It’s good to get to know Tender’s lounge server
By Kiko Miyasato
Kelli Nelson
I bet you wouldn’t guess that this all-American, girl-next-door beauty was born in Guam and then lived in Japan, but Kelli Nelson did, thanks to her parents’ stint in the Navy. But two decades ago, her family moved to Las Vegas and it’s where Nelson has done most of her growing up.
Nelson is currently studying for her master’s degree in occupational therapy at UNLV while working as a lounge server at Tender Steak & Seafood at Luxor. Tender is tucked away off the casino floor, and has one of the most romantic atmospheres on the Strip. “I always recommend it for anniversaries,” Nelson said. “We also get a lot of compliments on our steaks—people think that they’re (some) of the best. Everyone on the staff has been working here for a long time, at least 10 years for most of them … they know how to give you a good fine dining experience.”
One of the bonuses of Tender is its lounge, where you can find Nelson serving her guests. Not only can you enjoy specialty cocktails, but also the full menu. And if you’re taken care of by Nelson, your experience is only that much better. “As a lounge server you have to be outgoing, attentive and just do whatever you can to make the guest happy,” she said. It doesn’t hurt that Nelson grew up in Vegas, because it’s made her one friend with lots of benefits. “I’ve experienced a lot of the nightlife here in Vegas, so I know a lot of hosts for the different restaurants and nightclubs … I’m definitely good to know,” she said.
Elite Breeze
From Tender’s list of more than a dozen handcrafted cocktails, the Elite Breeze is definitely one drink for the ladies. Mixed with Ketel One Citroen vodka, PAMA pomegranate liqueur, sweet and sour and cranberry juice, the Elite Breeze is not too sweet and has a nice, fruity taste.
