Sparrow + Wolf

Located just adjacent to another Star Wine List favourite (Lamaii), Sparrow + Wolf is an unexpectedly western-style restaurant in Chinatown, Las Vegas, led by local star Brian Howard.

The food is consistently creative and expertly seasoned. Chef Howard has a bench of amazing chefs who share time in his kitchen before often going on to open their own amazing restaurants. One signature of the menu is the scallops, which are often featured in some way but seasonally changed. Much of the menu has an Asian flare, with Korean, Japanese and Chinese ingredients blended with traditional French-style techniques. There is a tasting menu, which changes often and the highlight of dining here is the beverage pairing along with those dishes. Sparrow + Wolf take seriously the intersection of wine and food in a way that deserves to be experienced.

When it comes to the wine program, Wine Director Nick Tatum’s focus is pure varietal expression with emphasis on unique wines that over deliver; he is intent on turning guests onto something new and beautiful, all while matching up with the current seasonality of the menu. It is a smaller list but allows for a lot of versatility and focus, typically with three to five wines changing monthly to adapt to the current dinner menu, while also offering something new and exciting for frequent guests. They also often run by-the-glass specials for higher-end selections that have previously included a 2008 Cain Five or 2016 Pahlmeyer Merlot in magnum, or 2022 Sanguis Whale Song 'Delphia' Sonoma Coast Chardonnay. Even though these will likely not be on offer by the time you experience Sparrow + Wolf, examples always live up to this class.

Ultimately, the concept is to have extensive breadth in style while showcasing the best possible wines they can. Don’t overlook the bar program as well. I would never have imagined having an Old Fashioned made with mushrooms, and a dried mushroom dusting around the rim. Crazy in the best way!