Las Vegas Mixtape v45: Eclectic Vegas: Dark, Rhythmic, and Fragrant

Track #5: Around Town Medley: Neal Portnoy Gallery, Soulbelly BBQ, Marigold Fine Indian Cuisine

The Prince of Darkness sends his love from the other side. (Image: Vegas 411) 

Being in the presence of Ozzy Osbourne (a PR client of mine from 1987 through his passing) and his signature smile is something I will always miss. The portrait above by acclaimed artist Neal Portnoy wonderfully illuminates that stadium-size smile. I’ve marked my calendar to see his felt marker illustrations of Ozzy, Stevie Nicks, Bob Dylan and more at a reception on Wednesday, January 28, 7-9pm at Portnoy’s downtown Vegas gallery. That day happens to be the nationally recognized “Pop Art Day.”

Soulbelly’s embrace of Jewish deli food was a big success. (Image: Vegas 411)

Bravo to Soulbelly BBQ chef-owner for Bruce Kalman hosting a Hanukkah pop-up collab with Sobel Brothers Pastrami.  The December event was wildly successful with lines out the door. Clearly many folks were longing for, in Soulbelly’s words, “the soulful, smokey and nostalgic flavors of Jewish deli culture reimagined through the lens of modern live-fire cooking.” I fell under the spell of the house pastrami—probably the best I ever tasted—and the Reuben-style knish that was a soul-satisfying meal unto itself. I washed it down, of course, with a chocolate egg cream which conjured memories of the ones I used to enjoy at the now-shuttered iconic Gem Spa in NYC at the corner of Saint Mark’s Place and Second Avenue.

Indian food on Christmas Day. Well, why not? (Image: Vegas 411)

My family has kept alive our California tradition of taking out Indian cuisine on Christmas Day—this time from the outstanding Marigold Fine Indian Cuisine on Flamingo near the Palms. Pictured above: vegetable samosa, garlic naan, lamb coconut curry, aloo gobi (with cauliflower and potato), bindhi masala (with okra), eggplant curry, and the green-colored hariyali chicken tikka (marinated in a paste of mint and other spices). The flavors were deep and seductive, with so many taste sensations designed to lift you higher. If you like Indian, may I also recommend these other fine places all over town where I’ve had excellent meals? Angara India Spice Grill (Grand Canyon/Flamingo), Mint Indian Bistro (Durango/Flamingo), and Saffron Flavors of India (Tenaya/Craig). On the list to try: Curry Leaf Flavors of India (Fort Apache/Tropicana) and Taste of Gujarat (Silverado Ranch area).