Clique Hospitality Celebrates Durango Resort’s Opening 12/5
Industry trendsetter Clique Hospitality celebrated the arrival of three immersive new concepts at the eagerly awaited Durango Casino & Resort with its grand opening on Tuesday, Dec. 5, and into the following weeks.
Bel-Aire Lounge, a chic cocktail lounge, will host live music by legendary DJ and record producer, DJ Jazzy Jeff, on Thursday, Dec. 7. Mijo Modern Mexican Restaurant, a coastal Mexican culinary experience; and Wax Rabbit, a seductive speakeasy hidden inside Mijo; will also host celebrations on opening day and into the following weeks.
Mijo Modern Mexican Restaurant
Mijo Modern Mexican Restaurant’s menu showcases the diverse, tantalizing flavors of coastal Mexico presented through an unconventional lens. Mijo’s cuisine is highlighted by sizzling fajitas, prime meats, grilled whole fish, and to-die-for ceviche paired with exceptional margaritas and other craft cocktails that celebrate the spirits of Mexico.
Signature dishes include quesa birria tacos featuring shredded beef, crispy cheese, and consommé, which is presented open-face on locally made white corn tortillas and served with scratch-made salsas and sauces; and the surf and turf burrito, filled with shrimp, carne asada, refried beans, Spanish rice, and fire-roasted salsa.
Mijo’s unblemished beverage program is its calling card. A bevy of fragrant and flavorful cocktails and hard-to-find spirits complement the cuisine, including a carefully curated selection of tequilas, in addition to tequila lockers that hold hidden gems. Tequilas range from smooth, unaged blancos to rich and complex aged añejos, allowing everyone from novice tequila drinkers to connoisseurs plenty to discover and explore.
Inspired by the storied history and natural beauty found throughout Mexico, multiple rooms and an outdoor patio surrounded by lush greenery set the backdrop for Mijo’s alluring 4,700-square-foot atmosphere, transporting guests to different parts of the country.
Mijo Modern Mexican Restaurant is open from 4 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 4 to 11 p.m. on Friday; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 to 10 p.m. on Sunday. Mijo will soon unveil its weekend bottomless brunch, with more details to be announced soon.
Bel-Aire Lounge
Bel-Aire Lounge celebrates its much-anticipated grand opening on Thursday, Dec. 7 with live music by legendary DJ and record producer, DJ Jazzy Jeff. Doors will open to the public at 10 p.m., setting off what is poised to be a party of the ages with a weekend-long celebration at the stunning southwest Las Vegas resort.
Food & Drink inside Bel-Aire Lounge at Durango Casino & Resort from Clique Hospitality
Following the opening night celebration, which will include a late-night performance by Eddie Mac, Bel-Aire Lounge will continue the celebration with electrifying parties on Friday and Saturday. On Friday, Dec. 8, Bel-Aire will launch its Friday night vinyl experience called “The B-Side,” paying homage to what once was secondary songs found on the flip side of records.
Every Friday from 8 p.m. to close, the lounge will feature a curated lineup of renowned vinyl DJs from the MAC Vinyl Collective, evoking an era of glamour and refinement that predates the modern digital age. The festivities will continue on Saturday, Dec. 9, with DJ Five, who will keep energy high with music that will have guests dancing the night away.
Poised to become Southwest Las Vegas’ hottest new social spot, the 4,300-square-foot chic cocktail lounge will present an unforgettable selection of progressive cocktails and refined small plates. Cocktail enthusiasts will be captivated by Bel-Aire Lounge’s artisanal concoctions crafted by master mixologists.
The meticulously crafted beverage program is underscored by handcrafted cocktails that are as artful as they are tantalizing, such as the orange sherbet, crafted with Belvedere vodka, Monin cantaloupe syrup, coconut water, turmeric powder, fresh-squeezed lemon, and lime juices, and garnished with papaya lemon zest foam, a dehydrated orange slice and a sprinkle of blue cornflowers; and pebbles and paradise, featuring Grey Goose strawberry and lemongrass vodka, Fruity Pebbles tea, fresh-squeezed lemon juice, vanilla simple syrup and dashes of cherry and orange bitters, garnished with edible flower confetti and a miniature Fruity Pebbles cone.
Bel-Aire Lounge’s food menu boasts an array of globally inspired small plates with modern flair. Highlights include the hamachi tostadas featuring fresh hamachi stacked with cherry tomatoes on a corn tortilla crisp and topped with a chile cashew crema; flame-grilled wagyu sliders topped with aged white cheddar cheese, Louis sauce, sweet pickles, balsamic onions and served with crispy fries; and the Durango sushi roll, featuring ahi tuna, BBQ eel, grilled pineapple, bubu abare crunch, chile aioli, sweet soy and micro shisho.
Bel-Aire Lounge is open from 11 a.m. to close Monday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to close on Saturday and Sunday.
Wax Rabbit
Wax Rabbit, an immersive, 1,000-square-foot speakeasy that is hidden behind the walls of Mijo, will pair the rich flavors of classic libations with Mexico’s finest spirits, highlighting the flavors of expertly curated mezcals and tequilas.
Cocktails, which include the Nopales, made with Patron reposado tequila, Ancho Reyes chile liqueur, cactus and mint, will honor Mexico’s rich spirits heritage, while extravagant cocktails designed for sharing will tantalize guests’ taste buds, such as the Candy Jar, which features Botanist gin, aloe vera, acai, blueberry Red Bull and vanilla, exquisitely presented in a lidded glass vessel.
Every night, DJs spin music that spans genres on ‘wax,’ as vinyl records were dubbed during the rise of the underground bar scene in the ‘80s, evoking a sense of nostalgia. Those in the know will discover a hidden entrance, where one must “find the right rabbit to pull” to enter this world of music and libations. Wax Rabbit will be open from 6 p.m. to close Tuesday through Saturday.
The new Durango Casino & Resort by Station Casinos is poised to become the ultimate destination for luxury hospitality off the Strip, anchored by the arrival of these new, immersive concepts. Clique Hospitality will also introduce a stylish poolside retreat to the resort, Bel-Aire Backyard, in late spring 2024.
About Clique Hospitality
Clique Hospitality, a venture pioneered by hospitality innovator Andy Masi in 2014, stands as a dynamic force in the realms of nightlife and dining, leaving an indelible mark on the landscapes of San Diego and Las Vegas. With a visionary approach, Clique Hospitality has conceptualized nearly two dozen destinations that seamlessly blend sophistication, innovation, and a distinct sense of experiential luxury.
In the vibrant city of Las Vegas, Clique Hospitality has curated an impressive portfolio of day and nightlife experiences that redefine entertainment on the iconic Strip. Notable venues include The Barbershop Cuts & Cocktails and CliQue Bar & Lounge at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Easy’s Cocktail Lounge at ARIA Resort & Casino, Eight Lounge and Gatsby’s Cocktail Lounge at Resorts World Las Vegas, and DAYLIGHT Beach Club at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.
Complementing this nightlife prowess, Clique Hospitality has also made its mark in the Las Vegas dining scene. Notable culinary destinations include Bottiglia Cucina & Enoteca and Borracha Mexican Cantina at Green Valley Ranch Resort Spa and Casino, Side Piece Pizza at Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa, The Still Drafts, Crafts & Eats at The Mirage, Tailgate Social Sports Bar & Grill at Palace Station Hotel and Casino, and Proper Eats Food Hall at ARIA Resort & Casino.
Looking ahead, Clique Hospitality is set to unveil new, immersive concepts at Durango Casino & Resort in Southwest Las Vegas. The eagerly anticipated additions include Mijo Modern Mexican Restaurant, its hidden speakeasy, Wax Rabbit, and Bel-Aire Lounge, all slated for a fall 2023 debut. Additionally, the Bel-Aire Backyard is poised to open its doors in late spring 2024, further enhancing the diverse offerings of Clique Hospitality.
Clique Hospitality’s Southern California footprint is equally impressive, with day and nightlife destinations that capture the essence of sophistication. Notable venues in San Diego include Oxford Social Club and The Pool House at Pendry San Diego. The restaurant portfolio in Southern California is equally compelling, featuring SET Steak & Sushi at Pendry Newport Beach, Joya Kitchen in La Jolla, Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine at Pendry San Diego, Serea Coastal Cuisine at Hotel Del Coronado, and Temaki Bar in Encinitas.
The innovative spirit of Clique Hospitality continues to thrive, with the imminent unveiling of two new destinations at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe: Lilian’s and Bing’s Bar, both scheduled to open in fall 2023. These additions promise to bring a new dimension of culinary and entertainment excellence to the vibrant San Diego region.
In summary, Clique Hospitality, under the visionary leadership of Andy Masi, has not only curated a remarkable array of nightlife and dining destinations but has also set the stage for future immersive experiences. With a commitment to pushing boundaries and a keen eye for anticipating trends, Clique Hospitality remains at the forefront of the ever-evolving hospitality landscape, offering guests unforgettable moments of luxury, entertainment, and culinary delight.
More information about Clique Hospitality and the company’s restaurants and bars can be found on their website.
About Mijo Modern Mexican Restaurant
Mijo Modern Mexican Restaurant’s menu showcases the diverse, tantalizing flavors of coastal Mexico presented through an unconventional lens. Mijo’s cuisine is highlighted by sizzling fajitas, prime meats, grilled whole fish, and to-die-for ceviche.
Mijo’s unblemished beverage program is its calling card. A bevy of fragrant and flavorful cocktails and hard-to-find spirits complement the cuisine, in addition to tequila lockers that hold hidden gems. Mijo by Clique Hospitality will be open from 4 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 4 to 11 p.m. on Friday; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 to 10 p.m. on Sunday.
More information is available on the website at www.mijomexican.com or on TikTok and Instagram @MijoMexican.
About Bel-Aire Lounge
A chic cocktail bar, Bel-Aire Lounge by Clique Hospitality seamlessly blends sophistication with high energy, blending old-school glamor with contemporary flair. Bel-Aire Lounge’s meticulously crafted beverage program is underscored by handcrafted cocktails that are as artful as they are tantalizing, complemented by globally inspired small plates with modern flair.
At night, Bel-Aire Lounge is filled with the electrifying sounds of vinyl records spun by talented DJs and live music across various genres such as rock, hip-hop, pop, and indie. Bel-Aire Lounge will be open from 11 a.m. to close Monday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to close on Saturday and Sunday.
More information about Bel-Aire Lounge can be found on the website at www.belaireloungelv.com and on Facebook and Instagram at @BelAireLoungeLV.
About Wax Rabbit
Wax Rabbit, an immersive, enchanting cocktail lounge that is hidden within the walls of Mijo Modern Mexican Restaurant, is now open at the luxurious Durango Casino & Resort in southwest Las Vegas.
DJs spinning vinyl records sets a nostalgic mood within the intimate, 1,000-square-foot lounge, which will reveal intriguing design by world-renowned Italo-Canadian designer Alessandro Munge and his award-winning firm, Studio Munge. Cutting-edge mixology will pair the rich flavors of classic cocktails with Mexico’s finest spirits, highlighting the flavors of expertly curated mezcals and tequilas. Wax Rabbit will be open from 6 p.m. to close Tuesday through Saturday.
More information about Wax Rabbit by Clique Hospitality is available on the website at www.mijomexican.com/waxrabbit and on Instagram @WaxRabbit.
About Durango Casino & Resort
Inspired by the warm colors of the desert and heritage of Las Vegas, Durango Casino & Resort offers locals and visitors alike an approachable luxury experience. Guests will arrive in a serene lobby, flanked by the resort’s indoor/outdoor Bel-Aire Lounge and Backyard alongside nearby elegant meetings and events spaces.
Travelers can retreat to a modern 200-room luxury hotel featuring an elevated collection of rooms and suites that reflect the property’s sense of place. Signature dining options include Mijo Modern Mexican, Summer House, The George Sportsmen’s Lounge, and Nicco’s Prime Meats & Fresh Fish, an original steakhouse concept by Chef Daniel Ye and his team.
Eat Your Heart Out, an eclectic and communal hall of foods offers highly sought-after outposts from culinary-driven cities Los Angeles, New York, and Philadelphia, and beloved local favorites. Durango will feature an 83,000-square-foot casino featuring innovative gaming technology and a one-of-a-kind STN Sportsbook.
Durango is the latest casino and resort destination by Station Casinos and is located at the corner of Interstate 215 (I-215) beltway and Durango Drive just a short drive from The Strip and offers convenient, free parking. Durango opened on Dec. 5, 2023.
For more information, please visit www.durangoresort.com or call 702.567.7777. Follow the resort’s progress on social media at @DurangoResort.