Photo courtesy of The Golden Steer

From Culinary Mastery to Artful Treasures:

The Golden Steer Curates Sensory Delights

By Laura Henkel

Step into the realm of sensory delight at The Golden Steer, where culinary artistry seamlessly blends with an ambiance steeped in elegance and history. As you immerse yourself in this unique atmosphere, your gaze is inevitably drawn to the distinguished walls adorned with a captivating mix of art, antique firearms, classic memorabilia, and vintage photographs, evoking a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era. In this moment, the realization washes over you – you have entered a timeless sanctuary, a revered bastion of Las Vegas lore that stands as a testament to its rich heritage. Like a beacon amidst the towering casinos of the Strip, The Golden Steer exudes an aura of tradition and prestige, beckoning guests to experience its enduring legacy firsthand.

Since its inception in 1958, the walls whisper tales of Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio, their romance immortalized in the intimate confines of a swank tufted red booth, where chilled champagne flowed freely. During the Rat Pack’s heyday, Sammy Davis, Jr. himself graced these hallowed halls, crooning with Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin after a few too many libations. From Clint Eastwood to Steve McQueen, Mel Torme to John Wayne, The Golden Steer has welcomed an illustrious array of guests spanning from Hollywood royalty and beloved local legends to politicians and mobsters, each leaving an unforgettable imprint on its rich history. The proprietors, Dr. Michael J. Signorelli, Amanda Signorelli and Nick McMillon have spared no effort in preserving this rich history while consistently seeking out distinctive artifacts to enhance their already remarkable collection.

I had the privilege of contributing new treasures to the restaurant’s first expansion in 50 years when invited by Amanda and Nick to assist in their hunt for unique objects to add to their already impressive collection of art and antiquities. Their expansion strategy seamlessly blends tradition with innovation, exemplified by the introduction of two new enchanting thematic spaces: The Armory and The Gambler’s Den. Their dedication as custodians of this legacy is further exemplified by the extent of their passion to curate extraordinary experiences for all the senses.

In their commitment to honoring the institution’s legacy, the owners implemented a series of thoughtful steps for the expansion. This included crafting bespoke wooden door frames meticulously designed to mirror the original aesthetic and millwork of the existing spaces. They scoured for 1980s lighting fixtures, matching them to archived photos for authenticity. Not stopping there, they ensured the installation of popcorn ceilings, all in a bid to preserve the restaurant’s timeless aesthetic and heritage. Additionally, the restaurant’s charm and elegance are further elevated by the presence of exquisite stained-glass creations throughout the venue and crafted by local artist Rick Falzone. Initially commissioned in the 1970s for the bar and main dining area, Falzone revisited his masterpieces in 2023 to adorn the expansion with his timeless artistry, creating a cohesive and visually captivating air throughout the establishment. Staying true to the ethos of combining vintage charm with modern innovation, YESCO (Young Electric Sign Company), the infamous sign company responsible for lighting up our neon metropolis since the 1930s, recently revitalized the exterior signage, infusing it with classic Vegas style to watt up your life.

While immersing myself in their collection, I uncovered the rich narratives behind each artifact adorning the walls. For instance, there is a remarkable poster featuring Frank Sinatra, performing live at The London Palladium in 1950, acquired at auction from his estate in New York. Gracefully embellishing the entire steakhouse, you’ll find the most remarkable and impressively sized mounted longhorns. Keep an eye out for the initials RL elegantly monogrammed into leather; these belonged to none other than Ralph Lamb, the legendary Cowboy Sheriff of Clark County, whose indelible mark was left during the Mob’s reign over Las Vegas. Amidst the fusion of 50s Hollywood glamour captured in photographs and the rugged allure of old-west paintings, you will discover an array of antique guns proudly displayed on the walls, adding a touch of history and intrigue to the ambiance.

Delving into the world of firearms unveils a remarkable assortment of treasures, each carrying its own iconic legacy. As you are escorted to dine in The Armory and The Gambler’s Den, your attention is immediately captured by the elements accompanying a coveted .32 caliber antique Remington Dog Cane Gun, a relic from the late 1800s, of which only 2000 were ever crafted. This rarity represents a striking fusion of impeccable style and precise function, epitomizing the most tasteful and well-dressed self-defense accessory of its era. Other standouts are the most beautiful replicas of Wild Bill Hickok’s legendry 1851 Navy Colt revolvers with engraved ivory grips. If you are wondering why the originals are not on display, it is because each revolver is currently housed at the Gene Autry Museum of Heritage in Los Angeles, California, and the Buffalo Bill Museum in Cody, Wyoming. They are estimated to have a total appraised value of $1 million. In a city where poker players converge, it seems rather fitting to have Hickok’s pistols displayed. I am sure Lady Luck has dealt many a Dead Man’s Hand at the tables over the years. For those not in the know, this is a two-pair poker hand with black aces and black eights and reportedly was the hand Hickok was holding when he was killed.

As sophistication and refinement imbue in The Amory and the Gambler’s Den, there are remarkable photographs of architectural wonders, outlandish triumphs, and notable Las Vegas influencers that contribute to the rich tapestry of what makes the city so fantastic today. Guests can savor the swank mid-mod design of the Flamingo Hotel & Casino, captured in 1953 by Cliff Segerblom, a revered and sought-after Nevada artist. It’s worth noting that architect William Pereira, famous for designing the Transamerica Pyramid building in San Francisco, also designed the infamous 80′ Champagne Tower in 1950, as featured in this photograph. Only in Vegas one might say, but imagine this: a Cessna 172 fueling up mid-flight from a moving pickup truck, proudly displaying the ‘Cashman’ brand—an emblem of a prominent Las Vegas family dynasty. This incredible feat lasted a staggering 64 days, 22 hours, and 19 minutes, setting the world endurance record for a propeller-driven airplane. It all began on December 4, 1958, and gracefully touched down on February 7, 1959. And the morsels of Vegas history are the gift that keeps on giving. In the Gambler’s Den, several photographs of Kirk Kerkorian, an influential figure in shaping Las Vegas long before Steve Wynn, known as the Father of the Mega-Resorts, and later became one of the city’s biggest philanthropists, are surrounded by the finest gambling memorabilia. With such an impressive array of visual delights within the renowned restaurant, a visit to The Golden Steer promises an unforgettable journey through the intersection of art and culture Vegas-style.

The unwavering commitment to detail by The Golden Steer’s leadership recently garnered them the prestigious Mayor’s Urban Design Award for Historic Preservation in collaboration with their architectural design partners, Carpenter Sellers Del Gatto. Established by Mayor Oscar Goodman in 2006, the award commemorates excellence in urban design and recognizes individuals and organizations championing quality and innovation in this domain. The special distinction was graciously bestowed by the honorable Mayor Carolyn Goodman. It is notable that this recognition holds additional significance, not only due to the hard work of the design collaborators, but also because Mayors Oscar and Carolyn Goodman have been patrons of the restaurant since the 1960s. They too have a swank red tufted booth dedicated to them, and rightly so, for all their incredible contributions to Las Vegas. Receiving the award, from my perspective, is a very full-circle moment that is endearing since all parties have accomplished so much independently of each other, and can break bread together in celebration of each other’s esteemed accomplishments in one of Las Vegas’ illustrious establishments – and dare I say – their home away from home.

As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the vibrant streets of Las Vegas with a warm glow, The Golden Steer emerges as a timeless emblem of culinary mastery and cultural legacy. This renowned establishment has stood as a steadfast cornerstone of the community, enchanting all who visit. It’s a sanctuary where tales of yesteryears are shared, and echoes of a vibrant past reverberate in every corner, keeping the spirit of Las Vegas’s colorful heritage alive.

Whether you are a seasoned epicurean, a connoisseur of art, or someone with a penchant for history, visiting The Golden Steer offers an unforgettable journey that transcends mere dining. It’s an immersive adventure—a voyage into the heart and soul of Las Vegas itself. By contributing your presence to the space, you become part of the tapestry. From posting your experiences on social media to sharing your own stories, you too become part of the rich history for future generations to enjoy.