Category Archives: Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) For the first time in 21 months, millions of fully vaccinated international tourists will be allowed to visit the United States starting on Nov. 8, and Las Vegas will be one of their top travel destinations.

For months, local experts have said Las Vegas' tourism numbers are strong but they're not quite back to where they were pre-pandemic. The lack of international tourists is a big reason why.

RELATED: Las Vegas' economic impact as international travel is set to return

In 2019, Las Vegas welcomed about 5.7 million international travelers, bringing an economic impact of $4.8 billion for the city, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

Each of the past two years, Las Vegas has lost out on nearly all of that money because of COVID-19 related travel bans.

A lot of local industries depend on those travelers, from hotels to casinos to conventions, but perhaps none more so than the wedding industry.

Before the pandemic, international weddings accounted for about 90% of Joni Moss-Graham's wedding planning business, "LV Wedding Connection." She says she's happy to start getting some of that business back, especially since there are about 30 international couples who did not cancel their plans with her and have been waiting for the borders to reopen so they can have their wedding in Las Vegas.

"Now, with the news today, we're really excited," she said. "And I'm even more excited to tell you that even before the news came out today, on Monday of this week I got my first booking from France for November already, and another one coming on board for Dec. 27. So, they're ready. They want to come."

"I'm excited," added Moss-Graham. "I really love the international travelers because they love being here, they're honored to come to the United States, and of course Vegas. And thirdly, 'we're getting married.'"

She says her biggest concern now is making sure all the businesses she works with, such as catering, transportation, decorations and more, have enough staff to service all the couples who want to get married in the marriage capital of the world.

LVCVA President and CEO Steve Hill sent 13 Action News a statement that reads:

"Today marks an important turning point in the recovery of international visitation essential to Las Vegas tourism industry. This milestone is also significant and welcome news for many of our major tradeshows and conventions that draw exhibitors and attendees from around the world. We appreciate the federal administration working alongside the travel industry to advocate for a safe reopening of international travel beginning on November 8. We are excited to welcome back our sorely missed international visitors."

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Lifting of international COVID-19 travel ban welcome news for Las Vegas tourism industry - KTNV Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) JT Mollner will be the first to tell you: "Its not for everybody.

He and his dad, Duke, are the duo behind Freakling Brothers Horror Shows. They've been making haunted attractions in Las Vegas for decades.

"It's kind of a local favorite," said JT. "My dad and my older brother started the company in 1992."

Rated R: Restricted for those under 17

True Las Vegas locals know that Freakling Bros. is no joke.

"It's all about really realistic and disturbing content," he said. "Having something happen to you rather than watching a scene."

What started as a prank to spook trick-or-treaters has evolved into one of the scariest Halloween attractions not only in Vegas but across the United States.

"A few years ago, all of a sudden we started getting on these lists," he recalled. "USA Today ranked us number one in the country, CNN put us on their top five in the country list. Fox News put us on their top 10 in the country list."

Freakling Bros. has three haunted attractions, one of which is the only R-rated haunted house in Nevada Gates of Hell.

Amy Abdelsayed, 13 Action News

"We wanted to rate it R so people would understand that walking into it was the same experience as watching a hardcore, hard R-rated horror film," said JT. "It's not rated X, it's not that type of experience, but it is rated R."

"We wanted to have the freedom to do whatever we wanted to do in there," he said.

Worldbuilding, character development

The R rating for "Gates of Hell" is a self-imposed one, but if anyone knows a thing or two about creating an R-rated movie experience, its JT.

"A few years back that I ended up directing my first feature called 'Outlaws and Angels,'" he said.

As a filmmaker, JT says a lot of what he does on set translates into creating these terrifying worlds that people step into every October.

Watch the 'Outlaws and Angels' movie trailer below.

"Doing this with the actors we have here at the haunted houses is very similar to directing a film, we consider it interactive theater more than a traditional haunted house.

For each actor they hire they write unique characters and scripts, just like for a movie.

When the season starts, we hold a casting session," he said. "We look at hundreds of people and we choose who the best 45 to 50 are, and then I work with them.

All of the characters are made by Freakling Bros. for Freakling Bros., so you wont find a generic Michael Myers or Freddy Krueger at their haunts.

"The people who come here take it very very seriously, and we take it seriously, so we spend a lot of time getting them into character, teaching them the characters, writing the lines, creating the roles, he explained.

Although hes busy directing films and commercials in Los Angeles most of the year, JT says he blocks off September and October every year to make sure he can return home and do this with his family.

"It's been really lucky, I've been able to be here every season since I started managing an attraction for my dad back in 2003," he said. "It's a tradition every Halloween."

A tradition his dad started more than 40 years ago.

Imaginary, wonderful life

"My name is Duke Molnar," said Duke introducing himself.

"I am a baccarat dealer at the Bellagio in real life and I run Freakling Brothers' haunted attractions in my imaginary wonderful life.

The business began in 1992 when Freakling Bros. introduced the citys first free-standing haunted attraction inside self-contained trailers. But before that, Dukes haunted house empire was born at his home on Halloween night while the family gave candy to trick-or-treaters.

"One year I decided to try and do something a little more intense, maybe scare some of the kids before we gave them some candy.

He built a coffin and dressed up as Dracula."I had a stake in my chest and I told my wife, 'We're going to put the coffin in the entry hall. I'm going to be laying in it."

He says he told her to tell the kids the candy was inside the coffin. To make the scheme work, he put candy on his chest like he was a prop.

JT Mollner

"Well, sure enough, the kids started coming.

Duke recalls chasing the kids around his neighborhood all night long. Even adults were stopping by to see what was going on.

"I remember chasing one lady a block and a half down our street before I came back. I don't think she ever got over it," he laughed. "But it was an awful lot of fun for us."

Word got around and Duke and his family became legends. Their house was the place to be every year on Halloween.

JT Mollner

To this day, duke says thats still what he loves most about making haunted attractions.

"Listening to and seeing grownups come running down the exit, screaming the daylights out of themselves. I can't tell you what an exciting pleasure that is, and it keeps happening so I'm going to be here for a while.

What's new for 2021

Last year, Freakling Bros. took a hiatus because of the pandemic but they are back this year with three haunted attractions to explore, and they are doing something they havent ever done before.

"We've transitioned into a horror park environment, said JT.

This year, one ticket gets you in and you can walk through the haunted houses as many times as you like.

COVID protocols are in place and everyone, including the actors, is required to wear a mask. If you dont have one, JT says theyll give you one for free.

Tickets start at $50 and there is no re-entry if you leave the park. The attraction runs through Oct. 31.

Learn more at freaklingbros.com.

The Freakling Bros. attraction is located at 6555 South Riley Street in Las Vegas.

This story is from our "Las Vegas Art Scene" segment in our newly-launched dedicated digital show "How to Vegas." Watch "How to Vegas" at 10:30 p.m. on Fridays -- and throughout the weekend -- using the KTNV app on your favorite streaming device.

MORE STORIES FROM THIS SEGMENT:

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Meet the father-son duo behind Las Vegas' only R-rated haunted house - KTNV Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) Alonzo Langstaff and Earl Manson have been helping guests in Las Vegas with their luggage for 50 years.

In those five decades on the job, the two bellmen and dear friends have rubbed elbows with legends.

"Everything that you hear about Elvis, things that he did and things that he gave, he really did that," said Langstaff. "He gave one of our coworkers a car."

The duo started at the Las Vegas International in 1971, which is now called the Westgate.

To honor their golden anniversary, staff at the hotel-casino held a special ceremony in their honor.

Awards are great but the years spent together have helped them develop something that runs much deeper and doesn't tarnish.

"This is my best friend," said Manson pointing to Langstaff while accepting his award. "This is the best friend I've ever had."

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Las Vegas bellmen honored for 50 years on the job - KTNV Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) More than 1100 people filled the Las Vegas Ballpark Saturday morning for the annual Alzheimers Association Walk to End Alzheimers.

The walk was hosted in person, with health and safety guidelines in place to ensure participants, staff, and volunteers remained safe.

The event raised close to $200,000 dollars which went towards care, support, and research.

According to the Alzheimers Association, six million Americans are living with the disease.

From 2000 to 2019, deaths from Alzheimers increased 145%.

A team of neuroscientists at UNLV is leading the way towards an eventual cure for Alzheimers with groundbreaking research. They found that theres a connection between diabetes and Alzheimers, essentially laying the way for more research to build on this discovery.

The number of Alzheimers cases continues to grow. Its estimated to triple in the next 20-30 years, Jeff Kinney, chair of UNLVs Department of Brain Health said.

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Hundreds join in Walk to End Alzheimers at Las Vegas Ballpark - KLAS - 8 News Now

The north edge of the Strip, for years a sleepy stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard, got a big boost of momentum this year.

Resorts World Las Vegas debuted in June to an estimated crowd of 20,000 visitors and 5,000 VIPs. Huge crowds waited outside to get in on opening night, and the 3,500-room casino resort generated nearly $15 million in revenue during its first six days, developer Genting Group reported.

Locals have long predicted better days ahead for the north Strip, in large part because of Resorts World. But as a burst of news showed this week, the areas future is still in flux.

Marriott International confirmed Thursday that it reached an amicable settlement with the owner of the unfinished former Fontainebleau that resulted in the hotel chain exiting the long-stalled casino project, which got started during the mid-2000s bubble and has yet to open.

Florida developer Jeffrey Soffers firm Fontainebleau Development, which acquired the property in February, said in a statement that as it moves forward with the project in Las Vegas, we feel it is important to make clear that, upon opening, the hotel will be managed and operated by Fontainebleau Development.

It also noted the agreement with Marriott, announced in 2018, was made with the buildings previous owner.

Having come full circle and taken ownership of the site in Las Vegas, we intend to fulfill our original vision and deliver the same extraordinary hospitality experience that our guests have come to expect from Fontainebleau Development, the statement said.

Soffer was the projects original developer. His group hasnt announced when the 60-plus-story resort would open, or what it would be called.

Meanwhile, Majestic Las Vegas developer Lorenzo Doumani said Wednesday that he plans to start construction on his 720-room nongaming hotel in the first quarter of 2022, after stating in January that he expected to break ground in late summer or early fall this year.

However, Doumani says he is still on track to complete the roughly $850 million project in late 2024.

Also, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority board of directors on Tuesday approved selling 10 acres of the former Riviera site to a Chilean developer for $120 million a lucrative deal that may not result in a new project anytime soon.

Under the terms of the sale, the buyer must start construction by Jan. 1, 2031 more than nine years from now or the LVCVA can buy back the land.

After the real estate frenzy of 15 years ago flamed out, the north Strip was saddled with huge tracts of land where projects never materialized, and a few unfinished megaresorts that were left to collect dust. Since then, the area has seen other big plans, but they have largely stalled or fizzled. Even Resorts World debuted five years after the developers initially planned to open.

Ex-NBA player Jackie Robinsons proposed arena and hotel project, which he announced in late 2013, still hasnt materialized, and casino operator Wynn Resorts hasnt said when it plans to develop its 38 acres of land between Resorts World and Fashion Show mall.

Wynn reached a $336 million deal in late 2017 to acquire the plot former home of the imploded New Frontier and the proposed-but-never-built Alon Las Vegas and company founder Steve Wynn said in early 2018 that he wanted to move quickly on a project.

Days later, The Wall Street Journal reported that Wynn had a decadeslong pattern of sexual misconduct. Wynn, who called the allegations preposterous, soon resigned as chairman and CEO of his company, citing an avalanche of negative publicity.

On top of all this, theres no telling when the pandemic will be a thing of the past, or when Las Vegas will fully recover from the severe economic fallout.

People have been saying for years that the north Strips recovery is just around the corner, and the area has indeed shown signs of life. But given the state of some plots and projects along that end of the boulevard, dont be surprised to keep hearing about that elusive corner for years to come.

Contact Eli Segall at esegall@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0342. Follow @eli_segall on Twitter.

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After years of hope, future of north Strip still in flux - Las Vegas Review-Journal

The official set times and schedule forEDC Las Vegas, the biggest rave in North America, have arrived.

With the best artists in dance music, the set times for all eight stages are overwhelming in the best way. Every day after the opening celebrations,all of the stages lineups begin at 7PM and last until 5:30AM.

Ticket-holders are already shook up over the clashing sets. One of the most heartbreaking choices to make will be between Tisto, Gryffin, and Martin Garrix, who all play Saturday from midnight to 1AM. Another difficult choice will be having to choose between Kaskade and Eric Prydz, who each have a midnight time slot on Sunday.

Hit EDC's legendary main stage for a top-tier experience featuring some of the biggest DJs in the world like DJ Snake, Alesso, The Chainsmokers, Tiesto, Kygo, and Kaskade. This iconic stage is a surefire crowd-pleaser.

EDC Las Vegas 2021 Kinetic Field Set Times

Built of LED walls, the renowned circuitGrounds stage features a diverse lineup. Catch house acts like Dom Dolla, Claptone, and Meduza as well as bass artists like Excision, ATLiens, and SLANDER.

EDC Las Vegas 2021 circuitGrounds Set Times

Hosted by HARD, the cosmicMeadow stage allows you to immerse yourself in high-energy performances from some of the top house, bass, and melodic artists in the industry. Shuffle to Walker & Royce, VNSSA, and Born Dirty, or head bang to Flosstradamus, Knife Party, or PEEKABOO.

EDC Las Vegas 2021 cosmicMeadow Set Times

The bassPOD stage is fashioned for the railbreakers. Hosted by Bassrush, this stage showcases DJs like Sullivan King, 12th Planet, Subtronics, Kayzo and Knife Party.

EDC Las Vegas 2021 Basspod Set Times

If you're looking for deep and dark warehouse sounds, look no further. Hosted by Factory93, neonGarden will highlight artists like Black Coffee, Nina Kraviz, The Martinez Brothers, and deadmau5s TESTPILOT alias.

EDC Las Vegas 2021 neonGarden Set Times

Experience all forms of hardstyle at EDC's wasteLAND. Hosted by Basscon, this stage brings relentless sounds with artists like SAYMYNAME, Lady Faith, Lil Texas, and Dr Phunk.

EDC Las Vegas 2021 Wasteland Set Times

quantumVALLEY is for the trance fam. Hosted by Dreamstate, this stage features the hypnotic sounds of DJs like Vini Vici, Audien, Andrew Bayer, and Infected Mushroom.

EDC Las Vegas 2021 Quantum Valley Set Times

Last but definitely not least is Insomniac Record's stereoBLOOM stage. Featuring fast-rising house artists like J. Worra, OMNOM, Dr. Fresch, LP Giobbi, and John Summit, you can definitely count on a fun and bouncy party here.

EDC Las Vegas 2021 stereoBloom Set Times

With so many names filling up the EDC set times, its hard to imagine even more artists entering the lineup. That being said, dont forget to keep your eyes peeled for the art car lineups, which feature some of the best underground artists in the scene. Not to mention Camp EDC, set to host a wide variety of fun activities including a Thursday Night Kickoff Party.

You can download the Insomniac app to view the set times, conveniently plan your experience, and access up-to-date information.

Facebook: facebook.com/electricdaisycarnivalTwitter: twitter.com/EDC_LasVegasInstagram: instagram.com/edc_lasvegasWebsite: lasvegas.electricdaisycarnival.com

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Here Are the EDC Las Vegas 2021 Set Times - EDM.com

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The groundbreaking for the new Majestic hotel, which was already supposed to be under construction, will take place in early 2022, according to the hotels website.

The $850 million off-Strip property will be on Convention Center Drive, across from the newly expanded convention center. Developer Lorenzo Doumani bought the Clarion Hotel back in 2014 and tore it down nin months later. He had planned to begin construction on the Majestic in the summer of 2021.

Even with a later construction start date, the hotels website says it plans to have the project completed by the end of 2024.

The 720-room hotel will be non-gaming and non-smoking and will have a medical wellness spa. It will also offer 35 corporate suites on the towers top 10 floors. The suites will be offered for sale starting at $10 million.

When Doumani announced the project in 2019, he said its what Las Vegas needed.

I think whats not here; whats lacking is a high-end boutique, non-gaming, non-smoking, ultra-classy sophisticated kind of place and thats what were going to do.

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Construction set to begin on Majestic Las Vegas hotel in early 2022 - KLAS - 8 News Now

HIGHLAND, Calif. The Palms soon-to-be owners are ready to get to work.

Several months after announcing a $650-million deal to buy the Palms from Red Rock Resorts, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians shared details for the first time publicly about its plans to reshape and reopen the off-Strip resort.

San Manuel is targeting the first half of 2022 to reopen the Palms for the first time since the COVID-19 shutdown last spring, and the tribe has plans to run the property with a focus on gaming and Las Vegas locals. The San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority, a subsidiary of the tribe, must receive gaming regulatory approval before it can own and operate the hotel-casino. Upon approval, which the authority hopes will come in November or December, San Manuel can begin working.

The Palms will be the tribes first hotel-casino beyond its flagship Yaamava Resort and Casino, formerly known as San Manuel Casino, in Southern California.

The tribe had considered entering the Las Vegas market for the past two or three years in a quest to diversify its revenue sources. Now, on the cusp of realizing one of its goals, San Manuel is banking on its employee- and guest-centric business philosophy to set it apart.

San Manuel is a successful casino operator who brings values and principles to the communities we serve, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Chairman Ken Ramirez said in a written statement. If you want to do business with us, you always find us to be a willing partner, one who works every day to be the best in all we do. We want to set a higher standard for Tribal governments, gaming operations, hospitality and philanthropy.

Ready to get to work

The resort name may change down the road to something like the Palms, by San Manuel, but it will reopen as the Palms, Gaming and Hospitality Authority management committee member Laurens Vosloo told the Review-Journal during a Sept. 30 tour of Yaamava.

Vosloo said guests will notice some, but not many, changes when the Palms opens its doors under new management. Red Rock Resorts reduced the potential construction workload when it pumped $690 million into renovating the Palms and held a reopening in April 2019, he said.

The tribes hospitality authority is mulling over food options, Vosloo said. Most of the food court vendors will stay. Maybe (with) one or two, well take a look and see if we can do something fresh and new and different over there, he said.

Vosloo said the dated sportsbook will likely get an update and change in size; it currently occupies a big space the tribe thinks could be reapportioned for other uses.

The rooftop pool complex will open with the property. The former nightclub Kaos will remain closed while the authority decides what will replace it. Viewed at the time as the renovated propertys pice de rsistance, Kaos nightclub, closed Nov. 5, 2019, just seven months after its ballyhooed opening. Vosloo called Kaos an unbelievable venue but one that wouldnt make sense for their target customers.

San Manuels initial priority project will be behind the scenes. The hospitality authority plans to upgrade the employee experience from when you park all the way going through the back of the house with lockers, facilities and an employee dining room, Vosloo said.

It looks like it hasnt been touched since 2001, Vosloo said.

San Manuel has lined up construction and design companies ready to get going once the tribe gets the keys to the building. He said the tribe wants to make the Palms a place where people enjoy coming to work.

Its not just always about making money, right? Vosloo said. Its about taking care of the people that help them get there.

San Manuel also is building out its leadership team at the Palms. Vosloo said he was excited about the recent hire of former New York-New York president and chief operating officer Cynthia Kiser Murphey to be the general manager.

Vosloo said her knowledge of Las Vegas and what excites locals makes her a good fit in San Manuels culture.

A locals Strip casino

Like Yaamava Resort and Casino, the Palms will primarily cater to gamblers. Other amenities contribute but are not the moneymakers, Yaamava general manager Peter Arceo said during the Sept. 30 tour.

San Manuel plans to attract Las Vegas locals as well as its existing Yaamava customer base out of Southern Nevada, Vosloo said, noting that locals have a soft spot for the Palms.

Those are the big rocks, he said of local customers, and then the pebbles will be all the tourists and some people from out of town, Vosloo said.

The goal is to effectively turn the Palms into the Las Vegas locals Strip casino: give locals the atmosphere, food and entertainment of a Strip resort without what Vosloo deemed the craziness of Las Vegas Boulevard.

We think weve got something different and special that the locals will like, Vosloo said.

Las Vegas is about a four-hour drive from Yaamava in Highland, California, and many of the resorts guests already visit Las Vegas. The tribe has built a large customer database since first opening a bingo hall in 1986. Its a matter of giving them reasons to stay at the Palms when they do, perhaps through promotions, offers or other incentives.

Vosloo said the tribe wants to prioritize customer convenience and would explore ways for customers whove built up rewards points at Yaamava to spend them at the Palms.

Free play or comps would go a long way to attracting Rhonda Nutters business. The 46-year-old resident of Jurupa Valley, California, said she visits Las Vegas about five times a year.

I love Vegas, Nutter said while sitting at a Yaamava slot machine on a busy Thursday last month, and this is my little getaway from saving the drive for Vegas.

Nutter typically stays at whichever resort offers her a free room, she said. Lately, thats been Luxor. The Plaza is a favorite when she stays downtown.

She said shed never been to the Palms and didnt know where it was. Nutter said she would consider playing at the Palms if the hotel comped her.

Linda Padgett played the slots on the second floor near a high-ceiling water feature flanking a set of escalators. The 61-year-old Agua Dulce, California, resident frequently visits Las Vegas to see her daughter, she said. Like Nutter, Padgett has a simple standard for the Palms to earn her visit: If they give us free parking.

Vosloo confirmed parking will indeed be free (and the 13-foot tiger shark art piece is staying). Theyre a couple of the little things that add up to a positive guest experience, and San Manuel wont take its customers for granted, he said.

Everybodys got a building and slot machines, Vosloo said. Its how you treat them, how you interact with them, how you make them feel. Thats whats gonna make a difference for us.

Contact Mike Shoro at mshoro@reviewjournal.com. Follow @mike_shoro on Twitter.

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The Palms new owners share property plans for the 1st time - Las Vegas Review-Journal

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) A newlywed couple is demanding an apology from Southwest Airlines.

The couple says their family missed their wedding in Las Vegas because their flight was canceled.

SIMILAR: Southwest Airlines president offers explanation for flight cancellations

Kimberly and Kyle say their families were caught up in the mess of cancellations last week.

The new bride says Southwest was rude and disrespectful.

RELATED: McCarran Airport flight cancellations continue Monday for Southwest Airlines

"We for sure could have either found them a flight out of a different airline or rented a big vehicle and all my family drove down together," she said. "There definitely could have been a different solution have we just had a bit more warning, and that's the most upsetting. More than more so than anything else."

The couple got married last Saturday, Facetiming the ceremony with their parents.

Her father was supposed to walk her down the aisle.

Meanwhile, Southwest says the cancellations were due to a number of issues including bad weather, inadequate staffing, and problems with their air traffic controller.

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Newlywed couple says family missed their Las Vegas wedding due to Southwest flight cancelations - KTNV Las Vegas

Tuesday night gave us not just the first game of the 2021-22 NHL season, and the inaugural game of the Seattle Kraken but also the first example of hockey food preparation, courtesy of the Las Vegas Golden Knight.

Standing on the teams crest, the Knight sears the Kraken with what I assume is the power of sunlight. The achieved goal is the same, the charred squid retreats to the briny depths to lick its wounds and fight another day.

As someone with a profound love of squid as a go-to protein, much to the chagrin of my wife who doesnt like it, I have some strong opinions about grilling and searing cephalopods. At high heat it requires a deft hand, good sense of timing, and proper preparation to avoid the unfair labeling of squid as chewy or rubbery.

While I appreciate the Golden Knights inherent technique of burn it with fire, I think a little nuance could really improve the mascots cooking game.

Ill freely admit Ive only done this step once. I skip it, largely out of laziness but I promise, it does make a difference. The two big inspirations for squid massage come from Greece and Japan.

In Greece youll routinely see fishermen and chefs hold the squid by the tentacles and bash is over seaside rocks while the water washes over them. This is pretty basic, and is akin to using a meat tenderizer on a tough piece of steak. You break down the long protein strands, making them easier to chew.

Japanese culture goes a step further. A starting job at a lot of sushi restaurants is octopus massager, where you key duty along with washing dishes is to massage the octopus in a bowl with salt for 20-30 minutes prior to service. Its a more gentle technique, better suiting raw preparation but essentially achieves the same thing.

I prefer a more passive approach when it comes to tenderizing, which is the tried and true soak it in acid for a while. To this end I have two main blends: One is Mediterranean using olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper. The other is Asian inspired, using soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, a touch of sesame oil, and the chili paste Sambal Oelek which is a gift from God.

Seal it up in a bag tightly, stick it in the fridge, give it at least an hour.

Im far from an expert in the ways of tentacle delicacies, but Ive learned you really want very high heat and short time. A grill is totally workable, but honestly, Ive just come to prefer using my much-loved, well-seasoned cast iron skillet

Get that thing roaring hot, add just a touch of high-heat oil and sear larger octopus for 3-4 minutes a side like a mid-rare steak, and no more than a minute or two on a smaller squid. This will cook quickly, and overcooking is your mortal enemy just like scallops.

Finish with a squeeze or lemon or yuzu and enjoy.

As I get older Im becoming naturally more concerned for the future of our food chains. When it comes to seafood octopus and squid are pretty much the perfect food we should all be eating more of.

Theyre incredibly intelligent. Easily smarter than some people Ive interacted with and that feels bad.

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The Las Vegas Golden Knight seared the Seattle Kraken, and I can improve its recipe - SB Nation