Las Vegas Weekly

January 22, 2010 · 6:06 PM

Counter Intelligence: An inspirational moment at Hussong’s Cantina

By Robin Leach

Scott Frost enters Hussong's Cantina at the Mandalay Place for the first time on Jan. 21, 2010.

Photo: Al Powers

Hot off the grill! The opening last night of Hussong’s Cantina in Mandalay Place also marked an inspirational milestone. I joined a packed crowd to watch co-owner Scott Frost stand from his wheelchair and walk his first-ever 18 steps to the first bar seat in his new restaurant with fiancee Megan Powell at his side.

Scott was seriously injured last May in an off-road motorcycle accident that paralyzed him from the neck down. Determined to not let this become a permanent setback, he negotiated the leasing, financing and development of Hussong’s -- alongside his partner Jeff Marks -- from his hospital bed and Desert Canyon Rehabilitation, where he spent 70 days. He has remained in physical therapy and is making great progress. While still wheelchair bound, he was determined to walk into his new restaurant at the VIP grand opening without any mechanical assistance.

Scott miraculously achieved that goal with rock ’n’ roll mariachis and proud friends and family lining his path. After accomplishing the major feat, he reminded everyone to focus on the important things in life and thanked everyone for making his dream a reality. With that, the crowd had true reason to celebrate, enjoying Hussong’s Original Margaritas. A landmark in Ensenada, since 1892, the Las Vegas outpost plans to continue the famed history with its nightly parties.

*Two star chefs from George Maloof’s Palms flew to the Sundance Film Festival yesterday in Park City, Utah, and they’ve got a busy weekend in the kitchen there. Kerry Simon cooks for the cast of Chefdance tonight, and Geno Bernardo of Nove Italiano does the honors on Sunday night.

The team from Tao at The Venetian will be serving up their taste treats in their own lounge for the stars at Sundance, which begins today.

*Here’s a unique bargain: Happy Hour at late night. Celebrity chef Michael Mina is launching the late-night concept at his Nobhill Tavern in MGM starting Feb. 1 all seven nights of the week. It’s perfect before going clubbing or after a show. He’s pricing cocktails and bar finger food at $8 apiece and beer for $4.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter at Twitter.com/vegasdeluxe.

Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter at Twitter.com/VDLXEditorDon.

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