Vegas: Big money, big lights, big Brand steaks

When talking about steaks, I take the word "big" very seriously. I'm the girl who was raised on huge cuts of prime rib, and would be offended when waiters would challenge my 20+ ounce beef order. Still, the one thing that has always remained out of my reach was the epic, huge, "dare you to eat it all yourself" piece of steak. I so desperately want to take on that dare, so is it wrong of me to think that the 120-oz porterhouse for six that's being offered at the new Brand steakhouse in Las Vegas is perfect for just me?

Yes, steak fans, that is just one of the many steak offerings coming from the new restaurant, nestled on the Monte Carlo's casino floor. The menu, created by chef Brian Massie, boasts even more tasty steak options like an oversized, Bone-In and dry-aged Nebraska steak, Kobe short ribs and burgers, plus fish, sides, and appetizers like the delicious-sounding King Crab Scampi.

I'm bummed that this place wasn't around when I visited Las Vegas last year, but if any of you readers happen to check it out, let me know how it is. And if you're interested in more information, you can check out the press release after the jump.

BRAND Steakhouse Opens

at Monte Carlo Resort & Casino

Premier Steakhouse and Lounge to Offer Ultimate Steakhouse Experience

LAS VEGAS – The Light Group, Las Vegas' premier hospitality and lifestyle development organization, will unveil its latest restaurant concept with the opening of BRAND Steakhouse. One part steakhouse and one part lounge, BRAND will fuse modern fine dining with the classic steakhouse to create the ultimate dining experience. Centrally located in the heart of Monte Carlo's casino floor, BRAND's unique design and concept will set the standard for the contemporary American steakhouse.

"We are thrilled to offer BRAND's contemporary steakhouse experience to guests of Monte Carlo," said Anton Nikodemus, President and COO of Monte Carlo. "Within our city's thriving dining scene, Monte Carlo now has several dining destinations worth visiting time and again."

BRAND's open design will lend itself to people-watching where diners and voyeurs alike will go to see and be part of the scene. Designed by Graft Lab, the award-winning design firm behind FIX Restaurant & Bar at Bellagio and STACK Restaurant & Bar at The Mirage, BRAND will feature a 5,500-square-foot dining room and adjacent lounge that will be the center of excitement and energy. The dining room's stunning interior will feature a dramatically lit ceiling canopy that creates a pixilated abstract cow-print pattern. A rich palette of earthy colors and unique textures combined with soft lighting and subtle sound system will add to BRAND's casually cool ambience. BRAND's fluid design, featuring low-level walls and retractable glass partitions from both the casino and inside the restaurant, will create seamless transitions into either environment.

BRAND's menu, created by The Light Group's Executive Chef Brian Massie, will offer imaginative interpretations of classic steakhouse favorites and will feature large, one-of-a-kind chops making this the quintessential steakhouse experience. Signature oversized Bone-In (dry-aged) and Bone-Out (wet-aged) Nebraska steaks and large chops cooked to order in a wood-burning grill will be highlights of BRAND's menu. House-made sauces will add a twist to the standard steak sauce, such as Black Pepper Cream and the House Worcestershire sauce while diners also can choose from three "surf" variations including King Crab, Jumbo Shrimp or Maine Lobster Tail to create the perfect "Surf and Turf" combination.

Highlighting the menu will be the Ultimate Steak: a mammoth 120-oz beef porterhouse for six served with choice of two house-made sauces and two sides – the perfect party platter for any group of steak fanatics.

"Brand's big, bold steaks and chops will satisfy the appetite of any carnivore," said Massie. Additional signature dishes include a 20-oz Tomahawk Rib-Eye; Kurobuta Pork Prime Rib; 12-oz Filet Mignon; Double-Cut Veal Chop; as well as imported 7 Hour Kobe Short Ribs; Flat Iron Steak and a 10-oz Kobe Burger.

BRAND's menu also will include a variety of fresh fish, oversized chopped salads and appetizers, and à la carte sides. The Brand Seafood Platter will offer guests a selection of oysters, clams, crab, shrimp and lobster. À la carte sides for sharing will include Forest Mushroom Ragout; Rick's Hash brown and Baked Mac 'n' Cheese. The small plate appetizer items will be served with an emphasis on presentation and encourage sharing including the Maine Lobster Rolls, King Crab Scampi and Maryland Crab Cakes.

In addition, BRAND will feature an extensive list of wines, bourbons and specialty cocktails to complement each item on the menu. A select variety of more than 200 red wines chosen from areas spanning the California wine country, to the Bordeaux region of France all the way to the Super Tuscans of Italy will highlight the wine list. An elite array of bourbons has been selected to complete the perfect steak meal and will be sure to please any discerning palate. BRAND also will feature a specialty menu of classic cocktails with a twist, including the Ward Eight (Knob Creek bourbon, fresh lemon and orange juice, and pomegranate molasses) and the exotic Passion Mojito (Cruzan light rum, muddled lime, spearmint, passion fruit, watermelon).

The BRAND Lounge will add an exciting nightlife element to Monte Carlo. The chic lounge will feature plush low-level couch-style seating perfectly placed throughout to create an intimate vibe. With five elevated plasma television screens and a booth for a live DJ, BRAND Lounge will be the perfect place for sports viewing or a relaxed evening of music and cocktails. The lounge's unique proximity to the restaurant and full food menu will allow for a combined dining/nightlife experience for guests choosing to partake in a more relaxed atmosphere.

BRAND will offer a 200-seat dining room and 36-seat large party private dining room, which can be further divided into two smaller private dining rooms.

Brand Steakhouse and Lounge will be open seven days a week from 5 p.m. to midnight with the last seating taking place at 10 p.m.