It all started when I read on his Facebook page that Jonathan “Shecky” Shecter (Director of Programming, the Nightclubs of Wynn Las Vegas & Encore Resort) had spun at Andrea’s at Encore, for the restaurant’s weekly Thursday night party – Lucky 7 (so-dubbed for the seven menu selections and seven drink specials to be had for seven dollars – with Local ID; and that the evening is done in conjunction with VEGAS Seven magazine).  Knowing that, like me, Shecky’s preferred genres of music include funk, soul, classic House, and danceable r&b (aka disco); I asked him and Las Vegas Nightlife Group managing partner Sean Christie what they thought about me taking a turn in the DJ booth – and they loved it.  Yippee!

So, last Thursday, I dined at Andrea’s – just to get a feel for the atmosphere; and Madge, I was soaking in it!  Everything clicked.  The room (designed by the very talented and affable Todd-Avery Lenahan of TAL Studio) gives off a very posh Art Deco-y vibe.  It’s all done in warm blush and amber tones, with lots of clear blown glass, and gorgeous luxe materials; and the focal-point of the room is a color-saturated video-art installation, above the bar, featuring the eyes of the restaurant’s namesake, Andrea Wynn.

While I might never have immediately thought “Deco!” for a restaurant featuring Contemporary Asian cuisine, it works; splendidly.  That Todd-Avery doesn’t miss a trick.  Fittingly, the food is as sublime as the room.  It’s neither trying too hard nor is it beholden to a bunch of sauces; but is prepared to take full advantage of the flavor.  The Albacore Sashimi is perfect.  Period.  The Shishito Peppers in Mustard Miso?  Enormous and crunchy.  And those Fried Smashed Potatoes on Thai Curry Aïoli are so good (in such a bad way) that they make a compelling argument for falling off the diet-wagon.

Last night, I was having such a good time, serving a soulful helping of DJ Gant Johnson-inspired fierceness (and receiving such fabulous feedback from the guests and staff, alike) that I ended-up playing about as late as I can stay-up, these days (without a decent nap, anyhow).  There was funk by Cameo (“You Make Me Work”) and The S.O.S. Band (“Take Your Time (Do It Right)").  There was soul in the form of Gladys Knight & the Pips’ sensational cover of Ashford & Simpson’s “Bourgie, Bourgie” and “Don’t Leave Me This Way” by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes.  There were House classics like “Stars” by the fabulous Sylvester and “Clouds” by Chaka Khan.  And since neither modesty nor humility was ever my strong point, I’m just gonna say it – yours truly was en fuego!  (Insert two-handed ¡Olé! snap, here.)

Anyhoo, I can’t wait to go back; and in the meanwhile, I highly suggest you check-out Andrea’s, and get into Lucky 7 Thursdays.

Lucky 7 Thursdays
Andrea’s at Encore
Click HERE for info

Get into it!

[EDITOR’S NOTE: By now you’ve probably noticed that the biggest banner on this website bears a striking similarity to the key image of this article.  Simply put, having a lynchpin advertiser that encapsulates luxury and quality on an international level (à la Wynn Las Vegas & Encore Resort) allows me to seemingly pander while ensuring that my integrity remains intact.  And like Andrea's, it works.]