Flamingo just upped its estrogen quotient with the opening of Lisa Vanderpump’s newest branded lounge on The Strip: Pinky’s by Vanderpump.
The opulent venue follows the success of two other wildly successful Vanderpump lounges, Vanderpump Cocktail Garden at Caesars Palace and Vanderpump a Paris at Paris Las Vegas.
Pinky’s sits on the southwestmostest corner of Flamingo Las Vegas, just across from Cromwell, in the space that was previously the poker room and a slushy drink stand.
This is the part where we remind you this very blog broke the news Flamingo would get a Vanderpump lounge, as well as a Gordon Ramsay Burger, long before the official announcements.
Pinky’s is not to be confused with The Pinky Ring by Bruno Mars, another high-end lounge at Bellagio.
In case you aren’t a rabid fan of pop culture, Lisa Vanderpump is a reality TV personality who first appeared on “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” Unlike many reality TV stars, Vanderpump has extended her 15 minutes (her newest TV effort is “Vanderpump Villa”) into a business empire, including licensing deals with companies like Caesars Entertainment.
Celebrity restaurants and lounges at Caesars resorts are operated by Caesars Entertainment, the celebrity gets 5% of the gross (and is obligated to make occasional appearances for PR purposes).
The Pinky’s name? “Pinky” is Lisa Vanderpump’s nickname. Because she likes pink. Please keep up.
Here are some words from the news release: “With a nod to the Flamingo’s vibrant history, the 198-seat restaurant and bar combines Art Deco glamour with lavish and decadent Vanderpump flair. Spanning nearly 7,000 square feet and set against a palette of muted greens, brass accents and soft blush pink hues, the space boasts a dramatic 32-seat bar. Similar to Vanderpump’s other concepts, the design, lighting and fixtures are bespoke Vanderpump Alain creations designed specifically for the space. The VIP lounge can seat up to 40 guests. Dramatic oversized booths are surrounded by brass Art Deco trellises. A vintage-inspired statue spins behind the center of the bar, surrounded by gold chains and crystals. An oversized tree spans the glass ceiling of an epic conservatory looking out over the Las Vegas Strip.”
One person’s “glamour” is another’s “tacky and ostentatious,” but the success of Vanderpump’s previous efforts in Las Vegas is undeniable. People simply love these lounges, and they conjure an undeniably romantic vibe.
Here’s more about the food and drink at Pinky’s: “The extensive and whimsical cocktail menu features Vanderpump classics and nods to the Flamingo’s beginnings, like the Pinky’s Martini, served tableside on a vintage gold tray. Other offerings include the Flip the Bird (a green goddess margarita served in a tiny gold birdcage), the Pump & Bump (a caviar martini served with a pearl spoonful of caviar on a gold plate) and the Daddy Issues (a white peach French 75 topped with pink cotton candy).”
A sense of humor goes a long way with us, so props on the Daddy Issues cocktail, Caesars Food & Beverage team.
As for the food: “The Deviled Egg Gardens feature five upright deviled eggs with decadent toppings, such as lobster, crab salad, caviar, bacon and blue cheese and cornichon. Wagyu Sliders are finished with roasted shishito peppers and dill pickle tater tots. The Pinky’s Shrimp Cocktail arrives in an oversized martini glass with ice-cold smoke pouring out. The Signature Birdcages offer a stunning presentation of cheese and accoutrements or charcuterie, accordingly; and the gorgeous Pinky’s Baked Alaska is sliced to reveal three layers of pale pink and green Neapolitan semifreddo to complement the decor.”
It’s just like you to be jealous of our musical talents.
We haven’t had a chance to visit Pinky’s yet, but we can’t wait to check it out. We were pleasantly surprised by our visits to the lounges at Caesars and Paris, where we found delicious drinks at surprisingly accessible prices. By that, we mean $18 rather than the new norm of $24. It’s the experience!
Pinky’s is just one of the new offerings coming online at Flamingo. The aforementioned Gordon Ramsay Burger opens soon (in the Bird Bar space) and a Cuban restaurant, Havana 1957, opens Dec. 26, 2024.
In the meantime, let us know what you think of Pinky’s by Vanderpump.
The celebrity brand formula certainly seems to be working for Caesars Entertainment.
Guy Fieri, Bobby Flay, Gordon Ramsay, Buddy Valastro, Giada De Laurentiis and Lisa Vanderpump all have multiple locations on The Strip at Caesars Entertainment resorts and beyond, with more in the works.
Caesars has yet to announce what will replace Margaritaville at Flamingo, but we’ve heard it will be a country star collaboration, possibly with Garth Brooks.
