Bootlegger's legend keeps growing

Family's restaurant legacy includes feeding Sinatra and the Rat Pack

STEVE ANDRASCIK/VIEWNicolas Cole performs at The Bootlegger Bistro, 7700 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Jan. 12. The Bootlegger is a Las Vegas institution that features live music every night. Advertisement

Lorraine Hunt-Bono grew up in an Italian-American family during the Rat Pack era of Las Vegas; a time that in her mind's eye is drenched in memories of hard work, great music, her mother's Italian cooking and celebrity mentors.

Hunt-Bono is the owner of The Bootlegger Bistro, 7700 S. Las Vegas Blvd., a family-owned restaurant and bar that opened its doors at its first location in 1971 and since has become a Las Vegas institution. Before the Bootlegger days, Hunt-Bono's parents ran a variety of restaurants, too.

"The bistro was a gathering place for locals and the legends of that time," Hunt-Bono said. "It was in that setting that I learned about good food and good entertainment. My parents were great friends with a number of celebrities during that time. I have so many memories of great performers like Frank Sinatra, who my family knew personally. He always made a special effort to spoil me and make sure that I was comfortable."

The current Bootlegger Bistro features classic Italian fare, a fully stocked bar and nightly live entertainment, usually in the form of jazz and blues quartets and acoustic rock performances.

The business of entertainment is something that the former lieutenant governor understands, not just because of her upbringing, but because she has worked as a professional vocalist and performer since she was 18.

"There used to be places in Las Vegas where young talent could go and be discovered," Hunt-Bono said. "It's not that way anymore. But we try to provide a venue where talented singers and musicians can spread their wings, and we always have. A number have been discovered. They're now working in Strip shows."

According to bar manager Ralph James, the restaurant's legacy is not just to serve great food and provide a place where Las Vegans can comfortably unwind, but also to be an outlet for talented musicians.

"The acts that play here are quality musicians and singers," James said. "Some already have acts on the Strip, some aren't interested in that. The key thing we provide is a stage for talented locals to share a part of themselves with our guests."

According to James, the nightly entertainment is a key component in the charm of the venue's vintage Vegas appeal.

"People can dine or sit at the bar and enjoy listening to the classics and you can really feel that history here," James said.

Shows begin nightly between 7 to 9 p.m. For a full schedule of entertainers or to learn more, visit www.boot leggerlasvegas.com.