Las Vegas Review-Journal (Sunday)
Steakhouse marks Mortons’ return to Hard Rock
The sons of the founder of Morton’s steakhouses are launching a new steakhouse brand at the Hard Rock Hotel.
Michael and David Morton plan a March opening for what they described as “the next evolution” of a steakhouse, “a game changer.” The 175-seat eatery will be on the ground floor in the Hard Rock’s expansion tower next to the new Center Bar and across from Vanity nightclub.
Their late father, Arnie Morton, a legendary Chicago restaurateur and co-founder of Playboy Clubs, created the Morton’s steakhouse chain in 1978.
The new steakhouse marks the Morton family’s return to the Hard Rock since the oldest son, Peter Morton, sold it for $770 million in 2006, about 16 months before the Great Recession. In a classic understatement, he said, “It was just time to take the chips off the table.”
Peter, now 68, built the Hard Rock in 1995 for $80 million and transformed it into a prime party destination for hipsters. He purchased it with the profit he made from co-founding the Hard Rock brand, and, eventually, a chain.
“It feels like coming home,” Michael Morton said. “It’s so special, because, of course, for our father and Morton’s tradition.”
“It’s something we always thought we would do,” said David Morton, the youngest son and a Chicago resident.
Michael Morton and his partner, the late
got into the business when they opened the nightclub Drink in 1995 as 30-year-olds. Later, in a partnership with Palms owner George Maloof, they turned N9NE Steakhouse into one of the city’s most popular hangouts.
Arnie Morton, who died in 2005, had partnered with Hugh Hefner in launching the Playboy Club in 1960 and served as executive vice president of Playboy Enterprises. In that role he developed a worldwide chain of Playboy Clubs before founding Morton’s of Chicago in 1978. He sold the chain in 1987.
Tilman Fertitta, a Houston billionaire and owner of the Golden Nugget, made Morton’s part of his restaurant empire about five years ago. The chain has grown to 70 restaurants.
AR-RIV-EDERCI
My Regency Towers neighbor Michael Distefano held a nostalgia-filled viewing party for the implosion of the Riviera’s Monaco tower early Tuesday.
Distefano, who’s late father, Sam Distefano, was vice president of entertainment at the Riv from 1984 to 1993, turned it into a reunion. Invitees included about 50 former cast members of “Splash,” the aquatic revue that ran from 1985 to 2006. Also among them: Karen Denice, the show’s longtime lead singer; dancer Nicole Navarro; and Suzan Sacca Hiett, who worked with Redd Foxx in “Fire and Ice” at the Hacienda. She’s the stepdaughter of comedy icon Jackie Gleason.
“Vinnie Falcone sent his regards,” said Distefano, referring to Frank Sinatra’s former musical director. “He’s making a miraculous recovery from brain surgery.”
Distefano is working on a book about the history of Playboy Clubs with Barbara Van Orden. His father also booked entertainment for Playboy Clubs for 25 years.
When he finishes that project, Distefano hopes to turn his attention to a book on the Riviera’s history.
THE SCENE AND HEARD
Muhammad Ali’s name on a street sign in Las Vegas would be a fitting tribute for the iconic boxer who transcended sports. He fought here seven times and undeniably helped the city become the fight capital of the world. New York City put up a temporary “Muhammad Ali Way” sign on West 33rd Street adjacent to Madison Square Garden. Among Ali’s fights there was the legendary 1971 “Fight of the Century” against Joe Frazier .…
The Palm Restaurant at the Forum Shops at Caesars is closing for the summer after Sunday’s Father’s Day business. It’s reopening in September after a facelift that includes a redo of the signature caricatures on the walls.
ON THIS DAY
June 19, 2009: Talk-show host Larry King, 75, makes his debut as a Las Vegas headliner, spinning showbiz yarns and telling jokes at the Wynn Encore Theater. His wife, singer Shawn King, opens the show and returns to the stage for a big finale: a duet with Larry of “Makin’ Whoopee.”
THE PUNCH LINE
“Yale University’s being pushed to modify a poetry course because students have complained that the content is too white. Students objected specifically to a poem called ‘Ode to a Lost Prius in the Whole Foods Parking Lot.’” — Conan O’Brien