This just in … peripatetic chef Carla Pellegrino has just released a statement in which “announces her mutual separation from Tropicana Las Vegas,” after 19 months overseeing its Italian restaurant, Bacio. The Brazilian chef, also late of Rao’s at Caesars Palace, referred to “exciting new opportunities” but mentioned nothing specific than her ongoing relationship with fusion restaurant Bratalian, down in Henderson. Unlike most servings of divorce papers, there was no description of an “amicable” parting, just an illusion to a new Significant Other … whom LVA‘s Research Department identifies as being the new Meatball Shop at South Strip mall Town Square, along with a recurring role on Top Chef: Seattle. The Trop, however, may need to sue for alimony after a recent quarterly loss of $6 million. But seriously … how many of Alex Yemenidjian‘s high-profile business relationships have ended messily … Jamie Gold … Nikki Beach … Paul Rodriguez … now Pellegrino … we’ve long since lost count. (At least he hasn’t, to the best of my knowledge, been sued by Wayne Newton) The president’s office will soon need to have a revolving door, too. The Trop’s existing relationship with Cantor Gaming and the latter’s nascent one with Bagatelle Beach & Supper Club owner One Group could become tasty ingredients for a hot mess of mortification, a scandal that has already involved seven Silver State casinos, at least peripherally. (The biggest worrier, though, should be Penn National Gaming, whose M Resort is at the epicenter of the state-and-federal probe.)
As beneficial as the Trop’s new alliance with Hilton International‘s Doubletree brand is, this hotel-casino doesn’t need a nationwide booking system — it needs a wholesale managerial intervention. I’m afraid the time has come for owner Onex Corp. to give Yemenidjian the sack and ask Hilton or Fine Point Group to clean house.
She left ya for a meatball, Alex.
