The Pepper Club and Midtown (Downtown) Unveils Bold New Summer Menu Crafted by James Beard-Nominated Chef Bruce Kalman and Executive Chef Manny Rivera
Offers $6 Happy Hour Pasta Specials
The Pepper Club at The English Hotel is raising the bar this summer with the debut of its highly anticipated new menu, curated by James Beard-nominated Chef Bruce Kalman and Executive Chef Manny Rivera. Known for their inventive techniques and dedication to handcrafted flavors, the culinary duo has created an elevated seasonal dining experience that highlights bold Italian inspiration seamlessly blended with New American influences.
As Director of Food & Beverage for Midtown Las Vegas, Chef Kalman continues to redefine the city’s dining landscape. This summer, he collaborated with Chef Manny Rivera to introduce dishes that celebrate sustainability, local sourcing, and chef-driven creativity.
“Our summer menu is rooted in seasonal ingredients and global flavors while maintaining approachability and comfort,” said Chef Bruce Kalman. “We’re showcasing vibrant dishes that feel fresh, bright, and ideal for the warmer months, while staying true to The Pepper Club’s signature style.”
Summer Menu Highlights Include:
- Wagyu Beef Carpaccio with lemon caper aioli, arugula, and crispy shallots
- Handmade Ricotta Cavatelli with Calabrian chili, summer squash, and mint pesto
- Miso-Marinated Black Cod with charred baby bok choy and sesame vinaigrette
- Wood-Grilled Lamb Chops with za’atar, blistered tomatoes, and preserved lemon yogurt
- Heirloom Tomato & Watermelon Salad with whipped feta, pistachio dukkah, and basil oil
“Our summer menu is rooted in fresh, bright flavors while staying true to our signature style of refined comfort,” said Chef Bruce Kalman, Director of Food & Beverage for Midtown Las Vegas.
At dinner, guests can enjoy shareable small plates such as beef carpaccio with lemon-caper aioli and fennel, tempura mozzarella sticks with brioche and tomato jam, roasted beet hummus with crispy chickpeas and golden beets, watermelon salad with feta, lime, mint, and pickled rind, and goat cheese & tomato dip with guanciale and seasoned crumbs. Handcrafted pastas include purple sweet potato gnocchi with pistachio-mint pesto and lemon butter, bucatini cacio e pepe with pecorino romano, black pepper, and summer truffles, rigatoni with fennel sausage and broccolini, ricotta ravioli alla vodka with garlic, chili flakes, basil, and pink vodka sauce, and cavatelli with wild mushrooms and parmigiano. Signature mains feature the indulgent chicken parmesan with ricotta, burrata, and Calabrian chile served alongside rigatoni in tomato-basil sauce (also available for two), a double cut pork chop with broccolini, maitake mushrooms, and marsala sauce, and Pepper’s Burger made with a ½ lb wagyu beef patty, fontina cheese, arugula, pickled red onions, and tomato jam on a Hawaiian bun. Desserts include Grandma’s Tart, lemon pannacotta, chocolate meringue cookie, and affogato.
The brunch menu continues to impress with hearty specials like ube French toast topped with ube cream, ube glaze, and mixed berries, chicken and waffles featuring chicken karaage, waffle, gochu glaze, and maple syrup, eggs benny with prosciutto and classic hollandaise (with smoked salmon available), short rib hash with sunny eggs and aromatic vegetables, and eggs in purgatory with San Marzano tomato, roasted bell peppers, cumin, and mint, served with sourdough toast. Lighter options include the English parfait with whipped yogurt, granola, and seasonal berries, avocado toast with mozzarella, heirloom tomatoes, basil, and tomato jam, and the caprese sandwich with fresh mozzarella, tomato, roasted peppers, basil, arugula, and balsamic. Brunch favorites also feature the Pepper’s Burger, pork meatball parmigiana sandwich, chopped salad, Little Gem Caesar, and caprese salad.
In addition, The Pepper Club introduces $6 Specials on any pasta from 4-5pm, Monday – Friday, ideal for casual bites or happy hour gatherings. These include demi portion pastas such as mushroom cavatelli with wild mushrooms and parmigiano-reggiano, rigatoni with Calabrian chile, San Marzano tomato, garlic, and basil, alongside stracciatella with roasted garlic and toast, and roasted beet hummus with crispy chickpeas and golden beets. This special offering further reflects the restaurant’s commitment to providing elevated yet approachable dining options for every guest.
Chef Bruce Kalman is renowned for his artisanal craftsmanship, nose-to-tail butchery, and dedication to sustainability. As founder of Soulbelly BBQ and BK Brinery, his accolades include a James Beard Foundation nomination for Rising Star Chef. He has competed on Top Chef, Chopped, Beat Bobby Flay, and BBQ Brawl. Executive Chef Manny Rivera, who stepped into his first Executive Chef role at just 25, brings passion, creativity, and soulful comfort to every dish at The Pepper Club.
Located inside The English Hotel in the Las Vegas Arts District, The Pepper Club continues to redefine the city’s dining landscape with its seasonal menus, refined hospitality, and chef-driven experiences.
Chef Manny Rivera, who stepped into his first Executive Chef role at just 25 and now leads The Pepper Club’s kitchen, shared: “Working alongside Chef Bruce has been transformative. This menu reflects our mutual love for technique-driven food that is also soulful and comforting.”
About Chef Bruce Kalman
Chef Kalman is celebrated nationwide for his artisanal craftsmanship, nose-to-tail butchery, and deep-rooted commitment to sustainability. He is the founder of Soulbelly BBQ and BK Brinery, and his accolades include a James Beard Foundation nomination for Rising Star Chef. Chef Kalman has competed and won on Food Network’s Chopped and Beat Bobby Flay, was a Top 5 finisher on Top Chef Season 15, and a finalist on BBQ Brawl.
About The Pepper Club
Located inside The English Hotel in the Las Vegas Arts District, The Pepper Club offers a refined yet approachable dining experience featuring Mediterranean-inspired dishes with global influences. The restaurant is a cornerstone of Midtown Las Vegas’ hospitality scene, known for its elevated comfort food, handcrafted cocktails, and warm, stylish ambiance.