Track #5: Around Town Medley Gilby Clarke @Backstage Bar & Billiards
“Rock and roll for the big kids”—that’s the reigning aesthetic of downtown’s Fremont Country Club and its adjoining smaller venue Backstage Bar & Billiards. At the latter spot on a recent Friday night, owners Ava Berman and Carlos (“Big Daddy”) Adley double-downed on their vision by presenting gritty-but-suave rocker Gilby Clarke (think a young Keith Richards) and Grammy winner Micki Free with his psychedelicized bluesy soul.
Headliner Clarke dug his guitar-and-vocal heels into songs from “The Gospel Truth,” his recent solo album, and songs by Guns N’ Roses. From 1991-93, Clarke held the second guitar slot with GNR including playing on their “The Spaghetti Incident” album of punk/hard rock covers.
A set highlight came when Clarke brought out new Vegas resident Cheetah Chrome (the Dead Boys’ guitarist) to join him on a blazing version of Johnny Thunders and the Heartbreakers’ tough-and-proud NYC anthem “Born To Lose.”
Carson Kitchen @Downtown
Just down the street from Backstage Bar & Billiards is the long-running and bustling Carson Kitchen, where in-crowders go for dynamic American cuisine. Happy to say their “Devil’s Eggs” with crispy pancetta and caviar remains a show-stopping appetizer, both down-home and luxe all at once. We also ordered the barramundi (Asian sea bass) served with red pepper romesco sauce and chive oil, a perfect light entrée for a hot summer night.
Miami Slice @Fontainebleu
Miami Slice at the Fontainebleau’s Promenade food hall can be added to the ever-growing list of Vegas’ best pizzerias. This casual spin-off of the downtown Miami original—known for “perfecting Miami’s best NY-slice”—earns high marks for its “Pepperoni Proper” pizza. It comes with a hot honey drizzle that effectively merges sweet with spicy.
