Local Favorite Chinglish Debuts Its New Signature Cocktails Curated by Many of Las Vegas’s Top Mixologists
Article & Photography by Elaine & Scott Harris
Chinglish has been a hot spot literally since the day it opened. A favorite for their dishes showcases layers of flavors and handmade-to-order culinary works of art—gourmet, upscale food with no shortcuts in quality or preparation. The name “Chinglish” has its roots in Hong Kong, Macau, Guangdong, and Guangxi and refers mainly to Cantonese-influenced English.
Chef Lam (Dad), his wife Anna (Mom), daughter Kitty Heck and husband Ken Heck are the creators and driving force at the helm of Chinglish and its sister restaurant Kosher Chinglish. Chef Lam has wowed diners with brilliant, creative dishes for over 45 years, from Hong Kong to Beijing to San Francisco. Lam’s world-renowned talent and flavors influenced from around the world have taken its place as one of the best restaurants in the culinary epicenter of Las Vegas. Both restaurants culminate years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifices of Chef Lam and his wife working day and night tirelessly to bring these dream restaurants to dining reality.
In addition to great food, Chinglish also features an eclectic wine list with a worldwide focus. With innovative dishes and exciting wines, Ken and Kitty have raised the bar once again and cultivated a cocktail list that would rival any on the famed Las Vegas Strip. Keeping with their tradition of excellence, they approached many of the city’s Top mixologists for input into crafting one-of-a-kind cocktails. We were fortunate to be asked by this beautiful couple to be the first to experience their handpicked selections and signature bites.
Taking our seats at their spectacular bar, Ken, Kitty, and I began our journey through their lively list of signatures and handcrafted libations. “Let’s get started with the Spice, Spice Baby, “ Ken said excitedly. And that we did! This cocktail with Haku Vodka, Ginger, Yuzu, and Chili was the perfect segway to awaken our palates. Ken’s concept, the Tequila Plata- a nice mix of Casa Dragones Silver, Agave, and Orange was simple but yet very refined at the same time.
“We always want to support family restaurants as well as local distilleries and breweries,” Ken said. Chinglish is well known for using exciting flavors in its dishes, which has also carried over to its cocktail program. For Example, the Silk Road includes Plum Sake, Tito’s Vodka, Ginger, and Almond!
The Causeway Sunrise, inspired by Hong Kong’s renowned Sunrises, includes Passion Fruit, Room 101 Gin, and Anise. For lovers of brown spirits, the Handover stars Buffalo Trace, The Last Heir (more on this later) with locally distilled Smoke Wagon Bourbon, and The Yellow Fever with Nevada Born Frey Ranch Bourbon is a must-try.
Several cocktails have a personal connection to Ken and Kitty’s travels to Hong Kong and Kitty’s relationship with the ancient Chinese Dynasty. The Last Heir cocktail has a very personal connection to Kitty and her family. “The Reason why we have the Last Heir Cocktail is that my Auntie is married to the last male heir of the Chinese Qing dynasty. So, you may have seen the movie the Last Emperor; my uncle-He, whom we call, is uncle We. He would have been the next in line. Even his last name translates to royal robes.” Kitty said proudly.
Pro tip: Take advantage of their daily happy hour 5 pm-6 pm and 9 pm to close and enjoy these signature cocktails at happy hour prices.
Kitty, Ken, and her family have created a “go-to spot” in Summerlin that keeps guests intrigued with special events and excellent hospitality. Stop by, dine, drink, and discover a culinary and cultural experience.
Visit www.Chinglishwinebar.com for more information.