RA Sushi Bar Restaurant, located at the Fashion Show Mall, has debuted a new menu by adding 14 new selections to its existing fare and adding six all new cocktails. The 14 new arrivals include a combination of appetizers, entrées, soups, salads and sushi dishes. The changes were intended to diversify an already successful menu, while retaining the most popular selections. RA’s Executive Chef Tai Obata, who helped get RA Sushi off the ground in 1997 made careful changes the popular menu as he explains; “I like to keep our most loyal customers on their toes, and introduce lively new flavors to offer them opportunities to experiment. Our new menu focuses on unique flavor combinations that still retain a classical technique—this way it will satisfy sushi novices and connoisseurs alike.” Six more appetizers now grace the menu, including “RA”ckin’ Shrimp: crispy rock shrimp served on a bed of mixed greens with a creamy ginger teriyaki dipping sauce ($10.50); and Pineapple Chicken: sautéed chicken with shiitake mushrooms, green and red peppers, onions and garlic, drizzled with a sweet pineapple teriyaki sauce ($8.50).

New sashimi selections include Kiwi Scallop Sashimi: sliced scallops and kiwi atop a mango wasabi sauce with sautéed pine and cashew nuts, drizzled with mango-tobiko sauce ($9.50); and Tunacado: seared Ahi tuna dusted with Japanese rice crackers and black sesame seeds, served with fresh avocado and a creamy ponzu dipping sauce ($10.50).

Joining a list of longtime favorite rolls—such as RA’s famous Tootsy Maki—are the New Zealand Roll: smoked salmon, cream cheese, and mango rolled in rice and seaweed, topped with scallops, kiwi, and sautéed pine and cashew nuts, drizzled with a sweet eel and mango sauce ($10.50); and Yellow Monkey Roll: roasted red peppers, marinated artichoke, and cream cheese rolled in rice and seaweed, topped with mango and cashew nuts, drizzled with eel and mango sauce ($9.50).

Strip House arrives in Las Vegas at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino this Wednesday (8/15), bringing its seductive atmosphere and innovative menu to the renovated and redesigned resort hotel and casino complex. Strip House was created by renowned restaurateurs Peter, Penny and Mathew Glazier (The Glazier Group—whose other properties include Monkey Bar, Michael Jordan’s The Steak House N.Y.C., Bridgewater’s and Twenty-Four Fifth). Designed by architectural visionary David Rockwell, Strip House redefines the traditional steak house paradigm with a saucy mélange of rosy lighting and flocked wall coverings adorned with black and white photographs of scantily dressed women from the original 1900s Studio Manasse collection. Executive Chef John Schenk brings a wealth of knowledge and culinary expertise to Strip House, having served as executive chef at Monkey Bar; sous chef under Alfred Portale at Gotham Bar and Grill; executive Chef at West Broadway where he received three-stars from The New York Times; and chef/owner at Clementine in Greenwich Village. Strip House has three private dining rooms available for special events. For reservations call 702-737-5200.

Go West!
The California Restaurant Association (CRA) will be hosting three events in correlation to the 2007 Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo in Los Angeles on August 18th -20th. The first event, the Student Showcase, will be hosted by the CRA’s Educational Foundation (CRAEF) and be held on the Show floor on August 18th from 4pm–6pm. The second event, the Chairman’s Ball, will take place at the City Club in Los Angeles on Sunday, August 19th. This event is an invite-only, black tie affair and was established this year to recognize the CRA’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Chris T. Sullivan, Chairman of the Board of OSI Restaurant Partners, Inc. The must-attend event of the weekend is CRAVE the Experience sponsored by American Express. CRAVE the Experience will be held at the Union Bank, Coral Tree Plaza in Los Angeles on August 19th at 8:00pm and will feature a menu designed by the Food Network’s Too Hot Tamales. Also, on Saturday, August 18th, Food & Beverage Magazine and The LA Eye along with Jimi Hendrix energy drink, POM Wonderful, VOJO energy mints, Alchemy Polish Vodka, and Right Gin will be hosting a private VIP party at LA’s hottest restaurant; Ketchup, in celebration of the Foodservice and Hospitality Industry. From 6pm–9pm, guests are invited to enjoy complimentary featured cocktails and delicious appetizers. Please RSVP@fb101.com.

Mandalay Place welcomes DuO, the wardrobe shop for men and women, as they open their first boutique in Nevada. The AA Concepts store offers the latest in clothing and accessories and lures visitors inside with hip furnishings and affordable prices under $100. DuO is located between Nora Blue and Fornarina. The boutique is open daily from 10am until 11pm and can be reached directly at (702) 739-6670.