The New York Times reports that 5,000 restaurant workers are unemployed in the Las Vegas Valley, as the recession deepens, and that's led to reduced hours and closures of restaurants. Meantime, the scheduled December opening of the first phase of MGM Mirage's massive City Center project will see new restaurant openings, sparking competitors to worry that high-end eateries could take an additional hit. We look at the challenges facing the Strip restaurant scene. Guests include chef Rick Moonen; Le Cirque and Circo owner Mario Maccioni; as well as KNPR food critic John Curtas.

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