Culture is Food is back on a food tour! The Finger Licking Foodie tour is on a new turf this time: the Art’s District. This tour is a new experience spawned from the award-winning Lip Smacking Foodie Tours. The owner and restaurant match-maker, Donald Contursi, introduces guests to the city’s most distinctive and irresistible eateries. Specifically, the Finger Licking tour provides private and exclusive access to patrons and invited guests. Donald’s tours create a safe environment for any special occasion!
Their mission is: “To take visitors and locals alike on the tastiest, most convenient, and thoroughly exciting tours of a remarkable destination-dining scene that has lured celebrated chefs and restaurateurs from around the globe. We pride ourselves on being pioneers and innovators with a keen eye for detail. We love nothing better than sharing great eats and great times with others in this city that’s really got it going on. Let us put our know-how to work for you, by taking you along on a tour full of flavor and fun. “
Las Vegas Arts District
One of the best kept secrets in Las Vegas is the Arts District. This 18-block district hosts this food tour as well as some other hidden gems. This cultural hub was born from converted warehouses in the area with a colorful past. Propelled the Culture & Cannabis alma mater, First Friday, the district is the one local-oriented area in this tourist town. The event brought life and, as a result, art back to the neighborhood. In the last decade, the area shifted into a collective of independent businesses covered in eclectic art by locals. Obviously, it’s the perfect location for a community-based food tour!
The first on this tour was Ester’s Kitchen, a from-scratch and locally-sourced favorite. The head chef’s great-aunt, Ester, inspired the name after funding the culinary venture. The meals, however, were birthed from the love of a childhood friend’s native cuisine. Chef Trees celebrates Italian comfort food with a variety of cocktails, wines, and classics.
Next up was the award-winning and self-proclaimed ‘reggae-fueled acid trip thru the Afro-Caribbean diaspora’, Jammyland. Their menu features Jamaican-favorites like beef patties and jerk chicken packed with flavor. Named after the famous record store in New York City, Jammyland plays the same ska, reggae, and rocksteady that they’re known for in the mid 90s and early 2000s.
Last on this food tour was a family-owned business from Arizona. Cornwell, UK native Dean Thomas started the Cornish Pastry Company in 2005 in Tempe, AZ. It wasnt until 2014 that he moved to downtown Las Vegas. Cornish Pastry Co. hosts an English-style pub on Main Street, serving traditional cornish pastries and other English favorites. Chef Dean has been experimenting with what all goes in a pastry while delighting patrons with fun choices.
Locally-Sourced Attractions
A visit to the Arts District wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the local art. At Charleston and Main is Recycled Propaganda, a local art gallery. Founded in 2013, the gallery sought to utilize the power of visuals to promote thought, initiate conversation, and ultimately inspire change. It’s sole creator is Izaac Zevalking whose newest exhibit will run until October 31st.
Tourists and locals alike can find a new reason to visit the Arts district. It’s a foodie wonderland with some strong community values. Finger Licking foodie tours provides a virtual guide and map of the locations. In addition, there’s commentary for each stop and a list of other nearby attractions. Here’s some basic information to keep in mind:
- Tours from 5pm – 7pm
- 2-person minimum to book
- Inclusive pricing, gratuity included
- VIP seating upon arrival
- Up to 3 signature dishes at each stop
- 3 stops, 2.5 hours, $79 per person, +$50 for drink option
Learn more about these food tours here. For more Las Vegas food tour options, check out Finger-Licking’s website. Culture & Cannabis is all about community and that locally-sourced support. Check out more local favorites here.
