Shawn McClain comes to Vegas!

Along with Masa from NYC as well...

They're both opening restaurants at Aria, one of the hotels part of the monstrous CityCenter project, slated to be open late 2009.

Masa's doing a split concept of both his Bar Masa restaurant as well as a shabu shabu (called "Shaboo") restaurant.

Shawn McClain, in addition to doing an event for the James Beard Taste of America event in Vegas October 24-26, will be opening Sage at Aria, which will be seafood-centric, but presumably with the same style and grace that McClain provides in his Chicago restaurants.

Looking forward to those... as well as all the other new restaurants opening in Vegas soon. Will keep you posted as I know more!

Anyone been here? Just made my reservation for an upcoming trip to Vegas.

I just checked out Aria a couple nights ago, and was a big fan. It's got a younger, much more energetic vibe than, say, Wynn or Bellagio (which are similar in price & amenities). Think W Hotel compared to Ritz Carlton. If I was heading to Vegas with a bunch of friends, Aria would definitely be my first pick.

Also, their climate control system is laced with a subtle perfume, reminiscent of that Egyptian cotton linen spray...it was a nice touch

Unfortunately I didn't get to check out the restaurants at Aria, other than walking by the newly-opened Vegas branch of Eva Longoria's Beso (would have gotten a chance to snap a pic of her too, if I'd been willing to elbow my way through the crowd and wait for her to make her appearance).