‘Mindfreak’ Magician Cuts Red Ribbon In Overton

By CHARLENE PAUL

The Progress

After less than two months, the transformation of new Overton eatery CABLP (an acronym for Criss Angel’s Breakfast, Lunch, and Pizza, pronounced ca-BLIP) is complete.

An official ceremony took place in front of the restaurant on Friday, July 23 with celebrity illusionist Criss Angel himself cutting the red ribbon. Then the doors were officially open to the general public. The crowd loved it!

Just the week before, Cablp held a soft opening that was intended to be an invitation only affair. But things quickly got out of hand. The restaurant, and its staff were completely overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of those who had been waiting to see what Cablp was all about.

“We ran out of everything,” Angel said on Friday. “We didn’t even open up. Somebody somehow got in, and then they put it up on Facebook that the pizza was delicious. Next thing you know, we broke the record of the best day in that building since 1938!”

By the official opening time on Friday, Cablp was already filled to capacity, with people gladly waiting for their turn for a table. The chatter was positive and cheerful as friends, neighbors, and out-of-towners shared stories and talked about the new place.

“This has turned into something I always dreamed of,” Angel said. “I think it’s really a testament to the area and the desire of the residents to have a great place to eat that is clean, fun, and brings the technology of the future to the eating experience.”

The food is prepared by some of the best chefs in the business. Criss, his executive chef, Amy Coram Reynolds, pizzamaker Mike Baram, his brother Costa Sarantakos, and partners have created a menu that’s sure to please everyone.

“I literally had to relocate chefs who were my executive chefs,” Criss explained. “I brought them out here, and some of them are even now living here in Moapa Valley. My partner, Mike Barrow, came out here from New Jersey to do the pizzas.”

Breakfast includes Xristos Yanni’s French Toast, Belgian waffles, and breakfast sandwiches. Lunch features the Mindfreak Burger, Moapa Chicken-fried Steak, and Long Island Fish and Chips. Pizzas made by hand with the freshest ingredients receive star billing on the menu.

Beer and wine will be served, along with signature drinks like Mindfreeze. Non-alcoholic beverages and Angel’s signature Italian ices will also be served.

To those familiar with the old downtown building, the transformation was miraculous.

The wall comments add a playful touch to the dining area. For example, one of the sayings that got a lot of attention from restaurant patrons says, “I’m in Overton, Nevada, and eating with Criss, cowboys, bikers, and aliens.”

Angel said that space has been a major challenge for the already popular eatery. During the soft opening, the restaurant ran out of food early in the day because they couldn’t keep enough in stock. There wasn’t enough space to store it, Angel said.

“We don’t have enough freezer and fridge space,” Criss explained. “So we are looking into outdoor refrigeration. Jesse and Lin’s [Market] have been amazing. They continue to help us out any way they can. This is just such a great community.”

The crowd couldn’t have been more pleased with the food and the service. Criss was pouring water for customers, answering questions, signing autographs, handing out menus, and just doing what he does to make people feel welcome.

“You should come by,” recommended Moapa Valley resident Maxine Waite. “It’s great food, and Criss is doing a few magic tricks.”

“I can’t eat another bite,” said Virgin Valley resident Kathy Lee. “The French toast is to die for.”

The guests at her table agreed.One special guest, Patricia Lucas, known professionally as Z, came from Las Vegas with her aunt. Z is a Criss Angel superfan. She smiled as Criss greeted her and signed his picture for her. Then, he personally seated her and told her he hoped she enjoyed his food as much as she enjoyed his picture. They both laughed.

Angel has designed something for everyone, whether you want to come inside and dine, pick up your food to go or eat outside.

“You don’t drive up to a window,” he explained. “You pull up in the parking lot or curbside, you QR the code, you order your food, and we run it out to you. There is also a walk-up window if you’re on the go. We have our outdoor dining patio with misters and music. And we’re going to be doing concerts in the parking lot. So we have a lot of things in mind for this community.”

It may seem strange that someone famous for magic and illusion would get into the restaurant business. But this business is deep in the blood for Angel.

“My dad was in the food business,” Angel said. “He had coffee shops with my Uncle Criss, and both of them were very successful in doing that. As a kid, I flipped burgers and made meatballs, and I always swore I’d never do that because the food business is a very difficult business. But this project, this is a passion project.”

Angel and his family fell in love with Moapa Valley when they took their seven-year-old son Johnny Crisstopher dirt biking at Logandale Trails. Johnny Crisstopher is battling pediatric cancer and receives regular chemotherapy treatments.

“The more time we spent here, the more we got to know the town and its amazing people,” Angel said. “And I thought this would be a great opportunity to help families going through similar diseases and challenges with their children.”

Angel said he is determined to invest in the community. He has purchased property in Logandale which he intends to establish as an escape ranch for children suffering from pediatric cancer and their families.

“I want to let people know that, when they come here, they can escape their problems, have a great meal, see familiar faces, have a laugh, and enjoy themselves,” Angel said.

Cablp is located at 309 S. Moapa Valley Blvd. in Overton. For reservations call 702-397-8084.