Courtesy of The Scintas Show
Whether or not you’re planning a stay at The Plaza Hotel in downtown Las Vegas, there’s one entertainment offering at the property you’ll do well not to miss: “The Scintas and a Steak” dinner-and-a-show package. The shockingly affordable experience combines an ample three-course prix fixe dinner at Oscar’s revered “Beef, Booze & Broads” Steakhouse with a VIP ticket to The Scintas—a wildly entertaining comedy and musical variety-style show currently running in the hotel’s swanky showroom. Priced at just $99, this fabulous food-and-theater package offers tremendous value, combining delectable cuisine at a top-notch eatery with world class entertainment for one low price—especially by Las Vegas standards.
The Steak at Stake
Of course, any dinner-and-a-show package starts with, well, dinner and this one doesn’t disappoint. Oscar’s, owned by Oscar Goodman who spent 12 years as mayor of Las Vegas, offers a classic steakhouse prix fixe that starts with a fresh and crisp Caesar salad (that they thankfully don’t over-dress), and then moves on to the patron’s choice of two entrée options: Chicken & Artichokes served with mashed potatoes, or an Eight-Ounce Filet Mignon also served with mashed potatoes plus asparagus. My party opted to try one of each, and the proteins in each entrée were notably juicy and well-seasoned, befitting of a high-end steakhouse. Dessert is a sumptuous Chocolate Mousse—a dish they have clearly perfected.
Of course, if you have a hankering for something on Oscar’s regular gourmet menu, feel free to order, though with the understanding it won’t be covered under the prix fixe show package pricing. And, temptations do abound. Known for perfectly aged steaks cooked flawlessly over a 600-degree grill, Oscar’s regular menu serves up a menu of gourmet dishes to please a wide range of tastes. Signature dishes include Joey C’s Filet, an eight- or 12-ounce filet served Oscar-style with Béarnaise sauce, lump crab and asparagus, if desired. You can also find several “surf” options here, such as the Crab Cake appetizer, made with fresh lump crabmeat and served with pepper remoulade and stone ground mustard that some say is the best in town. If you have your heart set on a steak (and who could blame you?) and like to turn up the heat, try the Spicy Flame-Charred Spilotro Steak that’s flavored with red chili flakes and garlic, served alongside Ralph’s smashed potatoes.
Food aside, guests at this eatery enjoy vintage Vegas ambiance thanks to on-point décor that calls to mind the bygone Rat Pack era amid thoughtful touches like plush velvet booths and original crystal chandeliers. Not surprisingly, celebrity sightings are known to occur here but, in true old-school Vegas style, Oscar’s doesn’t divulge the identities of its guests—high-profile or otherwise. But, do keep your eye out as you just might have an A-list sighting.
The Show-Stopper
With “The Scintas and a Steak” package comes a VIP ticket to this superb show, complete with preferred seating, a complimentary cocktail and an autographed photo. Known as “Las Vegas’ first family of entertainment,” The Scintas bring their legendary show to The Plaza Hotel and Casino, running as a limited engagement through May 14. The Scintas is made up of multi-talented brothers Frankie and Joe, along with musician and “honorary Scinta” Peter O’Donnell and, the newest member, the lovely and gifted Janien Valentine. Together, the group puts on an engaging show fused with a mélange of vocal ability, music artistry, showmanship, wit (some a bit hilariously off-color) and timing. A Vegas fixture, The Scintas have performed for hundreds of thousands of people over the last 16 years and are revered for their signature humor, uncanny (and hysterical) impressions and overall musical prowess. With Valentine’s powerful and moving vocals added to the mix and the fact that she’s an undisputable beauty, the show offers something for anyone who is fun-loving and musically-inclined.
When I procured tickets to the show I had no idea what to expect, and falsely assumed the show was more appropriate for an “older crowd.” I was pleasantly surprised to learn first-hand that this isn’t the case at all, as the show features a blend of classic musical numbers spanning generations and genres. You’ll hear everything from Dean Martin and Ray Charles to Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston and The Rolling Stones–all the way to Bruno Mars. All of this interspersed with endearing, relatable humor that will have you smiling wide while clapping along, ultimately leaving you feeling like you’ve spent the evening hanging out with family. Indeed, this show’s unique mix of music and comedy appeals to guests of all ages and from all walks of life, and it fits in spectacularly with the vintage showroom atmosphere at The Plaza.
Other ticket options for The Scintas without dinner include a basic $29 ticket for general admission, or a VIP ticket for $49 each that does include preferred seating, a free cocktail and an autographed photo. But, paying a little extra for the $99 dinner package is well worth it.
With a worthy dining experience at the newly renovated Plaza Hotel & Casino coupled with The Scintas’ splendid show, this is one Las Vegas entertainment option that’s a sure bet.
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“The Luxe List” Executive Editor Merilee Kern scours the luxury marketplace for exemplary travel experiences, extraordinary events, and notable products and services. Submissions are accepted at www.TheLuxeList.com. Follow her on Twitter here: www.Twitter.com/LuxeListEditor and Facebook here: www.Facebook.com/TheLuxeList.
***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above were provided at no cost to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***