Rivea and Skyfall Lounge, conceptualized and organized by the multi-awarded, Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse, just opened atop Delano Las Vegas, the newest luxury hotel on The Strip. And when we say ATOP, we mean 64 floors above the hotel. Rivea and Skyfall Lounge bring an exceptional combination of European Riviera-inspired cuisine, one-of-a-kind libations, a casual atmosphere and dazzling views of Las Vegas.
“Rivea is influenced by food markets of Provence and Italy, and the Executive Chef Bruno Riou’s menu focuses on simple, fresh Mediterranean flavors made with the best West Coast-sourced seasonal ingredients” Chef Ducasse said at the opening.
As regards Rivea’s unique design, Chef Ducasse invited acclaimed French-Canadian design duo Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku to design his new Las Vegas venues.
Mirroring the design of Venetian yachts and the ease of spirit found on the Riviera coast, Rivea features intimate corner tables, along with large, mahogany banquettes, all with a palette of maritime blues and yellows. And the ocean is more than just inspiration: the restaurant’s “Wave Wall” contains hundreds of glass pieces that mimic lapping water.
The restaurant’s 50-seat private dining room Rivea reflects the 180-degree views of The Strip through floor-to-ceiling windows. Light fixtures comprised of twinkling lights reflect the constellations found in the Las Vegas night sky.
Like the restaurant design, the flavors and texture combinations at Rivea, whether on small plates, main courses, or on the grille, are unusual and memorable.
- Small Plates – Encouraging a convivial experience, Rivea’s small plates offers the gastronomically curious diner the chance to experience a wide variety of menu items, and share with friends should they want to. A few small plate dishes are Provençal Caponata with capers and pinenuts; Prawn & Calamari Crostino; Focccacia di Recco, an Italian-inspired flatbread with a creamy layer of cheese; Artichoke & Spinach Ravioli; and Marinated Seabream with a light citrus flavor profile.
- Main Courses – In addition to small plates, diners can have Lobster with purple artichokes; Line-Caught Striped Bass with a minestrone reduction; rack of Colorado Lamb accented by an herb pesto; and Roasted Duck Breast with Bigarade sauce and nougat, both adding an element of sweetness to the savory.
- On the Grill – High-quality cuts of beef, such as Pepper-Crusted Bison Tenderloin, are served with a selection of flavorful sauces including a Beef & Olive Jus.
- Desserts – And then, desserts! Tiramisù accented by an exclusive, house cold-brewed coffee; Limoncello Baba, a unique iteration on Chef Ducasse’s iconic Rum Baba, accompanied by its namesake digestif; and the classic chocolate-hazelnut Zuccotto.
The complete wine list, or Reserve List, features 1,300 wines, grouped by grape as opposed to the traditional list organization of wines by region.
Skyfall Lounge
Skyfall Lounge is located adjacent to Rivea, and offers a 180-degree view of Las Vegas. The cocktails are as unique as the perfect desert view.
In order to create a cocktail program as exceptional as the restaurant’s cuisine, Chef Ducasse partnered with mixology masterminds Los Angeles based Proprietors LLC on their first Las Vegas venture.
- Golden Hour —cocktails, like the Sierra Aperitivo – made with Grey Goose L’Orange, Aperol Granita and Champagne Alain Ducasse
- Effervescent —cocktails incorporate festive, bubbly ingredients, such as the Climbin’ High, that blends Kappa Pisco, Appleton’s Signature Blend Rum, the Champagne Alain Ducasse, plus Fresh Pineapple, Lime and Raspberry Juices.
- Shaken —libations include Shake It Off, a variation on the Strawberry Margarita, but this time with Jalapeno-Infused Espolon Tequila, Dry Vermouth, Fresh Strawberry Puree and Fresh Lemon Juice.
- Stirred — selections update spirit-focused favorites like the Negroni: Skyfall’s version is called Live Oak, features Bombay Dry Gin, Smoky August Tea-infused Sweet Vermouth and Campari.
Skyfall Lounge’s décor simulates the beauty of a clear, desert sunset with deep purple, red, and honey gold accents with subtle cloud forms hanging overhead. Every seat in the room delivers optimal views of the Las Vegas skyline, while the expansive outdoor patio offers a relaxing, fresh-air view.
Pursuitist has been to these exceptional places, taking the quick elevator from the ground floor up 64 floors to the restaurant and lounge. The food, the libations were balanced, yet each unusual in their own way, but beyond these was the perfect view of Las Vegas from the patio. On that night, after a desert rain, the air was clear, the night was dark, and the mood was jubilant. It seemed as if human cares and problems were, for a few hours, left below, and all that mattered was the taste of the food, drinks and the glorious desert air.
