STRIPLV DINING by VEGAS FOOD NERD
On a recent road trip to Reno, Nevada, my husband and I decided to take a little side trip to visit one of Reno’s most historic spots. The world-famous Mustang Ranch is a legal brothel tucked away in a majestic mountain setting, and in the center of it all is the Mustang Ranch Lounge and The Wild Horse Saloon. Anyone can visit the Lounge and Saloon and check out the legendary establishment.
STRIPLV 229 MASTHEAD
Brittany Anne Santos, lovingly known to many as “Vegas Food Nerd,” passed away peacefully on January 7, 2026, at her home in Las Vegas, Nevada. She was 51 years old. A radiant spirit whose laughter and warmth filled every room, Brittany will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, and friend whose kindness and compassion touched countless lives.
Born on June 15, 1974, in Farmington Hills, Michigan, Brittany was the beloved daughter of Mary Ann Marcum, David Douglas Hurd, Marcia Lee Hurd, Frank Edwin Marcum, and the sister of Brook Mason Hurd. From an early age, she displayed a creative spark and an inquisitive mind, both of which guided her throughout her life.
A proud attendee of Lawrence Technological University, Brittany carried her education into a richly fulfilling career rooted in her love for food, writing, and culture. She began her musical adventure at Overture Recording in Michigan, starting as a receptionist and moving up to director of distribution for the record labels within months. She sang on many records and commercials at the studio, and she helped build Gothom/Overcore and Overture Records into powerhouse independent record labels distributed by New York label TVT Records. Charting five releases on the Billboard, even singing on the hits “Envy the Sunshine”, “All Night Everyday”, “Twirk Yo Body”, and “Slow Motion” by artists Esham, Kool Keith, and Heather Hunter.
In June 2002, Brittany married her husband and best friend, Scott Philip Santos (Santodonato). Together, they built a beautiful life centered on love, passion, and an unwavering partnership. She was truly a “Ride or Die” kind of woman. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother to their four children and first grandchild. Brittany poured her heart into her family, cherishing every milestone, moment, and memory.
Brittany served as the Editor-in-Chief of STRIPLV Magazine for the past 20 years, writing and publishing it in over 150 countries and distributing it to over 2,500 brick-and-mortar retailers in the United States and Canada.
She was the founder of Food Nerd Magazine, where her voice shaped readers’ perspectives on cuisine and dining. Brittany was also in the final stages of completing her book “I Miss My Mom”, which was scheduled to be distributed through Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million — a testament to her perseverance, creativity, and deep emotional insight.
She embraced each day with gratitude and empathy, always reminding those closest to her to live fully, love openly, and be kind. Her soul was gentle yet strong, her smile genuine, and her heart immense. May God bless you, Brittany. Your husband, children, and family will always love and treasure you. We miss and love you so much.
Santodonato
STRIPLV TRENDING #228
Alt-pop powerhouse and multi-hyphenate Noga Erez dropped her new single “BUBBLING” - available now via Neon Gold/Atlantic Records. Written/produced by Noga Erez, Ori Rousso, Johnny Goldstein & Justin Tranter, the track follows an unstoppable new era of releases, including “PENNY LAME” & “WATCH THE NEWS.” Once again, she delivers a sound that’s effortlessly cool — a mix of sharp-tongued flow, bold rhythms, and her signature dark wit.