Libertine Social Celebrates Grand Opening at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino
The much anticipated debut of Chef Shawn McClain’s Libertine Social kicked off with a eclectic blow-out party at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino that saw a dress made out of champagne glasses, live ice carvings and Swizzle stations (Pictured: Champagne model welcomes guests – Photo credit: MGM Resorts International).
Tony Abou-Ganim creating the Boulevardier cocktail
Last night, Thursday, August 25, guests indulged in the opportunity to taste Libertine Social’s inventive new-age American bar food and artistic cocktails.
Alessandro Munge, Tony Abou-Ganim and Shawn McClain
Chef Shawn McClain and Modern Mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim welcomed Las Vegas VIPs and culinary influencers with Libertine Social’s upbeat and adventurous energy. Guests were treated to an array of Libertine Social’s small plates, including Parmesan Churros, chilled king crab, flame-grilled sausages and Ahi Tuna Cones. Abou-Ganim’s reinvented classic cocktails also were served, including the Sunsplash, Aperol Spritz and Hemmingway Daiquiri.
Swizzle cocktail bar on the patio
Abou-Ganim showcased the diversity of his multi-faceted cocktail program with different stations throughout the space. Libertine Social’s outdoor patio offered a variety of Swizzles, the legendary Caribbean libations; and the Main Bar served an assortment of innovative draft and bottled cocktails. The Arcade Bar – Abou-Ganim’s bar-within-a-bar space celebrating forgotten classics – saw Abou-Ganim shaking a number of his favorites, such as the barrel-aged Boulevardier.
Chefs stoke wood-fired grill
For Libertine Social, Principle Interior Designer Alessandro Munge created a space that celebrates the daring spirit of Americans with a story to tell whether the night-before was spent at a formal cocktail party, sneaking onto a rooftop terrace, or just hanging out at the go-to neighborhood bar. The Voyeur Lounge greets guests with eclectic furniture and a retro jukebox, while the social dining room is filled with a collection of personal photos to inspire guests of past journeys and those yet to come.
During the party, the main dining room transformed into a dance floor led by energetic DJ Sarah Landau pairing beats with a live drummer.
McClain’s belief that life’s greatest moments are those shared with friends resonated with the party guests who played “Dare From the Hare,” Libertine Social’s own bold card game encouraging guests to complete interactive dares.
In front of Libertine Social, guests snapped pictures from vintage Polaroid cameras with the backdrop of Alexis Diaz’ spectacular mural on Mandalay Bay’s iconic body wall. On their way out of the party, guests were treated to McClain’s signature Margarita Donut dessert from Libertine To-Go.
Libertine Social is now open at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Monday through Sunday from 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.