Inside the Opening of Delilah, Las Vegas’s Most Anticipated New Restaurant

Photo credit: The H. Wood Group

Going out in Las Vegas has long followed a predictable pattern: dinner at one of the city’s world-class restaurants and then drinks at a nightclub that was usually a little less sophisticated. John Terzian and Brian Toll, founders of the Wood Group, want to change that.

On July 14th, the duo will open an outpost of their popular annual Delilah in Los Angeles at Wynn Las Vegas, hoping to bring some of the glamorous, grown-up charm of the original venue to a scene that desperately needs that option.

“Many restaurants in Los Angeles usually close their kitchens around 10pm, and the same goes for Las Vegas,” says Toll. “There are a lot of nightclubs to go to afterwards, but they are usually noisy. Delilah represents a middle ground: you can go out and enjoy a delicious meal and spend an evening without the typical nightlife. We feel that we are filling this gap. ”

Photo credit: The H. Wood Group

Although Delilah is Terzian and Toll’s first project in Las Vegas, it is not the duo’s first adventure in the realm of nightlife. The longtime friends, both from LA, began throwing parties at USC during their college days and together they opened a nightclub called h. Wood in 2008.

After co-founding the H. Wood Group in 2008, Terzian and Toll created prestigious LA venues including The Nice Guy, which is evoking a mafia bar aesthetic and plans to open an outpost in Aspen, and Bootsy Bellows, the essence captures of Palm Springs 1940s. The h.Wood Group also owns several fine dining restaurants, including Ela Ela and Santolina, both of which offer a variety of Mediterranean dishes with a Californian twist.

Photo credit: The H. Wood Group

As in LA, the ambience of the Delilah in Las Vegas is supposed to symbolize the glamor of the Roaring 20s. Plush couches, vintage-inspired tables, and brass palms fill the huge dining area, while warm chandelier lighting sets the tone for guests to enjoy a cozy evening.

The story goes on

Photo credit: The H. Wood Group

There are a few differences between the two locations, however, most notably the heightened sense of extravagance found in the newer one that is said to match the high energy Vegas. “It’s grander, and it’s also from the Vegas supper club world of the 1940s and 50s,” says Terzian. “But our signature Delilah features, such as the palm trees and the stages, will remain in the Vegas location.”

Photo credit: The H. Wood Group

Delilah is not just about decoration. The new location will also enchant the guests with exciting experiences: The guests expect entertainer troops to whirl across the stage and while the meal is being played, the sounds of live jazz musicians fill the room with melodious sounds.

And what are they going to eat? Delilah’s menu focuses on American stalwarts. Regulars love the tender starter with cheeseburger and chicken, and Toll himself likes the Beef Wellington – “another classic,” he says. Expect well-prepared dishes like salads, pasta, seafood, vegetable dishes, and steaks, as well as a dessert menu with crowd-pleasers like sundaes and carrot cake.

Delilah’s drinks won’t disappoint either. Guests can choose from an eclectic selection of cocktails, including two fan favorites imported from the LA location: the JoJo, a mix of Haku vodka, St. Germain, Prosecco, fresh strawberry, and lemon; and the Spicy Siena, a mixture of El Tesoro Blanco, Cointreau, Fresno Chili, Lime and Agave.

Photo credit: Kathryn Ballay

For the founders of Delilah, having a memorable experience in a crowded market like Las Vegas isn’t all about food and entertainment. “One thing that we stay loyal to the Delilah brand is that no photos are allowed, ”says Terzian. “We make all of our guests feel private and safe.” In the age of relentless social media, Terzian and Toll have taken an alternate approach to ensure their guests feel safe – and are encouraged to do so in the moment Life.

Photo credit: The H. Wood Group

And that moment is coming soon. Before Delilah opens to the public on July 14th, it is slated to have a private opening night on July 10th – although details of this anticipated event remain a surprise for now. “Everything as far as the performance is concerned will be a surprise,” says Terzian. “I can say we’ll have a full band, dancers and drinks, it’s going to be a great party. But what really makes it a great party is the people in the room.”

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