Elegant, stylish dining destinations fall victim to outside forces.
It’s a sad day in the Vegas culinary world when two superlative, respected restaurants close simultaneously. The economy and sudden drop in tourism (you know why) will continue to be news in the weeks and months ahead. However, the shuttering of fledgling BRAMARE Inspired Italian and long-established TABLE 34 can undoubtedly be traced to one individual…managing partner Evan Glusman.
(L to R) Constantin Alexander, Evan Glusman, Chef Joe Valdez, and Jonathan Venegas (T-Bones)
Instead of whipping up my own summary of what happened, here are some excerpts from a piece by our friend and colleague Corey Levitan of CASINO.ORG. You can read the full article here.
According to KLAS-TV/Las Vegas, which broke the story, Evan Glusman was arrested and charged with making terrorist threats and harassment. According to KLAS, court documents state that Glusman took out a $1.5 million loan against the business last September, committing fraud by claiming to be its owner when he was only its operating manager. When the elder Glusman discovered this, he fired his son, which made him “extremely irate.”
On Friday (April 25th), Glusman texted a Piero’s manager: “I hope you realize I’m drinking and I’m going home to get a gun and fucking kill them in the middle of Piero’s,” the documents read.
Nothing can kill a business (no pun intended) than to know that one of the owners was arrested by a SWAT team after threatening a mass killing….at a restaurant. Unfortunately, dozens of staffers are out of jobs, and partner Constantin Alexander has to sift through the ashes caused by another’s drunken rage. He, Chef Jose Valdez, and their hard-working supporting staff deserved better.
UPDATE 5/6/25
After many wonderful years, Table 34 has officially closed its doors. This is not the ending we had hoped for. Despite our best efforts, the decision was ultimately out of our hands. We also wish we could have given you more notice, but the timing simply didn’t allow it.
We are so deeply grateful for the years of support, the celebrations shared, the memories made, and the friendships formed within these walls. Table 34 has been more than just a restaurant, it’s been a part of this community, and of our lives.
We are so grateful to our team, past and present, who poured their hearts into every plate and every guest experience. And to all of you who made Table 34 part of your lives we carry that with us always. From the bottom of my heart—thank you for everything.
With gratitude, Constantin
Photo by Eugene DeLa Cruz, OneSeven Agency
Original 8/24/24 article begins here:
“Another new Italian restaurant?” Cool your jets, buddy. Yes, BRAMÁRE INSPIRED ITALIAN may be new, but it’s anything but “just another”. This place is so wonderful that you’ll contemplate a return visit before the second course arrives.
It’s hard to pinpoint precisely what makes BRAMÁRE so satisfying. Is it the soothing decor? The fun, friendly service? Is it the casual irreverence which makes it seem like you’ve been coming here for years? Should I mention the outstanding food and distinctive wine list? Of course, it’s all those things and many more.
Here is the description of BRAMÁRE that VEGAS 411 received, along with an invitation to visit:
“This Italian-inspired eatery is the newest venture set to take patrons on a journey. Upon walking in, diners will find BRAMÁRE engulfing them in rich dark colors, moody lighting, and a seductive ambiance. It boasts an inviting dining room with cuisine that truly matches the level of sophistication of the decor.”
“The menu features a fresh take on Italian with dishes like Swordfish Milanese with caviar cream, and Tagliatelle pasta, with fresh sage and a wild boar ragu. The cocktail program stands out with whimsical cocktails such as the Speyside Swizzle with Glenmorangie 10-Year Monkey Shoulder Scotch and their Bragato drink which features a nitro-infused tableside affogato.”
The atmosphere and vibe of BRAMÁRE are described here:
“Bramàre offers an immersive dining and drinking experience from 5 pm until 3 am. Carefully selected music and lighting enhance the atmosphere, providing a complete escape from the outside world. The environment is sensual, dark, and inviting, offering a relaxed ambiance within an upscale setting.”
“We welcome late-night patrons to visit and continue a memorable night or early morning! We have a relaxed dress code, but we do ask that guests dress appropriately. We recommend business casual attire. Due to the enhanced environment and activity in the restaurant, we would not classify Bramàre as the ideal environment for children.”
A new establishment that exudes this much confidence is remarkable but unsurprising. The gentlemen behind BRAMÁRE are Constantin Alexander (Hakkasan Group, Mon Ami Gabi) and Evan Glusman, founders of Batch Hospitality. Alexander has been nicknamed “The Beverage King of Las Vegas”, and Glusman continues the family legacy of world-famous Piero’s They’ve come together for one common goal:
“Las Vegas is known for it’s nightlife but there are very few places to have a great meal and service after 11pm, thus the creation of BRAMÁRE.”
“BRAMÁRE means “to crave” in Italian. I believe that we’ve created a restaurant which fulfills that craving for all your senses.” – Evan Glusman, Managing Partner
The chemistry between Alexander and Glusman is palpable. They joke about the madness needed to create a new restaurant while juggling life and numerous other ventures. That infectious attitude is reflected on Alexander’s beverage menu, with cocktails carrying names like “Life Gave Us Lemons”, the “Truffle Shuffle”, and “Picasso Liked Pisco”.
Photos courtesy of Bramare Inspired Italian
“Batch Hospitality realized early on the need for a late-night full-service restaurant & cocktail bar in the Valley. Once we honed in a central location, we focused on what type of cuisine we would love to offer people. Owners Evan Glusman and Constantin Alexander approached me about an Italian menu focused on shareable plates and specializing in a “Social Dining Experience”. – Chef Joe Valdez
The master of BRAMÁRE‘s kitchen is Executive Chef Joe Valdez, also of Batch Hospitality. He was part of the concept from the very beginning. Chef Valdez began creating BRAMÁRE dishes earlier this year while at Alexander and Gluzman’s wildly popular Table 34. It’s no wonder their new establishment already feels like a fully realized vision.
Photos courtesy of Bramare Inspired Italian
“I found experiences in Spain, Italy, and France to be much different than those in the U.S.. I wanted to bring that energy and style of dining to Las Vegas. When discussing the name and branding, we strayed away from “trattoria”, “cucina”, and “ristorante”. We wanted to have the ability to create a flexible, unique, and craveable experience, so we eventually landed on “Inspired Italian”. – Chef Joe Valdez
Photo courtesy of Chef Joe Valdez (10/15/23)
When visiting restaurants on behalf of VEGAS 411, this writer clarifies that I’m not a food critic. Being a former vegetarian, I’m limited in regard to meat and seafood selections. So I generally ask the Chef or server for recommendations that fit my preferences. This allows me to share impressions of an overall dining experience, not just particular dishes.
Funghi Fritti
Being a solo visitor, it seemed sensible to sample a few “Small Plates”. My selections came highly recommended by Mr. Venegas. FUNGHI FRITTI ($14) is a mild-flavor mushroom fritter served with garlic/chili sauce and pecorino, a sheep’s milk cheese. A wonderful GRILLED BROCCOLINI ($14) is prepared with black garlic cream and topped with breadcrumbs and more pecorino.
Grilled Broccolini
Then came THE TOAST (nduja, caciocavallo cheese, caramelized onion, pecorino – $14), which alone is worth the trip. A pair of exiting patrons urged me to try it, and I’m glad I did. THE TOAST might be a mere ‘small plate’, but you’ll crave it long after the last bite. Expect THE TOAST to be a breakout hit.
BRAMÁRE guests should know that a diverse selection of vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian dishes are available. The kitchen will tailor preparation to meet your requests whenever possible. Pastas are hand-made, gourmet pizzas come in several varieties, and main courses are separated into small, medium, and large choices (most are shareable).
“Collectively, we didn’t want to be handcuffed to any region, specific flavors, or techniques of Italian cuisine. Favorites like our THE Toast, Swordfish Milanese, and Beef Cheek Pizza are testaments to the uniqueness and deliciousness our menu has achieved.” – Chef Joe Valdez
Already satiated, I was encouraged by Mr. Glusman to try a medium-sized plate. His recommendations leaned towards SWORDFISH MILANESE ($47) and BEEF CHEEK BRASATO ($38). My dietary preferences led to their RISOTTO ($32), an extraordinary choice prepared with sausage and parmigiano reggiano. The combination of mixed mushrooms in Chef Valdez’s recipe made what could have been an ordinary entree into something that soared.
Chef Valdez’s RISOTTO
“But what about dessert?” Call me boring, but this guy isn’t into sweets. Nevertheless, after such a journey of flavors and textures, I enjoyed a few small scoops of gelato (pistachio and vanilla) to cool the palate. BRAMÁRE once again puts a Las Vegas stamp on Italian favorites featuring “Something Like Tiramisu”, “Blueberry Focaccia Bites”, “Italian Orange Carrot Cake”, and “Canestrelli”.
Blueberry Focaccio Bites (photo courtesy of Bramare)
Something Like Tiramisu (photo courtesy of Bramare)
The BRAMÁRE menu is as attractive to read as it is to dine from. Nothing in this establishment is ordinary, and you can repeatedly return there to experience unique takes on familiar dishes, pastas, and pizzas. Even the lengthy wine and cocktail lists are injected with personality via humorous asides like “Random Cool Shit” and “Weird Wines”.
As mentioned in this recent article, late-night diners are sadly underserved in what was once a “24-hour town”. BRAMÁRE beautifully fills that void by providing full service through 3 am. An after-hours “Nerdy and Dirty” menu offers a wild and ever-changing collection of bottles at half-price. This should attract sommeliers and other industry professionals to wind down after their own shifts are through.
As much as I’ve attempted to cover the gamut, there’s still plenty to discover at BRAMÁRE INSPIRED ITALIAN. Make reservations by calling 702-342-2111 or online by clicking here.
BRAMÁRE INSPIRED ITALIAN is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 pm to 3 am. Happy Hour is daily from 5 pm to 7 pm, with Nerdy and Dirty wine specials from 11 pm to 3 am. The restaurant is located at 3900 Paradise Road Suite H, adjacent to CLEAVER BUTCHERED MEATS SEAFOOD and COCKTAILS.
Photos by VEGAS 411 unless otherwise indicated…
