If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
Some of hip-hop's biggest stars hit Sin City over the weekend at the opening of Korean steakhouse COTE at The Venetian Resort.
Dr. Dre, Nas, NORE and Mobb Deep rapper Havoc were among the artists celebrating COTE's arrival on stage. Vegas Strip, which marks the latest outpost of the Korean steakhouse following locations in New York and Miami. In addition to the rappers, the COTE Vegas opening party featured a special DJ set from Anderson Paak, who touted his half-Korean heritage as he took the stage in front of an invitation-only crowd and COTE founder and CEO Simon Kim.
Judging by his DJ name, DJ Pee .Wee .Paak ended up playing neither K-pop nor Korean tracks – and skipped his Mariah Carey's new duet “Play This Song” — but he brought the party to life with old-school hip-hop and R&B that had Nas and guests like Chloe Flower and Steve Aoki dancing next to Vegas showgirls in the aisles. “There's a Korean flavor to the land of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr.,” Nas boasted as he briefly took the mic.
Carly Stone/BFA.com
For Kim, who attended UNLV and began his hospitality career in Las Vegas more than 20 years ago, the opening of COTE was truly a turning point. “I came from Korea at the age of 13 and didn’t speak English,” he told reporters earlier in the day. “So, partnering with this iconic resort… I don't think I can put into words how grateful I am for this opportunity. It's truly the American dream.”
Venetian Resort President and CEO Patrick Nichols echoed Kim's excitement about the new restaurant, telling reporters that COTE will “bring real energy” to Las Vegas and add to the “hustle and bustle of the Strip.”
Guests at the party were treated to flowing drinks, including a Chopin Vodka martini cart, as well as some of COTE's signature snacks, such as the exclusive “BlackJack” A5 wagyu sandwich coming soon to Vegas. The main part of the David Rockwell-designed restaurant features several luxurious banquettes around an open bar (standing room only), while the second floor features four private dining rooms, a private balcony and even karaoke.
While COTE is best known for its food, Kim says he believes in “the power of 'and,'” describing the Vegas establishment as a “club.” And a restaurant where entertainment is filled with pulsating energy.”
Jason Sean Weiss/BFA.com
The opening of COTE Vegas is part of The Venetian Resort's recent $1.5 billion renovation, which officials say updated nearly 4,000 suites and added $200 million in upgrades to the hotel's meeting and convention facilities. As Nichols says, “It's brand new, right down to the spikes.”
The Venetian will have a number of other music and entertainment events this fall: Earth, Wind & Fire, Jackson Browne and Wynonna will be among the artists performing at the 1,800-seat Venetian Theater through the end of the year, and Leona Lewis will begin her residency at Voltaire in November.
