VEGAS RESTAURANT ROUNDUP: Why Did the Wynn Reopen Mizumi Without its Star Chef?

Even before Chef Min Kim came to Wynn Las Vegas in 2015, he was a culinary superstar. The former executive chef at Mizumi at Wynn Palace in Macau previously helmed the Michelin-starred Narisawa in Tokyo and the Michelin-starred Ryugin.

So why would Wynn remodel and reopen its popular Mizumi Japanese restaurant to Kim s exacting specifications and reopen it without Kim?

It turns out Kim quietly exited the restaurant in September after closing Min s Test Kitchen, a pop-up concept designed to bide time during the renovation.

The reason his exit was quiet is a matter of speculation. A spokesperson for the Wynn said that Kim resigned from the company in September after Min s Test Kitchen to pursue another opportunity.

However, Casino.org s own Vital Vegas blogger Scott Roeben set kitchens up and down the Strip ablaze this week when he reported that Kim

Wynn said a new executive chef would be announced in the coming weeks.

Las Vegas s first drive-thru Shake Shack will open on Dec. 14 at 1830 W. Craig Road in North Las Vegas. The chain operates six regional Shake Shack locations, but all are dine-in only.

Half Bird Chicken Beer has closed its doors in Chinatown. Before the closure, however, owner/chef Brian Howard got another location up and running at 725 S. Green Valley Parkway in Henderson.

Rizzo s Pizzeria Grill, a beloved slice of Vegas nostalgia from the ’70 70ss being resurrected at 5821 E. Charleston Blvd. by owner/chef Mike Rizzo as a tribute to his pop, who owned the original Rizzo’s.