A taste of Michigan — and world’s greatest pool’ — coming to Las Vegas via Circa Resort and Casino

LAS VEGAS – A taste of Michigan is coming to Sin City.

Downtown Las Vegas casino mogul and Detroit native Derek Stevens has revealed a list of the food and beverage establishments opening in and around his forthcoming 777-room Circa Resort and Casino.

Several of the restaurants share a thread leading to the same place — his home state.

“In addition to incredible food, they will all deliver that spirit of fun and community that is integral to the Circa experience,” Stevens said.

Set to open at the end of 2020, Circa will be the first new resort project built downtown in decades. And at 458 feet, it will be the tallest. The concept aims to add a slice of cutting-edge flair to a downtown gambling corridor known for the cheap-and-easy old Vegas atmosphere that differentiates it from the larger-than-life draw of the Strip.

“We’re trying to build what I would consider to be the greatest pool in the history of the world,” Stevens said.“Hopefully it’s something that adds into the Vegas allure to bring more people.”

Greatness, he said, isn’t measured in size as much as adaptability. A temperature control system will allow the pool area to be open 365 days a year, Stevens said.

But it’s the multi-tiered pool amphitheater with a 134-by-41-foot video screen that’s become the heart of Steven’s pitch — a feature that allows for customizable experiences, he said.

“This is going to be a great venue to watch sports, a great place to catch sun, a great place to listen to music,” Stevens said, “and a great place for product launches.”

The developer called the aquatic center a “destination pool” — a spot that will be at the top of tourist’s lists when they roll through Sin City.

”We expect to be able to do 4,000 people a day,” Stevens said.

Here’s a look at the mix of food and drink spots set to open with Circa:

Victory Burger and Wings

Victory will be the culinary anchor overlooking Circa’s sportsbook. This restaurant comes from Chris Sotiropoulos and Grace Keros – third-generation owners of the 102-year old American Coney Island in Detroit. The menu will include wings, appetizers and five specialty burgers, including the Victory Burger – a half-pound Angus beef, short rib and brisket patty topped with a secret sauce. Then there’s the Olive Burger, a culinary staple in Michigan: A unique iteration of the hamburger made of a beef patty topped with a mixture of mayonnaise, chopped olives and often olive brine.

Saginaw’s Delicatessen

Saginaw’s Delicatessen comes from Paul Saginaw, a Detroit legend. This marks the first new restaurant outside Michigan from the restaurateur behind Zingerman’s Deli – an Ann Arbor institution Saginaw opened with partner Ari Weinzweig in 1982. The sandwiches of Zingerman’s have been touted at some of the country’s best. Saginaw’s Downtown Las Vegas menu will feature his famous Reuben, breakfast specialties and delicatessen classics: matzo ball soup, onion rings, salads, latkes and chopped liver.

Project BBQ

This will be the Fremont Street Experience’s only permanent food truck. From the mind of Chef Rex Bernales and partners Rob Baker, Mo Pierce and Steve Hamlin, Project BBQ will offer pulled brisket, pork, chicken and its signature “Garbage Bowl.” The bowl goes like this: handmade potato chips covered in signature meats, a trio of South Carolina BBQ, beer and cheese sauces – and then topped with applewood-smoked bacon and coleslaw.

Barry’s Downtown Prime

Barry’s Downtown Prime is a new steakhouse concept from Chef Barry Dakae and Make it Happen Hospitality. This restaurant aims to sit customers in an atmosphere reminiscent of ‘50s and ‘60s Las Vegas. Alongside the red meat on the menu will be seafood, prepared fresh in a tableside manner.

8 East

8 East is where to find a Pan-Asian menu that spans Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean and Thai cuisine. Le Thai chef Dan Coughlin will introduce new fusion dishes tested exclusively with friends and family. The menu will include dishes such as GaPow basil chicken potstickers, dumplings, wontons, skewers and steaks.

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