the standard with our culinary program," said Anthony Olheiser, the resort's vice president of food and beverage. "Shawn is both a highly decorated chef and a clever operator, making the perfect addition to our exceptional restaurant portfolio."
The new 35,000-square-foot Azilo Ultra Pool, with Moroccan decor and lush greens surrounding it, is designed to be a flexible location for party-seekers, sunbathers and event planners.
A 10,000-square-foot LED wall will wrap around the pool area's perimeter to screen sports and other livestream events. State-of-the-art visual presentations, lighting and sound packages will envelop guests.
Azilo will also have VIP cabanas with TVs, private pools, spas and restrooms; daybeds; lily pads; three bars; and lounge seating. It will be open daily to resort guests and the public, with special events planned for Friday and Saturday evenings.
"Azilo Ultra Pool and Ballo, along with the other many updates we've made to the resort, create an elevated guest experience that is unique to Sahara," said Paul Hobson, senior vice president and general manager. "These additions, like our other newly enhanced amenities, have been designed to create a crafted, boutique experience that our guests can customize to suit their tastes and truly make their Las Vegas experience their own."
The resort, undergoing a $150 million transformation, will also host "Magic Mike Live" in a new dedicated showroom beginning Aug. 27.